Surendranagar district

Economy

In the past, Surendranagar was used by colonialists as a hill station, because of its dry environment that was beneficial for some physical as well as mental ailments. Surendranagar's dry air is still believed to be the best place in Gujarat to cure tuberculosis patients.

Surendranagar has the second highest rate of development in the state of Gujarat, and is considered to be a strong candidate for status of Municipal Corporation. It also has the second highest number of educational institutes per capita. MMany newspapers are published from Surendranagar in Gujarat.

Businesses

Many small and medium enterprises and industries are present, including confectionery, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, engineering plastics, and salt production. Wadhwan City is a major trade and processing centre for agricultural products, cotton, salt, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and plastics, textile bearings, ceramics, and sanitary ware.

Natural resources

Nearly 25 percent of India's salt supply comes from mining in the Surendranagar area. There are miles of Agar (Salt pans), especially in the Kharaghoda area. High quality salt is produced in Zinzuwada, a desert area.

Textiles

Surendranagar is a hub of cotton and ginning activities in India, with a large number of ginning and pressing units. It is one of the largest producers of quality Shankar cotton in world. The Surendranagar Cotton Oil and Oilseeds Association Ltd.,( Government of India recognised) is a world-famous futures trading exchange for cotton. It was established in 1964 and is the first Cotton Future Trading Exchange in India.

Surendranagar City is also home to a big textile and clothing market, specialising in saris. Large clothing showrooms are located in the city on Jawahar Road and Vithal Press Road.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Surendranagar district has a population of 1,755,873, roughly equal to the nation of The Gambia or the US state of Nebraska. This gives it a ranking of 274th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 167 inhabitants per square kilometre (430/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 15.89%. Surendranagar has a sex ratio of 929 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 73.19%.

The majority of the population are Jains. Main Jain Temple, which is in the heart of the city, of Sri Vasupujyaswami Bhahvan is more than 100 years old. Other residents include Brahmins, Kshatriya, Patels, Vankar as well as significant numbers of Bharvad and Rabari and Kansara .

Culture

Raj-Rajeshwari Temple, on National Highway Number 8 near Limbdi, is a large area of residences, hospitals, and schools. The temple features an exhibition of yoga performed by Rishiji. This temple has temples to three major gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—inside. It is the only such temple in Gujarat. The temple is noted for its architecture.

The famous kund known as "Gangavo" is located in Dedadara village. It was developed in the 11th century.

There are many cultural institutions

Legends

Myth of Bhogaavo According to legend, during the siege of Junagadh, Jayasimha Siddharaja fell in love with the queen of Ra'Khenger, Ranakdevi. He attacked Junagadh and killed Ra'Khengar to claim the fort and the queen, but she refused and fled. She escaped from the city towards the River Bhogaavo. After a long chase, she gave up and instead of becoming the queen of Junagadh she sacrificed her life by forming sati on the banks of Bhogaavo River, near the city of Wadhwan. However, before she died she cursed that the river would not flow beyond that spot. There is a temple in honour of Ranakdevi on the banks of the river.

Personalities