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Bagalamukhi Temple, Nalkheda

2026-05-07T14:47:54Z

Shuvro: Created new location

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox Mandir
| name =Maa Baglamukhi Mandir Nalkheda
| image
= File:Bagulamki.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| map_type = India Madhya Pradesh
| map_caption = Location in Madhya Pradesh
| coordinates = {{Coord|23|50|29.66|N|76|14|1.51|E|display=title}}
| other_names =
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| district =
| location = [[Nalkheda]]
| elevation_m =
| festivals = [[Navratri]]
| architecture =
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions =
| year_completed =
| creator =
| website = https://mabaglamukhi.org
{{YouTube|c=UCp9MFSs8Vvmh-eyqCgtd6lA|Live Darshan}}
}}
The '''Bagalamukhi Temple, Nalkheda''' is a [[Hindu temple]] located on the banks of the [[Lakhundar River]], a tributary of the [[Narmada River]], in [[Nalkheda]], a town in the [[Agar Malwa]] district of [[Madhya Pradesh]], India.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite book |last1=Vora |first1=Mehul |title=Secret Goddesses of Tantra - An Esoteric Understanding of Tantra and Philosophical Interpretation of Dasha Mahavidya|date= 2023 |publisher=StoryMirror Infotech Pvt. Limited |isbn= 978-93-953-7421-7|page=287|url=https://www.google.co.th/books/edition/Secret_Goddesses_of_Tantra_An_Esoteric_U/c3WyEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=lakhundar+river&pg=PA287&printsec=frontcover |language=en}}</ref> It is dedicated to the [[Devi|goddess]] [[Bagalamukhi]], one of the ten [[Tantra|Tantric]] [[Mahavidya]] goddesses. She is associated with the colour [[yellow]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kinsley |first1=David R. |title=Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: The Ten Mahāvidyās |date=1998 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |isbn=978-81-208-1522-3 |page=193 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gkCsrfghkZ4C&pg=PA193 |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
The temple is popular at the time of the [[Navaratri]] festival. It is one of three in India noted historically as having shrines to Bagalamukhi, the others being in [[Datia]] and [[Bagalamukhi Temple, Bankhandi, HP|Bankhandi]], [[Kangra district|Kangra]], [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref name="Saluja">{{cite book |last1=Saluja |first1=Kuldeep |title=Impact of Vaastu on Nations, Religious & Historical Places |date=13 March 2021 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-90504-86-2 |page=181 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0RgjEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT181 |language=en}}</ref> It was restored in 1815.<ref name="patrika">{{cite web |author=Saxena Malit |date=25 March 2016 |title=Baglamukhi mata mandir nalkheda |url=https://www.patrika.com/ujjain-news/baglamukhi-mata-mandir-nalkheda-1250753/ |accessdate=3 August 2021 |publisher=Patrika.com |language=Hindi}}</ref>

==Architecture==
The unique feature of the temple is the central icon being a triad, with [[Parvati]] in the center in form of Baglamukhi, along with goddess [[Lakshmi]] and [[Saraswati]].<ref name="Mirror"/><ref name="Saluja"/> Symbolizing the presence of the trinity goddesses in form of syambhu Baglamukhi. There are also statues of the deities [[Krishna]], [[Hanuman]] and [[Bhairava|Bhairav]] at the temple.<ref name="patrika"/>
==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* {{Facebook | baglamukhii }}


[[Category:Hindu temples in Madhya Pradesh]]
[[Category:Bagalamukhi temples]]
[[Category:Agar Malwa district]]

Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham

2026-05-07T10:59:47Z

Shuvro: Added first entry with sources

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham.jpeg
| caption = Official release poster
| director = [[Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval]]
| writer = Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
| producer = [[Nivin Pauly]]
| starring = Nivin Pauly [[Grace Antony]] [[Vinay Forrt]]
| cinematography = Vinod Illampally
| editing = Manoj Kannoth
| music = Yakzan Gary Periera Neha Nair
| studio = [[Nivin Pauly|Pauly Jr. Pictures]]
| distributor = [[Disney+ Hotstar]]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2021|11|12|India}}
| runtime = 121 minutes
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
}}

'''''Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham''''' ({{Translation|Gold, Lover, Quarrel}}) is a 2021 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[Satire (film and television)|satirical film]] written and directed by [[Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=കനകം കാമിനി കലഹം; ടീസർ മേക്കിങ് വിഡിയോ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2021/07/22/kanakam-kamini-kalahamteaser-making-video.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722053450/https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2021/07/22/kanakam-kamini-kalahamteaser-making-video.html |archive-date=22 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-22 |website=manoramaonline.com}}</ref> The film stars [[Nivin Pauly]] and [[Grace Antony]] in lead roles, and [[Vinay Forrt]], [[Vincy Aloshious]], [[Sudheesh]], [[Jaffar Idukki]], [[Joy Mathew]], Sivadas Kannur and [[Rajesh Madhavan]] in supporting roles. The film was produced by Nivin Pauly under the banner of Pauly Jr. Pictures. It was released through [[Disney+ Hotstar]] on 12 November 2021, ahead of [[Diwali]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Nivin Pauly resumes work with Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/nivin-pauly-resumes-work-with-kanakam-kaamini-kalaham/articleshow/79092780.cms|access-date=2021-07-20|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518152355/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/nivin-pauly-resumes-work-with-kanakam-kaamini-kalaham/articleshow/79092780.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Nivin Pauly's Kanakam Kamini Kalaham is a family satire|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/nivin-paulys-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-is-a-family-satire/articleshow/78613172.cms|url-status=live|website=Times Of India|access-date=19 July 2021|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719070650/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/nivin-paulys-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-is-a-family-satire/articleshow/78613172.cms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nivin Pauly begins shooting Kanakam Kamini Kalaham|date=7 November 2020|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nivin-pauly-begins-shooting-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-137135|url-status=live|access-date=19 July 2021|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719071713/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nivin-pauly-begins-shooting-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-137135}}</ref>

==Plot==
Former television actress Haripriya complains of being stuck in an unromantic marriage with [[Extra (acting)|junior artist]] and [[acting coach]], Pavithran. Persuaded to save his marriage, Pavithran is forced to resort to a plan B, after his first attempt to satiate Haripriya with a gift of gold plated earrings that looks like it might get him into, rather than, out of trouble. Things take a turn for the worse when Haripriya's brother, seeks financial help and convinces her to mortgage her earrings. Upon learning this, an anxious Pavithran plans a sudden 3-day trip to Munnar, where he manages to hide the earrings in a hotel. The planned episode turns upside-down, when he is unable to find the earrings he had concealed, just hours ago. On the other side, his adamant wife suspects every other staff member of the hotel, citing reasons for the same. The rest of the film deals with the finding of the earrings, in a comical manner.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Nivin Pauly]] as Pavithran, an aspiring actor<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/Oct/13/nivin-paulys-next-with-android-kunjappan-director-is-a-comedy-movie-2209361.html |title=Nivin Pauly's next with Android Kunjappan director is a comedy movie |date=13 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=The New Indian Express |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023233110/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2020/oct/13/nivin-paulys-next-with-android-kunjappan-director-is-a-comedy-movie-2209361.amp |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Grace Antony]] as Haripriya, Pavithran's wife and a former soap artist<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/grace-antony-to-play-female-lead-in-nivin-pauly-film-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-1735507-2020-10-27 |title=Grace Antony to play female lead in Nivin Pauly film Kanakam Kamini Kalaham |date=27 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=The India Today |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023233110/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/grace-antony-to-play-female-lead-in-nivin-pauly-film-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-1735507-2020-10-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Vinay Forrt]] as Joby George, the hotel manager<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/vinat-forrt-working-in-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-was-a-fabulous-experience/articleshow/79581895.cms |title=Vinay Forrt: Working in Kanakam Kamini Kalaham was a fabulous experience |date=5 December 2020 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=The Times Of India |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914060642/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/vinat-forrt-working-in-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-was-a-fabulous-experience/articleshow/79581895.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Vincy Aloshious]] as Shalini, the receptionist
* [[Joy Mathew]] as Balachandran, novelist
* [[Sudheesh]] as Sivakumar, a common friend to Priya and Pavithran
* [[Jaffar Idukki]] as Surendran (Sura), a drunkard who tries to support Pavithran during the argument
* [[Rajesh Madhavan]] as Manaf Khan, hotel boy
* Sudheer Paravoor as Vijesh Nair, supervisor
* Sivadas Kannur as Chandrachoodan, a marriage counselor
* Neeraja Rajendran as Pavithran's mother
* Ratheesh Balakrisna Poduvall as the film director (cameo appearance)}}

== Production ==
The film marks the second directorial of director, Rateesh Balakrishna Poduval after ''[[Android Kunjappan Version 5.25]]'' (2019). The director announced the film on 13 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/android-kunjappan-director-ratheesh-announces-next-film-nivin-pauly-135280 |title='Android Kunjappan' director Ratheesh announces next film with Nivin Pauly |date=13 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=The News Minute |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023233112/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/android-kunjappan-director-ratheesh-announces-next-film-nivin-pauly-135280 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] ceremony, [[principal photography]] of the film began in the first week of November 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nivin-pauly-begins-shooting-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-137135 |title=Nivin Pauly begins shooting for 'Kanakam Kamini Kalaham' |date=7 November 2020 |work=The News Minute |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724083913/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nivin-pauly-begins-shooting-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-137135 |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming took place during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and hence proceeded by taking all necessary precautions. [[Ernakulam]] and [[Idukki]] were the major shooting locations. After about 40 days, filming [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on 15 December 2020.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 December 2020 |title=Shooting of Nivin Pauly's 'Kanakam Kamini Kalaham' wraps up |work=English Mathrubhumi News |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/shooting-of-nivin-pauly-s-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-wraps-up-1.5281368 |access-date=14 September 2022 |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914063632/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/shooting-of-nivin-pauly-s-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-wraps-up-1.5281368 |url-status=live }}</ref> The dubbing and other post-production works were carried out in January and February, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 January 2021 |title='Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham': The film is at the post-production stage |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-the-film-is-at-the-post-production-stage/articleshow/80509087.cms |access-date=14 September 2022 |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914063632/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-the-film-is-at-the-post-production-stage/articleshow/80509087.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

Vinod Illampally is the cinematographer. The music of the film is composed by Yakzen Gary Periera and [[Neha Nair]]. The film was edited by Manoj Kannoth and Aneesh Nadodi is the art director. Shabu Pullappally handled the makeup and Kalat Revolution arranged the costumes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2021/10/15/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-direct-ott-release.amp.html |title=ഒടിടി റിലീസിന് തയാറെടുത്ത് കനകം കാമിനി കലഹം |date=15 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=Manorama Online News |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023233110/https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2021/10/15/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-direct-ott-release.amp.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Marketing ==
In October 2020, Nivin Pauly announced this project through his social media handles along with a title poster.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-12|title=Nivin Pauly's New Movie 'Kanakam Kamini Kalaham' Poster released.|url=https://theprimetime.in/nivin-paulys-new-movie-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-poster-released/|access-date=2021-07-20|website=The PrimeTime|language=en-US|archive-date=20 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720024426/https://theprimetime.in/nivin-paulys-new-movie-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-poster-released/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 July 2021, the teaser of the film was released through Pauly Jr. Pictures YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Teaser of Nivin's 'Kanakam Kamini Kalaham' released|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/jul/17/teaser-of-nivins-kanakam-kamini-kalahamreleased-2331200.html|access-date=2021-07-19|website=The New Indian Express|date=17 July 2021 |archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719070650/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/jul/17/teaser-of-nivins-kanakam-kamini-kalahamreleased-2331200.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kanakam Kamini Kalaham Official Teaser: Nivin Pauly, Grace Antony, Vinay Fort Are Ready To Put Up an Entertaining Show|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/kanakam-kamini-kalaham-official-teaser-132211772.html|access-date=2021-07-19|website=in.news.yahoo.com|language=en-IN|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719074001/https://in.news.yahoo.com/kanakam-kamini-kalaham-official-teaser-132211772.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=അബ്സേഡ് ഹ്യൂമര്‍ പരീക്ഷിക്കാന്‍ നിവിന്‍ പോളി; 'കനകം കാമിനി കലഹം' ടീസര്‍ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/trailer/kanakam-kamini-kalaham-official-teaser-qwc9qb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720023937/https://www.asianetnews.com/trailer/kanakam-kamini-kalaham-official-teaser-qwc9qb |archive-date=20 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-20 |website=Asianet News |language=ml}}</ref> The trailer of the film was released on 22 October 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/10/22/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-trailer-release-date-out.html |title=Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham trailer is a fun-filled ride, release date out |date=22 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=Onmanorama |archive-date=22 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022165056/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/10/22/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-trailer-release-date-out.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Release ==
''Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham'' was released through [[Disney+ Hotstar]] on 12 November 2021. It is the first Malayalam film to be premiered through the platform's ''Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex'' initiative.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/malayalam/2021/oct/23/nivin-paulys-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-to-premiere-on-november-12-2374578.html |title=Nivin Pauly's 'Kanakam Kamini Kalaham' to premiere on November 12 |date=23 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023233112/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/oct/23/nivin-paulys-kanakam-kamini-kalaham-to-premiere-on-november-12-2374578.amp |url-status=live }}</ref> It is also available on [[Hulu]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

== Reception ==
The film received mixed reviews from critics. ''[[The Times Of India]]'' gave a rating 3 of 5 and wrote that, "On the whole, Kanakam Kamini Kalaham can be seen together with the family as a pleasant entertainer that provides some good insights into marriage."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/malayalam/kanakam-kamini-kalaham/ottmoviereview/87651792.cms |title=Kanakam Kamini Kalaham Review : An ensemble that is a mixed bag |date=12 November 2021 |access-date=12 November 2021 |work=The Times Of India |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112061505/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/malayalam/kanakam-kamini-kalaham/ottmoviereview/87651792.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Pinkvilla]]'' rated the film with 3 out of 5 and wrote that, "Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham is a mind blowing fun adventure designed for the genuine laughs. This is a film designed to serve a harmless laugh amidst all the troubling news surrounding us and we can only sit back and wait for any deeper implications to the crazy, timely fun that the film offers."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-review-mindless-fun-adventure-designed-genuine-laughs-938987 |title=Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham Review: A mindless fun adventure designed for the genuine laughs |date=12 November 2021 |access-date=12 November 2021 |work=Pinkvilla |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112021923/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-review-mindless-fun-adventure-designed-genuine-laughs-938987 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sify gave a rating of 3.5 on 5 and wrote that, "Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham is dramatic, colourful and perhaps melody at times. [[Nivin Pauly]] gets into the shoes of his character superbly. [[Grace Antony]] is in fine form and comes up with a good show. The rest of the cast, including [[Vinay Forrt]], Rajesh Madhavan, [[Sudheesh]], Vincy Alocious and [[Jaffar Idukki]] are good."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-review--a-funny-ride-review-malayalam-vlmgFUiaabehd.html |title=Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham review: A funny ride |date=12 November 2021 |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=Sify |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112125236/https://www.sify.com/movies/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-review--a-funny-ride-review-malayalam-vlmgFUiaabehd.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' rated 3 on 5 for the filmand commented that, "This Nivin Pauly starrer is one of those films that will keep you smiling from start to end and Nivin Pauly deserves a special mention for embracing his role with much gusto and conviction."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-review-nivin-pauly-delivers-a-memorable-comedy-7620004/lite |title=Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham movie review: Nivin Pauly delivers a memorable comedy |date=13 November 2021 |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=The Indian Express |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112214943/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-review-nivin-pauly-delivers-a-memorable-comedy-7620004/lite/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Malayala Manorama|Onmaorama]] said that, "Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham, written and directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval hinges on a simple, light-hearted theme, intended to trigger laughter and laughter alone."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2021/11/12/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-nivin-pauly-grace-malayalam-movie-review.html |title=Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham' movie review: Rollicking and funny |date=13 November 2021 |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=Onmanorama |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114082849/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2021/11/12/kanakam-kaamini-kalaham-nivin-pauly-grace-malayalam-movie-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|13256400}}

[[Category:2021 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:2021 films]]
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ernakulam]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kochi]]
[[Category:Films shot in Idukki]]
[[Category:Films not released in theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Disney+ Hotstar original films]]

Afghanistan

2026-04-28T20:28:08Z

Shuvro: updated details

{{Short description|Country in Central and South Asia}}
{{about|the country}}
{{redirect|Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|the group|Taliban|the state that existed from 1996 to 2001|Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)}}
{{pp-move}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
| common_name = Afghanistan
| native_name = {{unbulleted list|{{native name|ps|{{nq|د افغانستان اسلامي امارت}}|italic=no}} {{small|{{transliteration|ps|Də Afğānistān Islāmi Imārat}}}}|{{native name|prs|{{nq|امارت اسلامی افغانستان}}|italic=no}} {{small|{{transliteration|prs|Imārat-i Islāmī-yi Afğānistān}}}}}}
| image_flag = Flag of Taliban.svg
| flag_caption = Flag
| image_coat = Arms of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.svg
| alt_coat = Coat of Arms of the Islamic Emirate<ref>{{cite web |url=http://law.acku.edu.af/fa/download/file/fa/12686/77746 |title=Document 77746 |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603201955/http://law.acku.edu.af/fa/download/file/fa/12686/77746 }}</ref>
| symbol_type = [[Emblem of Afghanistan|Emblem]]
| national_motto = {{lang|ar|لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ}} ([[Classical Arabic|Arabic]]) {{transliteration|ar|Lā ʾilāha ʾillā llāh, Muhammadun rasūlu llāh}} 
"There is no god but [[God in Islam|God]]; [[Muhammad in Islam|Muhammad]] is the [[Prophets and messengers in Islam|messenger]] of God." (''[[Shahada]]'')
| national_anthem = {{lang|ps|دا د باتورانو کور}} ([[Pashto]]) ''{{transliteration|ps|Dā Də Bātorāno Kor}}'' "[[This Is the Home of the Brave|This is the Home of the Brave]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Tharoor |first=Ishaan |date=19 June 2013 |title=The Taliban's Qatar Office: Are Prospects for Peace Already Doomed? |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url=https://world.time.com/2013/06/19/the-talibans-qatar-office-are-prospects-for-peace-already-doomed/ |access-date=19 August 2021 |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819021327/https://world.time.com/2013/06/19/the-talibans-qatar-office-are-prospects-for-peace-already-doomed/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>RZEPKA, MARCIN. "HOW TO BUILD A NATION WITH WORDS. THE NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM OF AFGHANISTAN." In Proceedings of the Ninth Conference of the European Society for Central Asian Studies, p. 318. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009.</ref>{{center| }}
| image_map = {{switcher|[[File:Afghanistan (orthographic projection).svg|frameless]]|Show globe|[[File:Afghanistan - Location Map (2013) - AFG - UNOCHA.svg|frameless]]|Show map of Afghanistan}}
| map_width = 250px
| capital = [[Kabul]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|34|31|N|69|11|E|region:AF_source:geonames|display=inline,title}}<ref>[{{geonameslink|gnid=1149361|name=islamic-republic-of-afghanistan}} Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] in [{{geonamesabout}} Geonames.org (CC BY)]</ref>
| largest_city = Kabul
| official_languages = {{hlist|[[Pashto]]|[[Dari]]}}
| ethnic_groups = {{unbulleted list
| 42% [[Pashtun]]
| 27% [[Tajiks|Tajik]]
| {{figure space}}9% [[Hazaras|Hazara]]
| {{figure space}}9% [[Uzbeks|Uzbek]]
| {{figure space}}4% [[Aimaq people|Aimaq]]
| {{figure space}}3% [[Turkmen people|Turkmen]]
| {{figure space}}2% [[Baloch people|Baloch]]
| {{figure space}}4% [[Ethnic groups in Afghanistan|other]]
}}
| ethnic_groups_ref = {{efn|The last census in Afghanistan was conducted in 1979, and was itself incomplete. Due to the [[Afghan conflict|ongoing conflict]] in the country, no official census has been conducted since.<ref name="Population Matters" />}}<ref name="reliefweb.int">{{cite web |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghan-ethnic-groups-brief-investigation |via=ReliefWeb |publisher= NATO CFC |title=Afghan Ethnic Groups: A Brief Investigation |date=14 August 2011 |access-date=18 September 2021 |archive-date=18 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918053054/https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghan-ethnic-groups-brief-investigation |url-status=live }}</ref>
| ethnic_groups_year = 2010, unofficial estimates
| religion = {{Tree list}}
* 99.9% [[Islam in Afghanistan|Islam]]
** 89.1% [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] ([[State religion|official]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Afghanistan Country focus |url=https://coi.euaa.europa.eu/administration/easo/PLib/2022_01_EASO_COI_Report_Afghanistan_Country_focus.pdf |publisher=[[European Union Agency for Asylum]] |access-date=22 February 2025 |date=January 2022 |archive-date=20 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220064020/https://coi.euaa.europa.eu/administration/easo/PLib/2022_01_EASO_COI_Report_Afghanistan_Country_focus.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kawa |first1=Amin |title=Taliban's Opposition to Islamic Sects; Nadeem: "All Afghans Are Followers of the Hanafi Denomination" |url=https://8am.media/eng/talibans-opposition-to-islamic-sects-nadeem-all-afghans-are-followers-of-the-hanafi-denomination/ |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=Hasht e Subh Daily |date=18 December 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311091632/https://8am.media/eng/talibans-opposition-to-islamic-sects-nadeem-all-afghans-are-followers-of-the-hanafi-denomination/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddique |first1=Abubakar |last2=Khosrow |first2=Mansour |title=Afghanistan's Shi'ite Minority Suffers 'Systematic Discrimination' Under Taliban Rule |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-shiite-persecution-discrimination/32507042.html |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |date=17 July 2023 |archive-date=8 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208172253/https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-shiite-persecution-discrimination/32507042.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
** 10.8% [[Shia Islam in Afghanistan|Shia]]
* 0.1% [[Religion in Afghanistan|other]]
{{Tree list/end}}
| religion_year = 2020
| religion_ref = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Afghanistan |url=https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=1c |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=[[The Association of Religion Data Archives]] |language=en-gb |archive-date=7 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207004650/https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=1c |url-status=live }}</ref>
| demonym = [[Afghans|Afghan]]{{Efn|Other demonyms that have been used are Afghani,<ref>Dictionary.com. [[The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language]], Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/afghani Reference.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185738/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/afghani |date=3 March 2016 }} (Retrieved 13 November 2007).</ref> Afghanese and Afghanistani (see [[Afghans]] for further details)<ref>Dictionary.com. [[WordNet]] 3.0. [[Princeton University]]. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/afghanistani Reference.com] (Retrieved 13 November 2007). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328102257/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/afghanistani |date=28 March 2014}}</ref>|name="Demonym"|group="Note"}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution of Afghanistan|url=https://www.afghanembassy.us/about-afghanistan/constitution/|year=2004|access-date=16 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920112856/http://www.afghanembassy.us/about-afghanistan/constitution/|archive-date=20 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Afghan {{!}} meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary |publisher=the Cambridge English Dictionary |isbn=978-1-107-66015-1 |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/afghan |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303180827/https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/afghan |url-status=live }}</ref>
| government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] totalitarian<ref>
*{{cite journal |last1=Sakhi |first1=Nilofar |title=The Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan and Security Paradox |journal=[[Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs]] |date=December 2022 |volume=9 |issue=3 |pages=383–401 |doi=10.1177/23477970221130882 |s2cid=253945821 |quote=Afghanistan is now controlled by a militant group that operates out of a totalitarian ideology. |issn = 2347-7970}}
*{{cite web |last1=Madadi |first1=Sayed |title=Dysfunctional centralization and growing fragility under Taliban rule |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/dysfunctional-centralization-and-growing-fragility-under-taliban-rule |website=[[Middle East Institute]] |access-date=28 November 2022 |date=6 September 2022 |quote=In other words, the centralized political and governance institutions of the former republic were unaccountable enough that they now comfortably accommodate the totalitarian objectives of the Taliban without giving the people any chance to resist peacefully. |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128205909/https://www.mei.edu/publications/dysfunctional-centralization-and-growing-fragility-under-taliban-rule |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |last1=Sadr |first1=Omar |title=Afghanistan's Public Intellectuals Fail to Denounce the Taliban |url=https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/omar-sadr-afghanistan-taliban-rule-totalitarianism-human-rights-news-2441/ |website=Fair Observer |access-date=28 November 2022 |date=23 March 2022 |quote=The Taliban government currently installed in Afghanistan is not simply another dictatorship. By all standards, it is a totalitarian regime. |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323115118/https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/omar-sadr-afghanistan-taliban-rule-totalitarianism-human-rights-news-2441/ |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |title=Dismantlement of the Taliban regime is the only way forward for Afghanistan |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/southasiasource/dismantlement-of-the-taliban-regime-is-the-only-way-forward-for-afghanistan/ |website=[[Atlantic Council]] |access-date=28 November 2022 |date=8 September 2022 |quote=As with any other ideological movement, the Taliban's Islamic government is transformative and totalitarian in nature. |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128205911/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/southasiasource/dismantlement-of-the-taliban-regime-is-the-only-way-forward-for-afghanistan/ |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |last=Akbari |first=Farkhondeh |title=The Risks Facing Hazaras in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan |url=https://extremism.gwu.edu/risks-facing-hazaras-taliban-ruled-afghanistan |website=[[George Washington University]] |access-date=28 November 2022 |date=7 March 2022 |quote=In the Taliban's totalitarian Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, there is no meaningful political inclusivity or representation for Hazaras at any level. |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114164914/https://extremism.gwu.edu/risks-facing-hazaras-taliban-ruled-afghanistan }}</ref> [[theocratic]] Islamic [[emirate]]<ref>
*{{cite news |last=Bezhan |first=Frud |title=Key Figures In The Taliban's New Theocratic Government |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-government-figures/31448372.html |access-date=6 February 2022 |work=[[Radio Farda]] |publisher=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |date=7 September 2021 |archive-date=6 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206103928/https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-government-figures/31448372.html |url-status=live }}
*{{cite news |last=George |first=Susannah |title=Inside the Taliban campaign to forge a religious emirate |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/afghanistan-taliban-islamic-law-rights/ |access-date=19 February 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=18 February 2023 |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218082415/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/afghanistan-taliban-islamic-law-rights/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| leader_title1 = [[Supreme Leader of Afghanistan|Supreme Leader]]
| leader_name1 = {{nowrap|[[Hibatullah Akhundzada]]}}
| leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Afghanistan|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Hasan Akhund]]
| leader_title3 = [[Chief Justice of Afghanistan|Chief Justice]]
| leader_name3 = [[Abdul Hakim Haqqani]]
| legislature = None{{efn|Afghanistan is a pure [[autocracy]], with all law ultimately originating from the supreme leader.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kraemer |first1=Thomas |title=Afghanistan dispatch: Taliban leaders issue new orders on law-making process, enforcement of court orders from previous government |url=https://www.jurist.org/news/2022/11/afghanistan-dispatch-taliban-leaders-issue-new-orders-on-law-making-process-enforcement-of-court-orders-from-previous-government/ |access-date=1 May 2023 |work=[[JURIST]] |date=27 November 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117233605/https://www.jurist.org/news/2022/11/afghanistan-dispatch-taliban-leaders-issue-new-orders-on-law-making-process-enforcement-of-court-orders-from-previous-government/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dawi |first1=Akmal |title=Unseen Taliban Leader Wields Godlike Powers in Afghanistan |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/unseen-taliban-leader-wields-godlike-powers-in-afghanistan-/7026112.html |access-date=1 May 2023 |publisher=[[Voice of America]] |date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413041049/https://www.voanews.com/a/unseen-taliban-leader-wields-godlike-powers-in-afghanistan-/7026112.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There is an advisory [[Leadership Council of Afghanistan|Leadership Council]], which is not a legislature as it has no power to pass laws.}}
| sovereignty_type = [[History of Afghanistan|Formation]]
| established_event1 = [[Hotak dynasty|Hotak Emirate]]
| established_date1 = 21 April 1709
| established_event2 = {{nowrap|[[Durrani Empire]]}}
| established_date2 = June 1747
| established_event3 = [[Emirate of Afghanistan|Barakzai Emirate]]
| established_date3 = 1823
| established_event4 = [[Herat campaign of 1862–1863|Unification]]
| established_date4 = [[Herat campaign of 1862–1863|27 May 1863]]
| established_event5 = [[Third Anglo-Afghan War|Independence]]
| established_date5 = [[Afghan Independence Day|19 August 1919]]
| established_event6 = [[Kingdom of Afghanistan|Kingdom]]
| established_date6 = 9 June 1926
| established_event7 = [[Republic of Afghanistan (1973–1978)|Republic]]
| established_date7 = [[1973 Afghan coup d'état|17 July 1973]]
| established_event8 = [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|Democratic Republic]]
| established_date8 = [[Saur Revolution|30 April 1978]]
| established_event9 = [[Islamic State of Afghanistan|Islamic State]]
| established_date9 = 28 April 1992
| established_event10 = [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|Islamic Emirate]]
| established_date10 = 27 September 1996
| established_event11 = {{nowrap|[[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Islamic Republic]]}}
| established_date11 = 26 January 2004
| established_event12 = [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Restoration of Islamic Emirate]]
| established_date12 = 15 August 2021
| area_km2 = 652,864<ref>Central Statistics Office Afghanistan</ref>
| area_rank = 40th
| area_sq_mi = 252,072
| percent_water = negligible
| population_estimate = 35–50 million{{efn|name=pop_note}}
| population_estimate_year = mid-2024/2025
| population_estimate_rank = 36th
| population_density_km2 = {{#expr: 42045000/652867 round 0}}
| population_density_sq_mi = {{#expr: 42045000/252072 round 0}}
| population_density_rank =
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $91.668 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.AF">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=512,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2024 Edition. (Afghanistan) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=www.imf.org |date=22 October 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123210657/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=512,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank =
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $2,174<ref name="IMFWEO.AF"/>
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 179th
| GDP_nominal = {{increase}} $17.329 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.AF"/>
| GDP_nominal_year = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank =
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $411<ref name="IMFWEO.AF"/>
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 190th
| HDI = 0.496
| HDI_year = 2023
| HDI_change = increase
| HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web|url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf|title=Human Development Report 2025|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]]|date=2025|access-date=11 May 2025|archive-date=6 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250506051232/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| HDI_rank = 181st
| currency = [[Afghan afghani|Afghani]] ({{lang|prs|افغانى}})
| currency_code = AFN
| time_zone = [[Afghanistan Time]]
| utc_offset = +4:30<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeanddate.com/time/time-zones-interesting.html|title=Half Hour and 45-Minute Time Zones|website=timeanddate.com|access-date=23 December 2022|archive-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215203607/https://www.timeanddate.com/time/time-zones-interesting.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| drives_on = right
| cctld = [[.af]]
| today =
}}
'''Afghanistan''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Afghanistan.ogg|æ|f|ˈ|ɡ|æ|n|ᵻ|s|t|æ|n|,_|æ|f|ˈ|ɡ|ɑː|n|ᵻ|s|t|ɑː|n}}{{bulleted list|{{langx|ps|افغانستان|Afğānistān}} {{IPA|ps|ʔaʊ.ɣɑ.nis.tɑn/ʔap.ɣɑ.nis.tɑn|}}|{{langx|prs|افغانستان|Afğānistān}} {{IPA|prs|ʔäv.ɣɑː.nɪs.t̪ʰɑ́ːn/ʔäf.ɣɑː.nɪs.t̪ʰɑ́ːn|}}}}}} officially the '''Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan''',{{efn|{{bulleted list|{{langx|ps|د افغانستان اسلامي امارت}} {{IPA|ps|d̪ə ʔaʊ.ɣɑ.nis.tɑn/ʔap.ɣɑ.nis.tɑn ʔis.lɑ.mi ʔi.mɑ.ɾat̪|}}|{{langx|prs|امارت اسلامی افغانستان}} {{IPA|prs|ʔɪ.mɑː.ɾä.t̪ʰɪ ʔɪs.lɑː.mi.jɪ ʔäf.ɣɑː.nɪs.t̪ʰɑ́ːn/ʔäv.ɣɑː.nɪs.t̪ʰɑ́ːn|}}}}}} is a [[landlocked country]] located at the crossroads of [[Central Asia|Central]] and [[South Asia]]. It is bordered by [[Pakistan]] to the [[Durand Line|east and south]],{{efn|The [[Government of India]] regards Afghanistan as a bordering country, as it considers all of [[Kashmir]] to be part of India. However, this is [[Kashmir conflict|disputed]], and the region bordering Afghanistan is administered by Pakistan as [[Gilgit-Baltistan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ministry of Home Affairs (Department of Border Management) |url=https://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/BMIntro-1011.pdf|access-date=1 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317182910/https://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/BMIntro-1011.pdf|archive-date=17 March 2015}}</ref>}} [[Iran]] to the [[Afghanistan–Iran border|west]], [[Turkmenistan]] to the [[Afghanistan–Turkmenistan border|northwest]], [[Uzbekistan]] to the [[Afghanistan–Uzbekistan border|north]], [[Tajikistan]] to the [[Afghanistan–Tajikistan border|northeast]], and [[China]] to the [[Afghanistan–China border|northeast and east]]. Occupying {{convert|652864|km2|sqmi|sp=us}} of land, the country is predominantly mountainous with plains [[Afghan Turkestan|in the north]] and [[Sistan Basin|the southwest]], which are separated by the [[Hindu Kush]] mountain range. [[Kabul]] is the country's capital and largest city. [[Demographics of Afghanistan|Afghanistan's population]] is estimated to be between 35 and 50 million.{{efn| The last census was conducted in 1979. Sources disagree about the current population:
* The Afghani [[National Statistics and Information Authority]] gives an estimate of 35,695,527 for 2024.<ref name="NSIA pop">{{cite web |url = https://nsia.gov.af/library |title = Library |website = nsia.gov.af |access-date = 23 January 2025 |archive-date = 23 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220323031521/https://nsia.gov.af/library }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PWzeE5zCoqwHfht-16xVkHejlgW9Wbeb/view |title = Estimated Population of Afghanistan 2024–25 |website = [[National Statistics and Information Authority]] |access-date = 23 January 2025 |archive-date = 10 March 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250310210058/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PWzeE5zCoqwHfht-16xVkHejlgW9Wbeb/view |url-status = live }}</ref>
* The [[Encyclopædia Britannica]] gives an estimate of 36,432,000 for 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan |title = Afghanistan |website = www.britannica.com |access-date = 25 January 2025 |archive-date = 11 November 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211111113403/https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan |url-status = live }}</ref>
* The BBC gives a figure of 38.3 million for 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12011352 |title = Afghanistan country profile |date = 15 August 2023 |website = bbc.com |access-date = 23 January 2025 |archive-date = 29 July 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180729053750/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12011352 |url-status = live }}</ref>
* The CIA gives an estimate of 40,121,552 for 2024.<ref>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Afghanistan|access-date = 6 January 2025}}</ref>
* The UN gives an estimate of 42,045,000 for 2024.<ref name="UN pop">{{cite web |url = https://population.un.org/wpp/assets/Files/WPP2024_Summary-of-Results.pdf |title = World Population Prospects 2024 Summary of Results |at = p61 |website = un.org |access-date = 6 January 2025 |archive-date = 13 January 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250113211520/https://population.un.org/wpp/assets/Files/WPP2024_Summary-of-Results.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://population.un.org/wpp/assets/Files/WPP2024_Data_Sources.pdf |title = World Population Prospects 2024 Data Sources |at = p11 |website = un.org |access-date = 6 January 2025 |archive-date = 30 April 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250430112910/https://population.un.org/wpp/assets/Files/WPP2024_Data_Sources.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>
* The US Census Bureau provides an estimate of 49,552,566 for 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.census.gov/popclock/world/af |title = Afghanistan |website = nsia.gov.af |access-date = 23 January 2025 |archive-date = 25 January 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250125102210/https://www.census.gov/popclock/world/af |url-status = live }}</ref>
All figures are mid-year.|name=pop_note}}

[[Ancient history of Afghanistan|Human habitation in Afghanistan]] dates to the [[Middle Paleolithic]] era. Popularly referred to as the [[graveyard of empires]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillalamarri |first=Akhilesh |title=Why Is Afghanistan the 'Graveyard of Empires'? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/why-is-afghanistan-the-graveyard-of-empires/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811170328/https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/why-is-afghanistan-the-graveyard-of-empires/ |archive-date=11 August 2021 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]]}}</ref> the land [[Invasions of Afghanistan|has witnessed numerous military campaigns]], including those by the [[Persian empire|Persians]], [[Alexander the Great]], the [[Maurya Empire]], [[Muslim conquests of Afghanistan|Arab Muslims]], the [[Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire|Mongols]], the [[European influence in Afghanistan#The Great Game|British]], the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet Union]], and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|a US-led coalition]]. Afghanistan also served as the source from which the [[Greco-Bactrian Kingdom|Greco-Bactrians]] and the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]], among others, rose to form major empires.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gl.iit.edu/govdocs/afghanistan/PreIslamic.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011103002246/http://www.gl.iit.edu/govdocs/afghanistan/PreIslamic.html |archive-date=3 November 2001|title=The Pre-Islamic Period |work=Afghanistan Country Study |publisher=Illinois Institute of Technology |first=Luke |last=Griffin |date=14 January 2002 |access-date=14 October 2010}}</ref> Because of the various conquests and periods in both the [[Greater Iran|Iranian]] and [[Greater India|Indian]] cultural spheres,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cush |first1=Denise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kzPgCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA200 |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |last2=Robinson |first2=Catherine |last3=York |first3=Michael |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-135-18979-2 |page=200}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The remarkable rugs of war, Drill Hall Gallery|date=30 July 2021|work=The Australian|url=https://theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/the-remarkable-rugs-of-war-drill-hall-gallery/news-story/49fb932f8be798b1641425be98e4e0db|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122182853/https://theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/the-remarkable-rugs-of-war-drill-hall-gallery/news-story/49fb932f8be798b1641425be98e4e0db|archive-date=22 November 2021|access-date=22 November 2021|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> the area was a center for [[Zoroastrianism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]], and later [[Islam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2021/09/15/professing-faith-religious-traditions-in-afghanistan-are-diverse/|title=Professing Faith: Religious traditions in Afghanistan are diverse|date=16 September 2021|access-date=1 November 2021|archive-date=6 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006122528/https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2021/09/15/professing-faith-religious-traditions-in-afghanistan-are-diverse/|url-status=live}}</ref> The modern state of Afghanistan began with the [[Durrani Empire]] in the 18th century under [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Afghanistan: the land that forgot time|date=26 October 2001|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/oct/26/afghanistan.terrorism11|access-date=14 December 2021|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214155028/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/oct/26/afghanistan.terrorism11|url-status=live}}</ref> although [[Dost Mohammad Khan]] is sometimes considered to be the founder of the first [[Emirate of Afghanistan|modern Afghan state]].<ref>{{Cite web|year=1995|title=DŌST MOḤAMMAD KHAN|url=https://iranicaonline.org/articles/dost-mohammad-khan|access-date=8 February 2023|website=Encyclopaedia Iranica|archive-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429181100/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dost-mohammad-khan|url-status=live}}</ref> Afghanistan became a [[buffer state]] in the [[Great Game]] between the [[British Empire]] and the [[Russian Empire]]. From [[British Raj|India]], the British attempted to subjugate Afghanistan but were repelled in the [[First Anglo-Afghan War]]; the [[Second Anglo-Afghan War]] saw a British victory. Following the [[Third Anglo-Afghan War]] in 1919, Afghanistan became free of foreign political hegemony, and emerged as the independent [[Kingdom of Afghanistan]] in 1926. This monarchy lasted almost half a century, until [[Mohammed Zahir Shah|Zahir Shah]] was [[1973 Afghan coup d'état|overthrown in 1973]], following which the [[Republic of Afghanistan (1973–1978)|Republic of Afghanistan]] was established.

Since the late 1970s, Afghanistan's history has been dominated by extensive warfare, including [[Afghan conflict|coups, invasions, insurgencies, and civil wars]]. The conflict began in 1978 when [[Saur Revolution|a communist revolution]] established a [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|socialist state]] (itself a response to the dictatorship established following a [[1973 Afghan coup d'état|coup d'état in 1973]]), and subsequent infighting prompted the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan|Soviet Union to invade Afghanistan]] in 1979. The [[Afghan mujahideen|''mujahideen'']] won against the Soviets in the [[Soviet–Afghan War]], leading to the [[Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan|Soviets' withdrawal in 1989]]. The ensuing [[Afghan Civil War (1989–1992)|civil war]] overthrew the socialist republic and established the [[Islamic State of Afghanistan]] through the [[Peshawar Accord]], which could not remain in force and resulted in a [[Afghan Civil War (1992–1996)|second civil war]] between ''mujahideen'' factions in 1992. The [[Taliban]] controlled most of the country by 1996, but their [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan]] received little international recognition before its overthrow in the 2001 [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|US invasion of Afghanistan]]. The Taliban returned to power in 2021 after [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|capturing Kabul]], ending the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|2001–2021 war]]. The Taliban government is [[Recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|widely unrecognized]]{{efn|{{As of|2025|July}}, [[Russia]] remains the only UN member state to have extended diplomatic recognition to the Taliban government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/russia-becomes-first-country-recognise-taliban-government-afghanistan-2025-07-03/ |website=Reuters |access-date=3 July 2025}}</ref>}} by the international community due to reported violations of [[human rights in Afghanistan]], particularly regarding the [[treatment of women by the Taliban]].

Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, including [[lithium]], iron, [[zinc]], and copper. It is the third largest of both [[saffron]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Afghanistan's Saffron on Media {{!}} AfGOV |url=https://www.mail.gov.af/en/afghanistan%E2%80%99s-saffron-media |access-date=18 October 2022 |website=mail.gov.af |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408010552/https://www.mail.gov.af/en/afghanistan%E2%80%99s-saffron-media }}</ref> and [[Cashmere wool|cashmere]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taliban Takeover Puts Afghanistan's Cashmere, Silk Industries at Risk |url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/global-markets/taliban-takeover-puts-afghanistans-cashmere-silk-industries-at-risk/ |access-date=18 October 2022 |website=The Business of Fashion |date=25 August 2021|archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018002748/https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/global-markets/taliban-takeover-puts-afghanistans-cashmere-silk-industries-at-risk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The country is a member of the [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation]] and a founding member of the [[Organization of Islamic Cooperation]]. Due to the effects of war in recent decades, the country has dealt with high levels of terrorism, [[Poverty in Afghanistan|poverty]], and child malnutrition. Afghanistan remains among the world's [[Least developed country|least developed countries]] with [[Economy of Afghanistan|its economic output]] per capita among the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|lowest of any country]].

== Etymology ==
{{Main|Name of Afghanistan}}

Some scholars suggest that the [[Root (linguistics)|root]] name [[Afghan (ethnonym)|''Afghān'']] is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''[[Aśvaka]]n'', which was the name used for ancient inhabitants of the [[Hindu Kush]].<ref>
*"The name Afghan has evidently been derived from Asvakan, the Assakenoi of Arrian... " (Megasthenes and Arrian, p 180. See also: Alexander's Invasion of India, p 38; J.W. McCrindle).
*"Even the name Afghan is Aryan being derived from Asvakayana, an important clan of the Asvakas or horsemen who must have derived this title from their handling of celebrated breeds of horses" (See: Imprints of Indian Thought and Culture Abroad, p 124, Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan).
*Cf: "Their name (Afghan) means "cavalier" being derived from the [[Sanskrit]], ''Asva'', or ''Asvaka'', a horse, and shows that their country must have been noted in ancient times, as it is at the present day, for its superior breed of horses. Asvaka was an important tribe settled north to Kabul river, which offered a gallant resistance but ineffectual resistance to the arms of Alexander." (''Scottish Geographical Magazine'', 1999, p. 275, Royal Scottish Geographical Society)
*"Afghans are Assakani of the [[Greeks]]; this word being the [[Sanskrit]] [[Ashvaka]] meaning 'horsemen'." (''Sva'', 1915, p. 113, Christopher Molesworth Birdwood)
*Cf: "The name represents Sanskrit Asvaka in the sense of a ''cavalier'', and this reappears scarcely modified in the Assakani or Assakeni of the historians of the expedition of [[Alexander the Great|Alexander]]" (Hobson-Jobson: ''A Glossary of Colloquial [[Anglo-Indian]] words and phrases, and of kindred terms, etymological''. Henry Yule, A. D. Burnell).</ref> ''Aśvakan'' literally means "horsemen", "horse breeders", or "[[cavalry]]men" (from ''[[aśva]]'', the [[Sanskrit]] and [[Avestan]] words for "horse").<ref>{{cite book |title=Ancient India |first=Ramesh Chandra |last=Majumdar |author-link=Ramesh Chandra Majumdar |edition=Reprinted |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1977 |orig-date=1952 |isbn=978-8-12080-436-4 |page=99 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNxiN5tzKOgC&pg=PA99}}</ref>

Historically, the ethnonym ''Afghān'' was used to refer to ethnic [[Pashtuns]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |author=Ch. M. Kieffer |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/afgan-in-current-political-usage-any-citizen-of-afghanistan-whatever-his-ethnic-tribal-or-religious-affiliation |title=Afghan |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |edition=online |publisher=Columbia University |date=15 December 1983|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116233835/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/afgan-in-current-political-usage-any-citizen-of-afghanistan-whatever-his-ethnic-tribal-or-religious-affiliation |archive-date=16 November 2013}}</ref> The Arabic and Persian form of the name, ''Afġān'', was first attested in the 10th-century geography book ''[[Hudud al-'Alam]]''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Afghans|last1=Vogelsang|first1=Willem|year=2002|publisher=Wiley Blackwell|isbn=0-631-19841-5|page=18|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9kfJ6MlMsJQC&pg=PA18|access-date=6 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709112010/https://books.google.com/books?id=9kfJ6MlMsJQC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA18|archive-date=9 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The last part of the name, "''[[-stan]]''", is a Persian suffix meaning "place of". Therefore, "Afghanistan" translates to "land of the Afghans", or "land of the Pashtuns" in a historical sense. According to the third edition of the ''[[Encyclopaedia of Islam]]'':<ref>{{EI3|last=Nölle-Karimi|first=Christine|title=Afghanistan until 1747|url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-3/*-COM_24776|year=2020}}</ref>
{{blockquote|The name Afghanistan (Afghānistān, land of the Afghans / Pashtuns, ''afāghina'', sing. ''afghān'') can be traced to the early eighth/fourteenth century, when it designated the easternmost part of the [[Kartid]] realm. This name was later used for certain regions in the [[Safavid Iran|Ṣafavid]] and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] empires that were inhabited by Afghans. While based on a state-supporting elite of [[Durrani|Abdālī / Durrānī]] Afghans, the [[Durrani Empire|Sadūzāʾī Durrānī polity]] that came into being in 1160 / 1747 was not called Afghanistan in its own day. The name became a state designation only during the colonial intervention of the nineteenth century.}}

The term "Afghanistan" was officially used in 1855, when the British recognized [[Dost Mohammad Khan]] as king of [[Emirate of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]].{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=317}}

== History ==
{{Main|History of Afghanistan}}

=== Prehistory and antiquity ===
{{Main|Ancient history of Afghanistan}}

{{See also|Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Afghanistan}}
[[File:Nomads in Badghis Province.jpg|thumb|left|Tents of Afghan [[nomad]]s in the northern [[Badghis Province]]. Early peasant farming villages came into existence about 7,000 years ago.]]

Excavations of prehistoric sites suggest that humans were living in what is now Afghanistan at least 50,000 years ago, and that farming communities in the area were among the earliest in the world. An important site of early historical activities, many believe that Afghanistan compares to [[Egypt]] in the historical value of its archaeological sites.<ref name="JFS">{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://encarta.msn.com/text_761569370___42/Afghanistan.html |title=Afghanistan – John Ford Shroder, University of Nebraska |publisher=Encarta |access-date=19 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040717092902/http://encarta.msn.com/text_761569370___42/Afghanistan.html |archive-date=17 July 2004 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1881896-1,00.html |title=Afghanistan: A Treasure Trove for Archaeologists |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=26 February 2009 |access-date=13 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726153721/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1881896-1%2C00.html |archive-date=26 July 2013 }}</ref> Artifacts typical of the [[Paleolithic]], [[Mesolithic]], [[Neolithic]], [[Bronze Age|Bronze]], and [[Iron Age]]s have been found in Afghanistan. Urban civilization is believed to have begun as early as 3000 BCE, and the early city of [[Mundigak]] (near [[Kandahar]] in the south of the country) was a center of the [[Helmand culture]]. More recent findings established that the [[Indus Valley Civilization]] stretched up towards modern-day Afghanistan. An Indus Valley site has been found on the [[Oxus River]] at [[Shortugai]] in northern Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Ancient Indus: Urbanism, Economy, and Society|page=1|author=Rita Wright|date=2009|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gAgFPQAACAAJ|isbn=978-0-521-57652-9|access-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628065355/https://books.google.com/books?id=gAgFPQAACAAJ|archive-date=28 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Kenoyer, Jonathan Mark (1998). Ancient cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation. pp.96</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xjGtwAACAAJ|title=Notes on Shortugai: An Harappan Site in Northern Afghanistan|publisher=Centre for the Study of the Civilization of Central Asia|author=Louis Depree|year=1981}}</ref>

After 2000 BCE successive waves of semi-nomadic people from Central Asia began moving south into Afghanistan; among them were many [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]]-speaking [[Indo-Iranians]]. These tribes later migrated further into South Asia, Western Asia, and toward Europe via the area north of the [[Caspian Sea]]. The region at the time was referred to as [[Ariana]].<ref name="JFS" /><ref>Bryant, Edwin F. (2001) ''The quest for the origins of Vedic culture: the Indo-Aryan migration debate'' [[Oxford University Press]], {{ISBN|978-0-19-513777-4}}.</ref> By the middle of the 6th century BCE, the Achaemenids overthrew the [[Medes]] and incorporated [[Arachosia]], [[Aria (satrapy)|Aria]], and [[Bactria]] within its eastern boundaries. An [[Epigraphy|inscription]] on the tombstone of [[Darius I of Persia]] mentions the [[Kabulistan|Kabul Valley]] in a list of the 29 countries that he had conquered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gandhara.com.au/afghan_table.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026002053/http://www.gandhara.com.au/afghan_table.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=26 October 2012 |title=Chronological History of Afghanistan – the cradle of Gandharan civilisation |publisher=Gandhara.com.au |date=15 February 1989 |access-date=26 February 2026}}</ref> The region of [[Arachosia]], around Kandahar in modern-day southern Afghanistan, used to be primarily Zoroastrian and played a key role in the transfer of the Avesta to [[Persis|Persia]] and is thus considered by some to be the "second homeland of Zoroastrianism".<ref name="Gnoli-1989">{{Cite book|last=Gnoli|first=Gherado|title=The Idea of Iran, an Essay on its Origin|publisher=Istituto italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente|year=1989|page=133|quote=... he would have drawn inspiration from a ireligious policy which intended to counteract the Median Magi's influence and transfer the 'Avesta-Schule' from Arachosia to Persia: thus the Avesta would have arrived in Persia through Arachosia in the 6th century B.C. [...] Although ... Arachosia would have been only a second fatherland for Zoroastrianism, a significant role should still be attributed to this south-eastern region in the history of the Zoroastrian tradition.}}</ref><ref name="Gnoli-1989a">{{Cite book|last=Gnoli|first=Gherado|title=The Idea of Iran, an essay on its Origin|publisher=Istituto italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente|year=1989|page=133|quote=linguistic data [...] prove the presence of the Zoroastrian tradition in Arachosia both in the Achaemenian age, in the last quarter of the 6th century, and in the Seleucid age.}}</ref><ref name="ARACHOSIA – Encyclopaedia Iranica">{{Cite web|title=ARACHOSIA – Encyclopaedia Iranica|url=https://iranicaonline.org/articles/arachosia|access-date=19 February 2021|website=iranicaonline.org|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523120936/https://iranicaonline.org/articles/arachosia|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:ScythianBelt.jpg|thumb|A "Bactrian gold" [[Scythian]] belt depicting [[Dionysus]], from [[Tillya Tepe]] in the ancient region of [[Bactria]]]]

[[Alexander the Great]] and his Macedonian forces arrived in Afghanistan in 330 BCE after defeating [[Darius III of Persia]] a year earlier in the [[Battle of Gaugamela]]. Following Alexander's brief occupation, the successor state of the [[Seleucid Empire]] controlled the region until 305 BCE, when they gave much of it to the [[Maurya Empire]] as part of an alliance treaty. The Mauryans controlled the area south of the [[Hindu Kush]] until they were overthrown in about 185 BCE. Their decline began 60 years after [[Ashoka]]'s rule ended, leading to the [[Hellenistic]] reconquest by the [[Greco-Bactrians]]. Much of it soon broke away and became part of the [[Indo-Greek Kingdom]]. They were defeated and expelled by the [[Indo-Scythians]] in the late 2nd century BCE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Afghanistan.pdf |title=Country Profile: Afghanistan |publisher=[[Library of Congress Country Studies]] on Afghanistan | date=August 2008 |access-date=10 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408085103/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Afghanistan.pdf |archive-date=8 April 2014}}</ref>{{sfn|Runion|2007|page=44}} The [[Silk Road]] appeared during the first century BCE, and Afghanistan flourished with trade, with routes to China, India, Persia, and north to the cities of [[Bukhara]], [[Samarkand]], and [[Khiva]] in present-day Uzbekistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://unama.unmissions.org/afghanistan-and-silk-road-land-heart-world-trade-bijan-omrani|title='Afghanistan and the Silk Road: The land at the heart of world trade' by Bijan Omrani|date=8 March 2010|website=UNAMA|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816022140/https://unama.unmissions.org/afghanistan-and-silk-road-land-heart-world-trade-bijan-omrani|url-status=live}}</ref> Goods and ideas were exchanged at this center point, such as Chinese silk, Persian silver and Roman gold, while the region of present Afghanistan was mining and trading [[lapis lazuli]] stones<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/countries-alongside-silk-road-routes/afghanistan|title=Afghanistan – Silk Roads Programme|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618032829/https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/countries-alongside-silk-road-routes/afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref> mainly from the [[Badakhshan]] region.

During the first century BCE, the [[Parthian Empire]] subjugated the region but lost it to their [[Indo-Parthian]] vassals. In the mid-to-late first century CE the vast [[Kushan Empire]], centered in Afghanistan, became great patrons of Buddhist culture, making [[Buddhism]] flourish throughout the region. The Kushans were overthrown by the [[Sassanids]] in the 3rd century CE, though the [[Indo-Sassanids]] continued to rule at least parts of the region. They were followed by the [[Kidarite]]s who, in turn, was replaced by the [[Hephthalites]]. They were replaced by the [[Turk Shahi]] in the 7th century. The Buddhist Turk Shahi of Kabul was replaced by a Hindu dynasty before the Saffarids conquered the area in 870; this Hindu dynasty was called [[Hindu Shahi]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Wink|first=André|title=Al-Hind, the Making of the Indo-Islamic World: Early Medieval India and the Expansion of Islam 7Th-11th Centuries|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g2m7_R5P2oAC&pg=PA125|year=2002|publisher=BRILL|isbn=0-391-04173-8|page=125|access-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201142728/https://books.google.com/books?id=g2m7_R5P2oAC&pg=PA125|archive-date=1 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Much of the northeastern and southern areas of the country remained dominated by [[Buddhist]] culture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alamahabibi.com/English%20Articles/Afghan_and_Afghanistan.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023100306/http://www.alamahabibi.com/English%20Articles/Afghan_and_Afghanistan.htm|archive-date=23 October 2008 |title=Afghan and Afghanistan |work=[[Abdul Hai Habibi]]|publisher=alamahabibi.com|year=1969|access-date=17 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Charles Higham|title=Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H1c1UIEVH9gC&pg=PA141|year=2014|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-0996-1|page=141}}</ref>

=== Medieval period ===
{{Main|Muslim conquests of Afghanistan|Mongol campaigns in Central Asia|Ghaznavid campaigns in India}}

[[File:Ghurid Empire according to Schwartzberg Atlas, p.147.png|thumb|right|The [[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurids]] originated from [[Ghor Province]] in central Afghanistan.]]

[[Arab]] [[Muslim]]s brought Islam to [[Herat]] and [[Zaranj]] in 642 CE and began spreading eastward; some of the native inhabitants they encountered accepted it while others revolted. Before the [[Islamic conquest of Afghanistan|arrival of Islam]], the region used to be home to various beliefs and cults, often resulting in [[Syncretism]] between the dominant religions<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Weber|first1=Olivier|url=|title=Eternal Afghanistan|last2=Unesco|date=2002|publisher=Chêne|isbn=978-92-3-103850-1|quote=Gradually there emerged a fabulous syncretism between the Hellenistic world and the Buddhist universe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Grenet|first=Grenet|title=Zoroastriansm among the Kushans|year=2016}}</ref> such as [[Zoroastrianism]],<ref name="Gnoli-1989"/><ref name="Gnoli-1989a"/><ref name="ARACHOSIA – Encyclopaedia Iranica"/> Buddhism or [[Greco-Buddhism]], [[Ancient Iranian religion]]s,<ref name="Allen">{{Cite book|last=Allen|first=Charles|url=|title=The Search For Shangri-La: A Journey into Tibetan History|date=5 November 2015|publisher=Little, Brown Book Group|isbn=978-0-349-14218-0|quote=With Aurmuzd, Sroshard, Narasa and Mihr, we are on safer ground because all are Zoroastrian deities: Aurmuzd is the supreme god of light, Ahura Mazda; and Mihr, the sun god, is linked with the Iranian Mithra. Exactly the same non-Buddhist[...]}}</ref> [[Hinduism]], Christianity,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gorder|first1=A. Christian Van|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FeHAxxEpe-cC&q=nestorian+christians+Afghanistan&pg=PA34|title=Christianity in Persia and the Status of Non-muslims in Iran|date=2010|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-7391-3609-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kennedy|first1=Hugh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pk7BS9XC10QC&q=Zaranj+christians+Afghanistan&pg=PT127|title=The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In|date=9 December 2010|publisher=Orion|isbn=978-0-297-86559-9|quote=.. when the patriarch at Ctesiphon had to broker a compromise that left one bishop at the capital Zaranj and another further east at Bust, now in southern Afghanistan. A Christian text composed in about 850 also records a monastery of ...}}</ref> and Judaism.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Yossef|first1=Noam Bar'am-Ben|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wVMwAAAAYAAJ&q=Judaism+in+Afghanistan+ghor|title=Brides and Betrothals: Jewish Wedding Rituals in Afghanistan|date=1998|publisher=Israel Museum|isbn=978-965-278-223-6|quote=The Jews of Afghanistan According to tradition, the first Jews reached ... in Hebrew script found in the Tang - e Azao Valley in the Ghor region ...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Ende|first1=Werner|title=Islam in the World Today: A Handbook of Politics, Religion, Culture, and Society|last2=Steinbach|first2=Udo|date=15 April 2010|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=978-0-8014-6489-8|page=257|quote=At the time of the first Muslim advances, numerous local natural religions were competing with Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Hinduism in the territory of modern Afghanistan.}}</ref> An exemplification of the syncretism in the region would be that people were patrons of Buddhism but still worshipped local Iranian gods such as [[Ahura Mazda]], [[Nana (Kushan goddess)|Lady Nana]], [[Anahita]] or [[Mithra|Mihr (Mithra)]] and portrayed [[Greek mythology|Greek gods]] as protectors of Buddha.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Adrych|first1=Philippa|url=|title=Images of Mithra|last2=coins)|first2=Robert Bracey (Writer on|last3=Dalglish|first3=Dominic|last4=Lenk|first4=Stefanie|last5=Wood|first5=Rachel|date=2017|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-879253-6|quote=The Rabatak inscription includes Miiro amongst a list of gods: Nana, Ahura Mazda, and Narasa. All of these gods likely had images dedicated at the Bagolaggo, presumably alongside statues of Kanishka}}</ref><ref name="Allen"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Allen|first=Charles|url=|title=The Search For Shangri-La: A Journey into Tibetan History|date=5 November 2015|publisher=Little, Brown Book Group|isbn=978-0-349-14218-0|quote=The two most important deities are goddesses: one is the lady Nana', daughter of the moon god and sister of the sun god, the Kushan form of Anahita, Zoroastrian goddess of fertility}}</ref> The [[Zunbils]] and Kabul Shahi were first conquered in 870 CE by the [[Saffarid dynasty|Saffarid]] Muslims of Zaranj. Later, the [[Samanids]] extended their Islamic influence south of the Hindu Kush. The [[Ghaznavids]] rose to power in the 10th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=80201012&ct=98 |title=A.—The Hindu Kings of Kábul |work=Sir H. M. Elliot |publisher=[[Packard Humanities Institute]] |location=London |date=1867–1877 |access-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408220905/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=80201012&ct=98 |archive-date=8 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=16301012&ct=16 |title=The Geographical Part of the NUZHAT-AL-QULUB |author =Hamd-Allah Mustawfi of Qazwin |work=Translated by Guy Le Strange |publisher=[[Packard Humanities Institute]] |year=1340 |access-date=19 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726144951/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=16301012&ct=16 |archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=80201012&ct=100 |title=A.—The Hindu Kings of Kábul (p.3) |work=Sir H. M. Elliot |publisher=[[Packard Humanities Institute]] |location=London |date=1867–1877 |access-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726133107/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=80201012&ct=100 |archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref>

By the 11th century, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] had defeated the remaining Hindu rulers and effectively [[Islamized]] the wider region,{{sfn|Ewans|2002|page=22–23}} with the exception of [[Kafiristan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nuristan.info/Nuristani/Nuristanis1.html|title=Richard Strand's Nuristân Site: Peoples and Languages of Nuristan|author=Richard F. Strand|date=31 December 2005|work=nuristan.info|author-link=Richard Strand|access-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401180243/http://nuristan.info/Nuristani/Nuristanis1.html|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Mahmud made [[Ghazni]] into an important city and patronized intellectuals such as the historian [[al-Biruni]] and the poet [[Ferdowsi]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan: A Country Study|date=1986|publisher=Foreign Area Studies, The American University|editor1=Richard Nyrop|editor2=Donald Seekins|page=10}}</ref> The [[Ghaznavid dynasty]] was [[Siege of Lahore (1186)|overthrown by the Ghurids in 1186]], whose architectural achievements included the remote [[Minaret of Jam]]. The Ghurids controlled Afghanistan for less than a century before being conquered by the [[Khwarazmian dynasty]] in 1215.{{sfn|Ewans|2002|page=23}}

[[File:Genghis Khan empire-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Mongol invasions and conquests]]]]

In 1219 CE, [[Genghis Khan]] and his [[Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire|Mongol army overran the region]]. His troops are said to have annihilated the Khwarazmian cities of Herat and [[Balkh]] as well as [[Siege of Bamyan|Bamyan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://faculty.washington.edu/modelski/CAWC.htm |title=Central Asian world cities |publisher=Faculty.washington.edu |date=29 September 2007 |access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723185841/https://faculty.washington.edu/modelski/CAWC.htm |archive-date=23 July 2013}}</ref> The destruction caused by the Mongols forced many locals to return to an agrarian rural society.<ref>{{cite news |last=Page |first=Susan |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-02-17-afghanistan-forces_N.htm |title=Obama's war: Deploying 17,000 raises stakes in Afghanistan |work=[[USA Today]] |date=18 February 2009 |access-date=19 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513040037/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-02-17-afghanistan-forces_N.htm |archive-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mongol rule continued with the [[Ilkhanate]] in the northwest while the [[Khalji dynasty]] administered the Afghan tribal areas south of the Hindu Kush until the invasion of [[Timur]] (aka Tamerlane), who established the [[Timurid Empire]] in 1370. Under the rule of [[Shah Rukh]], the city of Herat<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dale |first=Stephen Frederic |year=1998 |title=The Legacy of the Timurids |journal=Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=43–58 |doi=10.1017/S1356186300016424 |jstor=25183465 |s2cid=154120015 |issn=1356-1863 }}</ref> served as the focal point of the [[Timurid Renaissance]], whose glory matched [[Florence]] of the [[Italian Renaissance]] as the center of a cultural rebirth.<ref>Periods of World History: A Latin American Perspective – Page 129</ref><ref>The Empire of the Steppes: A History of Central Asia – Page 465</ref>

In the early 16th century [[Babur]] arrived from [[Ferghana]] and captured Kabul from the [[Arghun dynasty]].{{sfn|Barfield|2012|pp=92–93}} Babur would go on to conquer the Afghan [[Lodi dynasty]] who had ruled the Delhi Sultanate in the [[First Battle of Panipat]].{{sfn|Barfield|2012|pp=75}} Between the 16th and 18th century, the Uzbek [[Khanate of Bukhara]], Iranian [[Safavids]], and Indian [[Mughals]] ruled parts of the territory.{{sfn|Dupree|1997|pp=319, 321}} During the medieval period, the northwestern area of Afghanistan was referred to by the regional name [[Greater Khorasan|Khorasan]], which was commonly used up to the 19th century among natives to describe their country.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ziaeDwAAQBAJ&q=elphinstone+khorasan&pg=PA128|title=Mountstuart Elphinstone in South Asia: Pioneer of British Colonial Rule|first=Shah Mahmoud|last=Hanifi|date=15 July 2019|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-091440-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJQ3AAAAIAAJ |chapter=Khurasan |title=The Encyclopaedia of Islam |page=55 |quote=In pre-Islamic and early Islamic times, the term "Khurassan" frequently had a much wider denotation, covering also parts of what are now Soviet Central Asia and Afghanistan |publisher=Brill |year=2009 |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=25 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225074807/https://books.google.com/books?id=cJQ3AAAAIAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Travels in Asia and Africa, 1325–1354 |last1=Ibn Battuta |edition=reprint, illustrated |year=2004 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-34473-9 |page=416 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zKqn_CWTxYEC&pg=PA180|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416132656/https://books.google.com/books?id=zKqn_CWTxYEC&pg=PA180 |archive-date=16 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=80201016&ct=199 |title=The History of India |volume=6 |chapter=Chapter 200: Translation of the Introduction to Firishta's History |page=8 |access-date=22 August 2010 |author=Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah |others=Sir H. M. Elliot |publisher=Packard Humanities Institute |location=London |year=1560|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726121158/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/pf?file=80201016&ct=199 |archive-date=26 July 2013 |author-link=Firishta}}</ref>

=== Hotak dynasty ===
{{Main|Hotak dynasty}}

[[File:Mapofthehotaks1728.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Map of the Hotak Empire at its height in 1728, disputed between [[Hussain Hotak]] (centered in Kandahar) and [[Ashraf Hotak]] (centered in Isfahan)]]

In 1709, [[Mirwais Hotak]], a local [[Ghilzai]] tribal leader, successfully rebelled against the Safavids. He defeated [[Gurgin Khan]], the Georgian governor of Kandahar under the Safavids, and established his own kingdom.<ref name="Browne">{{cite web|url=http://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D90001014%26ct%3D29 |title=A Literary History of Persia, Volume 4: Modern Times (1500–1924), Chapter IV. An Outline of the History Of Persia During The Last Two Centuries (A.D. 1722–1922) |author=Edward G. Browne |publisher=[[Packard Humanities Institute]] |access-date=9 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726142425/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D90001014&ct=29 |archive-date=26 July 2013 }}</ref> Mirwais died in 1715, and was succeeded by his brother [[Abdul Aziz Hotak|Abdul Aziz]], who was soon killed by Mirwais's son [[Mahmud Hotak|Mahmud]] for possibly planning to sign a peace with the Safavids. Mahmud led the Afghan army in 1722 to the Persian capital of [[Isfahan]], and captured the city after the [[Battle of Gulnabad]] and proclaimed himself King of Persia.<ref name="Browne" /> The Afghan dynasty was ousted from Persia by [[Nader Shah]] after the 1729 [[Battle of Damghan (1729)|Battle of Damghan]].

In 1738, Nader Shah and his [[Afsharid dynasty|forces]] captured Kandahar in the [[siege of Kandahar]], the last Hotak stronghold, from Shah [[Hussain Hotak]]. Soon after, the Persian and Afghan forces [[Nader Shah's invasion of India|invaded India]], Nader Shah had plundered Delhi, alongside his 16-year-old commander, [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]] who had assisted him on these campaigns. Nader Shah was assassinated in 1747.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/10162/Ahmad-Shah-Durrani |title=Ahmad Shah Durrani |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica Online |access-date=9 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404104909/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/10162/Ahmad-Shah-Durrani |archive-date=4 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1857/afghanistan/index.htm |title=Afghanistan |access-date=25 August 2010 |author =Friedrich Engels |work=[[Andy Blunden]] |publisher=The New American Cyclopaedia, Vol. I |year=1857|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427034439/http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1857/afghanistan/index.htm |archive-date=27 April 2014 |author-link=Friedrich Engels}}</ref>

=== Durrani Empire ===
{{Main|Durrani Empire}}

{{See also|Ahmad Shah Durrani}}

Ahmad Shah had launched two campaigns into Khorasan, 1750–1751 and 1754–1755.<ref>{{cite book|last=Noelle-Karimi|first=Christine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kdl9oAEACAAJ|title=The Pearl in Its Midst: Herat and the Mapping of Khurasan (15th–19th Centuries)|date=2014|publisher=Austrian Academy of Sciences Press|isbn=978-3-7001-7202-4|archive-date=7 June 2025|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607005907/https://books.google.com/books?id=Kdl9oAEACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Portrait of Ahmad-Shah Durrani. Mughal miniature. ca. 1757, Bibliothèque nationale de France.jpg|thumb|left|Portrait of [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]], {{Circa|1757}}]]

=== Barakzai dynasty and British wars ===
{{Further|Dost Mohammad Khan|Herat (1793–1863)|Maimana Khanate|Principality of Kandahar|European influence in Afghanistan|Anglo-Afghan Wars|Durand Line|Afghan Civil War (1928–1929)}}
[[File:Map of Afghanistan March 1839.png|thumb|300px|Map of Afghanistan ([[Emirate of Afghanistan|Emirate]]) and surrounding nations in 1839, during the [[First Anglo-Afghan War]]. [[Dost Mohammad Khan]]'s realm can be seen as the Emirate of Kabul, with the [[Principality of Qandahar]] and the [[Emirate of Herat]] seen as well.]]

By the early 19th century, the Afghan empire was under threat from the [[Qajar dynasty|Persians]] in the west and the [[Sikh Empire]] in the east. [[Fateh Khan Barakzai|Fateh Khan]], leader of the [[Barakzai dynasty|Barakzai tribe]], installed many of his brothers in positions of power throughout the empire. Fateh Khan was [[Torture and Execution of Fateh Khan Barakzai|brutally murdered]] in 1818 by [[Mahmud Shah Durrani|Mahmud Shah]]. As a result, the brothers of Fateh Khan and the [[Barakzai]] tribe rebelled, and a civil war brewed. During this turbulent period, Afghanistan fractured into many states, including the [[Principality of Qandahar]], [[Herat (1793–1863)|Emirate of Herat]], [[Kunduz Khanate|Khanate of Qunduz]], [[Maimana Khanate]], and numerous other warring polities. The most prominent state was the [[Emirate of Afghanistan|Emirate of Kabul]], ruled by [[Dost Mohammad Khan]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander the Great to the War against the Taliban |last=Tanner |first=Stephen |year=2009 |publisher=Da Capo Press |isbn=978-0-306-81826-4 |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=J3pUS_-uD-oC |page=126}} |page=126}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Lee|first=Jonathan L.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kSWDDwAAQBAJ|title=Afghanistan: A History from 1260 to the Present|date=15 January 2019|publisher=Reaktion Books|isbn=978-1-78914-010-1|archive-date=12 January 2025|access-date=24 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112125810/https://books.google.com/books?id=kSWDDwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Wazir Akbar Khan|Akbar Khan]] and the Afghan army failed to capture the [[Jamrud Fort]] from the [[Sikh Khalsa Army]], but killed Sikh commander [[Hari Singh Nalwa]], thus ending the [[Afghan-Sikh Wars]].<ref>{{cite book |title=History of Civilizations of Central Asia: Development in contrast: from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century |last=Chahryar |first=Adle |year=2003 |publisher=UNESCO |isbn=978-92-3-103876-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AzG5llo3YCMC&pg=PA296|page=296}}</ref>

[[File:Afghan foot soldiers in 1841.jpg|thumb|[[Pashtun tribes|Afghan tribesmen]] in 1841, painted by British officer [[James Rattray]]]]

In 1893, Abdur Rahman signed an agreement in which the ethnic Pashtun and [[Baloch people|Baloch]] territories were divided by the [[Durand Line]], which forms the modern-day border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. [[Shia Islam in Afghanistan|Shia]]-dominated [[Hazarajat]] and pagan [[Kafiristan]] remained politically independent until being [[Muslim conquests of Afghanistan|conquered]] by Abdur Rahman Khan in 1891–1896. He was known as the "Iron Amir" for his features and his ruthless methods against tribes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghan-women-hope-more-gains-under-new-administration|title=Afghan Women Hope for More Gains Under New Administration – Afghanistan|website=ReliefWeb|date=22 October 2014|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822163517/https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghan-women-hope-more-gains-under-new-administration|url-status=live}}</ref> He died in 1901, succeeded by his son, [[Habibullah Khan]].{{blockquote|How can a small power like Afghanistan, which is like a goat between these lions [Britain and Russia] or a grain of wheat between two strong millstones of the grinding mill, stand in the midway of the stones without being ground to dust?|author=[[Abdur Rahman Khan]], the "Iron Amir", in 1900<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://countrystudies.us/afghanistan/2.htm|title=Afghanistan – HISTORY|website=Country Studies US|access-date=25 February 2023|archive-date=25 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225072910/https://countrystudies.us/afghanistan/2.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=REwmr2bFYfkC&pg=PA2 |title=Afghanistan: The Soviet Invasion in Perspective |isbn=978-0-8179-8213-3 |last1=Arnold |first1=Anthony |date=June 1985 |publisher=Hoover Press}}</ref>}}

During the [[First World War]], when Afghanistan was neutral, Habibullah Khan was met by officials of the [[Central Powers]] in the [[Niedermayer–Hentig Expedition]]. They called on Afghanistan to declare full independence from the United Kingdom, join them and attack British India, as part of the [[Hindu–German Conspiracy]]. The effort to bring Afghanistan into the Central Powers failed, but it sparked discontent among the population about maintaining neutrality with the British. Habibullah was assassinated in February 1919, and [[Amanullah Khan]] eventually assumed power. A staunch supporter of the 1915–1916 expeditions, Amanullah Khan invaded British India, beginning the [[Third Anglo-Afghan War]], and entering British India via the [[Khyber Pass]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Afghanistan in the Great War|first=Christopher|last=Wyatt|date=2 September 2015|journal=Asian Affairs|volume=46|issue=3|pages=387–410|doi=10.1080/03068374.2015.1081001|s2cid = 159788830}}</ref>

[[File:King Amanullah standing.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Amanullah Khan]] proclaimed himself [[King of Afghanistan]] in June 1926.]]

Following the end of the Third Anglo-Afghan War and the signing of the [[Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919|Treaty of Rawalpindi]] on 19 August 1919, [[Emir of Afghanistan|Emir]] Amanullah Khan declared the [[Emirate of Afghanistan]] a [[sovereign state|sovereign]] and fully [[independent state]]. He moved to end his country's traditional isolation by establishing diplomatic relations with the international community, particularly with the [[Soviet Union]] and the [[Weimar Republic]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pj8DIT_bva0C&pg=PA42|title=The Origins of Conflict in Afghanistan|first=Jeffery J.|last=Roberts|date=14 June 2003|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-97878-5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title='Drang Nach Osten' Continued? Germany and Afghanistan during the Weimar Republic|last=Nicosia |first= Francis R.|year=1997|journal=Journal of Contemporary History|volume=32|issue=2|pages=235–257|doi = 10.1177/002200949703200207|jstor = 261243|s2cid = 160565967}}</ref> He proclaimed himself [[King of Afghanistan]] on 9 June 1926, forming the [[Kingdom of Afghanistan]]. He introduced several reforms intended to modernize his nation. A key force behind these reforms was [[Mahmud Tarzi]], an ardent supporter of the education of women. He fought for Article 68 of Afghanistan's 1923 [[constitution of Afghanistan|constitution]], which implemented compulsory elementary education. [[Slavery]] was abolished in 1923.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | year = 1976| volume = 25| encyclopedia = [[Encyclopedia Americana]]|publisher=Americana Corporation | page = 24 |title=Afghanistan }}</ref> King Amanullah's wife, [[Soraya Tarzi|Queen Soraya]], was an important figure during this period in the fight for women's education and against their oppression.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 September 2020|title=Queen Soraya of Afghanistan: A woman ahead of her time|url=https://arab.news/5hdva|access-date=3 July 2021|website=Arab News|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830214955/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1732666/world|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some of the reforms, such as the abolition of the traditional [[burqa]] for women and the opening of co-educational schools, alienated many tribal and religious leaders, leading to the [[Afghan Civil War (1928–1929)]]. King Amanullah abdicated in January 1929, and soon after Kabul fell to [[Saqqawists|Saqqawist]] forces led by [[Habibullah Kalakani]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A4_jAAAAMAAJ|title=Kabul under siege: Fayz Muhammad's account of the 1929 Uprising|last1=Muḥammad|first1=Fayz̤|last2=McChesney|first2=R. D.|date=1999|publisher=Markus Wiener Publishers|isbn=978-1-55876-154-4|pages=39, 40|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404143046/https://books.google.nl/books?id=A4_jAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mohammad Nadir Shah]], Amanullah's cousin, defeated and killed Kalakani in October 1929, and was declared King Nadir Shah.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A4_jAAAAMAAJ|title=Kabul under siege: Fayz Muhammad's account of the 1929 Uprising|last1=Muḥammad|first1=Fayz̤|last2=McChesney|first2=R. D.|date=1999|publisher=Markus Wiener Publishers|isbn=978-1-55876-154-4|pages=275, 276|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404143046/https://books.google.nl/books?id=A4_jAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He abandoned the reforms of King Amanullah in favor of a more gradual approach to modernization, but was assassinated in 1933 by [[Abdul Khaliq Hazara (assassin)|Abdul Khaliq]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Culture and customs of Afghanistan |last1=Hafizullah |first1=Emadi |year=2005 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=0-313-33089-1 |page=35 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bY8ck6iktikC&pg=PA35 |access-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225052702/https://books.google.com/books?id=bY8ck6iktikC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA35 |archive-date=25 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mohammed Zahir Shah succeeded to the throne and reigned as king from 1933 to 1973. During the [[Afghan tribal revolts of 1944–1947|tribal revolts of 1944–1947]], King Zahir's reign was challenged by [[Zadran (Pashtun tribe)|Zadran]], [[Safi (tribe)|Safi]], [[Mangal (Pashtun tribe)|Mangal]], and [[Wazir (Pashtun tribe)|Wazir]] tribesmen led by [[Mazrak Zadran]], [[Salemai]], and [[Faqir of Ipi]], among others – many of whom were [[Amanullah loyalism|Amanullah loyalists]]. Afghanistan joined the [[League of Nations]] in 1934. In the 1930s, the country experienced significant development of roads, infrastructure, the founding of a [[Da Afghanistan Bank|national bank]], and increased education. Road links in the north played a large part in a growing cotton and textile industry.<ref name="Eur2002"/> The country built close relationships with the [[Axis powers]], with [[Nazi Germany]] having the largest share in Afghan development at the time.<ref>{{cite book|author=Anthony Hyman|title=Afghanistan under Soviet Domination, 1964–91|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nvO-DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|date=27 July 2016|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-349-21948-3|page=46}}</ref>

[[File:Portrait of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan in 1963.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Mohammed Zahir Shah|King Zahir]], the last reigning monarch of Afghanistan, who reigned from 1933 until 1973]]

Until 1946, King Zahir ruled with the assistance of his uncle, who held the post of [[Prime Minister of Afghanistan|prime minister]] and continued the policies of Nadir Shah. Another uncle, [[Shah Mahmud Khan]], became prime minister in 1946 and experimented with allowing greater political freedom. He was replaced in 1953 by [[Mohammed Daoud Khan]], a Pashtun nationalist who sought the creation of a [[Pashtunistan]], leading to highly tense relations with Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1103837.html|title=Afghanistan: History Of 1973 Coup Sheds Light On Relations With Pakistan|access-date=6 July 2019|date=18 July 2003|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|author=Ron Synovitz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626230602/https://www.rferl.org/a/1103837.html|archive-date=26 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Daoud Khan pressed for social modernization reforms and sought a closer relationship with the Soviet Union. Afterward, the [[1964 Constitution of Afghanistan|1964 constitution]] was formed, and the first non-royal prime minister was sworn in.<ref name="Eur2002">{{cite book|author=Eur|title=The Far East and Australasia 2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LclscNCTz9oC&pg=PA62|year=2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-1-85743-133-9|page=62}}</ref>

Zahir Shah, like his father Nadir Shah, had a policy of maintaining national independence while pursuing gradual modernization, creating nationalist feeling, and improving relations with the United Kingdom. Afghanistan was neither a participant in [[World War II]] nor aligned with either power bloc in the [[Cold War]]. However, it was a beneficiary of the latter rivalry as both the Soviet Union and the United States vied for influence by building Afghanistan's main highways, airports, and other vital infrastructure. On a per capita basis, Afghanistan received more Soviet [[development aid]] than any other country. In 1973, while the King was in Italy, Daoud Khan launched a [[1973 Afghan coup|bloodless coup]] and became the first [[president of Afghanistan]], abolishing the monarchy.

