The Vagad region is
so unlike the rest of Rajasthan that you may mistake it
for an other state. There are stark differences even within
the region. The northeast is wild and rugged. The southwest
is fertile. The great Mahi river breaks up the two districts
of this region, Dungarpur and Banswar, but both are dominated
by Bhils who still remain remote and follow old lifestyles.
Vagad is entirely wild and beautiful. Teak, mahua and
mango trees jostle with jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox,
hyena, black faced monkey and porcupine and trails lead
deep into thick forests. Dungarpur is a 13th
century town whose large water bodies attract many migratory
birds in winter besides local partridges, peafowls, quail's,
eagles, cuckoos and vultures.
Udai Bilas Place has impressive Rajput pillars, panels
and panels while Juna Mahal is seven storeys with fort
like crenellated walls, turrets and narrow entrances.
Frescoes, miniature paintings and glass-and-mirror work
still embellish the walls because so far Dangarpur was
out of reach of vandals.
Temples surround Dungarpur and Bhils revere the Baneshwar
temple at the confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers where
they also hold their most important fair coming from all
over Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Bhils also worship at
the 12th century Dev Somnath temple of Lord
Shiva that is copied from the original Somnath Temple
in Gujarat that was destroyed by invaders.
Banswara is the second town of Valgad and once abounded
with bamboo. (Bans means bamboo.) While the town has a
palace of some import, nature holds a powerful appeal
here. Hills trace green curves at a distance. Valleys
are heavy with trees. And the lakes like Anand Sagar and
Dalab and the river islands on the Mahi retain their picture
postcard quality. |
