| The Glorious History of
Pali |
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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.
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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.
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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
confilcts 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.
