Ashoknagar

For Delhi’s Ashok Nagar, see Ashok Nagar (Delhi). For the residential locality in Chennai, see Ashok Nagar, Chennai.
Ashoknagar
Ashok Nagar
District
Ashoknagar
Coordinates: 24°34′48″N 77°43′48″E / 24.58000°N 77.73000°ECoordinates: 24°34′48″N 77°43′48″E / 24.58000°N 77.73000°E
Country India
State Madhya Pradesh
District Ashoknagar
Government
 • MP Jyotiraditya Scindia
Elevation 507 m (1,663 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 8,44,979
Languages
 • Official Hindi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Website http://ashoknagar.nic.in/

Ashoknagar (also Ashok Nagar) is a city in Madhya Pradesh(M.P.) state of central India. It is the administrative headquarters of Ashoknagar District. Earlier it was part of Guna district. Ashoknagar is well known for its Grain Mandi and "Sharbati Gaihu", a type of wheat. The nearest district Guna 45 km from the city. Ashoknagar, formerly known as Pachar, has five tehsils viz. Isagarh, Chanderi, Piprai, Mungaoli, Ashoknagar and Shahdora. In Ashoknagar city there are two parts: the Railway Gate and Gandhi Park Side. The railway line is in the middle of the city. Ashoknagar has a railway station and a bus stand. Ashoknagar is connected to the main cities of Madhya Pradesh by road and railway.

Ashoknagar is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, between the rivers Sindh and the Betwa. It comes under the northern part of Malwa plateau, though main part of its district lies in the Bundelkhand Plateau. The eastern and western boundaries of the district are well defined by the rivers. The Betwa flows along the eastern boundary separating it from Sagar District and Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh. The Sindh is the main river flowing along the western boundary. Chanderi, a part of Ashoknagar, is famous for its brocades and muslins, especially for its handwoven Chanderi sarees. Ashoknagar is situated on the Kota-Bina railway section of Western Central Railway. Ashoknagar is approximately 200 km away from the capital of the state Bhopal.

Etymology

It is believed that Great Emperor Asoka, while on his trip to conquer Ujjain, had spent a night in Ashoknagar and hence the name.[1][2]

Demographics

In the 2011 census, Ashoknagar had a population of 844,979 which consisted of 444,651 males and 400,328 females. In the decade between 2001 and 2011, there was an increase of 22.65% in population. In the previous census of India in 2001, Ashoknagar district recorded an increase in population of 23.20% as compared to 1991.

The initial provisional data suggests a density of 181 in 2011 compared to 147 of 2001. Total area under Ashoknagar district is about 4,674 km2.

The average literacy rate of Ashoknagar in 2011 was 67.90% compared to 62.26% of 2001. Male and female literacy were at 80.22% and 54.18% respectively. For the 2001 census, similar figures stood at 77.01% and 45.24% for males and females respectively. The total number of literate people in Ashoknagar was 480,957 viz. 299,409 males and 181,548 females.

The female-to-male ratio in Ashoknagar stands at 900 females per 1000 males compared to the 2001 census figure of 879 per 1000. The average national female-to-male ratio in India is 940 per 1000 as per latest reports of Census 2011 Directorate.

Culture

The city lies in the Bundelkhand region and follows traditional Indian culture. The dialects spoken are of Hindi mixed with Bundelkhandi and Khadi bhasa. Ashoknagar is famous for the Jain temple called Trikaal Choubeese, where the idols of past, present, and future Thirthankars, as described in the Jain religion, have been kept.The district is also famous for a small town called 'Chanderi', which is about 60 km from Ashoknagar. Chanderi was earlier, at the time of Mahabharata, known as "Chendi". Chendi Naresh Shishupal was its ruler, who was then killed by Lord Krishna. In Chanderi, ancient sculptures have been discovered in large numbers. Thubonji Sidhdha Kshetra is another one of the pilgrim center for Jains. It is about 32 km from Ashoknagar. In the south, about 35 km from Ashoknagar, is the famous Karila Mata Mandir, which is known to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Rama and Sita Mata. A huge fair is organized every year on Rangpanchmi in which the Rai Dance is performed by the Bedni women. Tumen is also a famous historical pilgrim center situated at Triveni known for Mata Vindhyavasini temple. There are many more places of religious importance in the district of Ashoknagar.

Chanderi is a tehsil of the Ashoknagar district and is a famous historical & tourist palace. The main occupation of the people of Chanderi is handicraft. Chanderi sarees are famous all over the world. These are made by cotton and silk by hand through Khatka. Khatka is a self made machine for preparing sarees. Another famous place in Ashoknagar district is Sri Anandpur, the world headquarters of the Sri Advaith Paramhansa Sect. Disciples from across the globe visit Anandpur twice a year during Baisakhi and Guru Purnima to seek blessings from the gurus. Kadwaya, a small village in the district is also famous for the ancient Shiv Mandir, Garhi and Mata Mandir.