=== Democratic Republic and Soviet War ===
{{Main|Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|Soviet–Afghan War|Afghan Civil War (1989–1992)}}

{{Further|History of Afghanistan (1978–1992)}}
[[File:Afgan1987 Gardez UAZ469.jpg|thumb|Soviet troops in [[Gardez]], Afghanistan, in 1987]]

In April 1978, the communist [[People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan]] (PDPA) seized power in a bloody coup d'état against then-President [[Mohammed Daoud Khan]], in what is called the [[Saur Revolution]]. The PDPA declared the establishment of the [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]], with its first leader named as [[People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan|People's Democratic Party]] General Secretary [[Nur Muhammad Taraki]].{{sfn|Ewans|2002|page=186–88}} This would trigger a series of events that would dramatically turn Afghanistan from a peaceful (albeit poor and secluded) country to a hotbed of conflict and terrorism.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U0FvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR16|title=Afghanistan War: A Documentary and Reference Guide|first=Ryan|last=Wadle|date=1 October 2018|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-4408-5747-8}}</ref> The PDPA initiated various social, symbolic, and land distribution reforms that provoked strong opposition, while also brutally oppressing political dissidents. This caused unrest and quickly expanded into a state of [[Afghan conflict|civil war]] by 1979, waged by guerrilla ''[[mujahideen]]'' (and smaller [[Maoist]] guerrillas) against regime forces countrywide. It quickly turned into a [[proxy war]] as the Pakistani government provided these rebels with covert training centers, the United States [[Operation Cyclone|supported]] them through Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI),<ref>{{cite book |last=Meher |first=Jagmohan |title=America's Afghanistan War: The Success that Failed |publisher=Gyan Books |year=2004 |pages=68–69, 94 |isbn=978-81-7835-262-6}}</ref> and the Soviet Union sent thousands of military advisers to support the PDPA regime.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hussain |first=Rizwan |title=Pakistan and the Emergence of Islamic Militancy in Afghanistan |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |year=2005 |pages=108–109 |isbn=978-0-7546-4434-7}}</ref> Meanwhile, there was increasingly hostile friction between the competing factions of the PDPA – the dominant [[Khalq]] and the more moderate [[Parcham]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan: A Modern History|publisher=[[I.B.Tauris]]|year=2005|isbn=978-1-85043-857-1|last=Rasanayagam |first= Angelo|page=[https://archive.org/details/afghanistan00ange/page/73 73]|url=https://archive.org/details/afghanistan00ange|url-access=registration|access-date=31 May 2019}}</ref>

In October 1979, PDPA General Secretary Taraki was assassinated in an internal coup orchestrated by then-prime minister [[Hafizullah Amin]], who became the new general secretary of the PDPA. The situation in the country deteriorated under Amin, and thousands of people went missing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/83854.stm|title=Afghanistan: 20 years of bloodshed|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=26 April 1998|access-date=4 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217184807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/83854.stm|archive-date=17 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Displeased with Amin's government, the [[Soviet Armed Forces|Soviet Army]] invaded the country in December 1979, heading for Kabul and killing Amin.{{sfn|Barfield|2012|page=234}} A Soviet-organized regime, led by Parcham's [[Babrak Karmal]] but inclusive of both factions (Parcham and Khalq), filled the vacuum. Soviet troops in more substantial numbers were deployed to stabilize Afghanistan under Karmal, marking the beginning of the [[Soviet–Afghan War]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kalinovsky |first=Artemy M. |title=A Long Goodbye: The Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=2011 |pages=25–28 |isbn=978-0-674-05866-8}}</ref> Lasting nine years, the war caused the deaths of between 562,000<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lacina|first1=Bethany|last2=Gleditsch|first2=Nils Petter|url=http://www.bethanylacina.com/LacinaGleditsch_newdata.pdf|title=Monitoring Trends in Global Combat: A New Dataset of Battle Deaths|journal=European Journal of Population|volume=21|issue=2–3|year=2005|page=154|doi=10.1007/s10680-005-6851-6|s2cid=14344770|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006175909/http://www.bethanylacina.com/LacinaGleditsch_newdata.pdf|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=usurped}}</ref> and 2 million Afghans,{{efn|Attributed to multiple sources: <ref>{{cite book|url=http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft7b69p12h;brand=ucpress|title=The Soviet Invasion and the Afghan Response, 1979–1982|last=Kakar|first=Mohammed|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-20893-3|quote=The Afghans are among the latest victims of genocide by a superpower. Large numbers of Afghans were killed to suppress resistance to the army of the Soviet Union, which wished to vindicate its client regime and realize its goal in Afghanistan.|date=3 March 1997|access-date=7 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106175142/http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft7b69p12h;brand=ucpress|archive-date=6 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2chrSJCW54C&pg=PA129|title=The Widening Circle of Genocide|last=Klass|first=Rosanne|publisher=Transaction Publishers|year=1994|isbn=978-1-4128-3965-5|page=129|quote=During the intervening fourteen years of Communist rule, an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Afghan civilians were killed by Soviet forces and their proxies- the four Communist regimes in Kabul, and the East Germans, Bulgarians, Czechs, Cubans, Palestinians, Indians and others who assisted them. These were not battle casualties or the unavoidable civilian victims of warfare. Soviet and local Communist forces seldom attacked the scattered guerilla bands of the Afghan Resistance except, in a few strategic locales like the Panjsher valley. Instead they deliberately targeted the civilian population, primarily in the rural areas.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paulbogdanor.com/left/afghan/genocide.pdf|title=Genocide and the Soviet Occupation of Afghanistan|last1=Reisman|first1=W. Michael|last2=Norchi|first2=Charles H.|access-date=7 January 2017|quote=According to widely reported accounts, substantial programmes of depopulation have been conducted in these Afghan provinces: Ghazni, Nagarhar, Lagham, Qandahar, Zabul, Badakhshan, Lowgar, Paktia, Paktika and Kunar...There is considerable evidence that genocide has been committed against the Afghan people by the combined forces of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and the Soviet Union.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026182528/http://www.paulbogdanor.com/left/afghan/genocide.pdf|archive-date=26 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/afghanistansendl00good|url-access=registration|title=Afghanistan's Endless War: State Failure, Regional Politics, and the Rise of the Taliban|last=Goodson|first=Larry P.|publisher=University of Washington Press|year=2001|isbn=978-0-295-98050-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/afghanistansendl00good/page/5 5]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYUzL1qhltA |title=Soldiers of God: Cold War (Part 1/5) |publisher=[[CNN]]|year=1998 |access-date=11 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708042702/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYUzL1qhltA&feature=related |archive-date=8 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[[UNICEF]], [http://www.unicef.org/graca/mines.htm Land-mines: A deadly inheritance] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805102916/http://www.unicef.org/graca/mines.htm | date=5 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Landmines-in-Afghanistan-A-Decades-Old-Danger-06143/ |title=Landmines in Afghanistan: A Decades Old Danger |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com | date=1 February 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111130437/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Landmines-in-Afghanistan-A-Decades-Old-Danger-06143/ |archive-date=11 January 2014 }}</ref>}} and displaced about 6 million people who subsequently fled Afghanistan, mainly to Pakistan and Iran.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/prm/releases/onepagers/202635.htm |title=Refugee Admissions Program for Near East and South Asia |publisher=Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration |access-date=29 December 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028213336/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/prm/releases/onepagers/202635.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heavy air bombardment destroyed many countryside villages, millions of [[landmine]]s were planted,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1051546.html|title=Afghanistan: Land Mines From Afghan-Soviet War Leave Bitter Legacy (Part 2)|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|last1=Recknagel|first1=Charles|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814144505/https://www.rferl.org/a/1051546.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and some cities such as Herat and Kandahar were also damaged from bombardment. After the [[Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan|Soviet withdrawal]], another [[Afghan Civil War (1989-92)|civil war ensued]] until the communist regime under PDPA leader [[Mohammad Najibullah]] collapsed in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0856490.html |title=Afghanistan: History – ''Columbia Encyclopedia'' |publisher=Infoplease.com | date=11 September 2001 |access-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810051626/http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0856490.html |archive-date=10 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.prio.org/utility/Download.ashx?x=228 'Mujahidin vs. Communists: Revisiting the battles of Jalalabad and Khost] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802084503/https://www.prio.org/utility/Download.ashx?x=228 |date=2 August 2018 }}. By Anne Stenersen: a Paper presented at the conference ''COIN in Afghanistan: From Mughals to the Americans'', Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), 12–13 February 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2018.</ref>{{sfn|Barfield|2012|pp=239, 244}}

The Soviet–Afghan War had drastic social effects on Afghanistan. The militarization of society led to heavily armed police, private bodyguards, openly armed civil defense groups, and the like becoming the norm in Afghanistan for decades thereafter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Archived Version|url=http://prr.hec.gov.pk/jspui/bitstream/123456789/6891/1/Aqab_Mehmood_Malik_Strategic_%26_Nuclear_Studies_2015_NDU_19.05.2016.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909110438/http://prr.hec.gov.pk/jspui/bitstream/123456789/6891/1/Aqab_Mehmood_Malik_Strategic_%26_Nuclear_Studies_2015_NDU_19.05.2016.pdf|archive-date=9 September 2020|website=prr.hec.gov.pk}}</ref> The traditional power structure had shifted from the clergy, community elders, intelligentsia, and military in favor of powerful [[warlords]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft7b69p12h;chunk.id=0;doc.view=print|title=Afghanistan|website=publishing.cdlib.org|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=21 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121200011/https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft7b69p12h;chunk.id=0;doc.view=print|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Post–Cold War conflict ===
{{See also|Afghan Civil War (1992–1996)|Afghan Civil War (1996–2001)|Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|Northern Alliance}}
[[File:War in Afganistan (1992–2001).png|thumb|upright=1.5|Development of the civil war from 1992 to late 2001]]

Another civil war broke out after the [[Peshawar Accords|creation]] of a dysfunctional coalition [[Islamic State of Afghanistan|government]] between leaders of various ''mujahideen'' factions. Amid a state of anarchy and factional infighting,<ref>{{cite book |last=Saikal |first=Amin |title=Modern Afghanistan: A History of Struggle and Survival |date=13 November 2004 |publisher=I.B. Tauris & Co Ltd., London New York |isbn=978-1-85043-437-5 |edition=2006 1st |page=352 |author-link=Amin Saikal}}</ref><ref name="Human Rights Watch-2005">{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2005/07/06/blood-stained-hands |title=Blood-Stained Hands, Past Atrocities in Kabul and Afghanistan's Legacy of Impunity |date=7 July 2005 |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212081418/http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2005/07/06/blood-stained-hands |archive-date=12 December 2009}}</ref><ref>GUTMAN, Roy (2008): How We Missed the Story: Osama bin Laden, the Taliban and the Hijacking of Afghanistan, Endowment of the United States Institute of Peace, 1st ed., Washington D.C.</ref> various ''mujahideen'' factions committed widespread rape, murder, and extortion,<ref name="Human Rights Watch-2005" /><ref>{{cite web |year=2005 |url=http://www.afghanistanjusticeproject.org/warcrimesandcrimesagainsthumanity19782001.pdf |title=Casting Shadows: War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity: 1978–2001 |publisher=Afghanistan Justice Project |access-date=16 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221455/http://www.afghanistanjusticeproject.org/warcrimesandcrimesagainsthumanity19782001.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Human Rights Watch-1998">{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/reports98/afghan/Afrepor0-01.htm#P81_13959 |title=Afghanistan: The massacre in Mazar-i Sharif. (Chapter II: Background) |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]]| date=November 1998| access-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102042606/http://www.hrw.org/reports98/afghan/Afrepor0-01.htm |archive-date=2 November 2008}}</ref> while Kabul was heavily bombarded and partially destroyed by the fighting.<ref name="Human Rights Watch-1998" /> Several failed reconciliations and alliances occurred between different leaders.<ref>{{cite web |year=2005 |url=http://www.afghanistanjusticeproject.org/warcrimesandcrimesagainsthumanity19782001.pdf |page=63|title=Casting Shadows: War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity: 1978–2001 |publisher=Afghanistan Justice Project |access-date=16 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221455/http://www.afghanistanjusticeproject.org/warcrimesandcrimesagainsthumanity19782001.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2013 }}</ref> The [[Taliban]] emerged in September 1994 as a movement and militia of students (''talib'') from Islamic [[Madrassas in Pakistan|madrassas (schools) in Pakistan]],<ref name="Human Rights Watch-1998" /><ref>Matinuddin, Kamal, ''The Taliban Phenomenon, Afghanistan 1994–1997'', [[Oxford University Press]], (1999), pp. 25–26</ref> who soon had military support from Pakistan.<ref name="George Washington University">{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB227/index.htm#17 |title=Documents Detail Years of Pakistani Support for Taliban, Extremists |publisher=[[George Washington University]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002159/http://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB227/index.htm |archive-date=3 December 2013 }}</ref>

Taking control of Kandahar city that year,<ref name="Human Rights Watch-1998" /> they conquered more territories until finally driving out the government of [[Burhanuddin Rabbani|Rabbani]] from Kabul in 1996,<ref>{{cite report |ref={{sfnRef|Chronology of Events|1997}} |title=Afghanistan: Chronology of Events January 1995 – February 1997 |date=February 1997 |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |url=https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/01/16/Af_chronology_1995-.pdf |access-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012061437/https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/01/16/Af_chronology_1995-.pdf |archive-date=12 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Coll, ''Ghost Wars'' (New York: Penguin, 2005), 14.</ref> where they established an [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|emirate]].<ref>[https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/profiles/Afghanistan.pdf Country profile: Afghanistan (published August 2008)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161206/https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/profiles/Afghanistan.pdf |date=25 June 2018 }}(page 3). Library of Congress. Retrieved 13 February 2018.</ref> The Taliban were condemned internationally for the harsh enforcement of their interpretation of Islamic [[sharia]] law, which resulted in the brutal treatment of many Afghans, especially [[Taliban treatment of women|women]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Skain|first=Rosemarie|title=The women of Afghanistan under the Taliban|year=2002|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-1090-3|page=41}}</ref><ref>* {{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-18-mn-5602-story.html |date=18 November 2001 |author1=James Gerstenzan |author2=Lisa Getter |title=Laura Bush Addresses State of Afghan Women |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=14 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010184219/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/nov/18/news/mn-5602 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/uncategorized/a-woman-among-warlords-womens-rights-in-the-taliban-and-post-taliban-eras/66/ |date=11 September 2007 |title=Women's Rights in the Taliban and Post-Taliban Eras |work=A Woman Among Warlords |publisher=[[PBS]] |access-date=14 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114011223/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/a-woman-among-warlords/womens-rights-in-the-taliban-and-post-taliban-eras/66/ |archive-date=14 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> During their rule, the Taliban and their allies committed massacres against Afghan civilians, denied UN food supplies to starving civilians, and conducted a policy of [[scorched earth]], burning vast areas of fertile land and destroying tens of thousands of homes.{{efn|Attributed to multiple sources: <ref>{{cite book|last=Rashid|first=Ahmed|title=Taliban: Islam, Oil and the New Great Game in Central Asia|year=2002|publisher=I.B.Tauris|isbn=978-1-86064-830-4|page=253}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/10/12/taliban-massacres-outlined-for-un/|title=Taliban massacres outlined for UN|date=October 2001|work=Chicago Tribune|first=Edward A|last=Gargan|access-date=24 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916074935/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-10-12/news/0110120312_1_taliban-fighters-massacres-in-recent-years-mullah-mohammed-omar|archive-date=16 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.papillonsartpalace.com/massacre.htm |title=Confidential UN report details mass killings of civilian villagers |access-date=12 October 2001 |work=Newsday |year=2001 |publisher=newsday.org |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021118162327/http://www.papillonsartpalace.com/massacre.htm |archive-date=18 November 2002 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8B4F98500EA0F8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |agency=[[Associated Press]]|title=U.N. says Taliban starving hungry people for military agenda |date=7 January 1998 |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913121938/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8B4F98500EA0F8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=13 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Goodson|first=Larry P.|title=Afghanistan's Endless War: State Failure, Regional Politics and the Rise of the Taliban|url=https://archive.org/details/afghanistansendl00good|url-access=registration|year=2002|publisher=University of Washington Press|isbn=978-0-295-98111-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/afghanistansendl00good/page/121 121]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/aug/afghanistan/ |publisher=[[NPR]]|title=Re-Creating Afghanistan: Returning to Istalif |date=1 August 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023072254/http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/aug/afghanistan/ |archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref>}}

[[Battle of Kabul (1992–1996)|After the fall of Kabul]] to the Taliban, [[Ahmad Shah Massoud]] and [[Abdul Rashid Dostum]] formed the [[Northern Alliance]], later joined by others, to resist the Taliban. Dostum's forces were defeated by the Taliban during the [[Battles of Mazar-i-Sharif (1997–1998)|Battles of Mazar-i-Sharif]] in 1997 and 1998; Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, [[Pervez Musharraf]], began sending thousands of Pakistani militants to help the Taliban defeat the Northern Alliance.{{efn|Attributed to multiple sources: <ref>{{cite book |last=Marcela Grad |title=Massoud: An Intimate Portrait of the Legendary Afghan Leader |edition=1 March 2009 |page=310 |publisher=Webster University Press }}</ref><ref name="George Washington University" /><ref>{{cite web |year=2010 |url=http://www.historycommons.org/entity.jsp?entity=ahmed_shah_massoud |title=Ahmed Shah Massoud |publisher=[[History Commons]] |access-date=16 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125130822/http://www.historycommons.org/entity.jsp?entity=ahmed_shah_massoud |archive-date=25 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Maley |first=William |title=The Afghanistan wars |year=2009 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-21313-5 |page=288}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1340244/Afghanistan-resistance-leader-feared-dead-in-blast.html |title=Afghanistan resistance leader feared dead in blast |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|location=London | date=11 September 2001 |first=Ahmed |last=Rashid|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108225950/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1340244/Afghanistan-resistance-leader-feared-dead-in-blast.html |archive-date=8 November 2013 }}</ref>}} By 2000, the Northern Alliance only controlled 10% of the territory, cornered in the northeast. On 9 September 2001, Massoud was assassinated by two Arab [[suicide attack]]ers in [[Panjshir Valley]]. Around 400,000 Afghans died in internal conflicts between 1990 and 2001.<ref>"[https://www.csmonitor.com/2001/0920/p1s3-wosc.html/(page)/4 Life under Taliban cuts two ways]". ''[[The Christian Science Monitor|CSM]]''. 20 September 2001 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233031/http://www.csmonitor.com/2001/0920/p1s3-wosc.html/(page)/4 | date=30 December 2013 }}</ref>

=== US invasion and the Islamic Republic ===
{{further|War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Taliban insurgency|Fall of Kabul (2021)}}
In October 2001, the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|United States invaded Afghanistan]] to remove the Taliban from power after they refused to hand over [[Osama bin Laden]], the prime suspect of the [[September 11 attacks]], who was a "guest" of the Taliban and was operating his [[al-Qaeda]] network in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grugy2txSvc |title=Brigade 055 |publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729101159/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grugy2txSvc|archive-date=29 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Rory McCarthy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/oct/17/afghanistan.terrorism11 |title=New offer on Bin Laden |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | date= 17 October 2001|access-date=17 July 2012 |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628053351/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/oct/17/afghanistan.terrorism11|archive-date=28 June 2013}}</ref><ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/21/politics/trump-afghanistan-pakistan-india/index.html 'Trump calls out Pakistan, India as he pledges to 'fight to win' in Afghanistan]. CNN, 24 August 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.</ref> The majority of Afghans supported the American invasion.<ref>{{cite web|date=30 January 2006|title=WPO Poll: Afghan Public Overwhelmingly Rejects al-Qaeda, Taliban|url=http://drum.lib.umd.edu/bitstream/handle/1903/10127/Afghanistan_Jan06_art2.pdf;jsessionid=51A568EB80A658471A265A1D06EF8ADB?sequence=3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102172723/http://drum.lib.umd.edu/bitstream/handle/1903/10127/Afghanistan_Jan06_art2.pdf;jsessionid=51A568EB80A658471A265A1D06EF8ADB?sequence=3|archive-date=2 January 2017|access-date=2 January 2017|website=[[University of Maryland Libraries]]|quote=Equally large percentages endorse the US military presence in Afghanistan. Eighty-three percent said they have a favorable view of "the US military forces in our country" (39% very favorable). Just 17% have an unfavorable view.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 January 2015|title=Afghan Futures: A National Public Opinion Survey|url=http://acsor-surveys.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Afghan-Futures-Wave-6-Analysis_FINAL-v2.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329093740/http://acsor-surveys.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Afghan-Futures-Wave-6-Analysis_FINAL-v2.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017|access-date=2 January 2017|website=[[Afghan Center for Socio-economic and Opinion Research]]|page=4|quote=Seventy-seven percent support the presence of U.S. forces; 67 percent say the same of NATO/ISAF forces more generally. Despite the country's travails, eight in 10 say it was a good thing for the United States to oust the Taliban in 2001. And much more blame either the Taliban or al Qaeda for the country's violence, 53 percent, than blame the United States, 12 percent. The latter is about half what it was in 2012, coinciding with a sharp reduction in the U.S. deployment.}}</ref> During the initial invasion, US and UK forces bombed al-Qaeda training camps, and later, in cooperation with the Northern Alliance, the Taliban regime came to an end.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/08/world/nation-challenged-attack-us-britain-strike-afghanistan-aiming-bases-terrorist.html |title=A Nation challenged: The attack; U.S. and Britain strike Afghanistan, aiming at bases and terrorist camps; Bush warns 'Taliban will pay a price' |last=Tyler |first=Patrick | date=8 October 2001 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=28 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411134316/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/08/world/nation-challenged-attack-us-britain-strike-afghanistan-aiming-bases-terrorist.html |archive-date=11 April 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:Inbound Choppers in Afghanistan 2008.jpg|thumb|US troops and [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Chinooks]] in Afghanistan, 2008]]

In December 2001, after the Taliban government was overthrown, the [[Afghan Interim Administration]] under [[Hamid Karzai]] was formed. The [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF) was established by the [[United Nations Security Council]] to assist the [[Presidency of Hamid Karzai|Karzai administration]] and provide basic security.<ref>{{UN document |docid=S-RES-1386(2001) |type=Resolution|body=Security Council|year=2001|resolution_number=1386 |access-date=21 September 2007| date=31 May 2001}} – ([[s:United Nations Security Council Resolution 1386|UNSCR 1386]])</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nato.usmission.gov/ |title=United States Mission to Afghanistan|publisher=Nato.usmission.gov|access-date=14 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021065112/http://nato.usmission.gov/ |archive-date=21 October 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> By this time, after two decades of war as well as an acute [[famine]] at the time, Afghanistan had one of the highest [[infant mortality|infant]] and child mortality rates in the world, the lowest life expectancy, much of the population suffered from hunger and malnutrition,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://merip.org/2001/09/afghanistans-refugee-crisis/|title=Afghanistan's Refugee Crisis|date=24 September 2001|website=MERIP|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616143702/https://merip.org/2001/09/afghanistans-refugee-crisis/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/news-stories/research/afghanistan-civilians-risk|title=Afghanistan: Civilians at Risk|website=Doctors Without Borders – USA|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616134107/https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/news-stories/research/afghanistan-civilians-risk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://monthlyreview.org/2001/11/01/limbs-of-no-body/|website=Monthly Review|title=Limbs of No Body: The World's Indifference to the Afghan Tragedy|first=Mohsen|last=Makhmalbaf|date=1 November 2001|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407231857/https://monthlyreview.org/2001/11/01/limbs-of-no-body/|url-status=live}}</ref> and infrastructure was in ruins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.returntohope.com/inDepth/RebuildingAfghanistan#intro|title=Rebuilding Afghanistan|website=Return to Hope|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814144505/http://www.returntohope.com/inDepth/RebuildingAfghanistan#intro|url-status=live}}</ref> Many foreign donors started providing aid and assistance to rebuild the war-torn country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/east/01/15/japan.aid.gen/index.html?related|title=Japan aid offer to 'broke' Afghanistan|date=15 January 2002|publisher=CNN|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=19 November 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021119080524/https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/east/01/15/japan.aid.gen/index.html?related|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.stanford.edu/class/intnlrel193/readings/week6/afghan.html|title=Rebuilding Afghanistan: The U.S. Role|website=Stanford University|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=20 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820000226/https://web.stanford.edu/class/intnlrel193/readings/week6/afghan.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As coalition troops entered Afghanistan to help the [[Reconstruction in Afghanistan|rebuilding process]],<ref>{{cite web|first=Julie|last=Fossler|url=http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/index.aspx|title=USAID Afghanistan|publisher=[[USAID]]|access-date=14 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017104214/http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/Index.aspx|archive-date=17 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2010/2010_07_09.aspx?lang=eng |title=Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan: Backgrounder |publisher=Afghanistan.gc.ca |date=9 July 2010|access-date=14 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215180833/http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2010/2010_07_09.aspx|archive-date=15 December 2010}}</ref> the [[Taliban insurgency|Taliban began an insurgency]] to regain control. Afghanistan remained one of the poorest countries in the world because of a lack of foreign investment, [[Corruption in Afghanistan|government corruption]], and the Taliban insurgency.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Video/video?id=5484891&tab=9482931&section=8865284&page=1|publisher=ABC News|location=United States |access-date=28 September 2010|title=Pakistan Accused of Helping Taliban| date=31 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221050959/http://abcnews.go.com/Video/video?id=5484891&tab=9482931&section=8865284&page=1 |archive-date=21 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/7910687/Wikileaks-Pakistan-accused-of-helping-Taliban-in-Afghanistan-attacks.html|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=28 September 2010|title=Wikileaks: Pakistan accused of helping Taliban in Afghanistan attacks | date=26 July 2010|location=London|first1=Rob|last1=Crilly|first2=Alex |last2=Spillius|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129073942/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/7910687/Wikileaks-Pakistan-accused-of-helping-Taliban-in-Afghanistan-attacks.html|archive-date=29 January 2014}}</ref>

The Afghan government was able to establish some democratic structures, adopting a constitution in 2004 with the name [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan]]. Attempts were made, often with the support of foreign donor countries, to improve the country's economy, healthcare, education, transport, and agriculture. ISAF forces also began to train the [[Afghan National Security Forces]]. Following 2002, nearly five million [[Afghan diaspora|Afghans]] were repatriated.<ref>{{cite book|author=Howard Adelman|title=Protracted Displacement in Asia: No Place to Call Home|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oLYFDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT167|date=15 April 2016|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-317-07407-6|page=167}}</ref> The number of NATO troops present in Afghanistan peaked at 140,000 in 2011,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11371138|title=The foreign troops left in Afghanistan|publisher=BBC News|date=15 October 2015|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819084124/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11371138|url-status=live}}</ref> dropping to approximately 16,000 in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/operations/afghanistan/how-many-troops-are-currently-afghanistan|title=How Many Troops Are Currently in Afghanistan?|author=((18 May 2018 at 11:38 am))|website=Forces Network|date=18 May 2018|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=16 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316023620/https://www.forces.net/operations/afghanistan/how-many-troops-are-currently-afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2014, [[Ashraf Ghani]] became president after the [[2014 Afghan presidential election]], in which, for the first time in Afghanistan's history, power was democratically transferred.<ref>{{cite news|title=Huge security as Afghan presidential election looms|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26880022|publisher=BBC News|date=4 April 2014|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190735/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26880022|archive-date=21 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Afghanistan votes in historic presidential election|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26893972|publisher=BBC News|date=5 April 2014|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021152941/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26893972|archive-date=21 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harooni |first1=Mirwais |last2=Shalizi |first2=Hamid |date=4 April 2014 |title=Landmark Afghanistan Presidential Election Held Under Shadow of Violence |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/04/landmark-afghan-election-_n_5095143.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225603/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/04/landmark-afghan-election-_n_5095143.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=21 October 2018 |newspaper=[[HuffPost]] |agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> On 28 December 2014, NATO formally ended ISAF combat operations and transferred full security responsibility to the Afghan government. The NATO-led [[Resolute Support Mission|Operation Resolute Support]] was formed the same day as a successor to ISAF.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. formally ends the war in Afghanistan|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/america-formally-ends-the-war-in-afghanistan/|access-date=28 December 2014|agency=[[Associated Press]]|issue=online|publisher=CBA News|date=28 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228152651/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/america-formally-ends-the-war-in-afghanistan/|archive-date=28 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nato ends combat operations in Afghanistan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/28/nato-ends-afghanistan-combat-operations-after-13-years|access-date=11 January 2015|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=28 December 2014|location=Kabul|author=Sune Engel Rasmussen in Kabul|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102134349/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/28/nato-ends-afghanistan-combat-operations-after-13-years|archive-date=2 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Thousands of NATO troops remained in the country to train and advise Afghan government forces<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. formally ends the war in Afghanistan|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/america-formally-ends-the-war-in-afghanistan/|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=28 December 2014 |access-date=12 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228152651/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/america-formally-ends-the-war-in-afghanistan/|archive-date=28 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and continue their fight against the Taliban.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soufangroup.com/tsg-intelbrief-afghanistan-16-0/|title=TSG IntelBrief: Afghanistan 16.0|website=The Soufan Group|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809184149/http://www.soufangroup.com/tsg-intelbrief-afghanistan-16-0/|archive-date=9 August 2018}}</ref> A report titled ''Body Count'' concluded that 106,000–170,000 civilians had been killed as a result of the fighting in Afghanistan at the hands of all parties to the conflict.<ref>
* [http://www.ippnw.de/commonFiles/pdfs/Frieden/Body_Count_first_international_edition_2015_final.pdf "Body Count – Casualty Figures after 10 Years of the 'War on Terror' – Iraq Afghanistan Pakistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430175027/http://www.ippnw.de/commonFiles/pdfs/Frieden/Body_Count_first_international_edition_2015_final.pdf |date=30 April 2015 }} (PDF), by [[IPPNW]], [[Physicians for Global Survival|PGS]] and [[Physicians for Social Responsibility|PSR]], First international edition (March 2015)
* {{cite news |author=Gabriela Motroc |url=http://www.australiannationalreview.com/war-terror-reportedly-killed-13-million-people-decade/ |title=U.S. War on Terror has reportedly killed 1.3 million people in a decade |work=Australian National Review |date=7 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505004045/http://www.australiannationalreview.com/war-terror-reportedly-killed-13-million-people-decade/ |archive-date=5 May 2015 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/30-Mar-2015/220-000-killed-in-us-war-in-afghanistan-80-000-in-pakistan-report |title=220,000 killed in US war in Afghanistan 80,000 in Pakistan: report |work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]] |date=30 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505055409/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/30-Mar-2015/220-000-killed-in-us-war-in-afghanistan-80-000-in-pakistan-report |archive-date=5 May 2015 }}
</ref>

[[File:2021 Taliban Offensive.png|thumb|A map of Afghanistan showing the [[2021 Taliban offensive]] ]]
On 19 February 2020, the [[United States–Taliban deal]] was made in Qatar. The deal was one of the critical events that caused the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF);<ref>{{cite news|last=Borger|first=Julian|title=US withdrawal triggered catastrophic defeat of Afghan forces, damning watchdog report finds|date=18 May 2022|access-date=19 May 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/18/afghanistan-us-withdrawal-defeat-watchdog-report-sigar|work=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=21 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521122933/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/18/afghanistan-us-withdrawal-defeat-watchdog-report-sigar|url-status=live}}</ref> following the signing of the deal, the US dramatically reduced the number of air attacks and deprived the ANSF of a critical edge in fighting the [[Taliban insurgency]], leading to the Taliban takeover of Kabul.<ref>{{cite news|title=US withdrawal prompted collapse of Afghan army: Report|date=18 May 2022|access-date=19 May 2022|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/18/us-withdrawal-prompted-collapse-of-afghan-army-report|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620140206/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/18/us-withdrawal-prompted-collapse-of-afghan-army-report|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Second Taliban era ===
{{Further|Aftermath of the Afghanistan War (2001–2021)}}

NATO Secretary General [[Jens Stoltenberg]] announced on 14 April 2021 that the alliance had agreed to start [[2020–2021 US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan|withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan]] by 1 May.<ref>{{cite news |title=NATO to Cut Forces in Afghanistan, Match US Withdrawal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/usa_nato-cut-forces-afghanistan-match-us-withdrawal/6204555.html |work=[[VOA News]] |date=14 April 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415000426/https://www.voanews.com/usa/nato-cut-forces-afghanistan-match-us-withdrawal |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after NATO troops began withdrawing, the Taliban launched an [[2021 Taliban offensive|offensive against the Afghan government]] and quickly advanced in front of collapsing Afghan government forces.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=Nic |title=Afghanistan is disintegrating fast as Biden's troop withdrawal continues |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/24/asia/afghanistan-taliban-offensive-intl-cmd/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=24 June 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190124/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/24/asia/afghanistan-taliban-offensive-intl-cmd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan stunned by scale and speed of security forces' collapse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/afghanistan-stunned-by-scale-and-speed-of-security-forces-collapse |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=13 July 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815063215/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/afghanistan-stunned-by-scale-and-speed-of-security-forces-collapse |url-status=live }}</ref> The Taliban [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|captured the capital city of Kabul]] on 15 August 2021, after regaining control over a vast majority of Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite journal |date=November 2021 |editor1-last=Cruickshank |editor1-first=Paul |editor2-last=Hummel |editor2-first=Kristina |title=An Assessment of Taliban Rule at Three Months |url=https://ctc.usma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CTC-SENTINEL-092021.pdf |url-status=live |journal=[[CTC Sentinel]] |location=West Point, New York |publisher=[[Combating Terrorism Center]] |volume=14 |issue=9 |pages=1–14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129104726/https://ctc.usma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CTC-SENTINEL-092021.pdf |archive-date=29 November 2021 |access-date=29 November 2021 |author-last=Watkins |author-first=Andrew H.}}</ref> Several foreign diplomats and Afghan government officials, including President Ashraf Ghani,<ref>{{cite news |title=President Ashraf Ghani Flees Afghanistan, Taliban Take Over Kabul: Report |work=NDTV.com |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/taliban-enter-afghan-capital-kabul-news-agency-afp-2510885 |url-status=live |access-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815081516/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/taliban-enter-afghan-capital-kabul-news-agency-afp-2510885 |archive-date=15 August 2021}}</ref> were evacuated from the country, with many Afghan civilians attempting to flee along with them.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Afghan government's collapse is a humiliation for the US and Joe Biden |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2021/08/afghan-government-s-collapse-humiliation-us-and-joe-biden |access-date=15 August 2021 |work=[[New Statesman]] |date=15 August 2021 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816164152/https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2021/08/afghan-government-s-collapse-humiliation-us-and-joe-biden |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 August, first vice president [[Amrullah Saleh]] proclaimed himself caretaker president and announced the formation of an [[National Resistance Front of Afghanistan|anti-Taliban front]] with a reported 6,000+ troops<ref>{{cite web|title=Operations|url=https://www.nrfafg.org/operations|access-date=21 August 2021|website=The National Resistance Front: Fighting for a Free Afghanistan|publisher=National Resistance Front of Afghanistan|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906001614/https://www.nrfafg.org/operations}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Anti-Taliban forces say they've taken three districts in Afghanistan's north|date=21 August 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/anti-taliban-forces-say-theyve-taken-three-districts-afghanistans-north-2021-08-21/|work=Reuters|access-date=21 August 2021|archive-date=23 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823164227/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/anti-taliban-forces-say-theyve-taken-three-districts-afghanistans-north-2021-08-21/|url-status=live}}</ref> in the [[Panjshir Valley]], along with [[Ahmad Massoud]].<ref>{{cite web|title=An anti-Taliban front forming in Panjshir? Ex top spy Saleh, son of 'Lion of Panjshir' meet at citadel|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/08/17/an-anti-taliban-front-forming-in-panjshir-ex-top-spy-saleh-son-of-lion-of-panjshir-meet-at-citadel.html|access-date=17 August 2021|website=The Week|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817065524/https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/08/17/an-anti-taliban-front-forming-in-panjshir-ex-top-spy-saleh-son-of-lion-of-panjshir-meet-at-citadel.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=17 August 2021|title=Afghan Vice President Saleh Declares Himself Caretaker President; Reaches Out To Leaders for Support|url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/afghan-vice-president-saleh-declares-himself-caretaker-president-reaches-out-to-leaders-for-support-4097117.html|access-date=17 August 2021|website=News18|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817224511/https://www.news18.com/news/world/afghan-vice-president-saleh-declares-himself-caretaker-president-reaches-out-to-leaders-for-support-4097117.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, by 6 September, the Taliban had taken control of most of [[Panjshir Province]], with resistance fighters retreating to the mountains.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/5b4b7b58-1edf-4510-ad15-813487f3c80e |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5b4b7b58-1edf-4510-ad15-813487f3c80e |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Taliban says it has captured last Afghan region of resistance|last1=Kazmin|first1=Amy|last2=Findlay|first2=Stephanie|last3=Bokhari|first3=Farhan|work=[[Financial Times]]|date=6 September 2021|access-date=6 September 2021}}</ref> Clashes in the valley ceased in mid-September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/17/world/asia/panjshir-resistance-taliban-massoud.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/17/world/asia/panjshir-resistance-taliban-massoud.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited |title=In Panjshir, Few Signs of an Active Resistance, or Any Fight at All |newspaper=The New York Times |date=17 September 2021 |last1=Huylebroek |first1=Jim |last2=Blue |first2=Victor J.}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

According to the [[Costs of War Project]], 176,000 people were killed in the conflict, including 46,319 civilians, between 2001 and 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=Human and Budgetary Costs to Date of the U.S. War in Afghanistan, 2001–2022 {{!}} Figures {{!}} Costs of War|url=https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/figures/2021/human-and-budgetary-costs-date-us-war-afghanistan-2001-2022|access-date=1 September 2021|website=The Costs of War|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906010357/https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/figures/2021/human-and-budgetary-costs-date-us-war-afghanistan-2001-2022|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]], at least 212,191 people were killed in the conflict.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ucdp.uu.se/country/700|title=UCDP – Uppsala Conflict Data Program|website=ucdp.uu.se|access-date=25 December 2022|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819054652/https://www.ucdp.uu.se/country/700|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the state of war in the country ended in 2021, armed conflict persists in some regions<ref>{{cite web |title=One year later, Austin acknowledges lasting questions over Afghanistan war's end |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-08-30/lasting-questions-afghanistan-withdrawal-7156882.html |access-date=1 October 2022 |website=Stars and Stripes |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001113942/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-08-30/lasting-questions-afghanistan-withdrawal-7156882.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=Karzai says while the war has ended, unity has not yet been achieved {{!}} Ariana News |url=https://www.ariananews.af/karzai-says-while-the-war-has-ended-unity-has-not-yet-been-achieved/ |access-date=1 October 2022 |website=ariananews.af|archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001113942/https://www.ariananews.af/karzai-says-while-the-war-has-ended-unity-has-not-yet-been-achieved/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=26 January 2022 |title=Briefing by Special Representative Deborah Lyons to the Security Council |url=https://unama.unmissions.org/briefing-special-representative-deborah-lyons-security-council-10 |access-date=1 October 2022 |website=UNAMA|archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004064300/https://unama.unmissions.org/briefing-special-representative-deborah-lyons-security-council-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> amid [[Islamic State–Taliban conflict|fighting between the Taliban and the local branch of the Islamic State]], as well as an anti-Taliban [[Republican insurgency in Afghanistan|Republican insurgency]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamid Karzai stays on in Afghanistan — hoping for the best, but unable to leave|publisher=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/08/08/1115674232/afghanistan-taliban-hamid-karzai-us-withdrawal |access-date=15 October 2022 |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119174316/https://www.npr.org/2022/08/08/1115674232/afghanistan-taliban-hamid-karzai-us-withdrawal |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Taliban Humvee in Kabul, August 2021 (cropped).png|thumb|left|Taliban fighters in Kabul on a captured [[Humvee]] following the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|2021 fall of Kabul]]]]

The Taliban government is led by [[Head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|supreme leader]] [[Hibatullah Akhundzada]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Zucchino|first=David|date=1 September 2021|title=Shifting to Governing, Taliban Will Name Supreme Afghan Leader|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-government-leader.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-government-leader.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited|access-date=6 September 2021|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and acting prime minister [[Hasan Akhund]], who took office on 7 September 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=گروه طالبان حکومت جدید خود را با رهبری ملا حسن اخوند اعلام کرد |publisher=BBC News فارسی |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/afghanistan-58477769 |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907202525/https://www.bbc.com/persian/afghanistan-58477769 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=7 September 2021|title=Taliban announce new government for Afghanistan|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479750|access-date=9 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907212403/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479750|url-status=live}}</ref> Akhund is one of the four founders of the Taliban<ref>{{cite news|title=Profile: Who is Afghanistan's new caretaker prime minister?|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2319144/profile-who-is-afghanistans-new-caretaker-prime-minister|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2021|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908140526/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2319144/profile-who-is-afghanistans-new-caretaker-prime-minister|url-status=live}}</ref> and was a deputy prime minister of the previous emirate; his appointment was seen as a compromise between moderates and hardliners.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479750|title=Hardliners get key posts in new Taliban government|publisher=BBC News|date=7 September 2021|access-date=9 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907212403/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479750|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Cabinet of Afghanistan|new, all-male cabinet]] was formed, which included [[Abdul Hakim Haqqani]] as minister of justice.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban Announces Head of State, Acting Ministers |date=7 September 2021 |newspaper=[[TOLOnews]] |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-174556 |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907182414/https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-174556 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban Name Their Deputy Ministers, Doubling Down On An All-Male Team |date=21 September 2021 |publisher=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/21/1039232797/taliban-women-all-male-government-cabinet-ministers |access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010123846/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/21/1039232797/taliban-women-all-male-government-cabinet-ministers |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 September 2021, [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|United Nations Secretary-General]] [[António Guterres]] received a letter from acting [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghanistan)|minister of foreign affairs]] [[Amir Khan Muttaqi]] to formally claim Afghanistan's seat as a member state for their official spokesman in [[Doha]], [[Suhail Shaheen]]. The United Nations did not recognize the previous Taliban government and chose to work with the then government-in-exile instead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/9/24/who-will-speak-for-afghanistan-at-the-united-nations|title=Who will speak for Afghanistan at the United Nations?|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]|date=26 September 2021|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-date=14 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014060240/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/9/24/who-will-speak-for-afghanistan-at-the-united-nations|url-status=live}}</ref>

