Mau

Mau मऊ Maunath Bhanjan
city
Mau
Coordinates: 26°N 87°E / 26°N 87°E / 26; 87Coordinates: 26°N 87°E / 26°N 87°E / 26; 87
Country	India
State	Uttar Pradesh
District	Mau
Government
• Type	municipal council
• Body	mau municipal council
Area
• Total	45 km2 (17 sq mi)
Population
• Total	292,000
Languages
• Official	Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	275101
Telephone code	+0547
Vehicle registration	UP 54-
Sex ratio	978 (as of 2011) ♀/♂
Website	www.mau.nic.in

Mau, formerly Mau Nath Bhanjan, is an industrial town in Uttar Pradesh, India. Located nearly 120 km from Varanasi on the banks of Ghaghra (Saryu), it is a major centre of the textile weavers. It is divided into 4 tehsils, 9 blocks, 596 gram panchayats and 1644 villages. The Tamasa river flows through the city. In 1960s it was the biggest supplier of a plant called plash. The city is the headquarters of the Mau district.

Etymology of the name

Many myths are popular regarding history of Mau district. The word 'Mau' means 'padaav' or 'chhavani' in Turkish language i.e. barrack. The city was used as barracks by many a rulers since long times. Shershah Suri, The Great Mughal: Akbar, Aurangzaib are the prominent rulers who used the city in such a way. There is a mosque, built by Aurangzaib's sister Jahan Aara Beghum, the shahi mosque attached with a number of barracks (can be seen still now) in mohalla keyari tola.

It is also believed by the People of Mau that centuries before lived a man (a natt), a dancer named 'Muhoo Natt Bhajjan', who was cruel in nature. He always use to tease people the entire area therefore, a Holy man (Pandit, who was the chief of the area) asked him to leave that area, for the sake of his people, to which he replied negatively. Then the Pandit challenged him to wrestle and win. If he wins, Pandit will leave the area else he himself will. After the wrestle the Pandit won. Pandit asked the natt to leave the place at once. He agreed and kept his condition to leave. He asked the Pandit to keep the name of his area on his (Natt's) name. Pandit agreed and gave the name of his area 'Muhoo Natt Bhajjan'. This named was further changed to 'Maunath Bhanjan'.

History

District Mau has been cast out from district Azamgarh. It has a very rich historical background from the protohistorical period. The Archaeological Survey of India has found some records like coins of the king Kanishka's period.

During the reign of Sher Shah Suri, the famous emperor who defeated Humayun, visited Kolhuvavan (Madhuban) to meet the great Sufi saint Syed Ahmad Wadva.^[1] Mahvani, one of the daughters of Sher Shah was settled permanently near the dargah of Syed Sahab. Various developmental works were undertaken by Sher Shah Suri during his reign for economic development of the Mau region. After Humayun had retaken India, it is mentioned in the historical book of Ziaudeen Barni saying that his son Akbar the Great passed through Mau, on his way towards Allahabad.^{[citation needed]}

During the construction of a military base and the Shahi Masjid, a large number of laborers and artisans came with the Mughal Army. They, the weavers, etc. had originally come from Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey; they settled there permanently.^{[citation needed]}

During the period of India's struggle for freedom the residents of Mau gave their full support to the movement. Pandit Algu Rai Shastri a great Leader and Indian Freedom fighter Facts about Pandit Algu Rai Shastri ji was Affiliated to Indian National Congress Constituency Azamgarh (UP) Lok Sabha Constituency Member of parliament Member of 1952 Member title MP, offer to Mahatma Gandhi came to Dohrighat on 3 October 1939 during the 3rd salt law breaking movement; many persons of Mau actively took part.

During the 1942 Quit India Movement a mob had collected in outrage of an action by a Madhuban Police Station Officer; Collector Navlate was present there, he ordered his men to open fire on the mob killing and injuring raghunath, bhar, Kanhyee bhar etc. In memory of the shaheeds of that day a monument was built on the site were the shaheeds had made the ultimate sacrifice.^{[citation needed]}

In the 1970s and early 1980s many people (like Jharkhandey Rai, Tejpal Singh) worked hard for social empowerment in Mau.^{[citation needed]}

Mau was an important township of Azamgarh district before its creation as a district itself. On 19 November 1988 it was made a district, largely due to the efforts of the Late Kalpnath Rai (MP Ghosi) The local language of Mau is peculiar to the area as it includes the dialects of Bhojpuri Persian, Turkish and Irani. The main Industrial setup here is of cloth making by powerloom due to the presence of a large number of weavers in the district. Sari, Lungi and other clothes being prepared there are exported to various states of India and also to various countries.

