The Banswara district forms eastern part of the region known as Vagad or Vagwar. The district was formerly a princely state ruled by the Maharavals. It is said that a Bhil ruler Bansia ruled over it and Banswara was named after his name. Bansia was defeated and killed by Jagmal Singh who became the first Maharaval of the princely state.

It is also named so because of the bamboos (Bans) which were found in abundance in the forests. In 1913 some bhils revolted under the headship of a social reformer Govindgiri and Punja which was suppressed in November, 1913. Hundreds of Bhils were shot dead at the Mangarh hillock where they were holding a peaceful meeting. The event is also known as the Mini Jalianwala Bagh massacre. The place has become sacred and is better known as the Mangarh Dham.

With the merger of the princely states in the Union of India, the Banswara State and Kushalgarh chiefship got merged in the Greater Rajasthan in 1949 and Banswara was carved out as a separate district by merging these principalities.

People :
The district is predominantly inhabited by tribals mainly Bhils, Bhil Meenas, Damor, Charpotas, Ninamas, etc. The district population is 15,00,420 (2001). The rural population is 13,93,104(2001) and the urban population is 1,07,316(2001). The main occupation of the people, specially of tribals, is agriculture. The tribals live in a small one-room houses, known as "tapra", which lie scattered all over the area.

The other major castes are Patels, Rajputs, Brahmans, Mahajans, and Muslims. The dialect spoken in the district is Wagri, a mixture of Gujrati and Mewari. Literacy percentage is 44.22(2001) but women literacy, though doubled as per 2001 census, is only 27.86%. Increase in total literacy percentage has been by 18.22 because of the intensive literacy campaign in the district.

Culture :
Situated amongst the valleys of the Aravalis, Banswara represents tribal culture in its original form. Its area was covered mostly by bamboo trees (Bans) in the past because of which it was called Banswara. Banswara town was founded by king Jagmal Singh. Religiously, having eleven and a half Swayambhoo Shivlings, it was also called 'Lodhikashi' or little Kashi. Yet another name for it is 'An area of Hundred Islands'.

Being in the southern part of Rajasthan, its boundary meets with Gujarat and M.P. A compact culture is the result of this inter-regional neighbourhood. The so called vagdi Culture is nothing but a mixture of Gujarati, Malwi, Rajasthani and Mewari cultures. Banswara district is rich in forests, hills and wildlife. Tribals are the natives of this region. The place is known for its ancient temples and natural beauty.

Attractions of Banswara:

Mahi Dam:
Another one of the excursions around Banswara, Rajasthan is the Mahi Dam, built under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project on the Mahi River. Over time a number of dams and canals were built over the picturesque surroundings. The Mahi River also has a number of islands inside the Mahi Dam catchment area, which give Banswara the name of "City of Hundred Islands".

Kagdi Pick Up Weir:
Situated 3 km away from the main city on the Ratlam Road, it is a part of the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project. This place is famous for its fountains and gardens, spread over a wide area.

Madareshwar:
Madareshwar is a Lord Shiva temple situated in the eastern part of Banswara. The temple is inside a natural cave of a high hill and offers an awesome view of the scenery below.

Abdulla Pir:
Abdulla Pir is the dargah of Abdul Rasul, a Bohara Muslim saint. The dargah is situated in the southern part of Banswara city. The people of Bohara community throng the dargah every year at the time of Urs, an annual Muslim fair.

Anand Sagar Lake:
Banswara, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include Anand Sagar Lake, situated on the eastern side of Banswara. An artificial lake, it is said to have been constructed by Lachhi Bai Of Idar, the Rani of Maharawal Jagmal. Near the lake are the royal chhatris or cenotaphs of former rulers of the state. Kalpa Vriksha, holy trees said to fulfill the desires of visitors, surround this picturesque lake.

Chheench:
A 12th century Brahma temple, Chheench has a black stone statue of the deity.

Diablab Lake:
Covered with beautiful lotus flowers, Diablab Lake houses Badal Mahal, the summer resort of the former rulers, on its banks.

Shri Raj Mandir:
Shri Raj Mandir is a 16th century palace, still lived in by the royal family. The palace is a beautiful example of the Rajput architectural excellence.

Ram Kund:
Ram Kund is a deep cave situated under a hill. There is a legend attached to it that Lord Rama stayed here during his exile. There is a pool of very cold water that is found throughout the year.

Bhim Kund:
Bhim Kund is believed to be the place where the Pandavas stayed during their exile.

Transport in Banswara:
By Air:
Udaipur and Indore is the nearest airport. From airport, you can either board a train, bus or a taxi to land on the magnificent city of Banswara.

By Bus:
Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh roadways operates frequent busses and connects it to other major cities of India which includes Ahmedabad, Baroda, Ujjain, Jaipur.

By Train:
Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh is the nearest railway station which connects Banswara with all other major cities of the country.