Geography

Ashoknagar is situated at the average elevation of 507 metres(1640 ft) above sea level. It is in the plateau region and has an agricultural topography. The plateau is an extension of the Deccan Traps, formed between 60 and 68 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period. In this region, the main classes of soil are black, brown and bhatori (stony) soil. The volcanic, clay-like soil of the region owes its black colour to the high iron content of the basalt from which it is formed. The soil requires less irrigation because of its high capacity for moisture retention. The other two soil types are lighter and have a higher proportion of sand. The year is popularly divided into three seasons: summer, the rains, and winter. Summer extends over the months of Chaitra to Jyestha (mid-March to mid-May). The average daily temperature during the summer months is 35 °C, which typically rises to around 46 °C on a few days. The rainy season starts with the first showers of Aashaadha (mid-June) and extends to the middle of Ashvin (September). Most of the rain falls during the southwest monsoon spell, and ranges from about 100 cm in the west to about 165 cm in the east. Ashoknagar and surrounding areas receive an average of 140 cm of rainfall a year. The growing period lasts from 90 to 150 days, during which the average daily temperature is below 30 °C, but seldom falls below 20 °C. Winter is the longest of the three seasons, extending for about five months (mid-Ashvin to Phalgun, i.e., October to mid-March). The average daily temperature ranges from 15 °C to 20 °C, though on some nights it can fall as low as 5 °C. Some cultivators believe that an occasional winter shower during the months of Pausha and Maagha—known as Mawta—is helpful to the early summer wheat and germ crops.[5]

Climate

The climate of Ashoknagar is sub-tropical. In summers, the temperature reaches 47 °C, while dropping to 4 °C in the winter. Rainfall is adequate and sometimes less.

Educational Institutions

Ashoknagar has many English and Hindi medium schools:

Schools

Colleges

Hospitals,Diagnostic centers and medi-stores

Ashoknagar is a major center for hospitals and health care. Hospitals:

Banking Sector

Other Major Shops

Tourism

There are a number of tourist spots in Ashoknagar, including:

Along with the above-mentioned locations, there are many other tourist spots in the outskirts of Ashoknagar.

Chanderi

The Chanderi Fort is situated on a hill 71 meters above the town. The fortified walls were constructed mainly by the Muslim rulers of Chanderi. The main entrance to the fort is through a series of three gates, the uppermost of which is known as Hawa Paur and the lowermost is called the Khuni Darwaja, or the gate of blood. The peculiar name is derived from the fact that criminals were executed at this point by hurling them from the battlements above, breaking their bodies into pieces to the ground. Within the fort there are only two ruined buildings: the Hawa and Nau-Khanda Mahals built by Bundela Chiefs. A rest house on the northern ridge provides a view of the town below by the countryside.

Chanderi Fort

To the southwest of Fort there is a curious gateway called katti-ghatti built through the hillside. It is 59 meters long, 12 meters broad and 24.6 meters high. In its center, the rock has been sculpted into the shape of a gate, with a pointed arch, and flanked by sloping towers.

Kaushak Mahal

The Kaushak Mahal of Chanderi is also known as Tawarikh-i-Ferishta. According to history, in 1445 AD Mehmood Shah Khilji of Malwa was passing through Chanderi, when he ordered a seven-storied palace to be built there, which came to be Kaushak Mahal . It is an imposing building of some grandeur, though standing in a half ruined condition. To the south, east and north of the Kaushak Mahal, well maintained palaces of Ramnagar, Panchamnagar and Singhpur are situated respectively. All were built by Bundela Chiefs of Chanderi in the 18th Century.

Shri Anandpur

Shri Anandpur is a religious place, which is the part of Issagarh Tehsil, about 30 km from the district center of Ashoknagar. The institution is influenced by "Advait Mat". The founder of this institution was Shri Advait Anand Ji. He is also known as Maharaj Shri Paramhans Dayal Ji. The place is well surrounded with greenery and natural beauty. The Ashram is situated near Vindhyachal Mountain range and is the center of attraction for its glorious architecture and pollution free environment. The development of Anandpur started away back in 1939 and continued till 1964. The institution was established as "Shri Anandpur Trust" on 22 April 1954. Most of its development took place during Shri Padshahi Ji Maharaj IV & Shri Padshahi Ji Maharaj V. Shri Anand Shanti Bhavan is the main part of the sacred place, is constructed with pure white marble. The pillar can be seen from a long distance away from the building. The Satsang Bhavan is a huge and the most attractive place of Shri Anandpur. It is the centre of attraction for the devotees. The place is a beauty to watch during the autumn season when the garden is full of colorful flowers spread all over the way. The rest house is also available for the tourist who come from the far flung areas. They get a warm welcome with free Shri Langar. In Shri Anandpur the facilities of Hospital, School, Post Office etc. are present too.

