Ashoknagar district

Geography

The district has an area of 4673.94 km². It is bounded on the east by the Betwa River, which separates it from Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh and Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh. Vidisha District lies to the south. The Sindh River forms the western border of the district, which separates it from Guna District. Shivpuri District lies to the north.

The district has a population of 688,920 (2001 census). It is divided into five tehsils: Ashoknagar, Chanderi, Issagarh, Mungaoli and Shadora. The district was created on August 15, 2003 when it was split from Guna District. Shahdora a town 15 km from Ashoknagar had been given tehsil status in September 2008. Ashoknagar also has a great historical importance. The details of the Block wise population and area is shown in the table below:

Nai sarai

History

The region was ruled as a part of Isagarh District of the Indian princely state of Gwalior. It is believed that King Ashoka on his return from Ujjain victory did a night halt on pachhar land, hence the name Ashoknagar.

Demographics

In 2001 census, Ashoknagar had a population of 67,705.

In 2011 census, Ashoknagar had population of 844,979 of which male and female were 444,651 and 400,328 respectively. There was change of 22.65 percent in the population compared to population as per 2001. In the previous census of India 2001, Ashoknagar District recorded increase of 23.20 percent to its population compared to 1991.

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

Average literacy rate of Ashoknagar in 2011 were 67.90 compared to 62.26 of 2001. If things are looked out at gender wise, male and female literacy were 80.22 and 54.18 respectively. For 2001 census, same figures stood at 77.01 and 45.24 in Ashoknagar District. Total literate in Ashoknagar District were 480,957 of which male and female were 299,409 and 181,548 respectively. In 2001, Ashoknagar District had 344,760 in its total region.

With regards to Sex Ratio in Ashoknagar, it stood at 900 per 1000 male compared to 2001 census figure of 879. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per latest reports of Census 2011 Directorate.

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 Rai Dance is performed by Bedni Women. Tumen is also a famous historical pilgrim centre 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 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 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.

Tourist

Chanderi fort is situated on a hill 71 meter above the town . The fortification walls were constructed mainly by the Muslim rulers of Chanderi. The main approach to present fort is through a series of three gates the uppermost of which is known as Hawa Paur and 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 and thus dashing their bodies into pieces at foot. Within the fort there are only two ruined buildings the Hawa and Nau-Khanda Mahals built by Bundela Chiefs. The most beautiful spot of the fort is a rest house on the northern ridge, from where a charming view of the town below the country-side may be obtained.

To the south West of Fort there is a curious gateway called katti-ghatti made through hill side. It is 59 meter long 12 meter broad and 24.6 meter high in the middle of its portion of the rock has been view into the shape of a gate, with a points arch, flanked by a slopping towers.

The Kaushak Mahal of Chanderi is referred to in Tawarikh-i-Ferishta. It is recorded in it that, in A.H. 849(CAD 1445). Mehmood Shah Khilji of Malwa was passing through Chanderi. He ordered a seven storied palace to be built there. Kaushak Mahal is outcome of that order. It is an imposing building of some grandeur, though standing in a half ruined condition. To the south, east and north of the town are situated, well maintained palaces of Ramnagar, Panchamnagar and Singhpur respectively. All are built by Bundela Chiefs of Chanderi in the 18th Century.

"Shri Anandpur Sahib", one of the glorious religious place is about 30 km from the district HQ Ashoknagar forms the part of Issagarh Tehsil. The institution is influenced by "Advate Mat " . The founder of this institution was Shri Advat Andand ji . He is also known as Maharaj Paramhans Dayal ji . The place is well surrounded with greenery and natural beauty. The Ashram is situated at near the ranges of "Vindhyachal Mountain" and is the centre of attraction for its glorious building and pollution free environment. The development of Anadpur 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 Fourth" & "Shri Fifth Padshai". "Shri Anand Shanti Bhavan the main part of the monument is constructed with pure white marble. The pillar can be seen away from this place. The "Satsang.Bhavan" is a huge and attractive place of the monument. 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 available for the tourist who come here from the far flung area . They get a warm welcome with free Lunch/Dinner. There is facility of Hospital, School, Post office, etc. Famous TV show "Kuchh to Log Kahenge" fame Kritika Kamra belongs to this place.

