Dungarpur was founded in the early 13th century when Rawal Veer Singh constructed temples in the memory of Dungaria’s widows. Dungarpur became famous under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs, who trace their ancestry from the elder branches of the main lineage at Chittorgarh. The cousins came together to fight the historic battle against the invaders. Towards the end of the 12th century, Samant Singh, the eldest son of the ruler of Mewar, had to leave Mewar in favour of his younger brother Kumar Singh. Samant Singh drifted into the hilly area of Bagar and, within the next century, Samant Singh successors controlled the whole province of Bagar. Rawal Udai Singh of Bagar was killed at the battle of Khanua in 1527, fighting for Mewar against Mughal Emperor Babur. His territory was thereafter divided between his two sons, forming two separate states. Prithivi Raj remained in Dungarpur while his brother Jagmal Singh became independent ruler of Banswara. Dungarpur was added as a district in India on April 7, 1949.

Attractons
The tourist attractions in Dungarpur are the Udai Bilas Palace and Juna Palace. Udai Bilas Palace is a good example of the Rajput architecture with its intricately sculptured pillars and panels, impressive balconies, bracketed windows and marvellous panels. The Udai Bilas Place was built in the mid-19th century by Maharawal Udai Singh-II, by the bluish-grey sandstone. The Udai Bilas Palace has been now converted into a heritage hotel and still under the control of the royal family of Dungarpur and a royal residence. Juna Mahal is a seven storeyed structure, resembling a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors. The interiors are embellished with beautiful frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror work. Another interesting palace to visit is the famous shrine dedicated to the Shrinathji that lies on the banks of the Gaib Sagar lake. Various lakes and forests in Dungarpur attract a large variety of migratory birds during the winters.

Festival in Dungarpur

One of the major fair which is held in Dungarpur is the Baneshwar Fair. The Baneshwar fair is held in the month of February at Baneshwar, a small delta formed by the river Soma and Mahi, about 50 km from Dungarpur. This fair is one of the biggest and most important fair of the Bhils. 'Baneshwar' means the ‘master of the delta’ and is derived from the Shiva Linga kept in the Mahadev temple in Dungarpur. This is a religious fair with simple and traditional rituals. The tribal folks of Bhils gather here from the neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.