Geologists trace the existence of Pali to pre-historic age and maintain that it has emerged from the vast western sea spread over a large part of the present day Rajasthan. In the Vedic age Maharsi Javali stayed in this area for meditation and interpretation of Vedas. The Pandavas in the Mahabharata age also have made this area (near Bali) their resting place during the exile. As a part of ancient Arbuda Province, this area was known as Balla-Desh.

Historical relics depict the existence of this area during the Kushana Age, when King Kannishka had conquered Rohat and Jaitaran area, parts of today's Pali district, in 120 AD. Till the end of seventh century A. D. , this area was reigned by the Chalukya King Harshavardhana who also conquered Bhinmal and most of the present area of Rajasthan.
16th and 17th century saw a number of battles in the surrounding areas of Pali. Shershah suri was defeated by Rajput rulers in the battle of Gini, Mughal emperor Akbar's army had constant battles with Maharana Pratap in Godwad area. Again after the Mughals had conquered almost all of Rajputana, Veer Durga Das Rathore of Marwar made organized efforts to redeem the Marwar area from Aurangzeb, the last Mughal emperor. By then Pali had become subservient to Rathores of Marwar state. Pali was rehabilitated by Maharaja Vijay Singh and soon it became an important commercial center.

After the Arab invasions of India this area was concentrated by Rajput rulers from all over India. During the period from 10th to 15th century, boundaries of Pali extended to adjoining Mewar, Godwad and Marwar. All Rajput rulers resisted the foreign invaders but individually fought for each other's land and leadership.

After the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chouhan, the great warrior against Mohd. Gauri, the Rajput power of the area was disintegrated and Mewar and Godwad area of Pali become the the subjects of then ruler of Mewar, Maharana Kumbha. But Pali city which was ruled by Brahmin rulers with the patronage of neighbouring Rajput rulers, remained peaceful and progressive.

Pali, with its glorious historical background, is an important district of Rajasthan expanding its boundaries in South-West to Sirohi district from Ajmer district and Nagour district in North-East. The area of 12,387 Sq. km of pali district is located between 24.45 degree to 26.75 degree North Latitute and 72.48 degree to 74.20 degree East Longitute surrounded by Jodhpur, Jalore, Sirohi, Udaipur, Rajasamand, Ajmer and Nagour districts. National Highway No. 14 links Pali from Delhi in North to Ahmedabad in South.

Fairs And Festivals :
Pali District is known for its Fairs and Festivals. Dashara, Diwali,Holi, Ganesh-Chaturthi , Janmasthami, Mahaveer Jayanti, Mahashiveratri etc. are celebrated with sanctity. Celebration of Id and Moharram present a picture of religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

Parshuram Mahadev Fair :
On the Shravan Shukla Sastami and Saptami( 6th and 7th ) a large fair is organised at Parshuram Mahadev temple which is situated in Desuri area on the top of one of the hill of Aravali. More then two lacs devotees participates in this fair.

Peer Dulheshah Fair :
This Fair is organised at Chotila near kerla railway station on Jodhpur-Pali rail route by Muslims. This is organised on the next day of Deepawali, On the Mazaar of Hajrat Peer Dulheshah. Almost one lacs people from nearby districts participate in this fair.
Sheetala Mata Fair : Sheetala Mata fairs are organised at Pali, Sojat, Jawali and at a no. of villages of Pali district on Sheetala Sapatami. Large no. of famlies attend these fairs and worship godess Sheetala Mata on this occassion.

Badshah Ki Sawari:
On the next day of holi, people from far away places come to Pali city to participate in the procession of Badshah Ki Sawari which attracts people irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Shivratri Fair :
On the eve of Shivratri fairs are organised at Parashram Mahadev, Somnath Temple Pali, Nimbo Ka Nath ( In the Foot Hill of Aravali) Phalana and Jawali. Although Shivratri fairs are organised almost at all villages of Pali district but at Parshuram Mahadev and Nimbo Ka Nath very large fairs are organised every year.

Varkana Fair :
Varkana is a famous Jain Teerth near Rani. A Huge fair is organised by followers of Janism every year on Pooshe shukla dashmi (10th) This fair is attended by people from far away places of Rajasthan and Gujrat.

Baba Ramdev Fair :
In the Raipur tehsil at village Birathiya Khurd Baba Ramdev fair is organised every year on the Bhadva Shukla Ekadashi (11th ) for two days. There is a huge five story temple of Baba Ramdev. Almost one lacs devotees offer their prayers during this period.

Nimbo Ka Nath Fair :
On the Eve of Shivratri and Baisakhi Purnima fairs are organised at Nimbo ka Nath temple situated between Falna and Sanderav. These fairs are witnessed by more then 50,000 people.

Lakkhi Mela- Sonara Khetalagi :
In the beginning of full moon of Chetra a fair is organised in basin of local river Sarangawas at Sonara Khetalaji temple of Desuri tehsil. This fair represents the folk culture of not only pali district but also of various districts of western Rajasthan. since this is organised after Holi festival a large no. of Holi dancers attend this fair in his conventional and fancy dresses. More then one lacs devotee participates in this fair.

Gangaur Fair :
At village Goria of Bali Tehsil a tribal fair is organised on Baisakhi Shukla Saptami ( 7th), on the eve of Gangaur. This fair is attended by all most 30,00 tribals.