Issagarh

Kadwaya a small village of Ashoknagar tehsil contains a number of temples. One of these temples has been constructed in the 10th century in Kachhapaghata style of architecture. It has garbha-griha (sanctum), antaral and mandapa. Another old temple of Kadwaya is known as Chandal math. As per history, it was built to house Matta Mourya, members of Shaiva sect. During Akbar's reign Kadwaya was the headquarters of Gwalior's sarkar. it is also famous for mata BIJASEN TEMPLE. it is said that one cures there defected eyes,by her blessings. total population of kadwaya is appox.3000

Thubonji Sidhdha Kshetra

In Thubonji Sidhdha Kshetra, there are a group of 26 very beautiful temples imparting the message of peace, nonviolence & non affection ness to pilgrims. This sacred place Thuvonji came to knowledge during the period of famous businessman Padashah. It is believed that when Padashah put his metal Tin here, it got converted into Silver. The temples are beautiful & vast with so many miraculous & attractive idols. Temple No. 15 is the main among them known as big temple, with 28 feet high miraculous colossus of Lord Adinath in standing posture, installed by Vikram Samvat in 1672.

Atishay - It is said that sound of various musical instruments is heard at the night as the gods from heaven come here for prayers & worships. It is also said that after the completion of this high colossus, initially devotees were unable to install it in the standing posture. At that night, Head of the Construction saw a dream that worshipping the colossus will only allow it to be installed in the standing posture, accordingly in the next morning colossus was worshipped and then Head of the Construction alone was able to place the high colossus in standing posture. The public present at that time saw this miracle with wonder.

There are number of Jain temples are also present in the Kshetra :

Other temples are also worth being seen.

Museum - Some ancient idols are kept there, among them a standing 12 feet high idol with beautiful nimbus is the most noticeable.

Employment

In Ashoknagar, the occupation of the people is mostly agricultural. Peoples are associated with grain merchandising. Textiles business are also very active. In recent times, Commodity Exchange Market has also grown along with logistic business. Ashok Nagar is famous for its market which includes textiles, Automobiles, Utensils, Cement works, Grocceries, Gold and Ornaments and almost all other things. It is a business hub, people from all around the division come over here for the trade.

Political Myth

A myth is associated with Ashoknagar city and is very popular among the residents, that if the Chief Minister of the State visits Ashoknagar, soon after the visit, he has to leave his position of CM. Many CMs like Dwarka Prasad Mishra, Sundar Lal Patwa, Arjun Singh, Digvijay Singh, Uma Bharti, Babulal Gaur, and even Lalu Prasad Yadav became the victims of this myth. So now CMs have started fearing to come to Ashoknagar. Until now, present Madhaya Preadesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has never visited Ashoknagar.

Problems

As the railway line passes from the middle of the town and as both the population and the number of vehicles are increasing, it really is a huge problem to go from one side of the crossing to another. Though there is an over-bridge which was built in 1995, people still face many problems because the bridge is quite far from the railway crossing. People clamor and tend to cross the railway line even when the gate is closed. An under-bridge was proposed in 2005 but it is not likely to start soon, so the elected Minister has proposed a small over-bridge. Many accidents have taken place on the railway crossing. In the year 2010, the citizens had to face a water scarcity problem for the first time in the history of town because of less rainfall and excess drainage of Amai Pond because of agricultural necessities. Another problem is there is no collectorate building. The collectorate is reside in Govt. Polytechnic College Ashoknagar.

Transportation facility

Ashoknagar has a good transport facility. It is connected to main cities of the state as well as to the cities around India by Railways and Roadways. Ashoknagar is the part of Kota-Bina railway section of Western Central Railway. One can reach Ashoknagar by airways too, the nearest airport to Ashoknagar is Bhopal Airport and Gwalior Airport. Ashoknagar is situated by the State Highway. It is Well connected with its surrounding district namely Guna, Vidisha and Shivpuri The length of state highways in the District is about 82.20 km.Ashoknagar is situated on the Western-Central Railway 's broad gauge line of the Kota-Bina Section. Another rail link, viz., The total rail length in the district is about 141 km and the route kilometrege per 100 square KM is 1.27. Recently The trains are available for Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodra, Kota, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Kolkata, Delhi, Dehradoon, Jhansi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Darbhangga, Mujjafarpur,Durg, Bilaspur, Sagar, Ujjain.

Ashok Nagar is well connected by road from Indore, Bhopal and Gwalior. The NH-3 Agra Bombay highway is just 44 km from Ashok Nagar and connected with NH-76 in an hour drive.

Railway Time Table

References

  1. ↑ http://www.mponline.in/about/districts/Ashoknagar.html
  2. ↑ http://www.veethi.com/places/madhya-pradesh-ashoknagar-district-117.htm

External links