Siwana is a Tehsil in Barmer district in Indian state of Rajasthan, located 151 km from Barmer. The place is known for its fort which is locally known as Gadh Siwana, Gadh means Fort. Siwana have 130 villages.
The fort was built by a famous Jaitamal Rathore Rajput ruler Raja Bhoj's son Veernarayan, who at one stage controlled much of Barmer and had close ties with the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat.
Now the Fort is not in a best of its condition The fort fell to forces of Alauddin Khilji in 1308. In the period 1318-1320, Luntiga Chauhan stormed the fort of Siwana and slaughtered its Muslim garrison. No Sultan of Delhi tried to recover this fort.
The city lies in between mountains of Aravali Ranges on four sides.The beauty of the area in Monsoons is worth watching.
The only Dam of Barmer district Meli bandh is at 7 km from Siwana.
The main occupation is farming. Bajra, Moong, Til and jowar are main Productions in Rainy season. Jeera(Cumin),Erendi(Castor),Mustard & veggies in winter are mainly the yields .
Recently due to exploitation of water and unorganised measures to harvest rain water the area in under serious water problem.
Siwana is also famous for mines producing fine quality of granite. Baba Ramdev Temple is a beautiful temple made of white marble.
Here also an old samadhi temple lies which has live samadhis of Four great saints who lived there. Bheem Goda,Ashapurna temple,Hinglaj Mata Temple.
Barmer Fort Entry Fees
To go inside the fort all the tourists have to pay a nominal fee. October to March is the best time to visit Barmer Fort.
Summers are hot while winters are pleasant during the day but cold at night.
Domestic Adult: Rs.20/-
Domestic Child: Rs.10/-
Foreigner: Rs.100/-
Monuments in Barmer
Occupying an area of 28,387 sq. km, Barmer is among the larger districts in Rajasthan. Being in the western part of the state, it includes a part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is to the north of this district while Jalore is in its south. Pali and Jodhpur form its eastern border and it shares a border with Pakistan in the west. Partially being a desert, this district has a large variation in temperature. The temperature in summer can rise up to 51 °C and falls to 0 °C in winter. Luni is the longest river in Barmer district. After travelling a length of almost 500 km, it passes through Jalore and merges in the marshy land of Runn of Kutch.
In 12th century this region was known as Mallani. It’s present name was give by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, Parmar Ruler (Juna Barmer). He build a small town which is presently known as “Juna” which is 25 kms from present city of Barmer. After Parmer’s, Rawat Luka -Grand Son of Rawal Mallinath, establish their kingdom in Juna Barmer with help of his brother Rawal Mandalak. They defeated Parmers of Juna & made it their capital. Thereafter, his descendant, Rawat Bhima, who was a great warrior, established the present city of Barmer in 1552 AD and shifted his capital to Barmer from Juna. He build a small fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. Hill of Barmer fort is 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. The estate of Barmer was hereditary bhumia Jagir (independent principality), being an alloidal vassal state of Marwar (Jodhpur) in Rajputana Agency and as against the other Nobles, Jagirdars and Chiefs of Jodhpur State who hold land on condition of regular services being rendered, the Rawat owes nominal allegiance and offers service only during emergencies.
Once a camel trade route, This area is rich in craft that include wood carving, pottery, embroidery work and ajrak prints. Several festivals are held in Barmer, Most important being the Mallinath Cattle festival which is held at Tilwara village in remembrance of Rawal Mallinath who was founder of Mallani Pargana.