Religious Places

In Ghosi Huzur Sadrussharia is famous for islamic religion distance near about 20 km from Mau. There is a famous madarsa also, named Amjadia .

A village in Mau called Sonadih is famous for dhieru's way of studying in Baba Thanidas Ji Temple. Shitala mata Dham and vandevi are two important temples in Mau. Shitla Mata Dham is located near State Highway 34; beside Mirzahadipura of this city. This Temple is one of the oldest temple in the city. Many God and Goddesses of Hindu mythology are found in this temple including Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Mata Parvati, Lord Hanuman. This temple is managed by 'Shitla Mata Samiti, and Shri Ram Bhakta Mandal Mau'. A small pond is present which full-fills the requirements in holy prayers, and mostly, makes this place the most attractive one. Priests of this temple believe that by the last twenty generation, no one is sure about the age of the temple but formally they believe that it is about 2,000 years old. In the holy month of Navratri (occurring twice a year), thousand and thousand of people, from different part of the country, visit this ancient temple to worship Goddess Shitala. Religious village Bagli is also a great place for inspiration.

Sports

In sports Arena Mau have a tremendous History and their Vivid Persona to Glorified the Mau name on time to time -International Athletes and wrestlers are there. Bhim Narayan Rai of village Revaridih -Sahroj, awarded as Natinal Champion and Record Holder in Athletics-javelin Throw in National Games 1961, he has broken the Asian Games record there, he has also broken the record in Indian School Games -1960. He has been awarded Outstanding performer of UP in 1964, Other Eminent Sports persons are Long racer Bahadur Prasad participated in several Asian Games as well as common wealth games, Eminent Wrestler Kisore Pahlwan of Village Basiharam, Sprinter Ram das Sahani of Village Amila, TezBahadur Singh in wrestling of village Sarwan Ranbirpur & Tridip Rai -International Basket Ball player of village Kasara. Kamran Khan IPL Cricket player of village Nadwa Sarai. Santosh Yadav of village Tahirpura won the bronze medal in junior wrestling championship in Thailand, Rashmi Singh of village Pardaha, participated in Junior Hockey India Team.

Geography and climate

Mau (Mau nath Bhanjan) is situated on the fertile plains of the Ganges–Ghaghara doab. It lies between 83° 17’ to 84° 52' East & 24° 47' to 26°17' North. At its north, Ghaghara river is on the border, Ghazipur district is on the south, Ballia district is on the east & Azamgarh district is on the west side. This district represents geographical characteristics of mid Gangetic plain. "Khachari" and "Khadar" are types of soil found in the areas of north of Azamgarh - Ballia Road. In some high places "Bangar" soil is also found. In the southern part of the district, river flow is absent, due to which that area has Bangar type of soil, which is not fertile. The river system of the district is dominated by the Tons River and its tributary Choti Sarju. The Ghaghara River forms the northern border of the district. The main means of irrigation in the district are tubewells. Ponds are used mainly for fishing and bird sanctuary purposes. In Mau "Pakari Piua" pond have 1.7 km breadth and 32 km length. It also has two big ponds (Tal) one Ratoy tal near Madhuban and Garha tal near Ratanpura.

Demographics

In 2011, Mau had population of 2,205,968 of which male and female were 1,114,709 and 1,091,259 respectively with population density of 1287 people per sq. Km.^[2] In 2001 census, Mau had a population of 1,853,997 of which males were 933,523 and remaining 920,474 were females with population density of 1087 people per sq. Km. There are 978 Females for every 1000 Male in Mau, Which is above the national average of 940.^[3] Census 2011 puts Urban population at 22.63%.

Economy and Education

Mau is industrial town of eastern UP. After demise of textile industry of Banares and Mubarakpur, Mau stands as one of the last bastion of textile hubs of UP. A 1998-99 survey of Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) puts number of powerlooms at 58,381.^[4] This industry employs low skilled workers, who mainly come from traditional weaving families. Main products are Sarees, however lungis,dhotis,towels, etc are also produced in small quantities. The products are mainly marketed in south India and Maharashtra, as well as exported to Bangladesh,Srilanka and China.

