Dhrangadhra
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| ?Dhrangadhra Gujarat • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 64 m (210 ft) |
| District(s) | Surendranagar |
| Population | 70,653 (2001) |
| Website: www.naimisar.com/Dhrangadhra/ | |
Coordinates: Dhrangadhra is a city and a municipality in Surendranagar district in the state of Gujarat, India. It is one of the eight first class states (13 gun salute) of Kathiawar agency during Bombay Presidency of British Raj.
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[edit] History
Dhrangadhra grew from the state of Jhalawad which was founded about AD 1090. This state was ruled by the Jhala Rajputs.[1] In AD 1735, Dhrangadhra was founded as its capitol. The state was then renamed Dhrangadhra-Halvad state from the initial name of Kuwa, Halwad.
In 1941 the princely state of Dhrangadhra had a population of 94,417 living in an area of 1,167 square miles.[2]
In 1948 the state of Dhrangadhra was made part of the Zalawad district in Saurashtra. In 1956 it became part of Gujarat.
[edit] Etymology
In Sanskrit dhrang means a stone, and dhara means the earth. It is believed that because of the strong and widespread black stone bedrock found immediately under the soil of the place, the town is thus named.
[edit] Geography
Dhrangadhra is located at .[3] It has an average elevation of 64 metres (209 feet).
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[4] Dhrangadhra had a population of 70,653. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Dhrangadhra has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75% and, female literacy is 59%. In Dhrangadhra, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Current Conditions
Today Dhrangadhra is the No.1 developing Taluka in the gujarat.
[edit] Culture
With both sacred and secular architecture influenced by local medieval history, Dhangadhra today is a modern town with the population of about 100,000, which includes Hindus, Muslims, Zoroastrians and Jains. The affluent are traders in the local cotton and salt trade that has existed for over 300 years, while the majority are farmers and shopkeepers. It has industries such as DCW with chemical products, Mausam brand food products by K.P. Industries and many other industries in GIDC area. The provincial town boasts several hospitals, schools and a college. Along with regular telephone and portal services, email facilities are also available in the town.
Temples, step-wells, palaces and mosques from various historical periods exist in various states of preservation. There are more than 100 places of worship, and ancient art and craft traditions such as stone sculpture, jewellery making, tie and dye fabrics and embroidery prosper.
Dhangadhra is a railway junction on the Western Railway (India) and is connected to Ahmedabad and other regions of Kutch and Saurashtra by road and rail links. There are auto rickshaws (three-wheeler hooded taxis) and larger un-hooded three-wheelers called Chhakada which typically run on modified Royal Enfield engines, are available for travel within the town and surrounding areas.
The Rabari and Bharwad farming communities that raise cattle, sheep, goat and camels live in villages surrounding the town. Each summer, the outskirts of the town also hosts a camp of snake charmers. Dhrangadhra is also the headquarters of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, which is responsible for the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary on the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the last three species of Asiatic Wild Ass.
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The subject of this article has been identified by the Missing Encyclopedic Articles project as being a high priority for expansion. |
[edit] Administrative Legends
| Preceded by Unknown |
Village Municipality Head 1991 – 2003 |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Unknown |
Village Taluka Panchayat Head 2003 – Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Unknown |
Village Fire Department Head 2003 – Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Unknown |
Village Police Department Head 2003 – Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
[edit] References
- ^ Cohen, Saul B. The Columbia Gazeteer of the World. (New YOrk: Columbia University Press, 1998) p. 829
- ^ Columbia-Lippincott Gazeteer. p. 511
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Dhrangadhra
- ^ Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
[edit] External links
http://www.naimisar.com/Dhrangadhra/ Develop by http://www.naimisar.com
