Bharuch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Bharuch
Gujarat, India |
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 Bharuch
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| District(s) | Bharuch |
| Coordinates | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 15 m (49 ft) |
| Population | 148,391 (2001) |
Bharuch is a city and a municipality in Bharuch district in the state of Gujarat, India.
Contents |
[edit] History
Bharuch was once a small village on the banks of the Narmada River. The city is known since old ages by various names such as Bhrigu Kaksha (the domanin of Bhrigu, an ancient Indian sage), Bhroach, as well as Bhrauch.
[edit] Mythological History
It was considered to be sacred among sages, and they would come to Bharuch and pray. In Bharuch, the celebrated Asura king Mahabali, conducted a great sacrifice. In this sacrifice, came a Bhrahmin boy named Vamana, who interfered with the king's sacrifice and put an end to his reign. A sage named Guru Shukracharya, in the lineage of Bhrigu, was the priest of king Mahabali.
[edit] Archeological History
Excavations near the banks of the river Narmada in Bharuch have revealed many archeological and architectural wonders, mostly temples. Later Bharuch was part of the Mauryas, the Western Satraps and the Guptas. As part of the Sultanate of Gujarat, it was subsequently annexed by the Mughals, and finally by the British. It is also situated near a small village called halderva where two islamic priests were found performing miricles
It was known to Europeans as Barigaza (Greek) and probably had a settlement of Greek traders. It is mentioned extensively as a major trading partner of the Roman world, in the 1st century Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. The Periplus describes numerous Greek buildings and fortifications in Bharuch, although mistakenly attributing them to Alexander the Great (who never went this far south), as well as the circulation of Indo-Greek coinage in the region:
- "The metropolis of this country is Minnagara, from which much cotton cloth is brought down to Barygaza. In these places there remain even to the present time signs of the expedition of Alexander, such as ancient shrines, walls of forts and great wells." Periplus, Chap. 41
- "To the present day ancient drachmae are current in Barygaza, coming from this country, bearing inscriptions in Greek letters, and the devices of those who reigned after Alexander, Apollodorus (sic) and Menander." Periplus Chap. 47[1]
[edit] Geography
Bharuch is located at [2]. It has an average elevation of 15 metres (49 feet).
[edit] Commerce
Bharuch has always been prosperous because of its location on the Narmada River. Although water tends to be scarce in Gujarat, one never finds difficulty in getting water in Bharuch. As a result of this, agriculture and other linked commercial activities have flourished in Bharuch. Bharuch is also a central stopping point for many villages spread around its boundaries such as Palej, Valan, Vareydiya, Kamboli e.t.c. People from these small villages come to Bharuch when they want to shop for new clothes, or make a major purchase. Lately a lot of retiring expatriates have been returning to Bharuch and building new houses giving the economy a boost.
Modern Bharuch is one of the most heavily industrialized areas, not only in Gujarat but in India as a whole, with many large chemical plants producing fertilizers, paints, dyes, cotton, textiles, and dairy products. Bharuch has also advantage of Gujarat's biggest Liquid cargo terminal Large multinationals like Guardian corp, videocon, China light & power, BASF, Johnson mathey, Reliance, Tata's, Aditya Birla group, Welspun Stahl,aventis,wockhardt,rallis,pfizer,ciba, L&T,bayer,glenmark,UPL, Lupin, J B Chemicals, Gujarat Fluorochmicals Ltd. Dahej (a largest manf. unit for PTFE in India) etc. have set up Mfg. Units in and around Bharuch. Preferrably the most dense district of india in industrial terms.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Bharuch had a population of 148,391. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Bharuch has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 73%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Culture
There are many religions being followed by the people of this town. Usually there is a sense of harmony and co-existence without incident. However, there have been situations in the past in which this delicate social fabric has broken down. Today the city is considered to be a great example of communal equality.
There are various avenues for leisure time activities in Bharuch, and there are a few very good parks maintained by the municipal commission. There are river banks where people go for walks and strolls, as well as a couple of libraries and a few auditoriums. The auditoriums along with movie halls make the theatrical entertainment available in the city.
Of late there has been a boom in the retail sector in the city and there are new shopping malls and multiplexes opening up all over the place.
[edit] Wonders
- The 150-year-old Golden Bridge connects Bharuch to Ankleshwar across the Narmada River.
- The crowded but fascinating bazar of bharuch
[edit] Trivia
Broach is one of the Indian cities which has a Martian crater named after it. The other cities/towns are Amet, Bhor, Kakori, Poona (Pune), Rayadurg, Sandila and Wer
