Khargone

Khargone (खरगोन) is a district headquarter in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The Khargone district region was formerly known as West Nimar (पश्चिम निमाड़). It is the administrative headquarters of Khargone District. It is situated on the bank of Kunda river. KHARGONE is famous for its cotton and chilly production. It is also famous for Navgraha Mandir, a temple devoted to the nav grahas (Nine Planets]

History

According to mythology, the name Nimar came into existence from the word Nimarya (निमार्य), which signifies that the land had belonged to both the Aryas and the non-Aryas. However, according to another myth, the word Nimar has been associated with the place due to the presence of a large number of Neem trees.

At different times in history, Khargone was ruled by the kingdoms of Haihayas (हैहय) of Maheshwar, Parmar of Malwa, Aheer of Asirgarh, Muslims of Mandav, Peshwa, Mughals and Marathas. After the formation of the state of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 1956, the district came into existence as West Nimar (पश्चिम निमाड़). Later (on 25 May 1998) due to certain administrative needs, the district was divided between Khargone and Barwani.

Geography

Khargone is located in the South-West border of Madhya Pradesh, 283 meters above sea level. It is spread over an area of 8030 km². Towards North it borders Dhar, Indore and Dewas districts. Towards the south, it borders Maharashtra, in the East Khandwa and Burhanpur and Barwani in the West. Khargone is in the middle of the Narmada River valley with the Vindhyachal mountain range situated in the North and Satpura in the South. The River Narmada flows in a path of 50 km inside the district. Veda and Kunda are the other two main rivers in the district.

Khargone is 90 km away from Barwani, 80 km from Khandwa and 140 km from Indore. The district is connected to the cities of Indore, Khandwa, Barwani, Dhar, Jhabua, Jalgaon and Dhulia by road. The Agra-Mumbai National Highway (NH#3) passes through the district. In the eastern part, the district has a meter gauge railway line connecting Delhi-Jaipur-Indore-Khandwa-Hyderabad. Important stations on this route include Barwah and Sanawad. The nearest broad gauge line railway station is Khandwa Junction and the nearest airport is located at Indore.

Demographics

Khargone is growing fast as a city and it now includes many villages, such as Jetapur. India census, Khargone had a population of 86,443. While males constitute 52% of the population, females average 48%. Khargone has an average literacy rate of 66%. This is higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 57%. About 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Khargone's inhabitants belong to many religions. The main language spoken in Khargone is Hindi along with Nimari (A regional language, generally spoken in rural parts of Khargone District.)

Economy

Economically khargone is dependent on the agriculture.Still there are several industries developing in the area. There are various cotton mills,oil refineries and some other small industries.

The major cash crops of Khargone District are Cotton and Chilly. The district is India's biggest cotton producing region. The red chilly is exported abroad.

Politics

Politically, Khargone had a mixed background of both the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Recently, it has evolved as a strong bastion of the Bharatiya Janata Party and has produced both a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a member of Parliament (MP). The BJP political party won the state elections in December 2008, registering its second consecutive win.

Weather

Khargone has a transitional climate between a tropical wet and dry climate and a humid subtropical climate. Three distinct seasons are observed: summer, monsoon and winter. Summers are extremely hot and dry in this region which starts at mid-march and extends upto mid-june till the monsoon starts affecting.The tempratures in summer are usually above 40°c during the April-may months.During these months when tempreture becomes very high the dry and hot wind Loo blows in this area which affects the ecology and vegetation widely.The air is quite warm also at nights. The monsoon arrives in late june,with temprature around 29°c and about 36 in. rainfall. The rainy season is humid and has sustaintial rainfall.Almost every year the lives are affected due to flooding of river Kunda which flows from outskirts of the city. Winters start in mid-November and are dry, mild and sunny. Temperatures average about 4–15 °C (39–59 °F), but can fall close to freezing on some nights.

Education

The district is served well with several educational institutes, comprising both the private and government sectors. There is a government post-graduate degree college in the city with three engineering Colleges, three pharmacy Colleges, one pilate training college and two polytechnic colleges, along with several english- and hindi-medium schools and colleges. These institutions offering degrees in both the science and the arts. This district is the best educational district in nimar region. ranks of districts: 1. KHARGONE 2. KHANDWA 3. BARWANI

Government Schools

There are 2605 primary schools (PS), 721 middle schools (MS), 73 high schools (HS) and 69 higher secondary schools (HSS) located in the city. The city also has three Kendriya Vidyalays (central schools). These include: Kendriya Vidyalaya (Khargone), Kendriya Vidyalaya (Barwah) and Navoday Vidyalay Sanawad.

There are also several high schools. Among these, the most prominent schools include:

1.Gokuldas Public School (CBSE Affiliation Number:1030212) 2.St. Judes School. 3.Aaditya Vidya Vihar. 4.Maharishi Vidya Mandir.(CBSE affiliation Number:1030219) 5.Saraswati Vidya Mandir

Technical Institutes

The various technical educational institutes include:

1. Shri ji Institute of Technology and science 2. Jawaharlal Institute of Technology (JIT), Vidya Vihar, Borawan, Khargone 3. GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Vidya Vihar, Borawan, Khargone 4. Government Women's Polytechnic, Khargone 5. Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Khargone 6. GRY College of Education, Vidya Vihar, Borawan, Khargone 7. Government Polytechnic, Sanawad 8. Vision Beyond, Khargone 9. Devi Rukmani vidyalay, khargone

Colleges

There are various colleges in the district. These are affiliated with Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalay, Indore (University of Indore) and offer several graduate- and post graduate-level courses. The list includes:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Mahavidyalaya 2. Government Post Graduate Degree College 3. Government Girls Degree College 4. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Post Graduate Degree College, Barwah 5. Government Degree College, Sanawad 6. Government Degree College, Bhikangaon 7. Government Degree College, Mandleshwar 8. Ma Umiya Private Degree College, Mandleshwar 9. District Institute of Educational Training (DIET) 10. Central Industrial Security Force Training School, Barwah 11. Pilate Training College 12. Subhishi Paramedical College

Tourist attractions

Major tourist attractions include Maheshwar - a historic temple town situated on the bank of the Narmada river, Bawangaja (now in Barwani) and Oon (14 km) (famous for its Jain pilgrimage centers) and Nanheshwar (20 km) - famous for its ancient Shiva temples. The Navagraha temple also attracts tourists.

In ancient times, the city of Maheswar was the capital of many large kingdoms, such as the kingdoms of 'King Sahastrarjun' and the 'Holkar Kingdom'.

The town is famous for the beautiful Narmada River banks and 'Maheshwari Sarees'. There are many large artistic temples. The 'RajRajeshwar Temple' is one of these temples.

Business

The basic economy of the city constitutes the agriculture and the cotton industries.

While there is a good market for clothing, jwellery and sarees, most of the general purpose requirements of the public are easily fulfilled by local markets. Both the auto and the electronic businesses are also growing.

Banks

Most of the national banks have branches in the city. Prominent ones include the State Bank of India, the State Bank of Indore, the Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, the Bank of Maharashtra and the Central Bank of India. Private banks such as HDFC, ICICI, Union Bank, and Bank of Baroda have also opened branches. These branches are located in the Radha Vallabh market area.

ATMs

Currently, Khargone has six ATMs that belong to the State Bank of India, the State Bank of Indore, HDFC bank, ICICI Union bank of India and the Bank of Baroda.

References

External links

Official Website of Khargone District

Category:Cities and towns in Khargone district