Pali, Rajasthan

History

Pali (formerly known as Pallika and Palli) was a trade centre. In the 11th century AD, Pali was ruled by the Guhilas of Mewar. In the 12th century it became a part of the Nadol kingdom and was ruled by the Chauhans. In 1153 AD it was ruled by solanki or Chalukya Kumarapala and his feudatory Vahadadeva. Then it came under possession of Songara Chauhans of Jalore.

The Rathor dynsasty chronicles relate that Siyaji or Sheoji, grandson of Chandra, the last Gahadvala Rathore king of Kannauj, came to Marwar on a pilgrimage to Dwarka in Gujarat, and on halting at the town of Pali he and his followers settled there to protect the Brahmin community from the raids of marauding bands. His devali with the inscription of 1273 AD was discovered 21 km north west of Pali. Champavatas Rathores ruled Pali until 1761 AD when it became part of Jodhpur state.

Rao Chanda, tenth in succession from Siyaji Rathore, finally wrested control of Marwar from the Pratiharas. His brother's son and successor, Rao Jodha, moved the capital to the city of Jodhpur, which he founded in 1459. Pali remained a part of the Marwar kingdom until 1949, when the last ruling Maharaja acceded to newly independent India. The oldest temple in Pali is the temple of Somanatha. Maharana Pratap was born in Pali. His birthplace is known as dhanmandi pali Maharan Pratap's Statue inograted on 4 June 2011 By District Collector Mr. Neeraj Kumar Pawan.

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.

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 PrithviRaj Chauhan, the great warrior against Mohd. Gauri, the Rajput power of the area was disintegrated and Mewar and Godwad area of Pali become the subjects of then ruler of Mewar, Maharana Kumbha. But Pali city which was ruled by Brahmin rulers (presently known as Paliwal Brahmins) with the patronage of neighbouring Rajput rulers, remained peaceful and progressive.

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.

Role in struggle for freedom: Under British rule pali played an important role by pioneering the freedom struggle in Marwar. Various Thakurs of pali under the stewardship of Thakur of Auwa, who was the most powerful of all, confronted with the British rule. Auwa fort was surrounded by the British army and then conflicts lasted by 5 days, when at last the fort was possessed by the British army. But this heroie action of Auwa paved the way for continued and organised struggle for freedom.

Geography

Pali is located at 25.77°N 73.33°E / 25.77; 73.33. It has an average elevation of 214 metres (702 feet ).

Demographics

As of 2011 India census, Pali had a population of 229,956. Males constitute 52.2% of the population and females 47.8%. Pali has an average literacy rate of 68.2%, lower than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 77.24%, and female literacy is 59%. In Pali, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Famous In Pali

Pali is famous for its sweet named Gulab Halwa made from milk. Pali is also famous for its Heena(Mehandi)(which is mainly produced in Sojat city which is 39.5 km away from pali) production in India.It is also known as textile hub of Rajasthan. it is also well known for kulfi and ice cream. Pali is also famous for Umed mill which is a very big mill in rajasthan founded on the name of Maharaja Shri Umed Singh.

Hinglaj Maa Temple

Maa hinglaj temple in Pali district it is up to 3 km Mountain in Aravali caves. the way to going is near by Jawai bandh and Falna Station, this temple is in Bijapur village.

Shri Navlakha Parshwanath Jain Temple

The Jain temple is in the main city. Rs 9 lakhs were spent on raising the temple in V.S. 969. It is said that the assumed cost of ghee was Rs. nine lakhs and the money later used for developing this temple, which later on called as Navlakha temple. Moolnayak of this temple is a White colored idol of Navlakha Parshvanath in the Padmasana posture. This temple belongs to Shwetambar Sect. of Jainism. Dharamshala (Lodging) and Bhojanshala (Food) facilities are available.

Devgiri Temple Bhatund

It is situated in center of Jawai Dam near also 2 more temples are there Maa Aavarki temple and Maa Varahi temples the way to go this temple inside the Bhatund village, for any details of this temple call : Vipul Jani

Bhatund Village of Temples

In this Village So many Old Temples 1. Shitla Maa Temple 2. Laxminarayan Temple 3. Thakurji Temple 4. Kshemkarni maa Temple 5. Chetan balajee Temple 6. Ubhreshwar Mahadev Temple 7. Varahi Temple 8. Shani dev Temple 9. Ramdev ji Temple.

