Bhokardan
| Bhokardan भोकरदन | |
|---|---|
| city | |
  Bhokardan | |
| Coordinates: 20°16′N 75°46′E / 20.27°N 75.77°ECoordinates: 20°16′N 75°46′E / 20.27°N 75.77°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Jalna |
| Elevation | 587 m (1,926 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 16,950 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
Bhokardan is a city and a municipal council in Jalna district in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Etymology
According to legends, the name Bhokardan is derived from the name of king Bhogvardhan or Bhagdnath, who ruled this city in ancient time. Local legends consider this to be a capital of Bhomasura, a mythological demon, who was killed by Hindu god Srikrishna.[1]
History
Bhokardan is situated on bank of Khelna river. Bhokardan has been identified by the modern historians with the ancient city of Bhogavardhana. One of the earliest references of Bhokardan is found in Markandeya Purana, where it is described as a prosperous trading city in Dandakaranya area, located on the trade route from Ujjayini, in central India to Prathishthana, then capital city of Satavahanas. Similar, references were also found in various other ancients literature.[1] In earlier period it was a Janapada, which later got status of an independent region. Bhokardan was the third richest city in Satavahana period after Prathishthana and Ter. The inscription records at stupas of Bharhut and Sanchi, mention receiving donations for their construction from inhabitants of this city. There is a reference in an article from 593 AD that, the king of Mahishmati, Raja Shankargan, of Kalachuri dynasaty, has donated some land to a Brahmin in Bhogvardan region.[1] However, the history of this place in the middle ages is not known. In later period of Peshwas rule, this city came under control of Nizam of Hyderabad. Bhokardan was part of Hyderabad State until its annexation into Indian Union in 1948. In 1960, it became a part of newly form state of Maharashtra from bilingual Bombay state. The ruins of old fortification are still visible around the city, the old fort area now houses the Tehsil office. An ancient site comprising two mounds, about 70 ft high, was discovered by M. N. Deshpande near Bhokardan in 1958.[2] Subsequently, a joint evacuation was carried away by a combined team of Nagpur University and Marathwada University, in 1973-74, during this evacuation two periods of occupation were identified:
- Period I
- Period Ia - early Satavahana period
- Period Ib - late Satavahana period
- Period II post Satavahana period.
During the excavations, traces of foundations, brick walls, floors, post-holes, fallen roofs and a ring well discovered. The artifacts found from the site included punch-marked coins, copper coins of the Satavahanas and the Kshatrapas and a few terracotta seals and sealings. About 2000 beads made of terracotta, glass, shell and semi-precious stones were also found. A large number of terracotta, iron, copper and ivory objects were found from the site.[3]
During Satavahanas' period Bhokardan was a center for ivory artifacts, which were traded for other items. After decline of the of Satavahanas, Bhokardan lost its importance as a major trade center, leading to its downfall.[1]
Geography
Bhokardan is located at 20°16′N 75°46′E / 20.27°N 75.77°E.[4] It has an average elevation of 587 metres (1925 feet).
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[5] Bhokardan had a population of 16,950. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bhokardan has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 70% and female literacy of 54%. 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Degulkar, G.B. "भोकरदन". मराठी विश्वकोश (Marathi encyclopedia) 12. Mumbai: महाराष्ट्र राज्य मराठी विश्वकोश निर्मिती मंडळ. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
- ↑ Ghosh, A. (ed.) (1959). Indian Archaeology - A Review 1958-59. Department of Archaeology, Government of India. pp. 68–9.
- ↑ Singh, Upinder (2008). A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century. Delhi: Pearson Education. p. 398. ISBN 978-81-317-1677-9.
- ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Bhokardan
- ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
Further reading
- Deo, S. B. and R. S. Gupte (eds.) (1974). Excavations at Bhokardan (Bhogavardhana), Nagpur: Nagpur University
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