Harda

History

During the Mughal period, Harda was a mahal in the Handia sarkar. In 1742, Marathas led by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao captured the area, and displaced the Muslim governor of the Handia sarkar. Subsequently, Harda replaced Handia as the most important town in the area, as the local Maratha amil (chief) resided at Harda. Harda was a part of the Scindia's territories. In 1801, Yashwantrao Holkar sacked Harda. Later, Harda also faced attacks from the Pindaris and the Korku tribals.

In 1817, during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Harda became the headquarters of John Malcolm's division. Even after the Maratha defeat ini the war, the Scindias retained control of the Harda-Handia tract. The area was ceded to the British in 1844, but the cession was completed only in 1860. The town saw disturbances during the 1857 uprising. The Deputy Magistrate, Maulvi Mazhar-ul-Jamil, helped curb the rebellion, and was rewarded with a jagir in the Damoh district. The Harda Nagar Palika was established on 18 May 1867, and the Harda tehsil was created in 1913.

The British tried to bring a progressive frame work to Harda during its rule. Harda was formed by combining Kul Harda and Mehmudabad Villages. After the railway lines were laid the conditions improved, and the area developed. In 1857 British officers worked here as judges and administrative Officers. Harda was one of the largest places in the old 'Madhya Prant' and includes area of 'Siwni Malwa.' The Harda language and culture is influenced by 'Malwa' and 'Nimad'. The main dialect used in Harda is known as Bhuani, and the region is known as the Bhuana area. Bhuana stands for the more fertilized land.

Harda was the headquarters of a tehsil in the Hoshangabad district. The Harda district was created in 1998.

Flora and fauna

In the southern hill regions of Harda we can find the Tribal, 'Gond' and 'Korku' people. The south region of Harda was under 'Makdae' rule and the 'Gond' king was the ruler. The 'Bihola' village of harda was the developed 'Rajaswa' center in the Mughal empire. The area which was called as 'Gondwana' became non-tribal(it is still tribal because there is a vast tribal population) during the British rule, as the workers, administration officials, farmers and business community was in touch with the states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for a 150 years the area got influenced by the culture of these states.

Administration

On 18 May 1867 British established the 'Nagar Palika' in Harda and from 1920 the work was done as per the republic manner. The under ground drainage in Harda is best example of the British architect. For administration purposes Tahsil Harda was established in the year 1913.

Indian independence movement

Guru Radha Kishan was born in 1925 in Bid village of Harda district. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Prakash Chandra Sethi & Chief MinisterBhagvant Rao Mandloi Ward No.12 Annapura Harda once requested him to accept the Freedom Fighter pension which he refused. He did not want to accept any favour for his participation in the freedom struggle of India. On 15 August 1947, S.D.O Shri Beretha hosted the Indian flag on the police station of Harda.

Geography

Harda is located at 22.33°N 77.1°E / 22.33; 77.1. It has an average elevation of 296 metres (971 feet).coor title dm|22|20|N|77|06|E|region:IN_type:city

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Harda had a population of 61,712. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 49%. Harda has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 67%. In Harda, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Temples

Temples of Harda Gayatri Shakti Peeth:

Mahalaxmi Mandir: at Agrawal Samaj Manglik Bhawan, Near Gayatri mandir, Indore Road, Harda

Sai Mandir: at Indore Road, Near Bansal Petrol Pump, Harda

Shree Gupteshwar Mandir:

Shri Laxmi Narayan Bada Mandir : Magnificently decorated idols of Lord Laxmi Narayan. Shiva Linga is also placed in temple complex. Religious activities are performed, and huge crowds of devotees can be seen during festivals.

Shri Siddhi Vinayak Mandir : This is other temple in the Harda City. Devotees perform cultural activities during ganesh chaturdhi.

Khet Wali Mata Mandir : One of the famous temple in Harda city situated in Maharana Pratap Colony, Having the interesting history that the statue of the Khet wali Mata was revealed from a well of farm (Khet).

Shri Ram Mandir: Golapura Harda

Gosai Mandir: Golapura Harda

Bitthal Mandir: Gadipura Harda

Shri Ram Janki Mandir: Gadipura Harda

Khedapati hanuman Mandir: Khedipura Harda Shri Sant Singaji Mandir: Kull Harda This is the only recognised Mandir where devotees of Sant Singaji come and pray regularly each day. On Sharad Purnima, The Full Moon night of the month of Ashwin or Kunwar, devotees from all around places come to have Darshan. It becomes a big Mela where devotees sing and pray to Sant Singaji.

Places of Interest near Harda

Education

Government Girls HSS harda