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 its garbha-griha (sanctum), antaral and mandapa. The temple contains short pilgrimis records of A.D. 1067 and 1105. Another interesting but old temple of Kadwaya is known as Chandal math. The village possesses a ruined monastery, from a very old record was picked up which it is stated that to monestor was built to house some members of Shaiva sect known as Matta Mourya. During Akbar's reign Kadwaya was the headquarters of a mahal in the Gwalior's sarkar of the subah of Agra.

Here are a group of 26 very beautiful temples imparting the massage of peace, nonviolence & non affection ness to pilgrims. This sacred place Thuvonji came to knowledge during the period of famous businessman Shri Padashah. It is said that Shri Padashah was dealing in Metal Tin and when he put his Metal Tin here it got converted into Silver. There are a group of 26 beautiful & vast temples with so many miraculous & attractive idols. Temple No. 15 is the main among them known as big temple here, with 28 feet high miraculous colossus of Lord Adinath in standing posture, installed in Vikram Samvat 1672. Atishay: It is said that sound of various musical instruments is heard in the night as the gods from heaven come here for prayers & worship. It is also said that after completion of this high colossus, so many devotees were unable to install this in standing posture, at that night Head of the function saw a dream and in the next morning he according dream worshiped the colossus and then he alone placed the high colossus standing. The public present saw this miracle with wonder. Temples: Lord parsvanath Jain Temple – There is a magnificent 15 feet high colossus of Lord Parsvanath (23rd Teerthankar) installed in V.S. 1864 with a very artistic serpent hood over the head; this hood is made by different serpents in a beautiful manner and may be seen in both the sides of colossus. Lord Shantinath Jain temple: 18 feet high standing posture of Lord Shantinath (16th Teerthankar). Ajitnath Jain Temple (2nd Teerthankar). Adinath Jain: Temple is also a magnificent and vast with 16 feet high colossus of Lord Adinath. This was installed by Shri Savasingh of Chanderi in V.S. 1873. He also completed the famous Choubeesee Mandir of Chanderi Chandraprabhu Jain Temple is new modern temple with principal deity Lord Chandraprabhu (8th Teerthankar), 1.5 feet in height in sitting posture (Padmasana). Other temples are also worth being seen. Museum: Some ancient idols are kept there, in them a standing 12 feet high idol with beautiful nimbus is agreeable.

Employment

The occupation of the people there is mostly agricultural. Many people are engaged in grain merchandise. Business in the field of textiles and provisions is also quite active over there. In recent times, Commodity Exchange Market has also grown along with logistics business.

Financiers and banks

1. State Bank of India (Mandi Road)
2. State Bank of India (Station Road)
3. Axis Bank (Bilala Mill Road)
4. Bank of India (Raghuwanshi Gali)
5. Punjab National Bank (Bilala Mill Road)
6. Union Bank of India (Station Road)
7. Oriental Bank of Commerce (Bilala Mill Road)
8. Jila Sehkari Bank (Galla Mandi)
9. ICICI Bank (Bilala Road)
10. HDFC Bank (Bypass Bridge)
11. Central Bank of India (Mandi Road)
12. Madhya Bharat Gramin Bank (Sarafa Bazaar)
13. Madhya Bharat Gramin Bank (old bus stand)
14. Bank of baroda (bilala mill road)
15. Punjab & sindh Bank
16. Dena Bank
17. Kotak Mahindra
18. IDBI
19. ICICI
20. Corporationbank
21. Muthut Finance

Institutions

Ashoknagar has many English and Hindi medium schools:

Schools

Colleges

Geography

Ashoknagar is situated at the average elevation of 507 metres(1640 ft) above sea level. It is in the plateau region. It has an agricultural topography. The plateau is an extension of the Deccan Traps, formed between 60 and 68 million years ago[6][7] 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.

Myth

A myth which is associated with Ashoknagar city and which is very popular among the residents is that if the Chief Minister of a State visits Ashoknagar, soon after the visit, he loses his position. Many CMs like Dwarka Prasad Mishr, Shri Sundarlal Patwa, Arjun Singh, Digvijay Singh, Uma Bharti, Babulal Gaur, and even Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav have become victims of this myth. So now CMs have started avoiding any visit to Ashoknagar. Current MP 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 good transport facilies. It is connected to main cities of the state as well as the cities around India by Railways and Roadways. It is situated on the Kota-Bina railway section of Western Central Railway. Ashoknagar is situated on 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 Kota, Bina, Ujjain, Indore, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahamdabad, Bhopal, Sagar, Damoh, Jabalpur, Durg, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Delhi, Deharadoon, Darbhanga and Gwalior.