Western nations suspended most of their humanitarian aid to Afghanistan following the Taliban's August 2021 takeover of the country; the [[World Bank]] and [[International Monetary Fund]] also halted their payments.<ref>{{cite news |title=China urges World Bank, IMF to help Afghanistan |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/world/news/china-urges-world-bank-imf-to-help-afghanistan-20211028 |work=News24 |date=28 October 2021 |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602222034/https://www.news24.com/news24/world/news/china-urges-world-bank-imf-to-help-afghanistan-20211028 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan: Can the Taliban avert a food crisis without foreign aid? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistan-can-the-taliban-avert-a-food-crisis-without-foreign-aid/a-59790464 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=11 November 2021 |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=26 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226203615/http://www.dw.com/en/afghanistan-can-the-taliban-avert-a-food-crisis-without-foreign-aid/a-59790464 |url-status=live }}</ref> More than half of Afghanistan's 39 million people faced an acute [[Food security|food shortage]] in October 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title='Countdown to catastrophe': half of Afghans face hunger this winter – UN |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/oct/25/countdown-to-catastrophe-half-of-afghans-face-hunger-this-winter-un |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=25 October 2021 |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609005548/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/oct/25/countdown-to-catastrophe-half-of-afghans-face-hunger-this-winter-un |url-status=live }}</ref> Human Rights Watch reported on 11 November 2021 that Afghanistan was facing widespread [[famine]] due to an economic and banking crisis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan Facing Famine: UN, World Bank, US Should Adjust Sanctions, Economic Policies |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/11/11/afghanistan-facing-famine |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=11 November 2021 |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512115310/https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/11/11/afghanistan-facing-famine |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Taliban initially significantly tackled corruption, improving on the [[Corruption Perceptions Index|corruption perceptions index]] from 174th to 150th out of 180 countries from 2021 to 2022,<ref name=":0" /> but dropping to 162nd in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2024 |title=2023 Corruption Perceptions Index: Explore the results |url=https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023 |access-date=30 December 2024 |website=Transparency.org |language=en |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204001659/https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Taliban have also reportedly reduced bribery and extortion in public service areas.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=31 January 2023 |title=Can the Taliban Tackle Corruption in Afghanistan? |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/can-the-taliban-tackle-corruption-in-afghanistan-/6942205.html |access-date=16 August 2023 |website=VOA |quote=Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is ranked 150th, a remarkable status upgrade from its 174th ranking in 2021. In 2011, at the height of U.S. military and developmental engagement in Afghanistan, the country was ranked 180th, next to North Korea and Somalia. |archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816235333/https://www.voanews.com/a/can-the-taliban-tackle-corruption-in-afghanistan-/6942205.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Iran vs Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|A Taliban official with Iranian Foreign Minister [[Hossein Amir-Abdollahian]] in 2023]]
At the same time, the human rights situation in the country has deteriorated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taliban blasted for 'shocking oppression' of women |website=Arab News |date=12 September 2023 |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2372216/world |access-date=13 September 2023 |archive-date=12 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912213450/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2372216/world |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the 2001 invasion, more than 5.7 million refugees returned to Afghanistan;<ref>Afghan Refugees, Costs of War, {{cite web |url=http://costsofwar.org/article/afghan-refugees |title=Afghan Refugees | Costs of War |access-date=5 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310001659/http://costsofwar.org/article/afghan-refugees |archive-date=10 March 2013}}, 2012</ref> however, in 2021, 2.6 million Afghans remained refugees, primarily in Iran and Pakistan, and another 4 million were internally displaced.<ref>{{cite web |title=In numbers: Life in Afghanistan after America leaves |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-57767067 |publisher=BBC News |date=13 July 2021 |access-date=15 July 2021 |archive-date=23 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823133602/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-57767067 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2023, the Pakistani government ordered the [[expulsion of Afghans from Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |title='What's wrong?': The silence of Pakistanis on expulsion of Afghan refugees |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/22/whats-wrong-the-silence-of-pakistanis-on-expulsion-of-afghan-refugees |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=22 November 2023 |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126111459/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/22/whats-wrong-the-silence-of-pakistanis-on-expulsion-of-afghan-refugees |url-status=live }}</ref> Iran also decided to deport [[Afghans in Iran|Afghan]] nationals back to Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghans Banned From 16 Provinces In Iran As Forced Exodus Continues |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-afghans-banned-provinces/32713320.html |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=4 December 2023 |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126112954/https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-afghans-banned-provinces/32713320.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Taliban authorities condemned the deportations of Afghans as an "inhuman act".<ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban: Iran Deports Almost 350,000 Afghans Within 3 Months |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-iran-deports-almost-350-000-afghans-within-3-months/7392705.html |work=VOA News |date=11 December 2023 |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126101758/https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-iran-deports-almost-350-000-afghans-within-3-months/7392705.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Afghanistan faced a humanitarian crisis in late 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Over 1 mn Afghan children facing severe malnutrition, says WHO chief |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/over-1-mn-afghan-children-facing-severe-malnutrition-says-who-chief-123122200080_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=22 December 2023 |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101131416/https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/over-1-mn-afghan-children-facing-severe-malnutrition-says-who-chief-123122200080_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 10 November 2024, Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Taliban representatives would attend the [[2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference]], marking the first time the country participated since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Afghanistan had been barred from previous summits due to the lack of global recognition of the Taliban regime.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan's Taliban send delegation to COP climate summit |date=10 November 2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistans-taliban-send-delegation-to-cop-climate-summit/a-70746139 |website=DW News |access-date=11 November 2024 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111055530/https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistans-taliban-send-delegation-to-cop-climate-summit/a-70746139 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2025, Iran ordered the [[2025 Afghan deportation from Iran|mass deportation of an estimated 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees]].<ref>{{cite news |title='They threw us out like garbage': Iran rushes deportation of 4 million Afghans before deadline |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/07/iran-rushes-deportation-4-million-afghans-deadline-women-repression |work=The Guardian |date=7 July 2025}}</ref>

The [[2025–2026 hunger crisis in Afghanistan]] is one of the world's most severe, with over 17 million people—one-third of the population—requiring urgent food assistance. Driven by persistent [[Drought in Afghanistan|drought]], economic collapse, and massive refugee returns, the crisis has left over 4.9 million children and women needing malnutrition treatment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan |url=https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/afghanistan |work=[[World Food Programme]]}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Afghanistan}}

{{Map of Afghanistan}}
Afghanistan is located in Southern-Central Asia.<ref>* {{cite web |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/ofr-97-470/OF97-470C/asiaGmap.html |title=U.S. maps |publisher=Pubs.usgs.gov |access-date=19 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225134851/http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/ofr-97-470/OF97-470C/asiaGmap.html |archive-date=25 December 2013 }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar |title=South Asia: Data, Projects, and Research |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301035209/http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar |archive-date=1 March 2015 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/ofr-97-470/OF97-470C/asiaGmap.html |title=Maps Showing Geology, Oil and Gas Fields and Geological Provinces of South Asia (Includes Afghanistan) |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225134851/http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/ofr-97-470/OF97-470C/asiaGmap.html |archive-date=25 December 2013 }}
* {{cite web |url=http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/soasia-b.html |title=University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies: The South Asia Center |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100846/http://jsis.washington.edu/advise/catalog/soasia-b.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/moynihan/programs/sac/ |title=Syracruse University: The South Asia Center |date=26 March 2013 |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326065054/http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/moynihan/programs/sac/ |archive-date=26 March 2015 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.ii.umich.edu/csas |title=Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS) |website= U-M LSA |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211204817/http://www.ii.umich.edu/csas/ |archive-date=11 December 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://millenniumindicators.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm#asia |title=Composition of macro geographical (continental) regions, geographical sub-regions, and selected economic and other groupings |publisher=[[UNdata]] | date=26 April 2011 |access-date=13 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713041240/http://millenniumindicators.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm |archive-date=13 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/7798/Afghanistan |title=Afghanistan |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |access-date=17 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225235842/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/7798/Afghanistan |archive-date=25 February 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Anjelica |title=A new strategy for Central Asia |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/international/483511-a-new-strategy-for-central-asia |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |date=18 February 2020 |quote=, as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has noted, Afghanistan is itself a Central Asian country. |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816055841/https://thehill.com/opinion/international/483511-a-new-strategy-for-central-asia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Afghanistan {{!}} meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary |publisher=Cambridge University |isbn=978-1-107-61950-0 |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/afghanistan |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006145913/https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/afghanistan |url-status=live }}</ref> The region centered in Afghanistan is considered the "crossroads of Asia",<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GB-JV2eOr2UC&pg=PA257|title=Early Buddhist Transmission and Trade Networks: Mobility and Exchange Within and Beyond the Northwestern Borderlands of South Asia|first=Jason|last=Neelis|date=19 November 2010|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-18159-5}}</ref> and the country has had the nickname Heart of Asia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cemml.colostate.edu/cultural/09476/afgh01.html |title=Afghanistan: Cultural Crossroad at the Heart of Asia |access-date=17 June 2020 |archive-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830013605/https://www.cemml.colostate.edu/cultural/09476/afgh01.html }}</ref> The renowned [[Urdu]] poet [[Allama Iqbal]] once wrote about the country:

{{Blockquote|Asia is a body of water and earth, of which the Afghan nation is the heart. From its discord, the discord of Asia; and from its accord, the accord of Asia.}}

At over {{convert|652864|km2|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web|title=Land area (sq. km) |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.TOTL.K2 |work=World Development Indicators |publisher=World Bank |access-date=13 October 2011 |year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185313/http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.TOTL.K2 |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> Afghanistan is the world's [[List of countries and dependencies by area|41st largest country]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2147.html#af |title=CIA Factbook – Area: 41 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency | date=26 November 1991 |access-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131115000/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2147.html |archive-date=31 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is slightly bigger than France and smaller than Myanmar, and about the size of Texas in the United States. There is no coastline, as Afghanistan is [[landlocked]]. Afghanistan shares its longest land border (the [[Durand Line]]) with Pakistan to the east and south, followed by borders with Tajikistan to the northeast, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan to the north-west, Uzbekistan to the north, and China to the far northeast; India claims a border with Afghanistan through Pakistani-administered [[Kashmir]].<ref>[https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/BMIntro-1011.pdf "International Land Border."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308124901/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/BMIntro-1011.pdf |date=8 March 2021 }} India Ministry of Home Affairs. Retrieved 13 November 2021.</ref> Clockwise from south-west, Afghanistan shares borders with the [[Sistan and Baluchestan Province]], South Khorasan Province, and [[Razavi Khorasan Province]] of Iran; [[Ahal Region]], [[Mary Region]], and [[Lebap Region]] of Turkmenistan; [[Surxondaryo Region]] of Uzbekistan; [[Khatlon Region]] and [[Gorno-Badakhshan|Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region]] of Tajikistan; [[Xinjiang|Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region]] of China; and the [[Gilgit-Baltistan|Gilgit-Baltistan territory]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province]], and [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan province]] of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite book|author=Cary Gladstone|title=Afghanistan Revisited|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aH_KCWVB6W0C&pg=PA121|year=2001|publisher=Nova Publishers|isbn=978-1-59033-421-8|page=121}}</ref>

[[File:FrontLines Environment Photo Contest Winner -5 (5808476109).jpg|thumb|Floodplain cultivation in the [[Wakhan Corridor]], [[Pamir Mountains]]]]

The geography in Afghanistan is varied, but is mostly mountainous and rugged, with some unusual mountain ridges accompanied by plateaus and river basins.<ref name="Fisher-2002">{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LclscNCTz9oC&pg=PA59|title=The Far East and Australasia 2003|date=2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-1-85743-133-9|chapter=Afghanistan: Physical and Social Geography|last=Fisher|first=W. B.|pages=59–60|archive-date=28 June 2025|access-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628041355/https://books.google.com/books?id=LclscNCTz9oC&pg=PA59|url-status=live}}</ref> It is dominated by the [[Hindu Kush]] range, the western extension of the [[Himalayas]] that stretches to eastern [[Tibet]] via the [[Pamir Mountains]] and [[Karakoram]] Mountains in Afghanistan's far north-east. Most of the highest points are in the east, consisting of fertile mountain valleys, often considered part of the "[[Roof of the World]]". The Hindu Kush ends at the west-central highlands, creating plains in the north and southwest, namely the [[Turkestan]] Plains and the [[Sistan Basin]]; these two regions consist of rolling grasslands and semi-deserts, as well as hot, windy deserts, respectively.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_AdBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT26|title=Afghanistan|first=Kim|last=Whitehead|date=21 October 2014|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-63355-989-9}}</ref> Forests exist in the corridor between the provinces of [[Nuristan Province|Nuristan]] and [[Paktika Province|Paktika]] (see [[East Afghan montane conifer forests]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cropwatch.unl.edu/documents/Forests%20of%20Afghanistan.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://cropwatch.unl.edu/documents/Forests%20of%20Afghanistan.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=Forests of Afghanistan |website=cropwatch.unl.edu |access-date=28 June 2021 }}</ref> and [[tundra]] in the northeast. The country's highest point is [[Noshaq]], at {{convert|7492|m|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name="Factbook">{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Afghanistan|access-date=24 September 2022|year=2022}}</ref> The lowest point is located in [[Jowzjan Province]] along the Amu River bank, at {{convert|258|m|abbr=on}} above sea level.

[[File:Afghan topo en.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|The mountainous [[topography]] of Afghanistan]]

Despite having numerous rivers and [[list of dams and reservoirs in Afghanistan|reservoirs]], large parts of the country are dry. The [[endorheic]] Sistan Basin is one of the world's driest regions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/sistan.pdf |title=History of Environmental Change in the Sistan Basin 1976–2005 |access-date=20 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807214557/http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/sistan.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Amu Darya]] rises in the north of the Hindu Kush, while the nearby [[Hari (Afghanistan)|Hari River]] flows west towards [[Herat]], and the [[Arghandab River]] flows from the central region southwards. To the south and west of the Hindu Kush flow a number of streams that are tributaries of the [[Indus River]],<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> such as the [[Helmand River]]. The [[Kabul River]] flows in an easterly direction to the Indus, ending at the Indian Ocean.<ref name="afghanistans.com-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/RiversLakes.htm|title=Afghanistan Rivers Lakes – Afghanistan's Web Site|website=afghanistans.com|access-date=12 June 2020|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815172309/https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/RiversLakes.htm}}</ref> Afghanistan receives heavy snow during the winter in the Hindu Kush and Pamir Mountains, and the melting snow in the spring season enters the [[List of rivers of Afghanistan|rivers, lakes, and streams]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=16066 |title=Snow in Afghanistan: Natural Hazards |publisher=NASA | date=3 February 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235107/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=16066 |archive-date=30 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/afghanistan-snow-idINDEE80H0BR20120118 |work=Reuters |title=Snow may end Afghan drought, but bitter winter looms | date=18 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233432/http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/afghanistan-snow-idINDEE80H0BR20120118 |archive-date=30 December 2013}}</ref> However, two-thirds of the country's water flows into the neighboring countries of Iran, Pakistan, and [[Turkmenistan]]. As reported in 2010, the state needs more than US$2 billion to rehabilitate its irrigation systems so that the water is properly managed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/0615/Afghanistan-s-woeful-water-management-delights-neighbors |title=Afghanistan's woeful water management delights neighbors |work=The Christian Science Monitor | date=15 June 2010 |access-date=14 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114131338/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/0615/Afghanistan-s-woeful-water-management-delights-neighbors |archive-date=14 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In Afghanistan, [[forest cover]] accounts for approximately 2% of the total land area, equivalent to 1,208,440 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, which remained unchanged since 1990. Of the naturally regenerating forest, 0% was reported to be [[primary forest]] (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity), and around 0% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 100% of the forest area was reported to be under [[State ownership|public ownership]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023 |archive-date=11 September 2024 |access-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911122341/https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Afghanistan |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/AFG/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |access-date=10 September 2024 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910130107/https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/AFG/home/overview/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The northeastern Hindu Kush [[mountain range]], located in and around the [[Badakhshan Province]] of Afghanistan, is situated in a [[natural environment#Geological activity|geologically active]] area where earthquakes occur almost every year.<ref>{{cite tech report |last=Crone |first=Anthony J. |title=Earthquakes Pose a Serious Hazard in Afghanistan |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3027/pdf/FS07-3027_508.pdf |publisher=[[US Geological Survey]] |access-date=14 October 2011 |id=Fact Sheet FS 2007–3027 | date=April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727072311/http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3027/pdf/FS07-3027_508.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2013 }}</ref> They can be deadly and destructive, causing [[landslide]]s in some parts or [[2009 Afghan avalanches|avalanches]] during the winter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Earthquake Hazards |url=https://afghanistan.cr.usgs.gov/earthquake-hazards |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004040745/http://afghanistan.cr.usgs.gov/earthquake-hazards |archive-date=4 October 2011 |work=USGS Projects in Afghanistan |publisher=US Geological Survey |access-date=13 October 2011 | date=1 August 2011 }}</ref> In June 2022, a [[June 2022 Afghanistan earthquake|destructive 5.9 earthquake]] struck near the border with Pakistan, killing at least 1,150 people and sparking fears of a major humanitarian crisis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Noroozi |first1=Ebrahim |title=Deadly quake a new blow to Afghans enervated by poverty |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/deadly-quake-a-new-blow-to-afghans-enervated-by-poverty/ |access-date=3 July 2022 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[CTV News]] |date=25 June 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703044828/https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/deadly-quake-a-new-blow-to-afghans-enervated-by-poverty-1.5963026 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 October 2023, a [[October 2023 Afghanistan earthquake|6.3 magnitude earthquake]] struck northwest of Herat, killing over 1,400 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-earthquakes-herat-province-health-situation-report-no-12-november-2023|website=reliefweb.int|title=Afghanistan: Earthquakes in Herat Province, Health Situation Report No. 12, November 2023|date=2 December 2023|access-date=19 February 2024|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405192018/https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-earthquakes-herat-province-health-situation-report-no-12-november-2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map v2 AFG 1991–2020.svg|thumb|[[Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate map]] of Afghanistan<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Beck |first1=Hylke E. |last2=Zimmermann |first2=Niklaus E. |last3=McVicar |first3=Tim R. |last4=Vergopolan |first4=Noemi |last5=Berg |first5=Alexis |last6=Wood |first6=Eric F.|author6-link=Eric Franklin Wood |title=Present and future Köppen-Geiger climate classification maps at 1-km resolution |journal=Scientific Data |date=30 October 2018 |volume=5 |article-number=180214 |doi=10.1038/sdata.2018.214 |pmid=30375988 |pmc=6207062 |bibcode=2018NatSD...580214B }}</ref>]]
Afghanistan has a [[continental climate]] with harsh winters in the [[Hazarajat|central highlands]], the glaciated northeast (around [[Nuristan]]), and the [[Wakhan Corridor]], where the average temperature in January is below {{convert|-15|C}} and can reach {{convert|-26|C}},<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> and hot summers in the low-lying areas of the [[Sistan Basin]] of the southwest, the [[Jalalabad]] basin in the east, and the [[Afghan Turkestan|Turkestan]] plains along the [[Amu River]] in the north, where temperatures average over {{convert|35|C}} in July<ref name="Factbook"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Afghanistan {{!}} History, Map, Flag, Capital, Population, & Languages|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan|access-date=23 March 2021|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111113403/https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref> and can go over {{convert|43|C}}.<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> The country is generally [[arid]] in the summers, with most rainfall falling between December and April. The lower areas of northern and western Afghanistan are the driest, with precipitation more common in the east. Although proximate to India, Afghanistan is mostly outside the [[monsoon]] zone,<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> except the [[Nuristan Province]], which occasionally receives summer monsoon rain.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=69V7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA31|title=Terraced Landscapes|first=Drago|last=Kladnik|date=1 September 2017|publisher=Založba ZRC|isbn=978-961-05-0019-3}}</ref>

Although Afghanistan has contributed minimally to global [[greenhouse gas emissions]], it is one of the most vulnerable countries to [[climate change]] and least prepared to cope with its impacts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative |title=Country Index Rankings |url=https://gain.nd.edu/our-work/country-index/rankings/ |access-date=2 December 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303150416/https://gain.nd.edu/our-work/country-index/rankings/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Climate change in Afghanistan]] is causing more frequent and severe droughts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Afghanistan: The alarming effects of climate change {{!}} OCHA |url=https://www.unocha.org/news/afghanistan-alarming-effects-climate-change |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=www.unocha.org |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204072850/https://www.unocha.org/news/afghanistan-alarming-effects-climate-change |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Kate |date=6 November 2021 |title=Global Warming and Afghanistan: Drought, hunger and thirst expected to worsen |url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/global-warming-and-afghanistan-drought-hunger-and-thirst-expected-to-worsen/ |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=Afghanistan Analysts Network – English |language=ps-GB |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203223701/https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/global-warming-and-afghanistan-drought-hunger-and-thirst-expected-to-worsen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Severe drought conditions affect 25 of the country's 34 provinces, impacting over half the population.<ref name=":43">{{Cite web |last=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) |date=1 August 2023 |title=Afghanistan: The alarming effects of climate change {{!}} OCHA |url=https://www.unocha.org/news/afghanistan-alarming-effects-climate-change |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=www.unocha.org |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204072850/https://www.unocha.org/news/afghanistan-alarming-effects-climate-change |url-status=live }}</ref> These droughts cause [[desertification]],<ref name=":43"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Socio-Economic Impacts of Climate Change in Afghanistan. A Report to the Department for International Development |url=https://www.weadapt.org/sites/weadapt.org/files/legacy-new/placemarks/files/5345354491559sei-dfid-afghanistan-report-1-.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628173538/https://www.weadapt.org/sites/weadapt.org/files/legacy-new/placemarks/files/5345354491559sei-dfid-afghanistan-report-1-.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2020 |access-date=7 September 2021}}</ref> reduce [[Food security|food]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=World Food Programme |title=Afghanistan |url=https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/afghanistan-emergency |access-date=5 December 2024 |website=www.wfp.org |language=en}}</ref> and [[water security]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Akhundzadah |first1=Noor Ahmad |last2=Soltani |first2=Salim |last3=Aich |first3=Valentin |date=23 September 2020 |title=Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Resources of the Kunduz River Basin, Afghanistan |journal=Climate |language=en |volume=8 |issue=10 |page=102 |doi=10.3390/cli8100102 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2020Clim....8..102A |issn=2225-1154}}</ref> disrupt agriculture, and cause [[Internally displaced person|internal displacement]].<ref name="actionaid.org">{{Cite web |date=22 July 2021 |title=Women and children most at risk as climate change and conflict drive migration in Afghanistan {{!}} ActionAid International |url=https://actionaid.org/news/2021/women-and-children-most-risk-climate-change-and-conflict-drive-migration-afghanistan |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=actionaid.org |language=en}}</ref> Extreme rainfall over short periods is also more likely, increasing the risk of [[flood]]s and [[landslide]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Afghanistan's impending climate disaster – DW – 08/30/2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/amid-taliban-takeover-climate-change-could-drive-conflict/a-59025446 |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907131158/https://www.dw.com/en/amid-taliban-takeover-climate-change-could-drive-conflict/a-59025446 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to rising temperatures, almost 14% of Afghanistan's glacier coverage was lost between 1990 and 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bjelica |first=Jelena |date=5 January 2021 |title=Shrinking, Thinning, Retreating: Afghan glaciers under threat from climate change |url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/shrinking-thinning-retreating-afghan-glaciers-under-threat-from-climate-change/ |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=Afghanistan Analysts Network – English |language=ps-GB |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904173007/https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/shrinking-thinning-retreating-afghan-glaciers-under-threat-from-climate-change/ |url-status=live }}</ref> increasing the risk of [[glacial lake outburst flood]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development |date=12 July 2019 |title=Learning from a disaster event: Investigating the 2018 Panjshir flood in Afghanistan |url=https://www.icimod.org/success-stories/learning-from-a-disaster-event-investigating-the-2018-panjshir-flood-in-afghanistan/ |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=ICIMOD |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204074349/https://www.icimod.org/success-stories/learning-from-a-disaster-event-investigating-the-2018-panjshir-flood-in-afghanistan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2050, climate change could displace an additional 5 million people within Afghanistan.<ref name="actionaid.org"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Welle (www.dw.com) |first=Deutsche |title=Amid Taliban takeover, climate change could drive conflict {{!}} DW {{!}} 30 August 2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/amid-taliban-takeover-climate-change-could-drive-conflict/a-59025446 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907131158/https://www.dw.com/en/amid-taliban-takeover-climate-change-could-drive-conflict/a-59025446 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |access-date=8 September 2021 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Biodiversity ===
{{Main|Wildlife of Afghanistan}}

[[File:Schneeleopard- P1020498.jpg|thumb|The [[snow leopard]] is the official national animal of Afghanistan.]]

Several types of mammals exist throughout Afghanistan. [[Snow leopard]]s and [[brown bear]]s live in the high elevation [[alpine tundra]] regions. The [[Marco Polo sheep]] exclusively live in the Wakhan Corridor region of north-east Afghanistan. Foxes, [[wolves]], [[otter]]s, [[deer]], [[wild sheep]], [[lynx]] and other big cats populate the mountain forest region of the east. In the semi-desert northern plains, wildlife include a variety of birds, [[hedgehog]]s, [[gopher]]s, and large carnivores such as [[Golden jackal|jackal]]s and [[Striped hyena|hyena]]s.<ref name="Gritzner-2009">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q5QY3vCg338C&pg=PA22|title=Afghanistan, Second Edition|first1=Jeffrey A.|last1=Gritzner|first2=John F.|last2=Shroder|date=14 June 2009|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-0480-5}}</ref>

[[Gazelle]]s, [[wild boar|wild pigs]] and jackals populate the [[steppe]] plains of the south and west, while [[mongoose]] and cheetahs exist in the semi-desert south.<ref name="Gritzner-2009"/> [[Marmot]]s and [[ibex]] also live in the high mountains of Afghanistan, and [[pheasant]]s exist in some parts of the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/PlantAnimal.htm|title=Afghanistan Plant and Animal Life – Afghanistan's Web Site|website=afghanistans.com|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711065504/http://www.afghanistans.com/information/PlantAnimal.htm}}</ref> The [[Afghan hound]] is a native breed of dog known for its fast speed and its long hair; it is relatively known in the west.<ref name="Wahab-2007">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y20MTE0C9kwC&pg=PA10|title=A Brief History of Afghanistan|first1=Shaista|last1=Wahab|first2=Barry|last2=Youngerman|date=14 June 2007|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-0819-3}}</ref>

[[Endemic]] fauna of Afghanistan includes the [[Afghan flying squirrel]], [[Afghan snowfinch]], ''[[Paradactylodon]]'' (or the "[[Paghman]] mountain salamander"), ''[[Stigmella kasyi]]'', ''[[Vulcaniella kabulensis]]'', [[Afghan leopard gecko]], ''[[Wheeleria parviflorellus]]'', among others. Endemic flora include ''[[Iris afghanica]]''. Afghanistan has a wide variety of birds despite its relatively arid climate – an estimated 460 species of which 235 breed within.<ref name="Wahab-2007"/>

The forest region of Afghanistan has vegetation such as [[pine tree]]s, [[spruce tree]]s, [[fir tree]]s and [[larch]]es, whereas the steppe grassland regions consist of [[broadleaf tree]]s, short grass, [[perennial plant]]s and [[shrubland]]s. The colder high elevation regions are composed of hardy grasses and small flowering plants.<ref name="Gritzner-2009"/> Several regions are designated [[List of protected areas of Afghanistan|protected areas]]; there are three [[national parks]]: [[Band-e Amir]], [[Wakhan National Park|Wakhan]] and [[Nuristan National Park|Nuristan]]. Afghanistan had a 2018 [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]] mean score of 8.85/10, ranking it 15th globally out of 172 countries.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |doi-access=free}}</ref>

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Government of Afghanistan|Politics of Afghanistan}}

[[File:200229-D-AP390-1529 (49603221753).jpg|thumb|[[Arg, Kabul|The Arg]] (the Presidential palace) in Kabul, photographed in 2020]]

Following the effective collapse of the [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan]] during the [[2021 Taliban offensive]], the Taliban declared the country an Islamic Emirate. A new caretaker government was announced on 7 September.<ref name="BBCHardliners"/> {{As of|2025|July}}, only the [[Russian Federation]] has [[Recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan]] as the ''[[de jure]]'' government of Afghanistan.<ref name="Trevelyan">{{Cite news |last1=Trevelyan |first1=Mark |last2=Trevelyan |first2=Mark |date=3 July 2025 |title=Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/russia-becomes-first-country-recognise-taliban-government-afghanistan-2025-07-03/ |access-date=3 July 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> According to the [[V-Dem Democracy indices]] Afghanistan in 2023 was the third least [[Democracy in Asia|electoral democratic country in Asia]].<ref>{{cite web |last=V-Dem Institute |year=2023 |title=The V-Dem Dataset |url=https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |access-date=14 October 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208183458/https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Afghanistan operates on a centralised [[Unitary state|unitary form of government]].<ref name="Unitary">{{cite web |title=INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND WATER MANAGEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN AND THE ISLAMIC EMIRATE OF AFGHANISTAN |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382438045_INTERNATIONAL_RELATIONS_AND_WATER_MANAGEMENT_BETWEEN_THE_REPUBLIC_OF_UZBEKISTAN_AND_THE_ISLAMIC_EMIRATE_OF_AFGHANISTAN |author=Javohir Makhmatkulov |publisher=[[ResearchGate]] |date=5 May 2024 |quote=Afghanistan's unitary nation is primarily governed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, also referred to as the Afghan administration. The supreme leader and its religious consultants, whom they refer to as the Leadership together, possess concentrated political control in the Taliban-run emirate and theocracy that rules Afghanistan. }}</ref>

A traditional instrument of governance in Afghanistan is the ''[[loya jirga]]'' (grand assembly), a Pashtun consultative meeting that was mainly organized for choosing a new [[head of state]], adopting a new constitution, or to settle national or regional issue such as war.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1782079.stm |publisher=BBC News |title=Q&A: What is a loya jirga? |date=1 July 2002 |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523165931/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1782079.stm |archive-date=23 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Loya jirgas have been held since at least 1747,{{sfn|Barfield|2012|page=295}} with [[Afghanistan Ulema gathering|the most recent one]] occurring from June to July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2022 |title=Taliban meet tribal leaders, minority reps in first loya jirga since takeover |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2114061/world |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=[[Arab News]] |language=en |archive-date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125224255/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2114061/world |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Xu |first=Weiwei |date=3 July 2022 |title=Loya Jirga appeals for recognition of Taliban |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202207/03/WS62c197a5a310fd2b29e6a0cf.html |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=[[China Daily]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Khan |first=Omer Farooq |date=28 June 2022 |title=Taliban convene 'Loya Jirga' in Kabul |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/taliban-convene-loya-jirga-in-kabul/articleshow/92500437.cms |access-date=8 April 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704070505/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/taliban-convene-loya-jirga-in-kabul/articleshow/92500437.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Development of Taliban government ===
{{See also|Akhund cabinet}}
{{multiple image
| total_width = 270
| perrow = 2
| direction = horizontal
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Hasan Akhund.png
| caption1 = [[Hasan Akhund]] [[Prime Minister of Afghanistan|Prime Minister]]
| image2 = Sirajuddin Haqqani (cropped).png
| caption2 = [[Sirajuddin Haqqani]] First [[Deputy Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|Deputy Leader]] and [[Interior Minister of Afghanistan|Interior Minister]]
| image3 = Mullah Yaqoob in January 2022.png
| caption3 = [[Mullah Yaqoob]] Second Deputy Leader and [[Ministry of Defense (Afghanistan)|Defense Minister]]
| image4 = Abdul_Ghani_Baradar.jpg
| caption4 = [[Abdul Ghani Baradar]] Third Deputy Leader and First [[Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan|Deputy Prime Minister]]
}}

On 17 August 2021, the leader of the Taliban-affiliated [[Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin|Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin]] party, [[Gulbuddin Hekmatyar]], met with both [[Hamid Karzai]], the former [[President of Afghanistan]], and [[Abdullah Abdullah]], the former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and former [[Chief Executive (Afghanistan)|Chief Executive]], in [[Doha]], Qatar, with the aim of forming a [[national unity government]].<ref>{{cite web|date=16 August 2021|title=Afghanistan's Hekmatyar says heading for Doha with Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah to meet Taliban – Al Jazeera|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistans-hekmatyar-says-heading-doha-with-karzai-abdullah-abdullah-meet-2021-08-16/|access-date=18 August 2021|work=Reuters|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816202122/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistans-hekmatyar-says-heading-doha-with-karzai-abdullah-abdullah-meet-2021-08-16/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=AFP|date=18 August 2021|title=Taliban met ex-Afghan leader Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40114270|access-date=18 August 2021|website=Brecorder|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818215958/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40114270|url-status=live}}</ref> President Ashraf Ghani, having fled the country during the Taliban advance to either Tajikistan or [[Uzbekistan]], emerged in the United Arab Emirates and said that he supported such negotiations and was in talks to return to Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Macias|first2=Natasha |last2=Turak|first1= Amanda|date=18 August 2021|title=Ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani resurfaces in UAE after fleeing Kabul, Emirati government says|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/18/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-is-in-uae-after-fleeing-afghanistan.html|access-date=19 August 2021|publisher=[[CNBC]]|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818141114/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/18/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-is-in-uae-after-fleeing-afghanistan.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ghani says he backs talks as Taliban meet with Karzai, Abdullah|url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/146741/ghani-says-he-backs-talks-as-taliban-meet-with-karzai-abdullah|access-date=18 August 2021|website=New Age|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818215958/https://www.newagebd.net/article/146741/ghani-says-he-backs-talks-as-taliban-meet-with-karzai-abdullah|url-status=live}}</ref> Many figures within the Taliban generally agreed that continuation of the [[2004 Constitution of Afghanistan]] may, if correctly applied, be workable as the basis for the new religious state as their objections to the former government were political, and not religious.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Osman|first1=Borhan|url=https://cic.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/taliban_future_state_final.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://cic.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/taliban_future_state_final.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|title=Taliban Views on a Future State|date=July 2016|publisher=[[New York University]]|page=7}}</ref>

Hours after the final flight of American troops left Kabul on 30 August, a Taliban official interviewed said that a new government would likely be announced as early as Friday 3 September after [[Jumu'ah]]. It was added that Hibatullah Akhundzada would be officially named [[Head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|Emir]], with cabinet ministers being revealed at the [[Arg (Kabul)|Arg]] in an official ceremony. Abdul Ghani Baradar would be named [[head of government]] as [[Prime Minister of Afghanistan|Prime Minister]], while other important positions would go to [[Sirajuddin Haqqani]] and [[Mullah Yaqoob]]. Beneath the supreme leader, day-to-day governance will be entrusted to the [[Cabinet of Afghanistan#Islamic Emirate (2021–present)|cabinet]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2 September 2021|title=Afghanistan: Taliban expected to announce new government|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/02/afghanistan-taliban-expected-to-announce-new-government|access-date=2 September 2021|website=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902115607/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/02/afghanistan-taliban-expected-to-announce-new-government|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a report by CNN-News18, sources said the new government was going to be governed similarly to Iran with Hibatullah Akhundzada as supreme leader similar to the role of [[Ali Khamenei|Saayid Ali Khamenei]], and would be based out of [[Kandahar]]. Baradar or Yaqoob would be head of government as Prime minister. The government's ministries and agencies will be under a cabinet presided over by the Prime Minister. The Supreme Leader would preside over an [[Executive (government)|executive body]] known as the Supreme Council with anywhere from 11 to 72 members. [[Abdul Hakim Haqqani]] is likely to be promoted to [[Chief justice]]. According to the report, the new government will take place within the framework of an amended [[1964 Constitution of Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web|date=31 August 2021|title=Taliban to Follow Iran Model in Afghanistan; Reclusive Hibatullah Akhundzada to be Supreme Leader|url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/talibans-govt-in-afghanistan-on-iran-model-reclusive-hibatullah-akhundzada-to-be-supreme-leader-4149431.html|access-date=3 September 2021|website=News18|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831155248/https://www.news18.com/news/world/talibans-govt-in-afghanistan-on-iran-model-reclusive-hibatullah-akhundzada-to-be-supreme-leader-4149431.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Government formation was delayed due to concerns about forming a broad-based government acceptable to the international community.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Taliban again postpone Afghan govt formation announcement|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/taliban-again-postpone-afghan-govt-formation-announcement/articleshow/85923976.cms?from=mdr|access-date=4 September 2021|archive-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904171526/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/taliban-again-postpone-afghan-govt-formation-announcement/articleshow/85923976.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later added however that the Taliban's Rahbari Shura, the group's leadership council was divided between the hardline Haqqani Network and moderate Abdul Ghani Baradar over appointments needed to form an "inclusive" government. Reports claimed that this culminated in a skirmish which led to Baradar being injured and treated in Pakistan, however this was denied by Baradar himself.<ref>{{cite web|date=5 September 2021|title=New 'inclusive' Afghanistan government to be announced soon: Taliban|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/new-inclusive-afghanistan-government-to-be-announced-soon-taliban-11630841282911.html|access-date=5 September 2021|website=mint|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906081415/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/new-inclusive-afghanistan-government-to-be-announced-soon-taliban-11630841282911.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 September 2021 |title=Afghanistan: Taliban deputy denies reports of leadership row in new video |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58555234 |access-date=1 July 2024 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915224224/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58555234 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of early September 2021 the Taliban were planning the cabinet to be men-only. Journalists and other human rights activists, mostly women, [[2021 Afghan protests|protested]] in Herat and Kabul, calling for women to be included.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 September 2021|title=Afghanistan: Women protest against all-male Taliban government|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58490819|access-date=9 September 2021|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908223524/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58490819|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Cabinet of Afghanistan#Islamic Emirate (2021–present)|acting Cabinet]] announced on 7 September was men-only, and the [[Ministry of Women's Affairs (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Women's Affairs]] was abolished.<ref name="BBCHardliners">{{cite news|date=7 September 2021|title=Hardliners get key posts in new Taliban government|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479750|access-date=9 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907212403/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479750|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of July 2025, only [[Russia]] has recognized the Taliban government as the legitimate authorities of Afghanistan.<ref name="Trevelyan"/> The U.N has stated that recognition was impossible so long as restrictions on female education and employment remained.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=25 June 2024 |title=The Taliban confirm they will attend a UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan |url=https://apnews.com/article/taliban-delegation-doha-meeting-d3af51909b06aa7b086e44b25c464c77 |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Ruchi |title=Why has China recognised Taliban's envoy to Beijing? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/14/is-chinas-recognition-of-afghanistan-envoy-a-diplomatic-win-for-taliban |access-date=1 July 2024 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 16 September 2024, the Taliban suspended polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan, as reported by the United Nations, posing a significant risk to global polio eradication efforts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Taliban have suspended polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan, the UN says|date=16 September 2024|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/taliban-suspended-polio-vaccination-campaigns-afghanistan-113720519|newspaper=ABC News|access-date=17 September 2024|archive-date=17 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917013143/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/taliban-suspended-polio-vaccination-campaigns-afghanistan-113720519|url-status=live}}</ref> In a decree by Hibatullah Akhundzada on 15 August, the description of the government as interim was dropped, with all ministers remaining in their posts, but on a permanent rather than acting basis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban Leader Removes 'Acting' Designation From All Government Posts |url=https://www.afintl.com/en/202508152035 |date=15 August 2025 |access-date=31 October 2025 |work=[[Afghanistan International]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Malikzada |first1=Natiq |title=Taliban Officials Are No Longer 'Acting' |url=https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/taliban-officials-are-no-longer-acting/ |access-date=25 August 2025 |work=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]] |date=19 August 2025 |archive-date=26 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826001009/https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/taliban-officials-are-no-longer-acting/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Administrative divisions ===
{{Main|Provinces of Afghanistan|Districts of Afghanistan}}

Afghanistan is administratively divided into 34 provinces (''[[wilayat]]'').<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ariananews.co/en/afghanistan-provinces/|title=Afghanistan Provinces|access-date=4 July 2019|publisher=Ariana News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704210454/https://ariananews.co/en/afghanistan-provinces/|archive-date=4 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Each province has a governor and a capital. The country is further divided into nearly 400 provincial [[Districts of Afghanistan|districts]], each of which normally covers a city or several villages. Each district is represented by a district governor.