Bangur Museum

It is situated in the Pali city at old bus stand and named after Mr. Bangur like other buildings in Pali-Bangur Hospital, Bangur Dharmshala. Many old historical and artistic items like dresses, coins, arms etc. are kept here to attract tourists which are interested in Rajasthani culture.

Lakhotia Garden

Lakhotia Garden is situated in the heart of Pali city and surrounded by a pond. One beautiful and very old temple of Lord Shiva is also situated in the middle of the garden.

Somnath Mandir

Historical Somnath Mandir is famous for its historical background and Shilpart. This Shiva temple is situated in the middle of the city. It was constructed by the Chaulukya ruler Kumarapala. in the Vikram Samvat 1209 or A.D.1152 lakotiya garden is so beautiful and so nice There is also Shrimaliyon ka bas near somnath temple..which was made by maharana pratap.

Hemawas Dam and Manpura Bhakri

Hemawas Dam is situated 10 km. from Pali. Manpura Bhakri is a mountain situated near hemawas dam. The Bhakri is famous for its temple which include Durga mata temple, jabreshwar mahadev temple, and a jain temple.we saw bhakri every palace in pali city.

Baoris

There are numerous Baoris (stepwell)s in Pali and each has its own unique design and architectural excellence. The step wells of Pali are unique art gallery with decorative designs and architecture, symbolizing the refined taste of the people of the time.

Maharana Pratap Smarak

The birthplace of Maharana Pratap, situated nearby Somnath temple. he was a loyal king to his servants and never bowed down. He fought the Mughals for independent and consolidated Mewar.

MahaLaxmi Mandir, Brahmapuri

An ancient and magical temple, situated in the heart of the city. The idol of MahaLaxmi Ji situated here is said to be lively and magical, caretakers of this temple are specifically the local Shrimali Brahmins.

Other places

Naulakha Jain temple, Aamleshwar Mahadev Mandir, Radha Krishna Astrological House, Bajrang Bag, Karni Mata Temple, Hemavas Dam, Geeta Bhavan, Bangur museum, bangur mandir, Sai baba temple, Keshav bhawan (sangh karyalay), Maharana Pratap Smarak (Birthplace of Pratap) and Illogi Temple are some of other places of interest.

Industries

Pali has been famous for its textile industries. Cotton and Synthetic clothes and yarn was exported to other states of India on very cheap rate. Some new industries have also been developed like Bangles, Marble cutting, marble finishing etc. There is a cotton mill here named as Maharaja Shree Umaid Mills. This is the biggest cotton mill of Rajasthan. It employs 3000 workers.

One of the biggest composite textile mill of India 'Maharaja Shri Umaid mills' (Estt. in the year 1940) is also situated at pali. Main production of this mill is cotton, Hank yarn etc. which is used for preparing different cloths. Main cloth production are cotton, 2* 2 rubia etc.

There are 3 industrial areas there in Pali. Mandia road industrial area, Industrial area phase 1& 2 and Punayata industrial area. Mandia road Industrial area is the biggest and oldest off all. Industries like sunlight industries, Kundan Tex, K.B Shah, Nakoda Prints, Tulsi Cotton Mills, Mayank Process, Aadeshwar Process, Shree Ganesh Fab Tex, B.B. shah, Shree Rajaram Group of Industries, Kohinoor, Kamal Agencies, Manidhari Impex, Sidhi Vinnayak Petro Chem, Shree Roopmuni Industries, Vam India Organics, vidhya mills(india), vidhya industries pvt ltd., metro industries, manoj textiles, minerwa industries, Sikhwal fabrics, Mohini Process, Jov(Tex) Link, Sonu Group of Industries, Lodha Fabrics, Mega Tex Print, Vinod Group of Industries, M.B finishing, Mahaveer fab tex etc. are among well known and reputed Textile Industries situates at Mandia Road, Pali. Punayata industrial area has been always a question mark on local administration and RIICO because of its setup and evolution. But from last few years Punayata Area turned out to be major landmark for Industrialist to set up their new business.

Besides this, many more industries are situated at different areas of Pali district i.e. lather based industries, agriculture instruments, Chemical Industries, cement industry, minerals based units like stone crashers etc. Among these granite industries have also flourished recently due to easy availability of raw material and geographical location .

The problem of pollution is also eminent here. Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) have been established few years back for the treatment of discharged water from various industries.