Banswara, it is likely, derived its name from bans or bamboo shoots, which
once grew in abundance around the places. It was a part of the territory
known aas Bagar during the regin of Udai Singh (who succeeded to the
throne sometime between 1496 and 1498 AD) and is said to have been founded
by Jagmal, the younger son of Udai Singh who, being much devoted to his
queen, the mother of Jagmal and wanting to see him installed as a ruler of
a separate State, had partitioned Bagar between the two claimant sons
before his death. Banswara remained the capital of erstwhile State of the
same name for about four centuries thereafter.
The crumbling stone wall enclosing the old town is still visible,
overlooked by the palace of the former rulers of the principality. Bai Tal
- an artificial tank - believed to have been constructed by Lachhi Bai of
Idar, the Rani of Maharawal Jagmal, lies on the eastern side of the town.
About a kilometre away, are the chhatris or cenotaphs of the royalty. The
town has some Jain and Hindu temples and old mosques.
Banswara, it is likely, derived its name from bans or bamboo shoots, which
once grew in abundance around the places. It was a part of the territory
known aas Bagar during the regin of Udai Singh (who succeeded to the
throne sometime between 1496 and 1498 AD) and is said to have been founded
by Jagmal, the younger son of Udai Singh who, being much devoted to his
queen, the mother of Jagmal and wanting to see him installed as a ruler of
a separate State, had partitioned Bagar between the two claimant sons
before his death. Banswara remained the capital of erstwhile State of the
same name for about four centuries thereafter.