The [[list of current governors of Afghanistan|provincial governors]] are now appointed by the [[Prime Minister of Afghanistan]], and the district governors are selected by the provincial governors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/world/asia/for-afghan-officials-prospect-of-death-comes-with-territory.html|title=For Afghan Officials, Prospect of Death Comes With Territory|last=Ahmed|first=Azam|date=8 December 2012|work=The New York Times|access-date=7 April 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019103603/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/world/asia/for-afghan-officials-prospect-of-death-comes-with-territory.html|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The provincial governors are representatives of the central government in Kabul and are responsible for all administrative and formal issues within their provinces. There are also provincial councils that are elected through direct and general elections for four years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iec.org.af/eng/content.php?id=5&cnid=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827204439/http://www.iec.org.af/eng/content.php?id=5&cnid=24 |archive-date=27 August 2010 |title=Explaining Elections, Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan |publisher=Iec.org.af | date=9 October 2004 |access-date=4 February 2012}}</ref> The functions of provincial councils are to take part in provincial development planning and to participate in the monitoring and appraisal of other provincial governance institutions.

According to article 140 of the constitution and the presidential decree on electoral law, mayors of cities should be elected through free and direct elections for a four-year term. In practice however, mayors are appointed by the government.<ref>{{cite web|title=An Assessment of Afghanistan's Municipal Governance Framework|url=http://webarchive.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412448-An-Assessment-of-Afghanistans-Municipal-Governance-Framework.pdf|access-date=4 July 2019|publisher=Urban Institute Center on International Development and Governance|author1=Jamie Boex|author2=Grace Buencamino|author3=Deborah Kimble|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704193403/http://webarchive.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412448-An-Assessment-of-Afghanistans-Municipal-Governance-Framework.pdf|archive-date=4 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Afghanistan provinces numbered.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Afghanistan is divided into [[provinces of Afghanistan|34 provinces]], which are further divided into a [[Districts of Afghanistan|number of districts]].]]

The 34 provinces in alphabetical order are:
{{colbegin|colwidth=15em}}
# [[Badakhshan Province|Badakhshan]]
# [[Badghis Province|Badghis]]
# [[Baghlan Province|Baghlan]]
# [[Balkh Province|Balkh]]
# [[Bamyan Province|Bamyan]]
# [[Daykundi Province|Daykundi]]
# [[Farah Province|Farah]]
# [[Faryab Province|Faryab]]
# [[Ghazni Province|Ghazni]]
# [[Ghor Province|Ghor]]
# [[Helmand Province|Helmand]]
# [[Herat Province|Herat]]
# [[Jowzjan Province|Jowzjan]]
# [[Kabul Province|Kabul]]
# [[Kandahar Province|Kandahar]]
# [[Kapisa Province|Kapisa]]
# [[Khost Province|Khost]]
# [[Kunar Province|Kunar]]
# [[Kunduz Province|Kunduz]]
# [[Laghman Province|Laghman]]
# [[Logar Province|Logar]]
# [[Nangarhar Province|Nangarhar]]
# [[Nimruz Province|Nimruz]]
# [[Nuristan Province|Nuristan]]
# [[Oruzgan Province|Oruzgan]]
# [[Paktia Province|Paktia]]
# [[Paktika Province|Paktika]]
# [[Panjshir Province|Panjshir]]
# [[Parwan Province|Parwan]]
# [[Samangan Province|Samangan]]
# [[Sar-e Pol Province|Sar-e Pol]]
# [[Takhar Province|Takhar]]
# [[Wardak Province|Wardak]]
# [[Zabul Province|Zabul]]
{{colend}}

=== Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Afghanistan}}

{{See also|Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghanistan)}}

Afghanistan became a member of the United Nations in 1946.{{sfn|Dupree|1997|page=642}} Historically, Afghanistan had strong relations with Germany, one of the first countries to recognize Afghanistan's independence in 1919; the Soviet Union, which provided much aid and military training for Afghanistan's forces and includes the signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1921 and 1978; and India, with which a friendship treaty was signed in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|title=Treaty of Friendship|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/6584/Treaty+of+Friendship|access-date=31 December 2020|website=mea.gov.in|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119135256/https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/6584/Treaty+of+Friendship|url-status=live}}</ref> Relations with Pakistan have often been tense for various reasons such as the Durand Line border issue and alleged Pakistani involvement in Afghan insurgent groups.

The present Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is currently [[Recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|partially recognized]], but has had notable unofficial ties with China, Pakistan, and Qatar.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-16/china-enters-high-stakes-relationship-with-post-u-s-afghanistan|title=China Embraces High-Stakes Taliban Relationship as U.S. Exits|date=16 August 2021|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=17 October 2021|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820193617/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-16/china-enters-high-stakes-relationship-with-post-u-s-afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/7/taliban-afghanistan-international-recognition|title=Taliban still struggling for international recognition|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network]]|first=Ali M|last=Latifi|date=7 October 2021|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-date=13 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013140538/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/7/taliban-afghanistan-international-recognition|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the previous Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, it enjoyed cordial relations with a number of [[NATO]] and allied nations, particularly the [[Afghanistan–United States relations|United States]], [[Afghanistan–Canada relations|Canada]], [[Afghanistan–United Kingdom relations|United Kingdom]], [[Afghanistan–Germany relations|Germany]], Australia, and [[Afghanistan–Turkey relations|Turkey]]. In 2012, the United States and the then-republic in Afghanistan signed their [[US–Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement|Strategic Partnership Agreement]] in which Afghanistan became a [[major non-NATO ally]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hillary Clinton says Afghanistan 'major non-Nato ally'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18750732|date=7 July 2012|publisher=BBC News|access-date=4 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705181134/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18750732|archive-date=5 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Such qualification was rescinded by US President [[Joe Biden]] in July 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mizelle |first1=Shawna |last2=Fossum |first2=Sam |date=7 July 2022 |title=Biden will rescind Afghanistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/06/politics/afghanistan-major-non-nato-ally-designation-biden-rescind/index.html |publisher=CNN |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810104553/https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/06/politics/afghanistan-major-non-nato-ally-designation-biden-rescind/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Military ===
{{Main|Afghan Armed Forces}}

The [[Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan]] captured a large amount of weapons, hardware, vehicles, aerocrafts, and equipment from the Afghan National Security Forces following the [[2021 Taliban offensive]] and the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Fall of Kabul]]. The total value of the captured equipment has been estimated at US$83 billion.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 October 2021 |title=White House defends letting billions in military equipment fall into Taliban hands |work=Yahoo News |url=https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-defends-letting-billions-192700107.html |access-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012095525/https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-defends-letting-billions-192700107.html |archive-date=12 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Andrzejewski |first=Adam |title=Staggering Costs – U.S. Military Equipment Left Behind In Afghanistan |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamandrzejewski/2021/08/23/staggering-costs--us-military-equipment-left-behind-in-afghanistan/ |access-date=12 October 2021 |website=Forbes |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011181932/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamandrzejewski/2021/08/23/staggering-costs--us-military-equipment-left-behind-in-afghanistan/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Human rights ===
{{Main|Human rights in Afghanistan}}

{{Further|Women in Afghanistan|LGBT rights in Afghanistan|Treatment of women by the Taliban|Afghan refugees}}

Homosexuality is [[taboo]] in Afghan society;<ref>{{cite news |last=Ahmadzai |first=Aria |date=7 October 2016 |title=The LGBT community living under threat of death |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36884732 |access-date=13 June 2020 |archive-date=21 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121132953/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36884732 |url-status=live }}</ref> according to the Penal Code, homosexual intimacy is punished by up to a year in prison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Afghanistan | Human Dignity Trust |url=https://www.humandignitytrust.org./country-profile/afghanistan/ |website=humandignitytrust.org. |access-date=13 June 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414225749/https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/afghanistan/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref> Under [[Sharia law]] offenders can be [[Death penalty for homosexuality|punished by death]].<ref>{{Cite news |title='Fake Life': Being Gay in Afghanistan |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-being-gay-fake-life/28731934.html |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |last1=Bezhan |first1=Frud |access-date=12 June 2020 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819061502/https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-being-gay-fake-life/28731934.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=17 May 2016 |title=LGBT relationships are illegal in 74 countries, research finds |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/gay-lesbian-bisexual-relationships-illegal-in-74-countries-a7033666.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614095346/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/gay-lesbian-bisexual-relationships-illegal-in-74-countries-a7033666.html |archive-date=14 June 2019 |access-date=3 June 2019 |work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> However, an ancient tradition involving male homosexual acts between children and older men (typically wealthy warlords or elite people) called ''[[bacha bazi]]'' persists.

Religious minorities such as Sikhs,<ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Ruchi |date=28 March 2020 |title=For Afghan Sikhs, it's between violence and exodus|work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/for-afghan-sikhs-its-between-violence-and-exodus/article31194107.ece |access-date=11 September 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403202634/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/for-afghan-sikhs-its-between-violence-and-exodus/article31194107.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Hindus,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mashal |first1=Mujib |last2=Abed |first2=Fahim |date=19 July 2020 |title=India Offers Escape to Afghan Hindus and Sikhs Facing Attacks|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/19/world/asia/india-afghanistan-sikh-hindu.html |access-date=11 September 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403195219/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/19/world/asia/india-afghanistan-sikh-hindu.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and Christians have reportedly faced persecution.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lyons |first1=Kate |last2=Blight |first2=Garry |date=27 July 2015 |title=Where in the world is the worst place to be a Christian? |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2015/jul/27/where-in-the-world-is-it-worst-place-to-be-a-christian |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425220001/https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2015/jul/27/where-in-the-world-is-it-worst-place-to-be-a-christian |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Afghan clerics call for Christian convert to be killed despite Western outrage |date=23 March 2006 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY0IM-ZvDtM |publisher=[[AP Archive]] |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426074158/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY0IM-ZvDtM |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since May 2022, all women in Afghanistan have been required by law to wear full-body coverings when in public (either a [[burqa]] or an [[abaya]] paired with a [[niqāb]], which leaves only the eyes uncovered).<ref>{{cite news |last=George |first=Susannah |title=Taliban orders head-to-toe coverings for Afghan women in public |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/07/taliban-orders-head-toe-coverings-afghan-women-public/ |access-date=8 May 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=7 May 2022 |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507171800/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/07/taliban-orders-head-toe-coverings-afghan-women-public/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Graham-Harrison |first=Emma |title=Taliban order all Afghan women to cover their faces in public |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/07/taliban-order-all-afghan-women-to-wear-burqa |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=7 May 2022 |archive-date=14 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514020908/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/07/taliban-order-all-afghan-women-to-wear-burqa |url-status=live }}</ref> First [[Deputy Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|Deputy Leader]] [[Sirajuddin Haqqani]] claimed the decree is only advisory and no form of [[hijab]] is compulsory in Afghanistan,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shelley |first1=Jo |last2=Popalzai |first2=Ehsan |last3=Mengli |first3=Ahmet |last4=Picheta |first4=Rob |title=Top Taliban leader makes more promises on women's rights but quips 'naughty women' should stay home |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/18/asia/amanpour-haqqani-taliban-women-interview-intl/index.html |access-date=20 May 2022 |publisher=CNN |date=19 May 2022 |location=Kabul, Afghanistan |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520015009/https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/18/asia/amanpour-haqqani-taliban-women-interview-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> though this contradicts the reality.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zucchino |first1=David |last2=Akbary |first2=Yaqoob |title=The Taliban Pressure Women in Afghanistan to Cover Up |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/21/world/asia/taliban-afghanistan-women-hijab.html |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=21 May 2022 |location=Kabul, Afghanistan |archive-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522011038/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/21/world/asia/taliban-afghanistan-women-hijab.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It has been speculated that there is a genuine internal policy division over women's rights between hardliners, including leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, and pragmatists, though they publicly present a united front.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gannon |first1=Kathy |title=Taliban divisions deepen as Afghan women defy veil edict |url=https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-religion-kabul-taliban-aec1a4bb5dc2a91fc19954093a5595e0 |access-date=20 May 2022 |work=[[Associated Press News]] |date=8 May 2022 |location=Kabul, Afghanistan |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520015011/https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-religion-kabul-taliban-aec1a4bb5dc2a91fc19954093a5595e0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Another decree was issued shortly after the first, requiring female TV presenters to cover their faces during broadcasts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fraser |first1=Simon |title=Afghanistan's female TV presenters must cover their faces, say Taliban |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61508072 |access-date=20 May 2022 |publisher=BBC News |date=19 May 2022 |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520005817/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61508072 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the Taliban takeover, suicides among women have become more common, and the country could now be one of the few where the rate of suicide among women surpasses that among men.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nader |first=Zahra |title='Despair is settling in': female suicides on rise in Taliban's Afghanistan | website=The Guardian | date=28 August 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/28/despair-is-settling-in-female-suicides-on-rise-in-talibans-afghanistan |access-date=28 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Thoms |first=Silja |title=How the Taliban are violating women's rights in Afghanistan |website=DW |date=8 July 2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-the-taliban-are-violating-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/a-66143514 |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828120349/https://www.dw.com/en/how-the-taliban-are-violating-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/a-66143514 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Rabia |last=Ali |title=Activists sound alarm over surge in suicides among Afghan women |website=Anadolu Ajansı |date=1 August 2023 |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/activists-sound-alarm-over-surge-in-suicides-among-afghan-women/2959080 |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828120350/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/activists-sound-alarm-over-surge-in-suicides-among-afghan-women/2959080 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2022, the Taliban dissolved Afghanistan's Human Rights Commission along with four other government departments, citing the country's budget deficit.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban dissolves Afghanistan's human rights commission as 'unnecessary' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/17/taliban-dissolves-afghanistans-human-rights-commission-as-unnecessary |access-date=20 May 2022 |agency=Reuters |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=16 May 2022 |archive-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521122935/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/17/taliban-dissolves-afghanistans-human-rights-commission-as-unnecessary |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2025, the [[International Criminal Court]] issued two warrants against the [[Supreme Leader of Afghanistan|Taliban supreme leader]] Haibatullah Akhundzada and the [[Chief Justice of Afghanistan|Chief judge]], Abdul Hakim Haqqani, for committing [[crimes against humanity]] with the oppression and persecution of Afghan women and girls, and deprived of their freedom of movement, the rights to control their bodies, to education, and to a private and family life, while the alleged resistance and opposition were brutally suppressed with murder, imprisonment, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, since 2021. ICC member states are obliged to arrest wanted persons if they are on their territory.<ref name="Taliban_warrent">{{Cite news |title=Internationaler Strafgerichtshof beantragt Haftbefehl gegen Taliban-Anführer |trans-title=International Criminal Court requests arrest warrant against Taliban leaders |url=https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/afghanistan-internationaler-strafgerichtshof-beantragt-haftbefehl-gegen-taliban-anfuehrer-a-c79606bd-0a95-4b5b-b9db-d6cd1e8481df |newspaper=[[Der Spiegel]] |language=de |location=[[The Hague]], Netjherlands |date=21 January 2025 |access-date=21 January 2025 }}</ref>

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Afghanistan}}

[[File:Afghan pomegranate processing.jpg|thumb|Workers processing [[pomegranate production in Afghanistan|pomegranates]] (''anaar''), for which Afghanistan is famous in Asia]]

Afghanistan's nominal GDP was $20.1 billion in 2020, or $81 billion by [[purchasing power parity]] (PPP).<ref name="imf2">{{cite web|url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April/weo-report?c=512,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2020&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1|title=Afghanistan|publisher=International Monetary Fund|access-date=1 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501160206/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April/weo-report?c=512,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2020&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Its [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|GDP per capita]] is $2,459 (PPP) and $611 by nominal.<ref name="imf2"/> Despite having $1 trillion or more in mineral deposits,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-12-15/karzai-tells-investors-u-s-will-meet-his-security-pact-demands|title=Karzai Woos India Inc. as Delay on U.S. Pact Deters Billions|first=Kartikay|last=Mehrotra|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=16 December 2013|access-date=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011222703/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-12-15/karzai-tells-investors-u-s-will-meet-his-security-pact-demands|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> it remains one of the world's [[least developed countries]]. Its economic output per capita is among the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|lowest of any country]] {{As of|2026|lc=y}}. Afghanistan's rough physical geography and its landlocked status has been cited as reasons why the country has always been among the least developed in the modern era – a factor where progress is also slowed by contemporary conflict and political instability.<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> The country imports over $7 billion worth of goods but exports only $784 million, mainly fruits and [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]]. It has $2.8 billion in [[external debt]].<ref name="Factbook"/> The service sector contributed the most to the GDP (55.9%) followed by agriculture (23%) and industry (21.1%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/214.html|title=Field Listing :: GDP – composition, by sector of origin – The World Factbook|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|access-date=12 June 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111214540/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/214.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Da Afghanistan Bank]] serves as the central bank of the nation<ref>{{Cite web| title = Interest Rate Cut in Place, Says Central Bank| work = TOLOnews| access-date = 28 May 2019| url = https://www.tolonews.com/business/interest-rate-cut-place-says-central-bank| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190704193402/https://www.tolonews.com/business/interest-rate-cut-place-says-central-bank| archive-date = 4 July 2019| url-status = live}}</ref> and the [[Afghan afghani|Afghani]] (AFN) is the national currency, with an exchange rate of about 75 Afghanis to 1 US dollar.<ref>{{cite news|title=Afghani Falls Against Dollar By 3% In A Month|url=https://www.tolonews.com/business/afghani-falls-against-dollar-3-month|publisher=TOLOnews|date=18 April 2019|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419141610/https://www.tolonews.com/business/afghani-falls-against-dollar-3-month|archive-date=19 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of local and foreign banks operate in the country, including the [[Afghanistan International Bank]], [[New Kabul Bank]], [[Azizi Bank]], [[Pashtany Bank]], [[Standard Chartered Bank]], and the [[First MicroFinance Bank-Afghanistan|First Micro Finance Bank]].

[[File:Afghan carpets being sold.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|[[Afghan rugs]] are one of Afghanistan's main exports.]]

In 2010, one of the main drivers for the economic recovery was the return of over 5 million [[Afghan diaspora|expatriates]], who brought with them entrepreneurship and wealth-creating skills as well as much needed funds to start up businesses. Many Afghans got involved in construction, which was one of the largest industries in the country at the time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/world/asia/08contract.html |title=Afghan Companies Say U.S. Did Not Pay Them |work=The New York Times|first=Carlotta |last=Gall | date=7 July 2010 |access-date=30 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402005151/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/world/asia/08contract.html |archive-date=2 April 2013 }}</ref> Some of the major national construction projects include the $35 billion New Kabul City next to the capital, the Aino Mena project in Kandahar, and the [[Ghazi Amanullah Khan Town]] near Jalalabad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcda.gov.af/ |title=DCDA {{!}} Welcome to our Official Website |publisher=dcda.gov.af |access-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233634/http://www.dcda.gov.af/|archive-date=30 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.najeebzarab.af/town_main.php |title=Welcome to Ghazi Amanullah Khan Website |year=2009 |publisher=najeebzarab.af |access-date=15 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429180506/http://www.najeebzarab.af/town_main.php |archive-date=29 April 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.designmena.com/portfolio/aino-mina |title=Case study: Aino Mina |publisher=Designmena |first1= Oliver |last1=Ephgrave |year=2011 |access-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106003655/http://www.designmena.com/portfolio/aino-mina|archive-date=6 January 2014}}</ref> Similar development projects have also begun in [[Herat]], [[Mazar-e-Sharif]], and other cities.<ref>"[https://www.forbes.com/2009/09/02/mazar-i-sharif-khaled-amiri-opinions-21-century-cities-09-ann-marlowe.html A Humane Afghan City?]" by Ann Marlowe. ''[[Forbes]]''. 2 September 2009. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231001216/http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/02/mazar-i-sharif-khaled-amiri-opinions-21-century-cities-09-ann-marlowe.html | date=31 December 2013 }}.</ref> An estimated 400,000 people enter the labor market each year.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Michael Sprague |title=Afghanistan country profile |url=https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1871/01%20Country%20Profile%20FINAL%20July%202016.pdf |website=USAID |access-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501062352/https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1871/01%20Country%20Profile%20FINAL%20July%202016.pdf |archive-date=1 May 2017 }}</ref>

Several small companies and factories began operating in different parts of the country, which not only provide revenues to the government but also create new jobs. Improvements to the business environment have resulted in more than $1.5 billion in [[Telecommunications|telecom]] investment and created more than 100,000 jobs since 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/programs/economic_growth#Tab=Description |title=Economic growth |publisher=USAID Afghanistan |access-date=25 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929082351/http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/programs/economic_growth |archive-date=29 September 2013}}</ref> [[Afghan rug]]s are becoming popular again, allowing many carpet dealers around the country to hire more workers; in 2016–17 it was the fourth most exported group of items.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-carpets-idUKKBN1HI2VL|title=Sales of Afghanistan's renowned carpets unravel as war intensifies |work=Reuters |date=12 April 2018 |last1=Nickel |first1=Rod |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200612214646/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-carpets-idUKKBN1HI2VL |archive-date= 12 June 2020 }}</ref>

Afghanistan is a member of [[WTO]], [[SAARC]], [[Economic Cooperation Organization|ECO]], and [[OIC]]. It holds an observer status in [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation|SCO]]. In 2018, a majority of imports come from either Iran, China, Pakistan and Kazakhstan, while 84% of exports are to Pakistan and India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/AFG/Year/LTST/TradeFlow/EXPIMP/Partner/by-country |title= Afghanistan trade balance, exports and imports by country 2019 |website=World Integrated Trade Solution |access-date=13 June 2020}}</ref>

Since the Taliban's takeover of the country in August 2021, the United States has [[Afghan frozen assets|frozen about $9 billion]] in assets belonging to the [[Da Afghanistan Bank|Afghan central bank]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban blames U.S. as 1 million Afghan kids face death by starvation |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/afghanistan-taliban-blames-us-as-1-million-kids-face-starvation/ |publisher=[[CBS News]] |date=20 October 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712011202/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/afghanistan-taliban-blames-us-as-1-million-kids-face-starvation/ |archive-date= 12 July 2023 }}</ref> blocking the Taliban from accessing billions of dollars held in US bank accounts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Is the United States Driving Afghanistan Toward Famine? |url=https://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/template/oakv2?campaign_id=30&emc=edit_int_20211029&instance_id=44044&nl=the-interpreter&productCode=INT&regi_id=57806557&segment_id=72971&te=1&uri=nyt%3A%2F%2Fnewsletter%2Fde4d3c8a-f805-5843-bf23-d2fd9a6bcf70&user_id=9aa4b6ac6a6bfa9626d966e353fed48b |work=The Interpreter |date=29 October 2021 |first1=Max |last1=Fisher |first2=Amanda |last2=Taub |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032707/https://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/template/oakv2?campaign_id=30&emc=edit_int_20211029&instance_id=44044&nl=the-interpreter&productCode=INT&regi_id=57806557&segment_id=72971&te=1&uri=nyt%3A%2F%2Fnewsletter%2Fde4d3c8a-f805-5843-bf23-d2fd9a6bcf70&user_id=9aa4b6ac6a6bfa9626d966e353fed48b |archive-date= 26 March 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan's hunger crisis is a problem the U.S. can fix |url=https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/afghanistan-s-hunger-crisis-problem-u-s-can-fix-n1283618 |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=10 November 2021}}</ref>

The GDP of Afghanistan is estimated to have dropped by 20% following the Taliban return to power. Following this, after months of free-fall, the Afghan economy began stabilizing, as a result of the Taliban's restrictions on smuggled imports, limits on banking transactions, and [[Foreign aid to Afghanistan|UN aid]]. In 2023, the Afghan economy began seeing signs of revival. This has also been followed by stable exchange rates, low inflation, stable revenue collection, and the rise of trade in exports.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two Years into Taliban Rule, New Shocks Weaken Afghan Economy |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/08/two-years-taliban-rule-new-shocks-weaken-afghan-economy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811071034/https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/08/two-years-taliban-rule-new-shocks-weaken-afghan-economy |archive-date=11 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023 |publisher=United States Institute of Peace}}</ref> In the third quarter of 2023, the [[Afghan afghani|Afghani]] rose to be the best performing currency in the world, climbing over 9% against the [[United States dollar|US dollar]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 September 2023 |title=Taliban Controls the World's Best Performing Currency This Quarter|work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-25/taliban-controls-world-s-best-performing-currency-this-quarter |access-date=27 September 2023}}</ref>

=== Agriculture ===
[[File:Afghan Saffron.jpg|thumb|Afghan [[saffron]]]]

Agricultural production is the backbone of Afghanistan's economy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/programs/agriculture |title=Agriculture |publisher=USAID |access-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929082220/http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/programs/agriculture |archive-date=29 September 2013 }}</ref> and has traditionally dominated the economy, employing about 40% of the workforce as of 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/afghanistan/publication/unlocking-potential-of-agriculture-for-afghanistan-growth |title=Unlocking the Potential of Agriculture for Afghanistan's Growth|publisher=World Bank}}</ref> The country is known for producing [[pomegranate production in Afghanistan|pomegranates]], grapes, apricots, melons, and several other fresh and dry fruits. Afghanistan also became the world's top producer of [[cannabis]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-cannabis-idUSTRE62U0IC20100331|title=Afghanistan now world's top cannabis source: U.N. |work=Reuters |date=31 March 2010 |last=Burch |first=Jonathon}}</ref> In March 2023, however, cannabis production was banned by a decree from Hibatullah Akhundzada.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sultan |first=Abid |title=Taliban leader bans cannabis cultivation in Afghanistan |url=https://www.trtworld.com/asia/taliban-leader-bans-cannabis-cultivation-in-afghanistan-66283 |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=Taliban leader bans cannabis cultivation in Afghanistan |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701030117/https://www.trtworld.com/asia/taliban-leader-bans-cannabis-cultivation-in-afghanistan-66283 }}</ref>

[[Saffron]], the most expensive spice, grows in Afghanistan, particularly [[Herat Province]]. In recent years, there has been an uptick in saffron production, which authorities and farmers are using to try to replace poppy cultivation. Between 2012 and 2019, the saffron cultivated and produced in Afghanistan was consecutively ranked the world's best by the International Taste and Quality Institute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1602281/world|title=Afghanistan's red gold 'saffron' termed world's best|date=22 December 2019|website=Arab News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/28053-afghan-saffron-worlds-best|title=Afghan Saffron, World's Best|website=TOLOnews}}</ref> Production hit record high in 2019 (19,469 kg of saffron), and one kilogram is sold domestically between $634 and $1147.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/25/c_138657013.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228193104/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/25/c_138657013.htm|archive-date=28 December 2019|title=Saffron production hits record high in Afghanistan|agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref>

The availability of cheap diesel-powered water pumps imported from China and Pakistan, and in the 2010s, of cheap solar power to pump water, resulted in expansion of agriculture and population in the southwestern deserts of Afghanistan in [[Kandahar Province|Kandahar]], [[Helmand Province|Helmand]] and [[Nimruz Province|Nimruz]] provinces in the 2010s. Wells have gradually been deepened, but water resources are limited. Opium is the major crop, but as of 2022, was under attack by the new Taliban government which, to suppress opium production, was systematically suppressing water pumping.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Bryan Denton |author2=David Zucchino |author3=Yaqoob Akbary |title=Green Energy Complicates the Taliban's New Battle Against Opium: The multibillion-dollar trade has survived previous bans. Now, the Taliban are going after solar-powered water pumps to try to dry up poppy crops in the middle of a national economic crisis. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/29/world/asia/afghanistan-opium-taliban.html |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=29 May 2022|quote=Do not destroy the fields, but make the fields dry out.... We are committed to fulfilling the opium decree.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=David Mansfield |title=When the Water Runs Dry: What is to be done with the 1.5 million settlers in the deserts of southwest Afghanistan when their livelihoods fail? |url=https://areu.org.af/when-the-water-runs-dry/ |website=areu.org.af |publisher=The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) |access-date=29 May 2022 |date=23 May 2022 |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529220041/https://areu.org.af/when-the-water-runs-dry/ }}</ref> In a 2023 report, poppy cultivation in southern Afghanistan was reduced by over 80% as a result of Taliban campaigns to stop its use toward opium. This included a 99% reduction of opium growth in the Helmand Province.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 June 2023 |title=Poppy Cultivation in South of Afghanistan Down by 80%: Report |page=1 |work=ToloNews |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-183684 |access-date=8 June 2023}}</ref> In November 2023, a U.N report showed that in the entirety of Afghanistan, poppy cultivation dropped by over 95%, removing it from its place as being the world's largest opium producer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Afghan opium poppy cultivation plunges by 95 percent under Taliban: UN |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/5/afghan-opium-poppy-cultivation-plunges-by-95-percent-under-taliban-un |access-date=7 November 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 November 2023 |title=Opium cultivation declines by 95 per cent in Afghanistan: UN survey {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1143232 |access-date=7 November 2023 |publisher=United Nations}}</ref>

=== Mining ===
{{Main|Mining in Afghanistan}}

[[File:Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|[[Lapis lazuli]] stones]]

The country's natural resources include: coal, copper, iron ore, [[lithium]], [[uranium]], [[rare earth element]]s, [[chromite]], gold, [[zinc]], [[talc]], [[barite]], [[sulfur]], lead, [[marble]], precious and [[semi-precious stones]], natural gas, and petroleum.<ref name="peters2007">{{cite tech report |last=Peters |first=Steven G. |title=Preliminary Assessment of Non-Fuel Mineral Resources of Afghanistan, 2007 |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3063/fs2007-3063.pdf |publisher=USGS Afghanistan Project/[[US Geological Survey]]/Afghanistan Geological Survey |access-date=13 October 2011 |id=Fact Sheet 2007–3063 | date=October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727053445/http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3063/fs2007-3063.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2013 }}</ref><ref name="bgs" /> In 2010, US and Afghan government officials estimated that untapped mineral deposits located in 2007 by the [[US Geological Survey]] are worth at least {{nowrap|$1 trillion}}.<ref name="bbcminerals">{{cite news |title=Afghans say US team found huge potential mineral wealth |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10311752 |access-date=13 October 2011 |publisher=BBC News |date=14 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809125352/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10311752 |archive-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

[[Michael E. O'Hanlon]] of the [[Brookings Institution]] estimated that if Afghanistan generates about $10 billion per year from its [[mining in Afghanistan|mineral deposits]], its [[gross national product]] would double and provide long-term funding for critical needs.<ref>O'Hanlon, Michael E. [http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/0616_afghanistan_minerals_ohanlon.aspx "Deposits Could Aid Ailing Afghanistan"] ({{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923172142/http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/0616_afghanistan_minerals_ohanlon.aspx |date=23 September 2011 }}), [[The Brookings Institution]], 16 June 2010.</ref> The [[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) estimated in 2006 that northern Afghanistan has an average {{convert|2.9|e9oilbbl|e6m3|abbr=unit|order=flip}} of [[crude oil]], {{convert|15.7|e12cuft|abbr=unit|order=flip}} of natural gas, and {{convert|562|e6USbbl|e9L|0|abbr=unit|order=flip}} of [[natural gas liquids]].<ref>{{cite tech report|last=Klett |first=T.R. |title=Assessment of Undiscovered Petroleum Resources of Northern Afghanistan, 2006 |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3031/pdf/FS-3031.pdf |publisher=USGS-Afghanistan Ministry of Mines & Industry Joint Oil & Gas Resource Assessment Team |access-date=13 October 2011 | date=March 2006 |id=Fact Sheet 2006–3031|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727060903/http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3031/pdf/FS-3031.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2013 }}</ref> In 2011, Afghanistan signed an oil exploration contract with [[China National Petroleum Corporation]] (CNPC) for the development of three oil fields along the Amu Darya river in the north.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/afghanistan-signs-7-bn-oil-deal-china-102107778.html |title=Afghanistan signs '$7 bn' oil deal with China | date=28 December 2011 |access-date=29 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233953/http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afghanistan-signs-7-bn-oil-deal-china-102107778.html |archive-date=30 December 2013 }}</ref>

The country has significant amounts of [[lithium]], copper, gold, coal, iron ore, and other [[minerals]].<ref name=peters2007 /><ref name="bgs">{{cite web |url=http://www.bgs.ac.uk/AfghanMinerals/docs/Gold_A4.pdf#search='gold%20and%20copper%20discovered%20in%20afghanistan'|title=Minerals in Afghanistan |publisher=[[British Geological Survey]] |access-date=4 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726155518/http://www.bgs.ac.uk/AfghanMinerals/docs/Gold_A4.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uvm.edu/ieds/node/568/ |title=Afghanistan's Mineral Fortune |publisher=Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security Report |year=2011 |access-date=16 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212153853/http://www.uvm.edu/ieds/node/568 |archive-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> The [[Khanashin]] [[carbonatite]] in Helmand Province contains {{convert|1000000|t|lk=out}} of [[rare earth element]]s.<ref>{{cite tech report|last=Tucker |first=Ronald D. |title=Rare Earth Element Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Preliminary Resource Assessment of the Khanneshin Carbonatite Complex, Helmand Province, Afghanistan |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1207/pdf/ofr2011-1207.pdf |publisher=USGS |access-date=13 October 2011 |year=2011 |id=Open-File Report 2011–1207|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727062511/http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1207/pdf/ofr2011-1207.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2013}}</ref> In 2007, a 30-year lease was granted for the [[Mes Aynak#Copper Mine|Aynak]] copper mine to the [[China Metallurgical Group]] for $3 billion,<ref>"[http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/06/14/china-us-afghanistan-mineral-mining/ China, Not U.S., Likely to Benefit from Afghanistan's Mineral Riches]". ''Daily Finance''. 14 June 2010 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231001630/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/06/14/china-us-afghanistan-mineral-mining/ |date=31 December 2013}}</ref> making it the biggest foreign investment and private business venture in Afghanistan's history.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/world/asia/30mine.html |title=China Willing to Spend Big on Afghan Commerce |work=The New York Times |date=29 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110731145815/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/world/asia/30mine.html |archive-date=31 July 2011}}</ref> The state-run [[Steel Authority of India]] won the mining rights to develop the huge [[Hajigak Pass|Hajigak]] iron ore deposit in central Afghanistan.<ref>"[http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-06/indian-group-wins-rights-to-mine-in-afghanistan-s-hajigak.html Indian Group Wins Rights to Mine in Afghanistan's Hajigak]" ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010060446/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-06/indian-group-wins-rights-to-mine-in-afghanistan-s-hajigak.html |date=10 October 2013}}). ''Businessweek''. 6 December 2011</ref> Government officials estimate that 30% of the country's untapped mineral deposits are worth at least {{nowrap|$1 trillion}}.<ref name=bbcminerals /> One official asserted that "this will become the backbone of the Afghan economy" and a Pentagon memo stated that Afghanistan could become the "Saudi Arabia of lithium".<ref>{{cite news|last=Risen|first=James|author-link=James Risen|date=17 June 2010|title=U.S. Identifies Vast Riches of Minerals in Afghanistan|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/world/asia/14minerals.html|url-status=live|access-date=14 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617204149/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/world/asia/14minerals.html|archive-date=17 June 2010}}</ref> The lithium reserves of 21 Mio. tons could amount to the ones of [[Bolivia]], which is currently viewed as the country with the largest lithium reserves.<ref name="Hosp-2021">{{Cite news|last=Hosp|first=Gerald|date=31 August 2021|title=Afghanistan: die konfliktreichen Bodenschätze|url=https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/afghanistan-die-konfliktreichen-bodenschaetze-ld.1642056|access-date=1 September 2021|website=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]|language=de}}</ref> Other larger deposits are the ones of [[bauxite]] and [[cobalt]].<ref name="Hosp-2021" />

Access to [[biocapacity]] in Afghanistan is lower than world average. In 2016, Afghanistan had 0.43 global hectares<ref name=footprintdata>{{cite web|url=http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=2&type=BCpc,EFCpc|title=Country Trends|publisher=Global Footprint Network|access-date= 23 June 2020}}</ref> of biocapacity per person within its territory, much less than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lin|first1=David|last2=Hanscom|first2=Laurel|last3=Murthy|first3=Adeline|last4=Galli|first4=Alessandro|last5=Evans|first5=Mikel|last6=Neill|first6=Evan|last7=Mancini|first7=MariaSerena|last8=Martindill|first8=Jon|last9=Medouar|first9=FatimeZahra|last10=Huang|first10=Shiyu|last11=Wackernagel
|first11=Mathis|year=2018|title=Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 2012–2018|journal=Resources|volume=7|issue=3|page=58|doi=10.3390/resources7030058|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Resou...7...58L }}</ref> In 2016 Afghanistan used 0.73 global hectares of biocapacity per person—their [[ecological footprint]] of consumption. This means they use just under double as much biocapacity as Afghanistan contains. As a result, Afghanistan is running a biocapacity deficit.<ref name=footprintdata/>

In September 2023, the [[Taliban]] signed mining contracts worth {{nowrap|$6.5 billion}}, with extractions based on gold, iron, lead, and zinc in the provinces of Herat, Ghor, Logar, and Takhar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2023 |title=Taliban Sign Multibillion-Dollar Afghan Mining Deals |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-sign-multibillion-dollar-afghan-mining-deals/7249135.html |access-date=1 July 2024 |publisher=Voice of America}}</ref>

=== Energy ===
{{Main|Energy in Afghanistan}}

{{See also|Renewable energy in Afghanistan}}
[[File:Afghanistan electricity production.svg|thumb|Afghanistan electricity supply (1980–2019)]]

According to the [[World Bank]], 98% of the rural population have access to electricity in 2018, up from 28% in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Access to electricity, rural (% of rural population) – Afghanistan {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.RU.ZS?end=2018&locations=AF&start=2005&view=chart|access-date=28 March 2021|publisher=World Bank}}</ref> Overall the figure stands at 98.7%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS?end=2018&locations=AF&start=2005&view=chart|title=Access to electricity (% of population) – Afghanistan|publisher=[[World Bank]]}}</ref> As of 2016, Afghanistan produces 1,400 [[megawatt]]s of power, but still imports the majority of electricity via transmission lines from Iran and the Central Asian states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/business/afghanistan-has-capacity-produce-310000mw-power|title=Afghanistan Has Capacity To Produce 310,000MW Power|website=TOLOnews}}</ref> The majority of electricity production is via [[hydropower]], helped by the amount of rivers and streams that flow from the mountains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2018/05/14/largest-plant-restarts-operations-in-first-step-developing-afghanistan-hydropower|title=Afghanistan Resurrects its Largest Hydropower Plant Toward a Brighter Future|publisher=World Bank}}</ref> However electricity is not always reliable and blackouts happen, including in Kabul.<ref name="Afghanistan Analysts Network – English-2015">{{Cite web|url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/power-to-the-people-how-to-extend-afghans-access-to-electricity/|title=Power to the People: How to extend Afghans' access to electricity|date=3 February 2015|website=Afghanistan Analysts Network – English}}</ref> In recent years an increasing number of [[Solar power|solar]], [[biomass]] and wind power plants have been constructed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/presscenter/IntheNews/renewable-energy-in-afghanistan-atn.html|title=The Power of Nature: How Renewable Energy is Changing Lives in Afghanistan|website=UNDP in Afghanistan|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414230313/https://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/presscenter/IntheNews/renewable-energy-in-afghanistan-atn.html}}</ref> Currently under development are the [[CASA-1000]] project which will transmit electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the [[Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline|Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India]] (TAPI) gas pipeline.<ref name="Afghanistan Analysts Network – English-2015"/> Power is managed by the [[Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat]] (DABS, Afghanistan Electricity Company).

