Kandhar

Kandhar कंधार
Town
Kandhar Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates: 18°54′02″N 77°12′05″E / 18.9005°N 77.2014°E / 18.9005; 77.2014Coordinates: 18°54′02″N 77°12′05″E / 18.9005°N 77.2014°E / 18.9005; 77.2014
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Nanded
Population (2011)
• Total	20,772
Languages
• Official	Marathi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration	MH26

Kandhar is a town and a municipal council in Nanded district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It lies near the western shore of Manyad Reservoir. Kandhar was famous as a major Jain Centre in Rashtrakuta (having Malkhed or Manyakheta as his capital) times. A huge statue of Kshetrapala (deity related to jains) is found near the bhuikot, in broken down conditions, from the Toenail that is found the height of statue is estimated to be more 50 feet. Presently there is an old Digambar Jain Temple in Kandhar town which is waiting for its renovation.

History

In 1649, Shah Jahan aimed to recapture Kandhar and sent Aurangzeb with 60,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry. The resultant Siege of Kandhar lasted for three months and 20 days.^[1]

Demographics

As of 2011 India census,^[2] Kandhar had a population of 20,772. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kandhar has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 56%. In Kandhar, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age. It is also famous for the fort named Bhuikot, which is situated in Bahadarpura 3 km away from Kandhar. Kandhar is a historical city.Kandhar is also famous for the "Sitafal" i.e. Custard-apple.

References