There are speculations that this huge industry will benefit if GI is awarded to Mau as well as if clusters (of powerlooms, resembling modern industry) are encouraged. But as of date only one clustur has been identified as Palki Industries Pvt. Ltd. with 4100 units as per MSME survey of 2012.^[5] Mau also contains three small industrial areas in Sajopur, Shahadatpura and Ghosi.^[6]

Mau leads fairly well in terms of basic literacy, thanks to extensive network of Madrasas in Mau. The literacy rate of Mau district is 75.16% as per 2011 census (which is higher than national average). Male literacy rate stands at whooping 84.61% while female literacy is 65.59%.^[7]

The literacy rate of Mau is quite high as compared to other areas of eastern UP, but it lags in higher education. One statistics shows that only 3% of people complete graduation. Several organizations are currently working to spread higher education in Mau, most notably Global Education and Career Guidance,^[8] Scholar Foundation, Aligarh Old Boys Association, etc.

• 22.63% of District population resides in Urban area.
• According to 1991 census sc/st population is 319,000 which is 22% of total population.
• Population density of the district in 2011 census is 1287/km²
• In 1997-98 total foodgrain production is 372,000 tonnes
• Net irrigated area is 1,120 km² & gross irrigated area is 1,530 km²
• Percentage of electrified villages is 88.1% in the year 1997-98.
• Per capita electricity consumption is 162 units in the year 1998-99.
• In 1998 -99 total number of rural & small industrial units are 61526.
• Total number of Handloom/Powerloom units are 58381 in 1998-99.
• Percentage of Workers in the district, according to 1991 census, is 33.2%.
• Number of dependents per hundred workers is 201.
• According to 1991 census, 68.3% of total workers were directly involved in agriculture.
• In 1996-97 per cultivator net sown area was 6,500 square metres
• CD ratio in 98-99 is 11.96.
• Length of metalled road per 100,000 population is 57 km.
• In 1998-99 teacher-Students ratio is

• Junior High School 44

• Senior Basic School 45.6
• Higher Secondary School 46.1
• Degree College 135.7

• No. of Allopathic Hospitals/Dispensary/PHCs per 100,000 population is 3.7
• Telephone connection per 100,000 population 275

Scholars

Laxmi Narayan Mishra (1903–1987) was born in the village Basti, district Mau.He was a popular play writer of HINDI. He was a theatre personality of Uttar Pradesh. His works became very popular between the 1930 and 1950.They were frequently staged by schools,colleges, and amateur groups. Laxmi Narayan Mishra is considered the founder of the problem play in Hindi theatre.

Maulana Habibur Rahman Azmi (1900-1992) was a well known Islamic Scholar, belonged to this city. He wrote under pen name of Abul Ma'sir. His works on Islamic Jurisprudence is well acclaimed. He remains a well known figure in major Islamic seminaries like Medina University, Al-Azhar and Darul-uloom Deoband. His works are cited by muslims across the world.^[9]

Master Hafizur Rahman Ansari (1909-1989) was a well known as first Principal of Muslim Inter College, Mau and 3rd Chairman of Mau N.P.P. Mau and Executive Officer well known as high knowledge of English & Urdu language Master. His name was famous in most popular societies of city. He was a famous writer of newspapers article.

Peoples Representatives

• Parliamentary constituency :: Ghosi MP  : Dara Singh Chauhan
• Parliament Upper House Representation:: Salim Ansari (Since July 2010)
• State Assembly consitituency:: Madhuban(353) MLA : Umesh Pandey
• State Assembly consitituency:: Ghosi(354) MLA : Sudhakar Singh
• State Assembly consitituency:: Muhammadabad-Gohna(355) MLA : Baijnath
• State Assembly consitituency:: Mau(356) MLA : Mukhtar Ansari
• Municipal Corporation:: Nagar palika parishad-Mau Chairperson : Mrs. Shahina Arshad Jamal ^[10]

Administration

• District Magistrate :: Mrs.Kumudlata Srivastava (IAS)
• Superitendent of Police :: Mr. Dinesh Chandra Dubey (IPS)
• Chairperson of Nagar Palika Parishad :: Mrs. Shahina Arshad Jamal

References

External links

• District Website of MAU NATH BHANJAN
• Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 # Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)