Important dams include the [[Kajaki Dam]], [[Dahla Dam]], and the [[Sardeh Band Dam]].<ref name="afghanistans.com-1"/>

=== Tourism ===
{{Main|Tourism in Afghanistan}}

[[File:Lake in Band-e Amir National Park, March 2008.jpg|thumb|[[Band-e Amir National Park]]]]

Tourism is a small industry in Afghanistan due to security issues. Nevertheless, some 20,000 foreign tourists visit the country annually as of 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/09/27/20000-foreign-tourists-visit-afghanistan-annually |title=20,000 foreign tourists visit Afghanistan annually |publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) |editor=Navid Ahmad Barakzai |date=27 September 2016 |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123022923/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/09/27/20000-foreign-tourists-visit-afghanistan-annually }}</ref> In particular an important region for domestic and international tourism is the picturesque [[Bamyan]] Valley, which includes lakes, canyons and historical sites, helped by the fact it is in a safe area away from insurgent activity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/coronavirus-shatters-tourism-hopes-in-afghanistan-s-bamyan-province-1.1011018|title=Coronavirus shatters tourism hopes in Afghanistan's Bamyan province|website=The National|date=26 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pajhwok.com/en/2017/09/03/more-200000-tourists-visit-bamyan-year|title=More than 200,000 tourists visit Bamyan this year|website=pajhwok.com|date=3 September 2017|last1=Basharat|first1=Hakim}}</ref> Smaller numbers visit and trek in regions such as the [[Wakhan]] Valley, which is also one of the world's most remote communities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/2154951/where-instagramers-and-taliban-play-afghanistan|title=Where Instagramers and Taliban play|date=14 July 2018|website=South China Morning Post}}</ref> From the late 1960s onwards, Afghanistan was a popular stop on the famous [[hippie trail]], attracting many Europeans and Americans. Coming from Iran, the trail traveled through various Afghan provinces and cities including [[Herat]], [[Kandahar]] and [[Kabul]] before crossing to northern Pakistan, northern India, and [[Nepal]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.richardgregory.org.uk/history/hippie-trail.htm|title= Origins of the hippie trail|website= richardgregory.org.uk|access-date= 13 June 2020|archive-date= 11 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215149/https://www.richardgregory.org.uk/history/hippie-trail.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.richardgregory.org.uk/history/hippie-trail-03.htm |title=The hippie trail |website=richardgregory.org.uk |access-date=13 June 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308185419/https://www.richardgregory.org.uk/history/hippie-trail-03.htm }}</ref> Tourism peaked in 1977, the year before the start of political instability and armed conflict.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/afghanistan/articles/when-afghanistan-was-just-the-laid-back-highlight-on-the-hippie-/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/afghanistan/articles/when-afghanistan-was-just-the-laid-back-highlight-on-the-hippie-/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=When Afghanistan was just a laid-back highlight on the hippie trail|first=Oliver|last= Smith|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=20 April 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[File:Jam afghanistan ghorprovince islamic architecture.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Minaret of Jam]], a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]]]]

The city of [[Ghazni]] has significant history and historical sites, and together with [[Bamyan]] city have in recent years been voted Islamic Cultural Capital and South Asia Cultural Capital respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/context-culture/bamyan-first-ever-cultural-capital-of-south-asia-a-big-party-but-what-else/|title=Bamyan, First Ever Cultural Capital of South Asia: A big party, but what else?|date=8 June 2015|website=Afghanistan Analysts Network – English}}</ref> The cities of [[Herat]], [[Kandahar]], [[Balkh]], and [[Zaranj]] are also very historic. The [[Minaret of Jam]] in the [[Hari River, Afghanistan|Hari River]] valley is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. A cloak reputedly worn by Islam's prophet [[Muhammad]] is kept in the [[Shrine of the Cloak]] in Kandahar, a city founded by [[Alexander the Great]] and the first capital of Afghanistan. The [[citadel of Alexander]] in the western city of Herat has been renovated in recent years and is a popular attraction. In the north of the country is the [[Shrine of Ali]], believed by many to be the location where [[Ali]] was buried.{{sfn|Dupree|1997|page=115}} The [[National Museum of Afghanistan]] in Kabul hosts a large number of Buddhist, [[Bactria]]n Greek and early Islamic antiquities; the museum suffered greatly by civil war but has been slowly restoring since the early 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200203-the-afghan-artefacts-that-survived-taliban-destruction|title=The Afghan artefacts that survived Taliban destruction|first=Ruchi|last=Kumar|date=4 February 2020 |publisher=[[BBC Travel]]}}</ref>

Unexpectedly, tourism has seen improvement in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. Active efforts by the Taliban encouraged tourism to increase from 691 tourists in 2021, to 2,300 in 2022, to 5,200 in 2023, with some estimates of between 7,000 and 10,000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2024 |title=The Taliban are working to woo tourists to Afghanistan |url=https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-tourism-women-7acb04bb78dd779e763a337790113cec |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Photos: Tourist numbers up in post-war Afghanistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/4/2/tourist-numbers-up-in-post-war-afghanistan |access-date=1 July 2024 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='A remarkable development': How Western tourism is on the rise in this controversial nation |url=https://news.sky.com/story/a-remarkable-development-how-western-tourism-is-on-the-rise-in-afghanistan-13087329 |access-date=1 July 2024 |publisher=Sky News}}</ref> This is, however, threatened by the [[Islamic State – Khorasan Province]], who took responsibility for attacks on tourists, such as the [[2024 Bamyan shooting]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2024 |title=Attack on tourists rocks fledgling Afghanistan tourism sector |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240520-attack-on-tourists-rocks-fledgling-afghanistan-tourism-sector |access-date=1 July 2024 |publisher=France 24}}</ref>

=== Communication ===
{{Main|Communications in Afghanistan}}

Telecommunication services in Afghanistan are provided by [[Afghan Telecom]], [[Afghan Wireless]], [[Etisalat]], [[MTN Group]], and [[Roshan (telco)|Roshan]]. The country uses its own space [[satellite]] called [[Afghansat 1]], which provides services to millions of phone, internet, and television subscribers. By 2001 following years of civil war, telecommunications was virtually a non-existent sector, but by 2016 it had grown to a $2 billion industry, with 22 million mobile phone subscribers and 5 million internet users. The sector employs at least 120,000 people nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afghanistanembassy.org.uk/english/3155/|title=Connecting Afghanistan: The rise of technology in governance and society – The Embassy of Afghanistan in London|website=afghanistanembassy.org.uk|access-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125742/http://afghanistanembassy.org.uk/english/3155/|archive-date=21 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Transportation ===
{{Main|Transport in Afghanistan}}

{{See also|List of airports in Afghanistan|Rail transport in Afghanistan}}
[[File:Françoise Foliot - Afghanistan 043.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Salang Tunnel]]]]

Due to Afghanistan's geography, transport between various parts of the country has historically been difficult. The backbone of Afghanistan's road network is [[Highway 1 (Afghanistan)|Highway 1]], often called the "Ring Road", which extends for {{convert|2210|km}} and connects five major cities: Kabul, Ghazni, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/going-in-circles-the-never-ending-story-of-afghanistans-unfinished-ring-road/|title=Going in Circles: The never-ending story of Afghanistan's unfinished Ring Road|publisher=Afghanistan Analysts Network|author=Qayoom Suroush|date=16 January 2015|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707120451/https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/going-in-circles-the-never-ending-story-of-afghanistans-unfinished-ring-road/|archive-date=7 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> with spurs to Kunduz and Jalalabad and various border crossings, while skirting around the mountains of the Hindu Kush.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=29bg7g1U6coC&pg=PA118|title=The Geography and Politics of Afghanistan|first=Ramamoorthy|last=Gopalakrishnan|date=13 June 1982|publisher=Concept Publishing Company}}</ref>

The Ring Road is crucially important for domestic and international trade and the economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/going-in-circles-the-never-ending-story-of-afghanistans-unfinished-ring-road/|title=Going in Circles: The never-ending story of Afghanistan's unfinished Ring Road|date=16 January 2015|website=Afghanistan Analysts Network – English}}</ref> A key portion of the Ring Road is the [[Salang Tunnel]], completed in 1964, which facilitates travel through the Hindu Kush mountain range and connects northern and southern Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite book|author=Cary Gladstone|title=Afghanistan Revisited|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aH_KCWVB6W0C&pg=PA122|year=2001|publisher=Nova Publishers|isbn=978-1-59033-421-8|page=122}}</ref> It is the only land route that connects Central Asia to the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-46016020100209 |title=Afghan avalanches kill dozens, trap hundreds |date=9 February 2010 |work=Reuters |last=Azimy |first=Yousuf}}</ref> Several mountain passes allow travel between the Hindu Kush in other areas. Serious traffic accidents are common on Afghan roads and highways, particularly on the [[Kabul–Kandahar Highway|Kabul–Kandahar]] and the [[Kabul–Jalalabad Road]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/26/afghan-bus-crash |title=Afghan bus crash kills 45 |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=26 April 2013 |access-date=4 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105002154/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/26/afghan-bus-crash |archive-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Traveling by bus in Afghanistan remains dangerous due to militant activities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Driving in Afghanistan|url=http://caravanistan.com/transport/driving/afghanistan/|website=Caravanistan|access-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904001045/http://caravanistan.com/transport/driving/afghanistan/|archive-date=4 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Ariana Afghan A310-300 F-GEMO.jpg|thumb|An [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]] [[Airbus A310]] in 2006]]

Air transport in Afghanistan is provided by the national carrier, [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]],<ref>{{cite news |title=EU To Impose Ban on Afghan Planes |url=http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1290466447.html |publisher=Airwise News |date=22 November 2010 |quote=Kabul-based [[Safi Airways|Safi]] is the country's No. 2 airline after national carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines |access-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524011714/http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1290466447.html |archive-date=24 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and by the private company [[Kam Air]]. Airlines from a number of countries also provide flights in and out of the country. These include [[Air India]], [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]], [[Gulf Air]], [[Iran Aseman Airlines]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]], and [[Turkish Airlines]]. The country has four international airports: [[Kabul International Airport]] (formerly Hamid Karzai International Airport), [[Kandahar International Airport]], [[Herat International Airport]], and [[Mazar-e Sharif International Airport]]. Including domestic airports, there are 43.<ref name="Factbook"/> [[Bagram Air Base]] is a major military airfield.

The country has three rail links: one, a {{convert|75|km|adj=on}} line from [[Mazar-i-Sharif]] to the [[Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge|Uzbekistan border]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andrewgrantham.co.uk/afghanistan/railways/hairatan-to-mazar-i-sharif/|title=Hairatan to Mazar-i-Sharif railway – Railways of Afghanistan|website=andrewgrantham.co.uk|access-date=3 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224182253/http://www.andrewgrantham.co.uk/afghanistan/railways/hairatan-to-mazar-i-sharif/|archive-date=24 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> a {{convert|10|km|adj=on}} long line from [[Toraghundi]] to the [[Turkmenistan]] border (where it continues as part of [[Turkmen Railways]]); and a short link from [[Aqina]] across the Turkmen border to [[Kerki]], which is planned to be extended further across Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/11/28/afghan-turkmenistan-railroad-inaugurated|title=Afghan-Turkmenistan railroad inaugurated|website=pajhwok.com|date=28 November 2016|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512234058/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/11/28/afghan-turkmenistan-railroad-inaugurated|archive-date=12 May 2017|url-status=live|last1=Salehai|first1=Zarghona}}</ref> These lines are used for freight only and there is no passenger service. A rail line between [[Khaf, Iran|Khaf]], Iran and [[Herat]], western Afghanistan, intended for both freight and passengers, was under construction as of 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.azernews.az/region/135859.html |title=Khaf-Herat railroad to be launched in Iran soon |date=7 August 2018 |quote="Iran-Afghanistan railway networks through Khaf-Herat Railroad will be completed in the next few months," Yazdani said, according to Mehr news agency on 3 August |access-date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928003514/https://www.azernews.az/region/135859.html |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifpnews.com/exclusive/iran-strongly-condemns-herat-railway-mine-blast/|title=Iran Strongly Condemns Herat Railway Mine Blast|date=20 May 2019|access-date=7 July 2019|publisher=Iran Front Page|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521080709/https://ifpnews.com/exclusive/iran-strongly-condemns-herat-railway-mine-blast/|archive-date=21 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> About {{convert|125|km}} of the line will lie on the Afghan side.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/economy-domestic-economy/60378/rail-linkup-with-afghanistan-by-march-2018|title=Rail Linkup With Afghanistan by March 2018|date=25 February 2017|access-date=3 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922112855/https://financialtribune.com/articles/economy-domestic-economy/60378/rail-linkup-with-afghanistan-by-march-2018|archive-date=22 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Khaf-Herat railway |url=http://www.raillynews.com/2013/khaf-herat-railway/ |website=RaillyNews {{!}} Dailly Railway News in English |date=10 December 2013 |access-date=1 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220114246/http://www.raillynews.com/2013/khaf-herat-railway/ |archive-date=20 December 2017 }}</ref>

Private vehicle ownership has increased substantially since the early 2000s. Taxis are yellow and consist of both cars and [[auto rickshaw]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/eastsats/5/2/5_292/_pdf/-char/en |title=The Possibility of Introducing a Regular Bus System in Kandahar |last1=Rahmat |first1=Mohibullah |last2=Mizokami |first2=Shoshi |last3=Fujiwara |first3=Akimasa |journal=Asian Transport Studies |volume=5 |issue=2 |year=2018 |pages=292–309}}</ref> In rural Afghanistan, villagers often use donkeys, [[mule]]s or horses to transport or carry goods. Camels are primarily used by the Kochi nomads.<ref name="Wahab-2007"/> Bicycles are popular throughout Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2UEJDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA23 |title=Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding, 2 Volume Pack |isbn=978-1-84593-466-8 |first1=Valerie |last1=Porter |first2=Lawrence |last2=Alderson |first3=Stephen J.G. |last3=Hall |first4=D. Phillip |last4=Sponenberg |date=9 March 2016 |page=23 |quote=[Donkeys] are the primary means of transportation in the countryside (along with bicycles) and are sometimes described as the 'Jeeps' of Afghanistan — or even as the country's 'helicopters'.}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Afghanistan}}

{{Further|Afghans|Afghan diaspora}}
[[File:Afghanistan ethnic groups 2005.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A Cold War-era CIA map showing traditional Afghan tribal territories. [[Pashtun tribes]] form the world's largest tribal society.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ag-afghanistan.de/files/glatzer/tribal_system.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.ag-afghanistan.de/files/glatzer/tribal_system.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=The Pashtun Tribal System |last1=Glatzer |first1=Bernt |year=2002 |publisher=Concept Publishers |location=New Delhi }}</ref>]]

=== Population ===

The population of Afghanistan was estimated at 35.7{{nbsp}}million as of 2024 by the Afghanistan [[National Statistics and Information Authority]],<ref name="NSIA pop"/> whereas the UN estimates over 42.0{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="UN pop"/> In 1979 the total population was reported to be about 15.5{{nbsp}}million.<ref>"[https://www.un.org/News/dh/latest/afghan/un-afghan-history.shtml United Nations and Afghanistan]". UN News Centre. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031084259/https://www.un.org/News/dh/latest/afghan/un-afghan-history.shtml |date=31 October 2013 }}</ref> About 25.3% are [[urban area|urbanite]], 70.4% live in rural areas, and the remaining 4.3% are nomadic.<ref name="NSIA pop"/> An additional 3{{nbsp}}million or so Afghans are temporarily housed in neighboring [[Afghans in Pakistan|Pakistan]] and [[Afghans in Iran|Iran]], most of whom were born and raised in those two countries. As of 2013, Afghanistan was the largest refugee-producing country in the world, a title held for 32 years.

The current population growth rate is 2.37%,<ref name="Factbook"/> one of the highest in the world outside of Africa. This population is expected to reach 82 million by 2050 if current population trends continue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prb.org/Countries/Afghanistan.aspx |title=Afghanistan – Population Reference Bureau |publisher=[[Population Reference Bureau]] |access-date=29 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224051/http://www.prb.org/Countries/Afghanistan.aspx|archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> The population of Afghanistan increased steadily until the 1980s, when civil war caused millions to flee to other countries such as Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Afghan Households in Iran: Profile and Impact |url=http://www.unhcr.org/455835d92.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223013910/https://www.unhcr.org/455835d92.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2018|first1=Piyasiri |last1=Wickramasekara |first2=Jag |last2=Sehgal |first3=Farhad |last3=Mehran |first4=Ladan |last4=Noroozi |first5=Saeid |last5=Eisazadeh |website=[[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]]}}</ref> Millions have since returned and the war conditions contribute to the country having the highest fertility rate outside Africa.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Is recent Afghanistan survey data suitable for fertility analysis? A regional investigation based on fertility inhibiting determinants|first1=Jamal Abdul|last1=Nasir|first2=Sohail|last2=Akhtar|first3=Syed Arif Ahmed|last3=Zaidi|first4=Andleeb|last4=Rani|first5=Hina|last5=Bano|first6=Andrew|last6=Hinde|date=16 October 2019|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=14|issue=10|article-number=e0223111|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0223111|pmid=31618275|pmc=6795489|bibcode=2019PLoSO..1423111N|doi-access=free}}</ref> Afghanistan's healthcare has recovered since the turn of the century, causing falls in infant mortality and increases in life expectancy, although it has the lowest life expectance of any country outside Africa. This (along with other factors such as returning refugees) caused rapid population growth in the 2000s that has only recently started to slow down.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} The [[Gini coefficient]] in 2008 was 27.8.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI/ |title=Gini Index |publisher=World Bank |access-date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511044958/http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI|archive-date=11 May 2014}}</ref>

==== Fertility rate ====
Afghanistan 2024 [[total fertility rate]] has been estimated at 4.4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/total-fertility-rate/country-comparison/|title=Total fertility rate Comparison – The World Factbook|website=www.cia.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207000103/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/total-fertility-rate/country-comparison|archive-date=7 December 2024|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022 it was 4.5, about twice the world average rate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?end=2022&start=1960&view=chart|title=World Bank Open Data|website=World Bank Open Data}}</ref> The rate has fallen since the early 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?end=2022&locations=AF&start=1983&view=chart|title=World Bank Open Data|website=World Bank Open Data}}</ref>

=== Urbanization ===
{{main|List of cities in Afghanistan}}

As estimated by the CIA World Factbook, 26% of the population was urbanized as of 2020. This is one of the lowest figures in the world; in Asia it is only higher than [[Cambodia]], [[Nepal]] and [[Sri Lanka]]. Urbanization has increased rapidly, particularly in the capital [[Kabul]], due to returning refugees from Pakistan and Iran after 2001, internally displaced people, and rural migrants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/20/can-cities-save-afghanistan/|title=Can Cities Save Afghanistan?|first=Ali|last=Karimi|date=20 March 2015 }}</ref> Urbanization in Afghanistan is different from typical urbanization in that it is centered on just a few cities.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/10/unraveling-afghan-art-carpet-weaving-201410917826901821.html|title=Unravelling the Afghan art of carpet weaving|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref>

Kabul is the largest city, with a population of 5 million.<ref name="NSIA pop"/> The other large cities are located generally in the "ring" around the Central Highlands, namely [[Kandahar]] in the south, [[Herat]] in the west, [[Mazar-i-Sharif]], [[Kunduz]] in the north, and [[Jalalabad]] in the east.

{{Largest cities of Afghanistan}}

=== Ethnicity and languages ===
{{Main|Ethnic groups in Afghanistan|Languages of Afghanistan}}

{{See also|Afghans}}
[[File:US Army ethnolinguistic map of Afghanistan -- circa 2001-09.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Ethnolinguistic map of Afghanistan (2001)]]

[[Afghans]] are divided into several [[Ethnolinguistic group|ethnolinguistic]] groups. According to research data by several institutions in 2019, the [[Pashtuns]] are the largest ethnic group, comprising 42%, followed by [[Tajiks]], comprising 27%<ref name="Population Matters">{{Cite web |url=https://afghanistan.unfpa.org/en/node/15230 |title=Population Matters |date=3 March 2016 |access-date=18 September 2021 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816021136/https://afghanistan.unfpa.org/en/node/15230 }}</ref><ref name="timesofindia">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/afghanistans-ethnic-mosaic/articleshow/85552093.cms |title=Afghanistan's ethnic mosaic |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 August 2021 |access-date=18 September 2021 |archive-date=18 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918062710/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/afghanistans-ethnic-mosaic/articleshow/85552093.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1258799/afghanistan-share-of-population-by-ethnic-group/
| title=Distribution of Afghan population by ethnic group 2020| date=20 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="reliefweb.int"/> of the country's population. The other two major ethnic groups are the [[Hazaras]] and [[Uzbeks]], each at 9%. A further 10 other ethnic groups are recognized and each are represented in the [[Afghan National Anthem]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2017/08/31/the-roots-of-afghanistans-tribal-tensions|title=The roots of Afghanistan's tribal tensions|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=31 August 2017}}</ref>

[[Dari]] and [[Pashto]] are the [[official language]]s of Afghanistan; [[bilingualism]] is very common.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Constitution of Afghanistan|url=https://www.mfa.gov.af/constitution/chapter-one-state.html|access-date=2 September 2020|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829115048/https://www.mfa.gov.af/constitution/chapter-one-state.html}}</ref> Dari, which is also referred to as Eastern Persian as it is a variety of and mutually intelligible with [[Persian language|Persian]] (and very often called '[[Farsi]]' by some Afghans like in [[Iran]]), functions as the [[lingua franca]] in Kabul as well as in much of the northern and northwestern parts of the country.<ref>{{cite web|year=2004|title=Article Sixteen of the 2004 Constitution of Afghanistan|url=http://www.afghan-web.com/politics/current_constitution.html#preamble|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028065437/http://www.afghan-web.com/politics/current_constitution.html|archive-date=28 October 2013|access-date=13 June 2012|quote=Pashto and Dari are the official languages of the state. Uzbek, Turkmen, Baluchi, Pashai, Nuristani and Pamiri are – in addition to Pashto and Dari – the third official language in areas where the majority speaks them}}</ref> Native speakers of Dari, of any ethnicity, are sometimes called [[Farsiwan]]s.<ref>The ''Encyc. Iranica'' makes clear in the article on Afghanistan — Ethnography that "The term Farsiwan also has the regional forms Parsiwan and Parsiban. In religion they are Imami Shia. In the literature they are often mistakenly referred to as Tajik." [https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-iranica-online/afghanistan-COM_4803 Dupree, Louis (1982) "Afghanistan: (iv.) Ethnography", in ''Encyclopædia Iranica''] Online Edition 2006.</ref> Pashto is the native tongue of the [[Pashtuns]], although many of them are also fluent in Dari while some non-Pashtuns are fluent in Pashto. Despite the Pashtuns having been dominant in Afghan politics for centuries, Dari remained the preferred language for government and bureaucracy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2019/7/11/what-will-happen-to-afghanistans-national-languages|title=What will happen to Afghanistan's national languages?|first=Austin|last=Bodetti|website=alaraby|date=11 July 2019}}</ref>
According to [[The World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]], Dari Persian is spoken by 78% ([[First language|L1]] + [[Second language|L2]]) and functions as the lingua franca, while [[Pashto]] is spoken by 50%, [[Uzbek language|Uzbek]] 10%, English 5%, [[Turkmen language|Turkmen]] 2%, [[Urdu]] 2%, [[Pashayi languages|Pashayi]] 1%, [[Nuristani languages|Nuristani]] 1%, [[Arabic]] 1%, and [[Balochi language|Balochi]] 1% (2021 est). Data represent the most widely spoken languages; shares sum to more than 100% because there is much bilingualism in the country and because respondents were allowed to select more than one language. There are a number of smaller regional languages, including Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashayi, and Nuristani.<ref name="Factbook"/>

When it comes to foreign languages among the populace, many are able to speak or understand [[Hindustani language|Hindustani]] ([[Urdu]]-[[Hindi]]), partly due to returning [[Afghans in Pakistan|Afghan refugees]] from [[Pakistan]] and the popularity of [[Bollywood]] films respectively.<ref name="Afroz-2013">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SjYUAgAAQBAJ|title=Afghanistan – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture|first1=Nazes|last1=Afroz|first2=Moska|last2=Najib|first3=Culture|last3=Smart!|date=1 December 2013|publisher=Kuperard|isbn=978-1-85733-680-1}}</ref> English is also understood by some of the population,<ref>The Asia Foundation. [https://asiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018_Afghan-Survey_fullReport-12.4.18.pdf ''Afghanistan in 2018: A Survey of the Afghan People''.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807211241/https://asiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018_Afghan-Survey_fullReport-12.4.18.pdf |date=7 August 2019}}</ref> and has been gaining popularity as of the 2000s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34215293|title=Pakistan's confusing move to Urdu|first=M. Ilyas|last=Khan|publisher=BBC News |date=12 September 2015}}</ref> Some Afghans retain some ability in Russian, which was [[Russian occupation of Afghanistan|taught in public schools during the 1980s]].<ref name="Afroz-2013"/>

=== Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Afghanistan}}

[[File:Mazar-e sharif - Steve Evans.jpg|thumb|[[Blue Mosque (Mazar-i-Sharif)|Blue Mosque]] in [[Mazar-i-Sharif]] is the largest mosque in Afghanistan.]]

The CIA estimated in 2009 that 99.7% of the Afghan population was Muslim<ref name="Factbook"/> and most are thought to adhere to the [[Sunni]] [[Hanafi]] school.<ref name="The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA)">{{cite web|url=https://swedishcommittee.org/afghanistan/religion|title=Religion in Afghanistan|website=The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA)}}</ref> According to [[Pew Research Center]], as much as 90% are of the Sunni denomination, 7% [[Shia]] and 3% [[Non-denominational Muslim|non-denominational]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/#identity|title=Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation|date=9 August 2012|work=The World's Muslims: Unity and Diversity|publisher=[[Pew Research Center]]'s Religion & Public Life Project|access-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226113158/http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/#identity|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[CIA]] Factbook variously estimates up to 89.7% Sunni or up to 15% Shia.<ref name="Factbook"/>

Afghan [[Sikhism in Afghanistan|Sikhs]] and [[Hinduism in Afghanistan|Hindus]] are also found in certain major cities (namely Kabul, Jalalabad, Ghazni, Kandahar)<ref>{{cite news |last=Majumder |first=Sanjoy |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3138282.stm |title=Sikhs struggle in Afghanistan |publisher=BBC News |date=25 September 2003 |access-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222132753/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3138282.stm |archive-date=22 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Lavina Melwani |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1994/4/1994-4-02.shtml |title=Hindus Abandon Afghanistan |work=Hinduism Today |access-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111080626/http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1994/4/1994-4-02.shtml |archive-date=11 January 2007}}</ref> accompanied by gurdwaras and mandirs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.religion.info/2005/08/25/afghanistan-sikhs-rebuilding-gurdwaras/ |title=Afghanistan: Sikhs rebuilding gurdwaras |date=25 August 2005 |website=Religioscope}}</ref> According to [[Deutsche Welle]] in September 2021, 250 remain in the country after 67 were evacuated to India.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chabba |first=Seerat |title=Afghanistan: What does Taliban rule mean for Sikhs and Hindus? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistan-what-does-taliban-rule-mean-for-sikhs-and-hindus/a-59122249 |access-date=25 October 2021 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=8 September 2021}}</ref>

There was a small [[History of the Jews in Afghanistan|Jewish community in Afghanistan]], living mainly in Herat and Kabul. Over the years, this small community was forced to leave due to decades of warfare and religious persecution. By the end of the twentieth century, nearly the entire community had emigrated to Israel and the United States, with one known exception, Herat-born [[Zablon Simintov]]. He remained for years, being the caretaker of the only remaining Afghan synagogue. He left the country for the US after the second Taliban takeover. A woman who left shortly after him has since been identified as the likely last Jew in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A39702-2005Jan26.html |title=Afghan Jew Becomes Country's One and Only |author=N.C. Aizenman |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=27 January 2005 |access-date=19 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516090806/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A39702-2005Jan26.html |archive-date=16 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/last-jew-afghanistan-en-route-us-report |title=Last Jew in Afghanistan en route to US: report |work=The New Arab |date=7 September 2021 |access-date=17 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Ben Zion Gad |title='Last Jew in Afghanistan' loses title to hidden Jewish family |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/not-the-last-jew-in-afghanistan-after-all-683879 |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=1 December 2021}}</ref>

[[Afghan Christians]], who number 500–8,000, practice their faith secretly due to intense societal opposition, and there are no public churches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gebauer |first1=Matthias |date=20 March 2006 |title=Christians in Afghanistan: A Community of Faith and Fear |work=[[Der Spiegel]] |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,408781,00.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127030841/http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,408781,00.html |archive-date=27 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=((USSD Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor))| year=2009 |title=International Religious Freedom Report 2009 |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127362.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130031916/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127362.htm |archive-date=30 November 2009 |access-date=6 March 2010}}</ref>

=== Education ===
{{Main|Education in Afghanistan}}

[[File:UNESCO Institute of Statistics Afghanistan Literacy Rate population plus15 1980-2018.png|thumb|upright=1.3|UNESCO Institute of Statistics Afghanistan Literacy Rate among population aged 15+ (1980–2018)]]

[[Education in Afghanistan]] is overseen by the [[Ministry of Education (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Education]] and the [[Ministry of Higher Education (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Higher Education]]. There are over 16,000 schools in the country and roughly 9 million students. Of this, about 60% are males and 40% females. However, the new regime has thus far forbidden female teachers and female students from returning to secondary schools.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 September 2021|title=Afghanistan: Girls excluded as Afghan secondary schools reopen|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58607816 |access-date=20 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Blue|first1=Victor J.|last2=Zucchino|first2=David|date=20 September 2021|title=A Harsh New Reality for Afghan Women and Girls in Taliban-Run Schools|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/20/world/asia/afghan-girls-schools-taliban.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/20/world/asia/afghan-girls-schools-taliban.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited|access-date=20 September 2021|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Over 174,000 students are enrolled in different [[List of universities in Afghanistan|universities around the country]]. About 21% of these are females.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usaid.gov/afghanistan/education |title=Education |publisher=[[USAID]] |access-date=26 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110231403/https://www.usaid.gov/afghanistan/education |archive-date=10 November 2018 }}</ref> Former Education Minister [[Ghulam Farooq Wardak]] had stated that construction of 8,000 schools is required for the remaining children who are deprived of [[formal learning]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/05/18/wardak-seeks-3b-aid-school-buildings |title=Wardak seeks $3b in aid for school buildings |publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=18 May 2013 |access-date=13 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234222/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/05/18/wardak-seeks-3b-aid-school-buildings |archive-date=30 December 2013|last1=Adina |first1=Mohammad Sabir}}</ref> As of 2018 the literacy rate of the population age 15 and older is 43.02% (males 55.48% and females 29.81%).<ref>{{cite web |title=UNESCO UIS: Afghanistan |url=http://uis.unesco.org/ |access-date=6 August 2020 |publisher=UNESCO}}</ref>

The top universities in Afghanistan are the [[American University of Afghanistan]] (AUAF) followed by [[Kabul University]] (KU), both of which are located in Kabul. The [[National Military Academy of Afghanistan]], modeled after the [[United States Military Academy]] at West Point, was a four-year military development institution dedicated to graduating officers for the [[Afghan Armed Forces]]. The [[Afghan Defense University]] was constructed near [[Qargha]] in Kabul. Major universities outside of Kabul include [[Kandahar University]] in the south, [[Herat University]] in the northwest, [[Balkh University]] and [[Kunduz University]] in the north, [[Nangarhar University]] and [[Khost University]] in the east.

After the Taliban regained power in 2021, it became unclear to what extent female education would continue in the country. In March 2022, after they had been closed for some time, it was announced that secondary education would be reopened shortly. However, shortly before reopening, the order was rescinded and schools for older girls remained closed.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Taliban reverses decision, barring Afghan girls from attending school beyond 6th grade|publisher=[[NPR]]|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/23/1088202759/taliban-afghanistan-girls-school |access-date=5 April 2022}}</ref> Despite the ban, six provinces, [[Balkh Province|Balkh]], [[Kunduz Province|Kunduz]], [[Jowzjan Province|Jowzjan]], [[Sar-e Pol Province|Sar-I-Pul]], [[Faryab Province|Faryab]], and the [[Daykundi Province|Day Kundi]], still allow girls' schools from grade 6 and up.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 2023 |title=Afghanistan: Six provinces keep schools open for girls despite nationwide ban |url=https://amu.tv/en/30372/ |access-date=17 February 2023 |publisher=AmuTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Neda Safi |first=Tooba |date=17 February 2023 |title=Girls return to high school in some regions of Afghanistan |url=https://genevasolutions.news/explorations/dispatches-from-women-in-afghanistan/girls-return-to-high-school-in-some-regions-of-afghanistan |access-date=17 February 2023 |website=Geneva Solutions}}</ref> In December 2023, investigations were being held by the United Nations on the claim that Afghan girls of all ages were allowed to study at religious schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2023 |title=UN is seeking to verify that Afghanistan's Taliban are letting girls study at religious schools |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/un-is-seeking-to-verify-that-afghanistans-taliban-are-letting-girls-study-at-religious-schools/ |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=The Seattle Times}}</ref> As of November 2024, some parts of the country allow women to attend religious schools to pursue dentistry, nursing, and other subjects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 November 2024 |title=Taliban seeks international aid for Afghanistan's reconstruction |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3286955/taliban-seeks-international-aid-afghanistans-reconstruction |access-date=18 November 2024 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

=== Health ===
{{Main|Health in Afghanistan}}

[[File:Kabul Military Hospital - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The [[Daoud Khan Military Hospital]] in Kabul is one of the largest [[list of hospitals in Afghanistan|hospitals]] in Afghanistan.]]

According to the [[Human Development Index]], Afghanistan is the [[List of countries by Human Development Index|15th least developed country in the world]]. The average [[List of countries by life expectancy|life expectancy]] is estimated to be around 60 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/136852/1/ccsbrief_afg_en.pdf |title=Afghanistan |publisher=[[World Health Organization]] (WHO) |access-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722191648/http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/136852/1/ccsbrief_afg_en.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="UNESCO-2016">{{cite web |publisher=UNESCO |title=Afghanistan |date=27 November 2016 |url=https://uis.unesco.org/en/country/af |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623093810/http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/af |archive-date=23 June 2017}}</ref> The country's [[maternal mortality]] rate is 396 deaths/100,000 live births and its [[infant mortality]] rate is 66<ref name="UNESCO-2016"/> to 112.8 deaths in every 1,000 live births.<ref name="Factbook"/> The [[Ministry of Public Health (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Public Health]] plans to cut the infant mortality rate to 400 for every 100,000 live births before 2020. The country has more than 3,000 [[midwifery|midwives]], with an additional 300 to 400 being trained each year.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/childbirth-maternal-health-improve-afghanistan-160657704.html |title=Childbirth and maternal health improve in Afghanistan |first=Tom A. |last=Peter |newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor | date=17 December 2011 |access-date=12 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231002243/http://news.yahoo.com/childbirth-maternal-health-improve-afghanistan-160657704.html |archive-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref>

There are over 100 [[hospitals in Afghanistan]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pnaea825.pdf|title=Afghanistan National Hospital Survey|date=August 2004|publisher=Afghan Ministry of Health|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807231748/https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pnaea825.pdf|archive-date=7 August 2019}}</ref> with the most advanced treatments being available in Kabul. The [[French Medical Institute for Children]] and [[Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital]] in Kabul are the leading [[children's hospital]]s in the country. Some of the other leading hospitals in Kabul include the [[Jamhuriat Hospital]] and [[Jinnah Hospital (Kabul)|Jinnah Hospital]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-funded-afghan-hospital-begins-operations/4884454.html|title=Pakistan-funded Afghan Hospital Begins Operations|work=VOA News|first=Ayaz|last=Gul|date=20 April 2019|access-date=28 May 2019|quote=It opens a new chapter in the friendship of the two countries... This is the second-largest hospital [in Afghanistan] built with your support that will serve the needy," Feroz told the gathering.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423111329/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-funded-afghan-hospital-begins-operations/4884454.html|archive-date=23 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of all this, many Afghans travel to Pakistan and India for advanced treatment.

It was reported in 2006 that nearly 60% of the Afghan population lives within a two-hour walk of the nearest health facility.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/programs/health |title=Health |publisher=[[United States Agency for International Development]] (USAID) |access-date=20 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929082306/http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/programs/health|archive-date=29 September 2013}}</ref> The [[disability]] rate is also high in Afghanistan due to the decades of war.<ref>{{cite web |first=Anne-Marie |last=DiNardo |author2=LPA/PIPOS |url=http://www.usaid.gov/stories/afghanistan/fp_afghan_disabled.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040508140406/http://www.usaid.gov/stories/afghanistan/fp_afghan_disabled.html |archive-date=8 May 2004|title=Empowering Afghanistan's Disabled Population – 31 March 2006 |publisher=[[USAID]] | date=31 March 2006 |access-date=19 May 2012}}</ref> It was reported recently that about 80,000 people are missing limbs.<ref>{{cite news |first =Richard |last=Norton-Taylor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/13/afghanistan |title=Afghanistan's refugee crisis 'ignored' |work=[[The Guardian]] | date=13 February 2008 |access-date=19 May 2012 |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215150225/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/13/afghanistan |archive-date=15 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=26520 |title=Afghanistan: People living with disabilities call for integration |work=The New Humanitarian |url-status=live |date=2 December 2004 |access-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920142752/http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=26520 |archive-date=20 September 2011}}</ref> Non-governmental charities such as [[Save the Children]] and [[Mahboba's Promise]] assist orphans in association with governmental structures.<ref>{{cite web |first=Virginia |last=Haussegger |title=Mahboba's Promise |date=2 July 2009 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2615472.htm |publisher=ABC News|location=Australia |access-date=15 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726123857/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2615472.htm |archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Afghanistan}}

[[File:CH-NB - Afghanistan, Kulm (Khulm, Kholm)- Menschen - Annemarie Schwarzenbach - SLA-Schwarzenbach-A-5-21-110.jpg|thumb|An Afghan family near [[Kholm, Afghanistan|Kholm]], 1939 – most Afghans are tribal.]]

[[Afghans]] have both common cultural features and those that differ between the regions of Afghanistan, each with distinctive cultures partly as a result of geographic obstacles that divide the country.<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> Family is the mainstay of Afghan society and families are often headed by a [[patriarch]].<ref name="afghanistans.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/People/WayofLife.htm|title=Afghanistan Way of Life | Afghanistan's Web Site|website=afghanistans.com|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308140824/https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/People/WayofLife.htm}}</ref> In the southern and eastern region, the people live according to the [[Pashtun culture]] by following [[Pashtunwali]] (the Pashtun way).<ref>{{citation-attribution |{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/aftoc.html |title=Afghanistan: a country study |year=1998 |publisher=[[Library of Congress]], [[Federal Research Division]] |editor-last=Blood |editor-first=Peter R. |location=Washington, D.C. |oclc=904447770 |entry=Pashtun |entry-url=https://webharvest.gov/peth04/20041031011222/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+af0037) |access-date=23 January 2021}}}}</ref> Key tenets of Pashtunwali include [[Melmastia|hospitality]], the provision of [[Nanawatai|sanctuary]] to those seeking refuge, and revenge for the shedding of blood.{{sfn|Dupree|1997|page=126}} The Pashtuns are largely connected to the culture of Central Asia and the [[Iranian Plateau]]. The remaining Afghans are culturally [[Persianization|Persian]] and [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]]. Some non-Pashtuns who live in proximity with Pashtuns have adopted Pashtunwali in a process called [[Pashtunization]], while some Pashtuns have been [[Persianized]]. Those who have lived in Pakistan and Iran over the last 30 years have been further influenced by the cultures of those neighboring nations. The Afghan people are known to be strongly religious.<ref name="The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA)"/>

Afghans, particularly Pashtuns, are noted for their tribal solidarity and high regard for personal honor.{{sfn|Barfield|2012|page=59}} There are various [[ethnic groups in Afghanistan|Afghan tribes]], and an estimated 2–3 million [[Kochi people|nomads]].<ref>"[http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=76794 Afghanistan: Kuchi nomads seek a better deal]". [[The New Humanitarian|IRIN]] Asia. 18 February 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910205256/http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=76794 |date=10 September 2011}}</ref> Afghan culture is deeply [[Islamic culture|Islamic]],{{sfn|Barfield|2012|page=40–41}} but pre-Islamic practices persist.{{sfn|Dupree|1997|page=104}} [[Child marriage in Afghanistan|Child marriage]] is prevalent;<ref>{{cite journal|last=Bahgam|first=S|author2=Mukhatari|title=Study on Child Marriage in Afghanistan|journal=Medica Mondiale|year=2004|pages=1–20|url=http://www.medicamondiale.org/fileadmin/content/07_Infothek/Afghanistan/Afghanistan_Child_marriage_medica_mondiale_study_2004_e.pdf|access-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506222217/http://www.medicamondiale.org/fileadmin/content/07_Infothek/Afghanistan/Afghanistan_Child_marriage_medica_mondiale_study_2004_e.pdf|archive-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> the legal age for marriage is 16.<ref>{{cite web|title=Afghanistan Has a Tougher Law on Child Marriage than Florida|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/20/afghanistan-has-tougher-law-child-marriage-florida|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=20 October 2017|quote=In Afghanistan girls can marry at 16, or at 15 with permission from their father or a judge.|access-date=15 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725072232/https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/20/afghanistan-has-tougher-law-child-marriage-florida|archive-date=25 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The most preferred marriage in Afghan society is to one's [[parallel cousin]], and the groom is often expected to pay a [[bride price]].{{sfn|Dupree|1997|page=122, 198}}

[[File:Kuchi Village.jpg|thumb|A house occupied by nomadic ''kochi'' people in [[Nangarhar Province]]]]

In the villages, families typically occupy [[mudbrick]] houses, or compounds with mudbrick or [[stone wall]]ed houses. Villages typically have a headman (''malik''), a master for water distribution (''mirab'') and a religious teacher (''mullah''). Men would typically work on the fields, joined by women during harvest.<ref name="afghanistans.com"/> About 15% of the population are [[nomadic]], locally called ''[[Kochi people|kochis]]''.<ref name="Fisher-2002"/> When nomads pass villages they often buy supplies such as tea, wheat and [[kerosene]] from the villagers; villagers buy [[wool]] and milk from the nomads.<ref name="afghanistans.com"/>

[[Afghan clothing]] for both men and women typically consists of various forms of [[shalwar kameez]], especially ''[[perahan tunban]]'' and ''[[khet partug]]''. Women would normally wear a ''[[chador]]'' for head covering; some women, typically from highly conservative communities, wear the ''[[burqa]]'', a full body covering. These were worn by some women of the Pashtun community well before Islam came to the region, but the [[Taliban]] enforced this dress on women when they were in power.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z7ATBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA61|title=What Is Veiling?|first=Sahar|last=Amer|date=2 September 2014|publisher=UNC Press Books|isbn=978-1-4696-1776-3}}</ref> Another popular dress is the ''[[chapan]]'' which acts as a coat. The ''[[Karakul (hat)|karakul]]'' is a hat made from the fur of a specific regional breed of sheep. It was favored by former kings of Afghanistan and became known to much of the world in the 21st century when it was constantly worn by President [[Hamid Karzai]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1956862.stm|title=Karzai heads for hat trouble|date=28 April 2002|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The ''[[pakol]]'' is another traditional hat originating from the far east of the country; it was popularly worn by the guerrilla leader [[Ahmad Shah Massoud]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afghan-web.com/culture/clothes/|title=Traditional Afghan Clothes|date=12 March 2018|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813151029/https://www.afghan-web.com/culture/clothes/}}</ref> The ''[[Mazari hat]]'' originates from northern Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/hats-proliferate-symbol-pashtun-protest-movement|title=Hats Proliferate as Symbol of Pashtun Protest Movement|publisher=Voice of America}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===
{{Main|Architecture of Afghanistan}}

[[File:Kabul Skyline.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Kabul skyline, displaying both historical and contemporary buildings]]

The nation has a complex history that has survived either in its current cultures or in the form of various languages and monuments. Afghanistan contains many remnants from all ages, including [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] and [[Buddhist]] stupas, monasteries, monuments, temples, and Islamic minarets. Among the most well known are the [[Great Mosque of Herat]], the [[Blue Mosque (Mazar-i-Sharif)|Blue Mosque]], the [[Minaret of Jam]], the [[Chil Zena]], the Qala-i Bost in [[Lashkargah]], the ancient Greek city of [[Ai-Khanoum]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/People/ArtArchitecture.htm|title=Afghanistan Art and Architecture | Afghanistan's Web Site|website=afghanistans.com|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307212319/https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/People/ArtArchitecture.htm}}</ref> However, many of its historic monuments have been damaged in modern times due to the civil wars.<ref>G.V. Brandolini. ''Afghanistan [[cultural heritage]]''. Orizzonte terra, [[Bergamo]]. 2007. p. 64.</ref> The two famous [[Buddhas of Bamiyan]] were destroyed by the Taliban, who regarded them as [[idolatrous]]. As there was no colonialism in the modern era in Afghanistan, European-style architecture is rare but does exist: the Victory Arch at [[Paghman]] and the [[Darul Aman Palace]] in Kabul were built in this style in the 1920s. Afghan architecture also ranges [[Indo-Islamic architecture|deep into India]] such as the city of [[Agra]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last=ud-Din |first=Hameed |year=1960 |title=THE AFGHAN ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA: An historical study, 1451–1526 |journal=Rivista degli studi orientali |volume=35 |pages=149–155 |jstor=41922907 |issn=0392-4866}}</ref> and the [[tomb of Sher Shah Suri]], an [[Sur Empire|Afghan Emperor of India]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Medieval India the study of a civilization|first=Irfan|last=Habib|page=228|publisher=National Book Trust, India|isbn=978-81-237-5255-6|year=2007}}</ref>

=== Art and ceramics ===
{{Main|Afghan art}}

[[File:Traditional Afghan Embroidery Style.jpg|thumb|A traditional Afghan [[embroidery]] pattern]]

Carpet [[weaving]] is an ancient practice in Afghanistan, and many of these are still [[Handicraft|handmade]] by tribal and nomadic people today.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> Carpets have been produced in the region for thousands of years and traditionally done by women.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://khorasanrugs.com/post/1033364869875/in-afghanistan-weaving-ancient-industry|title=In Afghanistan, weaving ancient industry back into global market|date=21 August 2019|journal=The Christian Science Monitor}}</ref> Some crafters express their feelings through the designs of rugs; for example after the outbreak of the [[Soviet–Afghan War]], "[[war rugs]]", a variant of [[Afghan rug]]s, were created with designs representing pain and misery caused by the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speri.dept.shef.ac.uk/2020/01/15/selling-war-commodifying-the-insecurity-of-afghan-women/|title=Selling war: commodifying the (in)security of Afghan women|date=15 January 2020|website=SPERI}}</ref> Every province has its own specific characteristics in making rugs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gounesco.com/weaving-culture-through-the-afghan-rug/|title=Weaving Culture through the Afghan rug|date=7 December 2017|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830215415/https://www.makeheritagefun.com/weaving-culture-through-the-afghan-rug/}}</ref> In some of the Turkic-populated areas in the north-west, bride and wedding ceremony prices are driven by the bride's weaving skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/context-culture/rug-weavers-and-bride-prices-in-the-northwest-still-expensive-in-spite-of-government-and-taleban-rules/|title=Rug Weavers and Bride Prices in the Northwest: Still expensive in spite of government and Taleban rules|date=12 May 2019|website=Afghanistan Analysts Network – English}}</ref>

[[Pottery]] has been crafted in Afghanistan for millennia. The village of [[Istalif]], north of Kabul, is in particular a major center, known for its unique turquoise and green pottery,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://seretandsons.org/giving-back|title=Giving Back – Seret and Sons}}</ref> and their methods of crafting have remained the same for centuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.khaama.com/the-potter-crafting-afghanistans-future-9899/|title=The Potter: Crafting Afghanistan's future|date=27 January 2015|website=The Khaama Press News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/19/world/asia/afghanistan-istalif-pottery.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/19/world/asia/afghanistan-istalif-pottery.html |archive-date=1 January 2022 |url-access=limited|title=War and Pillaging Couldn't Break an Afghan Village, but a Tumbling Economy May|first=Kareem|last=Fahim|newspaper=The New York Times|date=18 August 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Much of ''[[lapis lazuli]]'' stones were earthed in modern-day Afghanistan which were used in [[Chinese porcelain]] as [[cobalt blue]], later used in ancient [[Mesopotamia]] and Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/how-the-color-blue-changed-art-forever/index.html|title=How the quest for the 'perfect blue' changed art forever|first=Isambard |last=Wilkinson|publisher=CNN|date=14 June 2018}}</ref>

The lands of Afghanistan have a long history of art, with the world's earliest known usage of [[oil painting]] found in cave murals in the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=First-ever oil paintings found in Afghanistan |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/24/afghanistan.painting/ |date=24 April 2008 |access-date=3 December 2012 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110145/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/24/afghanistan.painting/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=World's Oldest Oil Paintings Found in Afghanistan |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352342,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427021547/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352342,00.html |archive-date=27 April 2008 |date=24 April 2008 |access-date=3 December 2012 |publisher=[[Fox News]]}}</ref> A notable art style that developed in Afghanistan and eastern Pakistan is [[Gandhara Art]], produced by a fusion of [[Greco-Roman]] art and [[Buddhist art]] between the 1st and 7th centuries CE.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | url=https://www.britannica.com/art/Gandhara-art |title=Gandhara art |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref> Later eras saw increased use of the [[Persian miniature]] style, with [[Kamaleddin Behzad]] of [[Herat]] being one of the most notable miniature artists of the [[Timurid dynasty|Timurid]] and early [[Safavid]] periods. Since the 1900s, the nation began to use Western techniques in art. [[Abdul Ghafoor Breshna]] was a prominent Afghan painter and sketch artist from Kabul during the 20th century.

=== Literature ===
{{Main|Afghan literature}}

Classic [[Persian literature|Persian]] and [[Pashto poetry]] are a cherished part of Afghan culture. Poetry has always been one of the major educational pillars in the region, to the level that it has integrated itself into culture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/10/567862-feature-western-afghanistan-ancient-love-poetry-thrives-again|title=FEATURE: In Western Afghanistan, an ancient love of poetry thrives again|date=5 October 2017|website=UN News|access-date=15 June 2020|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817083556/https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/10/567862-feature-western-afghanistan-ancient-love-poetry-thrives-again|url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the poetic styles is called [[Landay (poetry)|landay]]. A popular theme in Afghan folklore and mythology are [[Dev (mythology)|Divs]], monstrous creatures.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kXnEDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA4|title=American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore [3 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore (3 Volumes)|first1=Christopher R.|last1=Fee|first2=Jeffrey B.|last2=Webb|date=29 August 2016|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-61069-568-8}}</ref> Thursdays are traditionally "poetry night" in the city of [[Herat]] when men, women and children gather and recite both ancient and modern poems.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan: 10 facts you may not know |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13931608 |url-status=live |publisher=BBC News |date=6 July 2011 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304072803/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13931608 |archive-date=4 March 2018}}</ref>

Three mystical authors are considered true national glories (although claimed with equal ardor by Iran), namely: [[Khwaja Abdullah Ansari]] of Herat, a great mystic and [[Sufi]] saint in the 11th century, [[Sanai]] of [[Ghazni]], author of mystical poems in the 12th century, and, finally, [[Rumi]] of [[Balkh]], in the 13th century, considered the greatest mystical poet of the Muslim world. The Afghan Pashto literature, although quantitatively remarkable and in great growth in the last century, has always had an essentially local meaning and importance, feeling the influence of both Persian literature and the contiguous literatures of India. Both main literatures, from the second half of the nineteenth century, have shown themselves to be sensitive to genres, movements and stylistic features imported from Europe.

[[Khushal Khan Khattak]] of the 17th century is considered the national poet. Other notable poets include [[Rabi'a Balkhi]], [[Jami]], [[Rahman Baba]], [[Khalilullah Khalili]], and [[Parween Pazhwak]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afghan-web.com/culture/poetry/cpoets.html |title=Classical Dari and Pashto Poets |publisher=Afghan-web.com |access-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412113451/http://www.afghan-web.com/culture/poetry/cpoets.html|archive-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

=== Music ===
{{Main|Music of Afghanistan}}

[[File:Afghan rubab.jpg|thumb|left|The Afghan [[Rubab (instrument)|rubab]]]]

Afghan classical music has close historical links with [[Indian classical music]] and use the same Hindustani terminology and theories like [[raga]]. Genres of this style of music include [[ghazal]] (poetic music) and instruments such as the Indian [[tabla]], [[sitar]] and [[harmonium]], and local instruments like [[zerbaghali]], as well as [[dayereh]] and [[tanbur]] which are also known in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East. The [[Rubab (instrument)|rubab]] is the country's national instrument and precurses the Indian [[sarod]] instrument. Some of the famous artists of classical music include [[Ustad Sarahang]] and [[Abdul Rahim Sarban|Sarban]].<ref name="Songlines">{{cite web|url=https://www.songlines.co.uk/explore/guides-and-lists/the-rough-guide-to-world-music-afghanistan|title=Afghanistan – The Rough Guide to World Music|website=Songlines}}</ref>

Pop music developed in the 1950s through [[Radio Kabul]] and was influential in social change. During this time female artists also started appearing, at first [[Mermon Parwin]].<ref name="Songlines"/> Perhaps the most famous artist of this genre was [[Ahmad Zahir]], who synthesized many genres and continues to be renowned for his voice and rich lyrics long after his death in 1979.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2016/06/ahmad-zahir-the-afghan-elvis|title=Ahmad Zahir: The Voice of Afghanistan|website=daily.redbullmusicacademy.com}}</ref><ref name="Songlines"/> Other notable masters of traditional or popular Afghan music include [[Nashenas]], [[Ubaidullah Jan]], [[Mahwash]], [[Ahmad Wali]], [[Farhad Darya]], and [[Naghma (singer)|Naghma]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afghanland.com/entertainment/music/bio.html |title=Artist Biographies |publisher=Afghanland.com |access-date=17 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809214750/http://www.afghanland.com/entertainment/music/bio.html |archive-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

[[Attan]] is the national dance of Afghanistan, a group dance popularly performed by Afghans of all backgrounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wadsam.com/arts-culture/afghanistans-traditional-dance-attan-3090/|title=Afghanistan's Traditional Dance-Attan|date=7 July 2012|access-date=12 June 2020|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414223632/https://wadsam.com/arts-culture/afghanistans-traditional-dance-attan-3090/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The dance is considered part of Afghan identity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afghanzariza.com/article/articledetail/attan--the-fascinating-national-dance-of-afghanistan|title=Attan – the fascinating national dance of Afghanistan|website=Afghan Zariza|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308040731/https://www.afghanzariza.com/article/articledetail/attan--the-fascinating-national-dance-of-afghanistan}}</ref>

=== Media and entertainment ===
{{Main|Mass media in Afghanistan}}

Afghanistan has around 350 [[List of radio stations in Afghanistan|radio stations]] and over 200 television stations.<ref name=TOLO-2019>{{cite news|title=Suspects Sentenced To Death For Killing Journalist in Kandahar|url=https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/suspects-sentenced-death-killing-journalist-kandahar|publisher=[[TOLOnews]]|date=16 April 2019|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417161248/https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/suspects-sentenced-death-killing-journalist-kandahar|archive-date=17 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Radio Television Afghanistan]], originating from 1925, is the state public broadcaster. Television programs began airing in the 1970s and today there are many private television channels such as [[TOLO (TV channel)|TOLO]] and [[Shamshad TV]]. The first Afghan newspaper was published in 1873,{{sfn|Dupree|1997|page=405}} and there are hundreds of print outlets today.<ref name="TOLO-2019"/> By the 1920s, [[Radio Kabul]] was broadcasting local radio services.<ref>{{cite book|author=Monica Whitlock|title=Land Beyond the River: The Untold Story of Central Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OW1tAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA127|date=24 October 2003|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-27727-7|page=127}}</ref> [[Voice of America]], [[BBC World Service|BBC]], and [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] (RFE/RL) broadcast in both of Afghanistan's official languages on radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2016/afghanistan|title=Freedom of the Press 2016: Afghanistan|publisher=Freedom House|year=2016|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205122939/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2016/afghanistan|archive-date=5 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Press restrictions have been gradually relaxed and private media diversified since 2002, after more than two decades of tight controls.

Afghans have long been accustomed to watching Indian [[Bollywood]] films and listening to its [[filmi]] songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.himalmag.com/encounters-bollywood-kabul/|title=Encounters with Bollywood in Kabul|date=14 September 2013|website=Himal Southasian}}</ref> It has been claimed that Afghanistan is among the biggest markets for the Hindi film industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/panipat-irks-afghans-founding-father-portrayal-191210053601818.html|title=Bollywood's Panipat irks Afghans over founding father's portrayal|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> The stereotypes of [[Afghans in India]] (''Kabuliwala'' or ''Pathani'') have also been represented in some Bollywood films by actors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/period-films-like-padmaavat-kesari-and-now-panipat-have-crassly-stereotyped-and-vilified-afghans/cid/1717346|title=Vilifying Afghans in Bollywood|website=The Telegraph|location=India}}</ref> Many Bollywood film stars have roots in Afghanistan, including [[Salman Khan]], [[Saif Ali Khan]], [[Aamir Khan]], [[Feroz Khan (Indian actor)|Feroz Khan]], [[Kader Khan]], [[Naseeruddin Shah]], [[Zarine Khan]], [[Celina Jaitly]], and a number of others. Several Bollywood films have been shot inside Afghanistan, including ''[[Dharmatma]]'', ''[[Khuda Gawah]]'', ''[[Escape from Taliban]]'', and ''[[Kabul Express]]''.

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Afghan cuisine}}

[[File: Bread of Afghanistan in 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Naan|Non]], the most widely consumed bread in Afghanistan]]

Afghan cuisine is largely based upon the nation's chief crops, such as wheat, maize, [[barley]] and rice. Accompanying these staples are native fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products such as milk, [[yogurt]], and [[whey]]. [[Kabuli palaw]] is the [[national dish]] of Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/07/31/everything-you-need-know-about-afghan-food|title=Everything You Need To Know About Afghan Food |date=31 July 2012 |publisher=foodrepublic |first=Tanveer |last=Ali|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213232915/https://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/07/31/everything-you-need-know-about-afghan-food|archive-date=13 February 2013}}</ref> The nation's culinary specialties reflect its ethnic and geographic diversity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brittin|first=Helen|title=The Food and Culture Around the World Handbook|year=2011|publisher=Prentice Hall|location=Boston|pages=20–21}}</ref> Afghanistan is known for its high-quality [[Pomegranate production in Afghanistan|pomegranates]], grapes, and sweet melons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rareseeds.com/afghan-honeydew-melon/|title=Rare Heirloom Seeds – Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds|website=Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds|access-date=28 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063844/http://www.rareseeds.com/afghan-honeydew-melon/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Tea is a favorite drink among Afghans. A typical Afghan diet consists of [[naan]], yogurt, rice, and meat.<ref name="afghanistans.com"/>

=== Holidays and festivals ===
[[File:هفت میوه.jpg|thumb|upright|''Haft mewa'' (seven-fruit syrup), popularly consumed during Nowruz]]

Afghanistan's official New Year starts with [[Nowruz]] (natively known as "''Nawroz''"), an ancient tradition that started as a [[Zoroastrian]] celebration in present-day Iran, and with which it shares the annual celebration along with several other countries. It occurs every year at the [[March equinox|vernal equinox]]. [[Nauruz in Afghanistan|In Afghanistan]], Nowruz is typically celebrated with music and dance, as well as holding [[buzkashi]] tournaments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/middle-east/afghanistan/festivals-and-events |title=Afghanistan Holidays and Festivals |website=iexplore.com |access-date=12 June 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414224027/https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/middle-east/afghanistan/festivals-and-events }}</ref>

[[Yaldā]], another nationally celebrated ancient tradition,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |last=Rezaian |first=Lachin |agency=[[Mehr News Agency]] |date=20 December 2015 |title=Yalda: Iranian celebration of winter solstice}}</ref> commemorates the ancient goddess [[Mithra]] and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the [[winter solstice]] ({{transliteration|prs|Čilli-yi Zimistān}}; usually falling on 20 or 21 December),<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yonOicJi5BEC |title=No More "us" and "them": Classroom Lessons and Activities to Promote Peer Respect |last=Roessing |first=Lesley |date=2012 |page=89 |publisher=R&L Education |isbn=978-1-61048-812-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-adv-persian-winter-solstice-20131221-story.html |title=In ancient tradition, Iranians celebrate winter solstice |last=Hamedy |first= Saba |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=20 December 2013}}</ref> during which families gather together to recite poetry and eat fruit.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ti24AwAAQBAJ |title=Religions of Iran: From Prehistory to the Present |last=Foltz |first= Richard |publisher=Oneworld Publications |date=2013 |page=29|isbn=978-1-78074-307-3 |author-link=Foltz, Richard}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Alavi |first=Nasrin |url=https://archive.org/details/weareiranpersian0000alav/page/134/mode/2up |title=We Are Iran: The Persian Blogs |date=8 November 2015 |publisher=Soft Skull Press |page=135 |isbn=978-1-55192-871-5 |url-access=registration}}</ref>

As a predominantly Muslim country, Islamic events and festivals such as [[Ramadan]], [[Eid al-Fitr]] and [[Ashura]] are widely celebrated annually in Afghanistan. The Sikh festival of [[Vaisakhi]] is celebrated by the Sikh community<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/04/11/sikhs-throng-temples-celebrate-vaisakhi|title=Sikhs throng temples to celebrate Vaisakhi|website=pajhwok.com|date=11 April 2013|last1=Mahbob|first1=Mahbob Shah}}</ref> and the Hindu festival [[Diwali]] by the Hindu community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/afghan-hindus-and-sikhs-celebrate-diwali-without-pomp-and-splendour-amid-fear-1.668735|title=Afghan Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Diwali without 'pomp and splendour' amid fear|website=The National|date=19 October 2017}}</ref>

[[Afghan Independence Day|National Independence Day]] is celebrated on 19 August to mark the [[Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919]] and the country's full independence.<ref name="Factbook"/> Several international celebrations are also officially held in Afghanistan, such as [[International Workers' Day]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2024 |title=International Workers Day 2024: List of Countries that Celebrate Labor Day on 1st May, Check Here |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/international-workers-day-1714484773-1 |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=Jagranjosh.com}}</ref> and [[International Women's Day]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ellingwood |first=Anselma |date=11 March 2024 |title=International Women's Day: Afghan Women Endure Gender Apartheid |url=https://feminist.org/news/international-womens-day-afghan-women-endure-gender-apartheid/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=Feminist Majority Foundation}}</ref> Some regional festivals include the [[Nowruz#Afghanistan|Red Flower Festival]] (during Nowruz) in [[Mazar-i-Sharif]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2022 |title=Nowruz celebration in Afghanistan |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/184697/Nowruz-celebration-in-Afghanistan |access-date=1 July 2024 |agency=Mehr News Agency}}</ref> and the Damboora Festival in [[Bamyan Province]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 June 2018 |title=Traditional Dambora Musical Festival organized in Bamyan province |url=https://www.khaama.com/traditional-dambora-musical-festival-organized-in-bamyan-province-05461/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Khaama Press}}</ref>

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Afghanistan}}

{{See also|Traditional games of Afghanistan}}
[[File:Buzkashi game in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|left|The ancient national sport of Afghanistan, [[Buzkashi]]]]

Sport in Afghanistan is managed by the Afghan Sports Federation. [[Cricket]] and association football are the two most popular sports in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/%E2%80%98Cricket-is-now-the-biggest-sport-in-Afghanistan%E2%80%99/article13994180.ece|title=Cricket is now the biggest sport in Afghanistan|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 July 2019|date=11 January 2016|author=Uthra Ganesan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topendsports.com/world/countries/afghanistan.htm|title=Sport in Afghanistan|access-date=4 July 2019|publisher=Top End Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711025603/https://www.topendsports.com/world/countries/afghanistan.htm|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Afghan Sports Federation promotes cricket, association football, basketball, volleyball, golf, [[team handball|handball]], [[boxing]], [[taekwondo]], [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifting]], [[bodybuilding]], track and field, [[ice skating|skating]], [[bowling]], [[snooker]], [[chess]], and other sports.

The [[Afghanistan national basketball team]] won the first team sports title at the [[2010 South Asian Games]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tournaments/South-Asian-Games-Shooters-swimmers-shine-as-India-consolidate-dominance/articleshow/5540143.cms|title=South Asian Games: Shooters, swimmers shine as India consolidate dominance|newspaper=The Times of India|date=5 February 2010|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613093112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tournaments/South-Asian-Games-Shooters-swimmers-shine-as-India-consolidate-dominance/articleshow/5540143.cms|archive-date=13 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, the country's [[Afghanistan national 3x3 team|3x3 basketball team]] won the gold medal at the [[3-on-3 basketball at the 2012 Asian Beach Games|2012 Asian Beach Games]]. In 2013, Afghanistan's [[Afghanistan national football team|football team]] followed as it won the [[SAFF Championship]].<ref name="SAFF2013">{{cite news |last=Lyse |first=Doucet |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24074786 |title=Precious moments of unity touch Afghans after football triumph |publisher=BBC News |date=12 September 2013 |access-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925172338/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24074786 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Afghan national cricket team]], which was formed in 2001, won the [[2009–10 ICC Intercontinental Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cricketeurope4.net/CRICKETEUROPE/DATABASE/2009/TOURNAMENTS/INTERCONTINENTAL/about.shtml |title=2009–10 Intercontinental Cup |website=CricketEurope |access-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224153614/http://www.cricketeurope4.net/CRICKETEUROPE/DATABASE/2009/TOURNAMENTS/INTERCONTINENTAL/about.shtml |archive-date=24 February 2013}}</ref> It won the [[ACC Twenty20 Cup]] in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. The team played in the [[2015 Cricket World Cup|2015]], [[2019 Cricket World Cup|2019]], and [[2023 Cricket World Cup]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globalvoices.org/2015/02/20/afghanistan-makes-history-in-cricket-world-cup-despite-debut-loss-to-bangladesh/|title=Afghanistan Makes History in Cricket World Cup, Despite Debut Loss to Bangladesh|date=20 February 2015|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528232428/https://globalvoices.org/2015/02/20/afghanistan-makes-history-in-cricket-world-cup-despite-debut-loss-to-bangladesh/|archive-date=28 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Afghanistan Cricket Board]] (ACB) is the official governing body of the sport and is based in Kabul. The [[Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground]] serves as the nation's main cricket stadium. There are several other stadiums throughout the country, including the [[Ghazi Amanullah Khan International Cricket Stadium]] near [[Jalalabad]]. Domestically, cricket is played between teams from different provinces.

The [[Afghanistan national football team]] has been competing in international [[Association football|football]] since 1941.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teammelli.com/matchdata/details/matchdetails.php?id=53|title=Statistics: Iran|access-date=28 May 2019|publisher=Team Melli|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103153545/http://www.teammelli.com/matchdata/details/matchdetails.php?id=53|archive-date=3 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The national team plays its home games at the [[Ghazi Stadium]] in Kabul, while [[football in Afghanistan]] is governed by the [[Afghanistan Football Federation]]. The national team has never competed or qualified for the [[FIFA World Cup]] but won an international football trophy in 2013.<ref name="SAFF2013"/> The country also has a national team in the sport of futsal, a 5-a-side variation of football.

The traditional and the national sport of Afghanistan is [[buzkashi]], particularly popular in the north.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/afghanistans-buzkashi-horses-prepare-for-the-game-of-courage/article22457652.ece|title=Afghanistan's buzkashi horses prepare for the game of courage|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 January 2018}}</ref> It is similar to [[polo]], played by horsemen in two teams, each trying to grab and hold a goat carcass.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abi-Habib|first1=Maria|last2=Fazly|first2=Walid|title=In Afghanistan's National Pastime, It's Better to Be a Hero Than a Goat|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703841904576256632384932122|access-date=13 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=13 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526095017/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703841904576256632384932122|archive-date=26 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Afghan Hound]] (a type of running dog) originated in Afghanistan and was used in [[wolf hunting with dogs|wolf hunting]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Rory|last=Stewart|author-link=Rory Stewart|title=The Places in Between|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Nz_2AwAAQBAJ|date=2007|publisher=HMH Books|isbn=978-0-15-603593-4|page=100}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Afghanistan|Asia}}
* [[Outline of Afghanistan]]
* [[2025 Afghan deportation from Iran]]

== Explanatory notes ==
{{Notelist|refs=

}}

== References ==
<ref>{{cite thesis |last1=Muhammad Khan |first1=Ashiq |title=THE LAST PHASE OF MUSLIM RULE IN MULTAN (1752–1818) |access-date=4 December 2021 |type=Thesis |publisher=University of Multan, MULTAN |url=http://prr.hec.gov.pk/jspui/handle/123456789/5209 |page=159 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204042026/http://prr.hec.gov.pk/jspui/handle/123456789/5209 |archive-date=4 December 2021 |year=1998 |issue=1}}</ref>{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=155}}{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=158}}{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=162}}{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=166}}{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Mehta|p=248}}<ref>{{Google books|id=NbUB_ACAR5QC|page=509|title=History of Islam}}</ref>{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=122–123}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Snedden |first1=Christopher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s5KMCwAAQBAJ&q=durrani+capture+kashmir&pg=PA43 |title=Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-84904-342-7}}</ref>{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=149}}{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=176}}<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ingram |first1=Edward |year=1980 |title=Great Britain's Great Game: An Introduction |url=http://pahar.in/wpfb-file/1980-great-britains-great-game-an-introduction-by-ingram-from-intl-hist-rev-v2-s-pdf/ |journal=The International History Review |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=160–171 |doi=10.1080/07075332.1980.9640210 |jstor=40105749 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816181410/http://pahar.in/wpfb-file/1980-great-britains-great-game-an-introduction-by-ingram-from-intl-hist-rev-v2-s-pdf/ |archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Fr9cAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA11 In Defence of British India: Great Britain in the Middle East, 1775–1842] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106130452/https://books.google.com/books?id=Fr9cAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA11|date=6 January 2017}} By Edward Ingram. Frank Cass & Co, London, 1984. {{ISBN|0714632465}}. p7-19</ref>{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=205}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lee |first=Jonathan L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nYaamE_3kD4C |title=The "Ancient Supremacy": Bukhara, Afghanistan and the Battle for Balkh, 1731–1901 |date=1 January 1996 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-10399-3 |page=257}}</ref>{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=359-366}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Onley |first1=James |date=March 2009 |title=The Raj Reconsidered: British India's Informal Empire and Spheres of Influence in Asia and Africa |url=https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/iais/downloads/Onley_Raj_Reconsidered.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/iais/downloads/Onley_Raj_Reconsidered.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=18 September 2021 |publisher=Routledge |id=Page 9 of URL/Page 52 |volume=XL}}</ref>{{sfn|Lee|2019|p=376-383}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== General and cited sources ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|title=Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707–1813|last=Mehta|first=Jaswant Lal|date=January 2005|isbn=978-1-932705-54-6|publisher=Sterling Publishers|ref={{sfnref|Mehta}}}}
{{Refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{Main|Bibliography of Afghanistan}}

{{See also|Bibliography of the history of Central Asia}}
{{Refbegin}}
{{Div col|content=
* {{cite book |last=Barfield|first=Thomas|title=Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tg45ygAACAAJ|date=2012|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-15441-1}}
* {{cite book |last1=Bleaney |first1=C. H. |last2=Gallego |first2=María Ángeles |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=qCh41lAvg8oC}} |title=Afghanistan: a bibliography |publisher=BRILL |year=2006 |isbn=978-90-04-14532-0}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Cox |editor-first=Michael |title=Afghanistan: Long War, Forgotten Peace |isbn=978-1-911712-00-8 |year=2022 |publisher=LSE Press |url=https://doi.org/10.31389/lsepress.afg }}
* {{cite book |last=Dupree|first=Louis|author-link=Louis Dupree (professor)|title=Afghanistan|publisher=Oxford Pakistan Paperbacks|edition=2nd|year=1997|isbn=978-0-19-577634-8}}
* {{cite book |title=Afghanistan: A Short History of Its People and Politics|last=Ewans|first=Martin|publisher=Curzon Press|date=2002|isbn=0-06-050508-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Fowler |first=Corinne |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=o4IrhX7n66YC}} |title=Chasing Tales: Travel Writing, Journalism and the History of British Ideas About Afghanistan |publisher=Rodopi |year=2007 |isbn=978-90-420-2262-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Griffiths |first=John C |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=M7nMtaXdAS8C}} |title=Afghanistan: a History of Conflict |publisher=Carlton Books |year=2001 |isbn=978-1-84222-597-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Habibi |first=Abdul Hai |author-link=Abdul Hai Habibi |year=2003 |title=Afghanistan: An Abridged History |publisher=Fenestra Books |isbn=978-1-58736-169-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Hamilton |first=Angus |title=Afghanistan |year=1906 |publisher=William Heinemann |url=https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/73258 |location=London}}
* {{cite book |last=Hopkins |first=B.D. |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=FOMUAQAAIAAJ}} |title=The Making of Modern Afghanistan |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-230-55421-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Robert |title=The Afghan Way of War: How and Why They Fight |year=2011 |url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=lNuH5YQJr6UC}} |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-979856-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Malleson |first=George Bruce |author-link=George Bruce Malleson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pqNGBEmHUd4C |title=History of Afghanistan, from the Earliest Period to the Outbreak of the War of 1878 |edition=Elibron Classic Replica |publisher=Adamant Media Corporation |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-4021-7278-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Olson |first=Gillia M |url=https://archive.org/details/afghanistan0000olso |url-access=registration |title=Afghanistan |publisher=Capstone Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-7368-2685-3}}
* {{cite book |last1=Omrani |first1=Bijan |last2=Leeming |first2=Matthew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VVu_NwAACAAJ|title=Afghanistan: A Companion and Guide |publisher=Odyssey Publications |edition=2nd |year=2011 |isbn=978-962-217-816-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Reddy |first=L.R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NubtDf2T3cAC |title=Inside Afghanistan: End of the Taliban Era? |publisher=APH Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=978-81-7648-319-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Runion |first=Meredith L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aZk9XzqCFGUC |title=The History of Afghanistan |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-313-33798-7}}
}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Library resources box}}
* [https://www.ifs.du.edu/ifs/frm_CountryProfile.aspx?Country=AF Key Development Forecasts for Afghanistan] from [[International Futures]]

=== Government ===
* [https://arg.gov.af/en/home Presidential Palace (Arg)] – Official website of the Presidential Palace of Afghanistan
* [https://aop.gov.af/en Administrative Affairs] – Official website of the Administrative Affairs office of the president of Afghanistan
* [https://ocs.gov.af/en/home Prime Minister] – official website of the prime minister of Afghanistan
* [https://supremecourt.gov.af/en Supreme Court] – official website of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan
* [https://nsia.gov.af Statistics and Information] – official website of National Statistics and Information Authority

=== History ===
* [https://cairo.mfa.gov.af/about-afghanistan/ About Afghanistan] – at the Afghanistan Embassy in Cairo

=== Maps ===
* {{Wikiatlas}}
* {{OSM relation|303427}}

{{Afghanistan topics}}
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M. Bimoljit Singh

2026-04-24T12:15:12Z

Shuvro: new bio.

{{short description|Indian martial art athlete from Manipur|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
| name = M. Bimoljit Singh
| image = M. Bimoljit Singh.jpg
| caption = Winning the Asian Games Bronze Medal in Wushu in 2010
| nationality = Indian
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1983}}
| birth_place = [[Thoubal District]], [[Manipur]], India
| weight = 60 kg
| country = India
| sport = [[Wushu (sport)|Wushu]]
| event = [[Sanda (sport)|Sanda]]
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Sanda (sport)|Sanda]]}}
{{MedalCountry | {{IND}} }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Wushu at the Asian Games|Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalBronze| [[2006 Asian Games|2006 Doha]] |60 kg}}
{{MedalBronze| [[2010 Asian Games|2010 Guangzhou]] |60 kg}}
}}
'''M. Bimoljit Singh''', also known as '''Mayanglambam Bimoljit''' (born 1983), is an Indian born [[Wushu (sport)|Wushu]] player from [[Kakching]], [[Thoubal district]] in [[Manipur]]. Awarded the [[Arjun Award]] (for Wushu) in 2012 and Rajiv Gandhi State Award (for Wushu) in 2011, Bilmoljit is also a two times [[Asian Games]] [[Bronze Medalist]] 2006 and 2010, and a two times National Gold Medalist (2009 and 2011).<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://sportingindia.com/MAYANGLAMBAM%20Bimoljit%20Singh |title=Mayanglambam Bimoljit Singh |website=SportingIndia.com |date=2014-09-15 |accessdate=2016-11-22 |archive-date=22 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122222126/http://sportingindia.com/MAYANGLAMBAM%20Bimoljit%20Singh |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="dnaindia1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-asian-games-wushu-player-bimoljit-singh-wins-bronze-sandhyarani-assures-india-of-silver-1467713 |title=Asian Games: Wushu player Bimoljit Singh wins bronze, Sandhyarani assures India of silver | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |website=Dnaindia.com |date=2010-11-16 |accessdate=2016-11-22}}</ref>

==Biography==

===Early life===
Bimoljit was born as Mayanglambam Bimoljit Singh to Mayanglambam Naren Singh and Mayanglambam Ongbi Shakuntala Devi at Kakching, Turel Wangma, which is located in Thoubal District of [[Manipur]]. He is the fifth Child of his parents, with three brothers and two sisters above him. When he was 13 years old, he was introduced to Kungfu and earned a black belt under Kshetrimayum Jugeshwar Singh. This was a time when martial arts was not a popular sport in the country, and with little encouragement of the sport, as well as being economically deprived, Bimojit faced many difficulties during his early days. Financial constraints even made him to be deprived of many opportunities to participate in National and International competitions, although being selected to compete in the sport. However, through sheer determination, Bimoljit was able to secure more than 40 Gold medals in various District, State, North-East India, and National Level martial arts competitions.

===Breakthrough===
Through some suggestions made by a gentleman at [[Guwahati]] bus station, Bimoljit went to [[Arunachal Pradesh]] in September 2002 to set up his own Kung-Fu training Institute and popularize the sport. Despite difficulties, he was able to set up a [[Kungfu]] Institute, named “Shaolin Kung-Fu Training School” in Naharagun, a town in the Himalayan foothills in Arunachal Pradesh, and by 2004, the institute got affiliated to Indian Wushu Federation for Arunachal Pradesh. This recognition and support allowed him to participate in various Wushu competitions, and recognition came early for him in 2004 itself, when he won Gold in the first All India Invitation National Wushu Championship held at Mandi, Himachal, in 60 kg weight category. This brought him into the national limelight, and since then, his Wushu's career has taken off.<ref name="dnaindia1"/>

===Achievements: 2005 – 2016===
Bimoljit joined [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]] in 2005, and serving in the army made him focus on Wushu practice with better and proper diet. Later he participated in Two National Games begging Gold medals in both Games, Six National Championship begging 5 Golds, and 1 Silver and 12 times in International Championship with at least two gold medals including two consecutive Bronze medals for India at 15th Asian games, Doha (lone Indian Wushu medalist), 2006 and 16th [[Guangzhou]] [[India at the 2010 Asian Games|Asian Games]], 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wushuindia.in/achivements.html |title=Welcome to Wushu Association of India |website=Wushuindia.in |date= |accessdate=2016-11-22}}</ref> As he was the first and the lone Indian Wushu medalist at the Doha Asian Games, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of India recognized Wushu event in the priority list.<ref name="dnaindia1"/>
For his exceptional contribution in Wushu sports, the Delhi Government conferred him with the ‘Rajiv Gandhi State Award’, in Delhi in 2011. He was also honored with Arjuna Award, the Nation's highest sports award in 2012 by the Government of India, for his effort, performance, and achievements, as well as popularizing Wushu Sport in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/473652085785548937/ |title=Rajiv gandhi, Gandhi and Hard work on Pinterest |website=Pinterest.com |date=2015-01-27 |accessdate=2016-11-22}}</ref>
As of 2016, in order to produce more players in this sport, and to bring out the significance of this sport, the Government of Manipur offered him to teach and to work as Coach at Regular Coaching Center (RCC), Youth Affairs Sports Department at Khuman Lampak in Imphal.

==Recognitions==
* Arjun Award 2012 (WUSHU)
* Rajiv Gandhi State Award in Delhi 2011 (WUSHU)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, M. Bimoljit}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Indian sanshou practitioners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian male martial artists]]
[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists in wushu]]
[[Category:Wushu practitioners at the 2006 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Wushu practitioners at the 2010 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Wushu practitioners at the 2014 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for India]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2006 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2010 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Arjuna Award]]
[[Category:Indian wushu practitioners]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian sportsmen]]

{{India-martialart-bio-stub}}

Sunjay Sudhir

2026-04-21T22:49:21Z

Shuvro: creating a article

{{short description|Indian
diplomat}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Sunjay Sudhir
| honorific_suffix = [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]] (Retd.)
| image = Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir.jpg
| alt =
| office = [[List of ambassadors and high commissioners of India|Ambassador of India to]] [[United Arab Emirates]]
| term_start = {{Start date|2021|11|26|df=yes}}
| term_end = {{End date|2025|09|30|df=yes}}
| predecessor = [[Pavan Kapoor]]
| successor = Dr. Deepak Mittal
| office1 = [[List of ambassadors and high commissioners of India|High Commissioner of India to]] [[Maldives]]
| term_start1 = {{Start date|2019|03|03|df=yes}}
| term_end1 = {{End date|2021|10|23|df=yes}}
| predecessor1 = Akhilesh Mishra
| successor1 = Munu Mahawar
| birth_date =
| birth_place = [[India]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| spouse =
| party =
| relations =
| children = 2
| alma_mater = [[IIT Delhi]] [[University of Oxford]]
| occupation = former [[diplomat]]
| website =
}}

'''Sunjay Sudhir''' is a retired [[Indian people|Indian]] [[diplomat]] of the [[Indian Foreign Service]]. He served as [[Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates]] from September 2021 to October 2025. He previously served as [[List of ambassadors and high commissioners of India|High Commissioner of India to]] [[Maldives]] from 2019 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shri Sunjay Sudhir appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/34460/Shri+Sunjay+Sudhir+appointed+as+the+next+Ambassador+of+India+to+the+United+Arab+Emirates|access-date=2022-01-13|website=www.mea.gov.in}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sunjay Sudhir appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Maldives|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/30956/sunjay+sudhir+appointed+as+the+next+ambassador+of+india+to+the+republic+of+maldives|access-date=2022-01-13|website=www.mea.gov.in}}
</ref>

== Career ==
Sunjay Sudhir joined the [[Indian Foreign Service]] in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ambassador Profile|url=https://indembassyuae.gov.in/amb-profile.php}}</ref> In his diplomatic career, he has served in different Indian Missions abroad include [[Consul (representative)|Consul General]] of [[India]] in [[Sydney]] (2014–15); Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of [[India]] to the [[World Trade Organization]], [[Geneva]] (2007–11), Head of the Economic and Commercial Wing at the Indian High Commission, [[Colombo]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gokulan|first=Dhanusha|title=Sunjay Sudhir appointed next ambassador of India to UAE|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/sunjay-sudhir-appointed-next-ambassador-of-india-to-uae|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Khaleej Times|language=en}}</ref> (2004–07), Second Secretary (Political, Information and Culture) at the [[Embassy of India, Damascus|Indian Embassy, Damascus]] (1997-2000) and Third Secretary at the [[Embassy of India, Cairo|Indian Embassy, Cairo]] (1995–97). His postings at Headquarters include Joint Secretary and Head of the Office of [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs Minister]] (2012–14), Joint Secretary (SAARC), Deputy Chief of Protocol (2002–04), and in the Europe West Division (2000)<ref>{{Cite web|title=India extends further leniency for Maldivian businessmen, students|url=http://edition.mv/sunjay_sudhir_indian_ambassador_to_maldives/20113|access-date=2022-01-13|website=The Edition|language=en}}</ref>

He also holds a degree of [[Bachelor of Technology]] from the [[IIT Delhi]] and has pursued diplomatic studies at [[University of Oxford|Oxford University]] (UK). In international Trade, Sudhir has done Certificate Courses on [[TRIPS Agreement]] and [[Public health|Public Health]], [[WTO labour law|WTO Law]] and [[Jurisprudence]], and [[WTO Dispute Settlement]]. In energy, he has been director on the boards of [[Oil and Natural Gas Corporation|ONGC Videsh Ltd]], [[Oil India Ltd]] and [[Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited|Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd.]] He is currently an associate editor on the editorial board of [[OPEC]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-01|title=India's new ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir presents credentials|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/12/01/indias-new-ambassador-to-the-uae-sunjay-sudhir-presents-credentials/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=The National|language=en}}</ref> Energy Review.

== Personal life ==
Sunjay Sudhir is married<ref>{{Cite web|last=Godinho|first=Varun|date=2021-11-01|title=India appoints Sunjay Sudhir as ambassador to UAE|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/india-appoints-sunjay-sudhir-as-ambassador-to-uae/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Gulf Business|language=en-US}}</ref> and has two children.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:High commissioners of India to the Maldives]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of India to the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Indian Institutes of Technology alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Oxford]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Sanjay Kumar Gupta (RJD politician)

2026-04-21T04:20:00Z

Shuvro: creating new bio

{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Sanjay Kumar Gupta
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date =
| birth_place = 2/10/1968 Sheohar
| death_date =
| death_place =
| constituency1 = [[Belsand (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Belsand]]
| party = [[Rashtriya Janata Dal|RJD]]
| occupation = Politician
| term_start = 2020
| term_end = 14 November 2025
| successor = [[Amit Ranu]], {{Party index link|Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)}}
| predecessor = [[Sunita Singh Chauhan]], [[Janata Dal (United)|JD(U)]]
| office = Member of the [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]]
}}
'''Sanjay Kumar Gupta''' is an Indian politician from Sitamarhi Bihar and a member of the [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]]. Sanjay Kumar Gupta won the [[Belsand (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Belsand]] on the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal|RJD]] ticket in the [[2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]] and also won from Sheohar for periods 2003 to 2004 and 2005 to 2010 from Belsand. In 2020 Gupta won for third time as M.L.A.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sanjay Kumar Gupta(RJD):Constituency- BELSAND(SITAMARHI) - Affidavit Information of Candidate:|url=https://myneta.info/Bihar2020/candidate.php?candidate_id=11024|access-date=2021-03-25|website=myneta.info}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sanjay Kumar Gupta rjd Candidate 2020 विधानसभा चुनाव परिणाम Belsand|url=https://www.amarujala.com/election/vidhan-sabha-elections/bihar/candidates/sanjay-kumar-gupta-rjd-2020-belsand-30-bihar|access-date=2021-03-25|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sanjay Kumar Gupta Election Results 2020: News, Votes, Results of Bihar Assembly|url=https://www.ndtv.com/elections/bihar-assembly-election-candidates-list-2020/sanjay-kumar-gupta-04030-2|access-date=2021-03-25|website=NDTV.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Belsand Assembly Election Results 2020 Live: Belsand Constituency (Seat) Election Results, Live News|url=https://www.news18.com/bihar-assembly-elections-2020/sanjay-kumar-gupta-belsand-candidate-s04a030c02|access-date=2021-04-03|website=News18|language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gupta, Sanjay Kumar}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Bihar MLAs 2020–2025]]
[[Category:Rashtriya Janata Dal politicians]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

{{Bihar-RJD-politician-stub}}

Pritam Singh (politician, born 1958)

2026-04-20T08:45:58Z

Shuvro: new

{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Pritam Singh
| native_name = प्रीतम सिंह
| image = Pritam Singh Ex LOP Uttarakhand Assembly.jpg
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|11|11|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Dehradun]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]] (now in [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]])
| office = [[List of leaders of the opposition in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start = 22 July 2021
| term_end = 10 March 2022
| predecessor = [[Indira Hridayesh]]
| successor = [[Yashpal Arya]]
| office1 = Member [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start1 = 24 February 2002
| predecessor1 = [[Munna Singh Chauhan]] [[Samajwadi Party|SP]]
| successor1 =
| constituency1 = [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
| office2 = Member [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start2 = 1993
| term_end2 = 1996
| predecessor2 = [[Munna Singh Chauhan]] [[Janata Dal|JD]]
| successor2 = [[Munna Singh Chauhan]] [[Samajwadi Party|SP]]
| constituency2 = [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
| office3 = President [[Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee]]
| term_start3 = 4 May 2017
| term_end3 = 22 July 2021
| predecessor3 = [[Kishore Upadhyaya]]
| successor3 = [[Ganesh Godiyal]]
| party = [[Indian National Congress]]
| spouse =
| profession =
| website = https://www.pritamsinghinc.in/
}}
'''Pritam Singh''' is an Indian politician who is a six-term Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Chakrata, [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly]]. A member of the [[Indian National Congress]] he is serving as Central Election Committee (CEC) Member. He has served as the [[Leader of Opposition]] (CLP Leader Uttarakhand) in the [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly]] and has also served as the president of [[Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee]] (Uttarakhand PCC).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/pritam-singh-named-new-chief-of-uttarakhand-congress/articleshow/58519287.cms | title=chief of Congress unit of Uttarakhand. | publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com | access-date=2017-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/pritam-singh-appointed-new-uttarakhand-congress-chief-4640726/ | title=Pritam Singh appointed new Uttarakhand Congress chief | publisher=The Indian Express | access-date=2017-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/pritam-singh-appointed-new-uttarakhand-congress-chief-117050400980_1.html | title=Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh | publisher=business-standard.com | access-date=2017-06-23}}</ref> He is a six-term Member of the [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rawat-pritam-in-race-for-cm-post/ |title=Rawat, Pritam in race for CM post |publisher=The Indian Express}}</ref> During the Congress government (2002–2007 and 2012–2017) in Uttarakhand he had served as a Cabinet Minister for Home, Rural Development, Food and Civil Supplies, Panchayti Raj and Minor Irrigation in Government of Uttarakhand. He was also elected as a Member of the [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elections.in/uttar-pradesh/assembly-constituencies/1993-election-results.html |title= Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election in 1993 Party Wise |publisher=elections.in}}</ref> Singh represents [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]] assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elections.in/uttarakhand/assembly-constituencies/chakrata.html |title=Sitting and previous MLAs from Chakrata Assembly Constituency |publisher=elections.in}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Singh was born in Virnad village in [[Dehradun district]] of the [[Uttar Pradesh]] (now [[Uttarakhand]]) on 11 November 1958 in a [[Rajput]] family. Pritam Singh is the eldest son of [[Gulab Singh (Uttar Pradesh politician)|Gulab Singh]] who was a member of the [[Indian National Congress]], an eight term Member of the [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] and also served as minister during the Congress government in Uttar Pradesh. Gulab Singh was elected unopposed to the [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] in the year 1985. Pritam Singh is a law graduate and a member of the Bar Council of Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pritamsinghinc.in?candidate_id=20 | title=Pritam Singh Chakrata nomination details | publisher=myneta.info}}</ref> He is married to Anita Singh and has one daughter and one son.

== Positions held ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Description
|-
| 1988 - 1993
| Block Pramukh - Chakrata
|-
| 1993 - 1996
| Elected to [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly|12th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]] from [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata Assembly]]
|-
| 2002 - 2007
| Elected to [[First Uttarakhand Assembly|1st Uttarakhand Assembly]] from [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata Assembly]] (2nd term)
* Cabinet Minister - Panchayati Raj, Sports, Rural Engineering, Freedom Fighters, Food & Civil Supplies {{small|(2002-07)}}
|-
| 2007 - 2012
| Elected to [[Second Uttarakhand Assembly|2nd Uttarakhand Assembly]] from [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata Assembly]] (3rd term)
* Member - Committee on SC, ST and Other Caste {{small|(2007-09)}}
* Member - Public Accounts Committee {{small|(2008–12)}}
* Chairman - Public Accounts Committee {{small|(2010–11)}}
* Best Legislator Award 2011
|-
| 2012 - 2017
| Elected to [[3rd Uttarakhand Assembly]] from [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata Assembly]] (4th term)
* Cabinet Minister - Food & Civil Supplies, Minor Irrigation, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj {{small|(2012–14)}}
* Cabinet Minister - Food & Civil Supplies, Minor Irrigation, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Home, Backward Area development {{small|(2014–17)}}
|-
| 2017 - 2022
| Elected to [[4th Uttarakhand Assembly]] from [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata Assembly]] (5th term)
* Leader of Opposition {{small|(2021-22)}}
* Member - Public Accounts Committee {{small|(2017–22)}}
|-
| 2022 - Till date
| Elected to [[5th Uttarakhand Assembly]] from [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata Assembly]] (6th term)
|-
|}

== Electoral Performances ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Election
!colspan="2"|Party
!Constituency Name
!Result
!Votes gained
!Vote share%
!Margin
!Ref
|-
|[[1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1991]]
|[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly|11th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]]
| rowspan="9" style="background-color: {{party color|Indian National Congress}}" |
| rowspan="9" |[[Indian National Congress]] 
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Lost}}
|29,270
|33.14%
|6,305
|
|-
|[[1993 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1993]]
|[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly|12th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Won}}
|36,503
|30.62%
|500
|-
|[[1996 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1996]]
|[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly|13th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Lost}}
|35,073
|28.11%
|15,941
|-
|[[2002 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2002]]
|[[1st Uttarakhand Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Won}}
|18,468
|49.59%
|8,176
|-
|[[2007 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2007]]
|[[2nd Uttarakhand Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Won}}
|22,504
|49.55%
|3,741
|
|-
|[[2012 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2012]]
|[[3rd Uttarakhand Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Won}}
|33,187
|50.53%
|6,654
|
|-
|[[2017 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2017]]
|[[4th Uttarakhand Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Won}}
|34,968
|48.31%
|1,543
|
|-
|[[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
|[[17th Lok Sabha]]
| [[Tehri Garhwal (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tehri Garhwal]]
|{{Lost}}
|2,64,747
|30.22%
|3,00,586
|
|-
|[[2022 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2022]]
|[[5th Uttarakhand Assembly]]
| [[Chakrata (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Chakrata]]
|{{Won}}
|36,853
|50.64%
|9,436
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Kishore Upadhyaya]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=President [[Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee]]|years=4 May 2017 – 22 July 2021}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Ganesh Godiyal]]}}
{{s-end}}{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Pritam}}
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradesh MLAs 1993–1996]]
[[Category:Uttaranchal MLAs 2002–2007]]
[[Category:Uttarakhand MLAs 2007–2012]]
[[Category:Uttarakhand MLAs 2012–2017]]
[[Category:Uttarakhand MLAs 2017–2022]]
[[Category:Uttarakhand MLAs 2022–2027]]
[[Category:Leaders of the opposition in Uttarakhand]]

N. Amarnath Reddy

2026-04-20T05:22:07Z

Shuvro: new post

{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = N. Amarnath Reddy
| native_name_lang =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| office = [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start = 4 June 2024
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[N. Venkate Gowda]]
| successor =
| constituency = [[Palamaner Assembly constituency|Palamaner]]
| term_start1 = 2009
| term_end1 = 2019
| predecessor1 = ''constituency established''
| successor1 = [[N. Venkate Gowda]]
| constituency1 = [[Palamaner Assembly constituency|Palamaner]]
| term_start2 = 2004
| term_end2 = 2009
| predecessor2 = N. Sreedhar Reddy
| successor2 = [[Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy]]
| constituency2 = [[Punganur Assembly constituency|Punganur]]
| term_start3 = 1996
| term_end3 = 1999
| predecessor3 = [[Nuthanakalva Ramakrishna Reddy]]
| successor3 = N. Sreedhar Reddy
| constituency4 = [[Punganur Assembly constituency|Punganur]]
| occupation = Politician
| party = [[Telugu Desam Party]]
}}

'''N. Amarnath Reddy''' (born 1959) is an Indian politician from Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web |title=N.Amaranatha Reddy(TDP):Constituency- PALAMANER(CHITOOR) – Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=https://www.myneta.info/ap09/candidate.php?candidate_id=2403 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.myneta.info}}</ref> He is a five time legislator and current Member of the [[Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] representing [[Telugu Desam Party]] from [[Palamaner Assembly constituency]].N. Amarnath Reddy held a ministerial post in the Andhra Pradesh state government. Specifically:He was appointed the Minister for Industries & Commerce in April 2017.

== Career ==
Reddy won as an MLA for the first time from [[Punganur Assembly constituency]] winning the [[2004 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]] representing Telugu Desam Party. He polled 71,492 votes and defeated his nearest rival, R. Reddappa Reddy of Indian National Congress, by a margin of 9,174 votes. He was elected again in the [[2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]] for the second time from [[Palamaner Assembly constituency]].{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

He later joined the [[YSR Congress Party]] before [[2014 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]] and won for the third time as a candidate of YSR Congress Party<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/tdp-suspends-legislator-amarnath-reddy/article4102051.ece | title=TDP suspends legislator Amarnath Reddy | newspaper=The Hindu | date=16 November 2012 }}</ref> from Palamaner Assembly constituency.

In 2016, he rejoined Telugu Desam Party and became a minister in the [[Third N. Chandrababu Naidu ministry]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2017/Apr/02/nara-lokesh-takes-oath-into-andhra-pradesh-assembly-with-10-others-1588994.html | title=Nara Lokesh takes oath into Andhra Pradesh Assembly with 10 others | date=2 April 2017 }}</ref>

==Election results==
=== 2009 ===
{{Election box begin | title=[[2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]]: Palamaner<ref>{{cite web |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/4055-andhra-pradesh-2009/ |title=Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election, 2009 |publisher=[[Election Commission of India]] |access-date=14 September 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Telugu Desam Party
|candidate = N.Amarnath Reddy
|votes = 79,977
|percentage = 46.2
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Indian National Congress|candidate=R. Reddeppa Reddy|votes=64,429|percentage=37.2|change=}}
{{Election box majority||votes=15,548|percentage=9|change=}}
{{Election box turnout||votes=1,97,912|percentage=84.41|change=}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = YSR Congress Party
|loser =
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}

===2014===
{{Election box begin | title=[[2014 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]]: Palamaner<ref name=election2014>{{cite web |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/4055-andhra-pradesh-2014/ |title=Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election, 2014 |publisher=[[Election Commission of India]] |access-date= 14 September 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = YSR Congress Party
|candidate = N.Amarnath Reddy
|votes = 96,683
|percentage = 48.86
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Telugu Desam Party
|candidate = R.V.Subash Chandra Bose
|votes = 93,833
|percentage = 47.40
|change =
}}
{{Election box majority|
|votes = 2,850
|percentage = 1.46
|change =
}}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = {{formatnum:197912}}
|percentage = 84.41
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = YSR Congress Party
|loser =
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}

===2019===
{{Election box begin | title=[[2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]]: Palamaner<ref name=election2019>{{cite web |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/11673-andhra-pradesh-legislative-assembly-election-2019/ |title=Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election, 2019 |publisher=[[Election Commission of India]] |access-date= 14 September 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = YSR Congress Party
|candidate =[[N Venkate Gowda]]
|votes = 119,241
|percentage = 54.46
|change = +5.60
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Telugu Desam Party
|candidate = N. Amarnath Reddy
|votes = 86,995
|percentage = 40.02
|change = -7.38
}}
{{Election box majority|
|votes = 32,246
|percentage = 14.44
|change =
}}
{{Election box turnout|
|votes = {{formatnum:218957}}
|percentage = 88.60
|change = +4.19
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = YSR Congress Party
|loser = TDP
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}

=== 2024 ===
{{Election box begin | title=[[2024 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]]: Palamaner}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Telugu Desam Party
|candidate = N. Amarnath Reddy
|votes ={{formatnum:101417}}
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=YSR Congress Party|candidate=[[N Venkate Gowda]]|votes=85,959|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Indian National Congress|candidate=B Siva Sankar|votes=3,014|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=NOTA|candidate=None of the Above|votes=2,006|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box majority||votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box turnout||votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|loser =
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amarnath Reddy, N.}}
[[Category:Andhra Pradesh MLAs 2024–2029]]
[[Category:Telugu Desam Party politicians]]
[[Category:Andhra Pradesh MLAs 2009–2014]]
[[Category:Andhra Pradesh MLAs 2014–2019]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Rajpur Road Assembly constituency

2026-04-19T19:40:16Z

Shuvro: stub

{{Short description|Constituency of Indian State Uttarakhand}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox Indian constituency
| name = Rajpur Road
| latest_election_year = 2022
| established =
| state = Uttarakhand
| district = [[Dehradun district|Dehradun]]
| loksabha_cons = [[Tehri Garhwal (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tehri Garhwal]]
| reservation = SC
| type = SLA
| constituency_no = 20
| map_image = Rajpur Road Assembly constituency map.svg
| mla = [[Khajan Dass]]
| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| electors = {{formatnum:119301}}<ref name="ceouk">{{cite web |url=https://www.ceo.uk.gov.in/files/VS-2022/VoterTurnout-2022.pdf |title=Uttarakhand State General Assembly Election - 2022 - AC wise Voter Turnout |website=ceo.uk.gov.in |date=1 March 2022 |accessdate=8 April 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301040631/https://www.ceo.uk.gov.in/files/VS-2022/VoterTurnout-2022.pdf}}</ref>{{update after|2027|03}}
}}
'''Rajpur Road''' is one of the 70 [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] constituencies of [[Uttarakhand]] state in [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ceo.uk.gov.in/files/Election2012/Constituencies_Division_Wise-1.pdf |title=Uttarakhand Assembly constituencies |access-date=16 January 2021}}</ref>

It is part of [[Dehradun district|Dehradun]] district and is reserved for candidates belonging to the [[Scheduled castes]]. [[Khajan Dass]] is the current MLA from Rajpur Road. The constituency also covers 25 wards of the [[Dehradun Municipal Corporation]].

== Members of the Legislative Assembly ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Election
! Member
! colspan=2|Party
|-
| [[2012 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2012]] || Rajkumar S/O Chiranji Lala || {{Full party name with color|Indian National Congress}}
|-
| [[2017 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2017]] || rowspan=2 | [[Khajan Dass]]|| {{Full party name with color|Bharatiya Janata Party|rowspan=2}}
|-
| [[2022 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election|2022]]
|}

== Election results ==
===Assembly Election 2022 ===
{{Election box begin|title= [[2022 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election]]: Rajpur Road<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Uttarakhand|title=Uttarakhand State General Assembly Elections 2022 - AC-Wise Detailed Result (Form-20) |url=https://election.uk.gov.in/CEO-Website/VidhanSabha2022/Form20/form20_2022.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615102703/https://election.uk.gov.in/CEO-Website/VidhanSabha2022/Form20/form20_2022.htm|archive-date=15 June 2022}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link| |candidate=[[Khajan Dass]] |party=Bharatiya Janata Party |votes=37,027 |percentage=53.62% |change={{increase}}0.95 }}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Rajkumar S/O Chiranji Lala|party=Indian National Congress|votes=25,864|percentage=37.45%|change={{decrease}}2.79}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Dimpal|party=Aam Aadmi Party|votes=4,127|percentage=5.98%|change=''New''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=None of the above|party=None of the above|votes=617|percentage=0.89%|change={{decrease}}0.11}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Dhansingh|party=Bahujan Samaj Party|votes=404|percentage=0.59%|change={{decrease}}2.23}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Amar Singh Swedia|party=Independent politician|votes=396|percentage=0.57%|change=''New''}}
{{Election box margin of victory |votes=11,163 |percentage=16.17% |change= {{increase}}3.74 }}
{{Election box turnout|votes=69,056|percentage=57.73%|change={{decrease}}0.28}}
{{Election box registered electors |reg. electors = 1,19,615 |ref = |change= {{decrease}}0.16 }}
{{Election box hold with party link |winner=Bharatiya Janata Party |loser=Bharatiya Janata Party |swing= {{increase}}0.95 }}
{{Election box end}}

===Assembly Election 2017 ===
{{Election box begin|title= [[2017 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election]]: Rajpur Road<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Uttarakhand|title=Uttarakhand State General Assembly Elections 2017 - AC-Wise Detailed Result (Form-20) |url=https://election.uk.gov.in/CEO-Website/VidhanSabha2017/Form_20/form20_2017.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630093109/https://election.uk.gov.in/CEO-Website/VidhanSabha2017/Form_20/form20_2017.htm|archive-date=30 June 2022}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link| |candidate=[[Khajan Dass]] |party=Bharatiya Janata Party |votes=36,601 |percentage=52.67% |change={{increase}}10.80 }}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Rajkumar S/O Chiranji Lala|party=Indian National Congress|votes=27,969|percentage=40.25%|change={{decrease}}6.71}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Jag Ram Singh|party=Bahujan Samaj Party|votes=1,959|percentage=2.82%|change={{decrease}}5.50}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=Ajay Sonkar|party=Independent politician|votes=1,484|percentage=2.14%|change=''New''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||candidate=None of the above|party=None of the above|votes=697|percentage=1.00%|change=''New''}}
{{Election box margin of victory |votes=8,632 |percentage=12.42% |change= {{increase}}7.33 }}
{{Election box turnout|votes=69,495|percentage=58.01%|change={{decrease}}2.85}}
{{Election box registered electors |reg. electors = 1,19,801 |ref = |change= {{increase}}21.03 }}
{{Election box gain with party link |winner=Bharatiya Janata Party |loser=Indian National Congress |swing= {{increase}}5.71 }}
{{Election box end}}

===Assembly Election 2012 ===
{{Election box begin|title= [[2012 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly election]]: Rajpur Road<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Uttarakhand|title=Uttarakhand State General Assembly Elections 2012 - AC-Wise Detailed Result (Form-20) |url=https://election.uk.gov.in/Vidhan_sabha2012/form20_2012_PDF/form20_2012.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929115647/https://election.uk.gov.in/Vidhan_sabha2012/form20_2012_PDF/form20_2012.htm|archive-date=29 September 2022}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link| |candidate=Rajkumar S/O Chiranji Lala |party=Indian National Congress |votes=28,291 |percentage=46.96% |change= ''New''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link| |candidate=Ravinder Singh Kataria |party=Bharatiya Janata Party |votes=25,221 |percentage=41.86% |change= ''New''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link| |candidate=Tanveer Singh |party=Bahujan Samaj Party |votes=5,011 |percentage=8.32% |change= ''New''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link| |candidate=Sanjeev Kumar |party=Independent politician |votes=449 |percentage=0.75% |change= ''New''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link| |candidate=Sapna Sonkar |party=Samajwadi Party |votes=304 |percentage=0.50% |change= ''New''}}
{{Election box margin of victory |votes=3,070 |percentage=5.10% |change= }}
{{Election box turnout |votes=60,246 |percentage=60.86% |change= }}
{{Election box registered electors |reg. electors = 98,988 |ref = |change= }}
{{Election box new seat win |winner=Indian National Congress |loser= |swing= }}
{{Election box end}}

==See also==
* [[Rajpur (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cite web |title=Record of all Uttarakhand Assembly Elections |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/category/93-uttarakhand/ |website=eci.gov.in |publisher=Election Commission of India |access-date=17 January 2024}}
{{Assembly constituencies of Uttarakhand}}

{{coord|30.33|78.05|display=title}}

[[Category:Dehradun district]]
[[Category:Politics of Dehradun]]
[[Category:Assembly constituencies of Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:2012 establishments in Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Legislative Assembly constituencies of Indian states established in 2012]]

Howzzattt

2026-04-15T01:55:34Z

Shuvro: Added some article with sources

{{Short description|Indian animated series}}{{Unreliable sources|date=February 2024}}{{more citations needed|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Howzzattt.jpg
| alt_name =
| genre = Comedy, sports, action
| based_on =
| developer =
| writer = [[Srivinay Salian]] Renju Ramesh
| director = Renju Ramesh
| creative_director = Renju Ramesh
| producer = Rathan Sam George
| executive_producer = P. Jayakumar
| opentheme = "Howzzattt!"
| endtheme =
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 13
| runtime = 22 minutes
| company = [[Toonz Animation India]]
| channel = [[Disney XD (Indian TV channel)|Disney XD India]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.adgully.com/disney-xd-all-set-to-launch-the-new-gully-cricket-series-howzzat-50066.html|title=Disney XD all set to launch the new Gully Cricket Series 'Howzzat'|first=Adgully|last=Bureau|website=www.adgully.com|date=10 May 2012 }}</ref>
| first_aired = {{start date|df=y|2012|5|13}}
| last_aired =
}}

'''''Howzzattt!!''''' is an Indian digital [[2D Animation|2D animation]] series focusing on six children who enjoy the game of [[cricket]]. They call themselves the Gulab Nagar Junglees. '''[https://toonz.co/ Toonz Animation India]''' developed the series in [[Trivandrum]]. The 13-episode series first aired on [[Disney XD India]] from 2012 to 2014 and then was syndicated on [[Discovery Kids India]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Discovery kids presents Gully Cricket in Howzzattt|url=http://www.afaqs.com/news/company_briefs/index.html?id=55235_Discovery-kids-presents-Gully-Cricket-in-Howzzattt|publisher=[[DNA India]]|accessdate=15 October 2012|date=15 October 2012}}</ref> It was developed by '''Renju Ramesh''' and produced by '''Rathan Sam George'''. '''P. Jayakumar''' was the executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Discovery kids presents Gully Cricket in 'Howzzattt'|url=https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/55235_discovery-kids-presents-gully-cricket-in-howzzattt|access-date=2022-02-05|website=afaqs!|date=14 October 2012 }}</ref>

==Plot==
The Gulab Nagar Junglees are named Guru, Gyani, Bull, Bablu, Shekhar and Ajay. Under the coaching and guidance of Sweety Aunty, these youngsters hone their cricket skills to be on par with the local bullies, who never abide by the rules. Meanwhile, Col. Singh and Sweety Aunty support the youngsters. Thakral, a wealthy businessman, is often at odds with them, subjecting them to one challenge after another. The youngsters take on challenge after challenge to get out of every tough situation they find themselves in. As a result, each episode is a cricket match against a new set of opponents. While the opponents vary, the youngsters often find themselves pitted against Thakral, who intends to acquire the Gulab Nagar Society land.

==Characters==
*Guru: Captain. He is rebellious in nature and is always up for a challenge. He believes in his team. Although he is the best [[Batsman]], he can also bowl. Guru has a crush on Tina.
*Gyani: He is the youngest, shortest and smartest. He is obsessed with [[cricket]] and knows every detail of [[History of cricket|cricket history]]. Unfortunately, he is also the team's weakest player, but a good off-spinner. Guru has a keen interest in inventing gadgets, such as a tracker watch.
*Bablu: He is the lazy fat kid, who unknowingly causes messes. He has the unique skill of never dropping any ball that is thrown at him. He eats a lot, even when he comes to the crease for batting. He has a yo-yo, which the others think is his lucky charm.
*Bull: He is a gentle giant and a child at heart. He has a soft spot for babies and [[butterflies]]. He is the best bowler and the most dangerous fast bowler in the world, delivering at above 180 kmph. His deliveries can burn the batsman or even make a ditch in the pitch.
*Shekhar: He is a lean, slender kid who can run like no other. He always wears a helmet for unknown reasons. He is a good batsman and a great leg spinner. He is the best fielder.
*Ajay: He is a smart kid from the rich neighborhood who likes to hang out with the Gulab Nagar Society. He is one of the best players. He is resentful of being pampered by his butler Manikchand. He is the steadiest batsmen.
*Sweety Aunty: She is a kind, affectionate and loving woman, who has two passions in life – cooking and cricket. Besides that, she is a die-hard fan of the youngsters and volunteers to become their coach.
*Col. Singh: He is a resident of Gulab Nagar Society who develops a [[love–hate relationship]] with the youngsters. He is shrewd, judgmental and a strict disciplinarian.
*Thakral: He is a wealthy businessman and the manager of [[Breach Candy]] [[Cricket Club of India|Cricket Club]], who cannot stand the youngsters. He is an egomaniac who will go to any length to beat them.
*Manikchand: Ajay's devoted butler who tries to protect Ajay, even when he does not need it. He is lovingly called Manikki by everybody except Ajay.
*Dhamaal Singh: A crazy commentator who mostly supports the Gulab Nagar's opposition teams, even those who cheat. His commentary is weird and unorthodox.
*Kamal Singh: A commentator who is more mature than Dhamaal, mostly supporting the Gulab Nagar team.
*Tina: An exceptional beauty, who is Thakral's daughter. She does not support Thakral, but instead supports the Gulab Nagar Junglees. She loves spa sessions. She has a crush on Guru but never tells him; even though the rest of the team already knows.

== Episodes ==
The series ran for 13 episodes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prime Video: Howzzattt|url=https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Howzzattt/0H7MQWODNJXG545RL88844YJGH|access-date=2022-02-08|website=www.primevideo.com|language=en-us}}</ref> and was later released by Prime Video on their website.

# The Challenge
# The Tale of The Talisman
# Star Hunt
# Spaced Out
# Spooked
# The Great Escape
# Bollywood Blues
# Under the Scanner
# The Political Game
# Box Cricket
# Yo Yo
# The Return of Babbar Singh Part 1
# The Return of Babbar Singh Part 2

==See also==
*[[List of Indian animated television series]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Children television series in India}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131228091331/http://www.chotoonz.tv/shows/howzzatt/the-challenge/ Chotoonz]
* [http://www.dkids.co.in/show/Howzzattt Discovery Kids – Howzzattt]
* [https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Howzzattt/0H7MQWODNJXG545RL88844YJGH Howzzattt] on [[Amazon Prime Video]]

[[Category:2012 Indian television series debuts]]
[[Category:2012 Indian television series endings]]
[[Category:Indian children's animated action television series]]
[[Category:Indian children's animated comedy television series]]
[[Category:Hindi-language television shows]]
[[Category:Disney XD (Indian TV channel) original programming]]
[[Category:Discovery Kids (Indian TV channel) original programming]]
[[Category:Indian sports television series]]
[[Category:Cricket television series]]
[[Category:Animated sports television series]]

Bandwaale

2026-04-13T14:07:19Z

Shuvro: Created new article - done

{{Short description|2026 Indian television series}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Bandwaale.jpg
| caption = Promotional release poster
| genre = [[Comedy drama]]
| writer = [[Swanand Kirkire]] Ankur Tewari
| director = Akshat Verma Ankur Tewari
| starring = {{plainlist|
* Swanand Kirkire
* [[Zahan Kapoor]]
* [[Shalini Pandey]]
}}
| music = Sid Shirodkar
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 8
| producer = {{plainlist|
* Vikram Singh
* Ankur Tewari
}}
| cinematography = Himman Dhamija
| editor = Gourav Gopal Jha
| camera = [[Multi-camera]]
| runtime = 30–37 minutes
| company = OML Entertainment
| network = [[Prime Video]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=yes|2026|02|13}}
| last_aired = 
| related =
}}
'''''Bandwaale''''' is a 2026 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Musical film|musical]] [[comedy drama]] television series directed by Akshat Verma and Ankur Tewari it features [[Swanand Kirkire]], [[Zahan Kapoor]] and [[Shalini Pandey]] in lead roles, alongside a supporting ensemble cast.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch: In series ‘Bandwaale’, a poet, a singer and a DJ get together to make music|url=https://scroll.in/reel/1090658/watch-in-series-bandwaale-a-poet-a-singer-and-a-dj-get-together-to-make-music|website=scroll.in |date=11 February 2026 |access-date=28 February 2026}}</ref> The series premiered on 13 February 2026 on [[Prime Video]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Shalini Pandey’s Musical Dramedy Bandwaale Trailer Out, To Premiere On THIS Date|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/web-series/shalini-pandeys-musical-dramedy-bandwaale-trailer-out-to-premiere-on-this-date-ws-l-9896187.html|website=News 18 |date= 11 February 2026 |access-date=28 February 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Swanand Kirkire, Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor’s series Bandwaale gets release date|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/news/2026/Feb/09/swanand-kirkire-shalini-pandey-and-zahan-kapoors-series-bandwaale-gets-release-date|website=Cinema Express |date= 9 February 2026 |access-date=28 February 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bandwaale' set to stream on OTT: When and where to watch the new musical drama|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/bandwaale-set-to-stream-on-ott-when-and-where-to-watch-the-new-musical-drama/articleshow/128128583.cms|website=The Times of India |date= 10 February 2026 |access-date=28 February 2026 }}</ref>

==Synopsis==
Set in Ratlam, the series follows Mariam, a young poet who struggles against the constraints of tradition and limited autonomy in her surroundings. Seeking self-expression and a sense of identity, she begins posting her poetry anonymously online. Her path gradually intersects with Robo, a brass band vocalist, and DJ Psycho, whose companionship and encouragement inspire her to pursue her artistic aspirations.

== Cast ==
* [[Swanand Kirkire]] as Robo Kumar
* [[Zahan Kapoor]] as DJ Psycho
* [[Shalini Pandey]] as Mariam
* [[Ashish Vidyarthi]] as David
* Sanjana Dipu as Cynthia
* [[Anupama Kumar]] as Valsala
* [[Vikram Kochhar]] as Rafi
* Robin Das as Ismail
* Naushad Mohammed Kunju as Sebastian
* Addis Akkara as Roysten

== Release ==
The trailer was released on 11 February 2026 <ref>{{cite web |title=Bandwaale trailer: Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor lead a band of small-town misfits bridging the gap between brass and beats to make art against all odds|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/bandwaale-trailer-shalini-pandey-zahan-kapoor-swanand-kirkire-prime-video/c7da40f474248|website=OTT Play |date=11 February 2026 |access-date=28 February 2026}}</ref>

The series began streaming on [[Prime Video]] on 13 February 2026.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zahan Kapoor, Shalini Pandey lead Prime Video's Bandwaale. Release date announced|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/prime-video-bandwaale-hindi-series-premiere-february-13-2865484-2026-02-09|date= 9 February 2026|access-date=26 February 2026|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=
Prime Video’s musical dramedy Bandwaale, starring Shalini Pandey, Zahan Kapoor and Swanand Kirkire, to launch on February 13|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/prime-videos-musical-dramedy-bandwaale-starring-shalini-pandey-zahan-kapoor-swanand-kirkire-launch-february-13/|website=Bollywood Hungama |date= 9 February 2026 |access-date=28 February 2026 }}</ref>

== Reception ==
Rahul Deasi of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter India]]'' writes that "The endless 8-episode seeries revolves around a small-town poetess who struggles to break free from societal shackles."<ref>{{cite web|first=Rahul|last=Desai|title=‘Bandwaale’ Series Review: A Bland and Dusty Musical Comedy|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/streaming/bandwaale-series-review-a-bland-and-dusty-musical-comedy|website=The Hollywood Reporter India|date=21 February 2026}}</ref>
Abhishek Srivastava of ''[[Times of India]]'' gave 2.5 stars out of 5 and said that "‘Bandwaale’ comes across as a safe idea stretched into a full series without enough substance to sustain it. It is sincere, but sincerity alone does not create engagement. The themes of ambition, self-expression, and friendship are present, yet they are handled in a way that feels cautious."<ref>{{cite web|first=Abhishek|last=Srivastava|title=Bandwaale Season 1 Review : A musical drama without the pulse|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/bandwaale/season-1/seasonreview/128252629.cms|website=The Times of India|date=13 February 2026}}</ref>
[[Deepa Gahlot]] writing for ''[[scroll.in]]'' stated that "the series derails into absurd subplots that have no bearing on anything else going on in the family. If there’s a melodramatic misunderstanding over a pregnancy, there’s also a crazy rescue from a charlatan’s clinic."<ref>{{cite web|first=Deepa|last=Gahlot|title=Review: ‘Bandwaale’ strikes many sour notes|url=https://scroll.in/reel/1090701/review-bandwaale-strikes-many-sour-notes|website=Scroll.in|date=13 February 2026}}</ref>

Vinamra Mathur of ''[[Firstpost]]'' rated it 2.5 stars out of 5 and said that "There are a lot of boxes that Bandwaale tries to tick. But most of them now feel tried and tested."<ref>{{cite web|first=Vinamra|last=Mathur|title='Bandwaale' Web-Series Review: Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor are fine, but Swanand Kirkire steals this show about music and madness|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/prime-videos-bandwaale-web-series-review-shalini-pandey-and-zahaan-kapoor-are-fine-but-swanand-kirkire-steals-this-show-about-music-and-madness-13979279.html|website=Firstpost|date=13 February 2026}}</ref>
Divya Nair of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' gave 3.5 stars out of 4 and said that "Kudos to the makers for attempting to create a meaningful series, Bandwaale, that blends the beauty of music to inspire you to look within, and find your voice."<ref>{{cite web|first=Divya|last=Nair|title=Bandwaale Review: Soulful|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/bandwaale-review-zahan-kapoor-shalini-panday/20260213.htm|website=Rediff.com|date=13 February 2026}}</ref>
Pritinanda Behera of ''[[India Today]]'' rated it 2/5 stars and writes that "Bandwaale attempts to tell a heartfelt story about dreams, artistic freedom, and small-town pressures but falters due to scattered storytelling and predictable tropes."<ref>{{cite web|first=Paritinanda|last=Bahera|title=Bandwaale review: A tale of poetry and passion that loses its rhythm|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/bandwaale-review-shalini-pandey-zahaan-kapoor-swanand-kirkire-tale-of-poetry-passion-lost-rhythm-2867506-2026-02-13|website=India Today|date=13 February 2026}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=28106758}}
*[https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Bandwaale/0T6TA8FJEM7BM0ISMOUB5316TR ''Bandwaale''] on [[Prime Video]]

{{Portal bar|India|Television}}

[[Category:2020s drama television series]]
[[Category:Hindi-language television shows]]
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama television series]]
[[Category:Amazon Prime Video original programming]]

Tasleem Ahmad

2026-04-12T14:48:59Z

Shuvro: creating a article!

{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Tasleem Ahmad
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| constituency = [[Najibabad (Assembly constituency)|Najibabad]]
| office = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]], [[18th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]]
| term_start = Mar 2022
| term_end =
| predecessor = '''Self'''
| successor =
| office1 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]], [[17th Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh]]
| term_start1 = Mar 2017
| term_end1 = March 2022
| predecessor1 = '''Self'''
| successor1 =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1960|02|15}}
| birth_place = [[Bijnor district]], Uttar Pradesh, India
| death_date =
| death_place =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates =
| birth_name =
| parents = Shamim Ahmad
| party = [[Samajwadi Party]]
| other_party = [[Bahujan Samaj Party]]
| spouse = Farhat Parveen
| partner = 
| relations =
| children = 4
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| profession = Businessperson, politician
| cabinet =
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| portfolio =
| signature =
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}}
'''Tasleem''' is an Indian politician and a member of the [[18th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]] and was also [[17th Uttar Pradesh Assembly]] and [[16th Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh|16th Legislative Assembly member of Uttar Pradesh]], India. He represents the [[Najibabad (Assembly constituency)|Najibabad]] constituency of [[Uttar Pradesh]] and was a member of the [[Bahujan Samaj Party]] political party.<ref name=" Member Profile ">{{cite news|title= Member Profile|publisher=[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] website|accessdate=9 August 2015|url=http://uplegisassembly.gov.in/ENGLISH/pdfs/members_profile/17.pdf}}</ref><ref name=" 2012 Election Results ">{{cite news|title= 2012 Election Results|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]] website|accessdate=9 August 2015|url= http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2012/Stats_Report_UP2012.pdf}}</ref><ref name="All MLAs from Assembly Constituency">{{cite news|title=All MLAs from Assembly Constituency|publisher=Elections.in|accessdate=9 August 2015|url=http://www.elections.in/uttar-pradesh/assembly-constituencies/najibabad.html}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Tasleem was born in [[Bijnor district]], Uttar Pradesh. He has received education till [[twelfth grade]]. Before being elected as [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]], he used to work as a businessperson.<ref name=" Member Profile "/>

==Political career==
Tasleem has been a [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] for two terms.<ref name=" Member Profile"/> He represents the [[Najibabad (Assembly constituency)|Najibabad]] constituency and is a member of the [[Samajwadi Party]].

==Posts held==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! From !! To !! Position !! Comments
|-
| 01 ||March 2012 ||March 2017 || Member, [[16th Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh|16th Legislative Assembly]] ||
|-
| 02 || March 2017 || March 2022 || Member, [[17th Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh|17th Legislative Assembly]] ||
|-
| 03 || March 2022 || Incumbent ||Member, [[18th Uttar Pradesh Assembly|18th Legislative Assembly]] ||
|-
|}

==See also==
*[[Najibabad (Assembly constituency)|Najibabad]]
*[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]]
*[[Government of India]]
*[[Politics of India]]
*[[Bahujan Samaj Party]]
{{Portal bar|India|Politics}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tasleem}}
[[Category:Bahujan Samaj Party politicians from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradesh MLAs 2012–2017]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradesh MLAs 2017–2022]]
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Samajwadi Party politicians from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:People from Bijnor district]]

{{UttarPradesh-BSP-politician-stub}}
{{UttarPradesh-SP-politician-stub}}

Bhagavad Gita As It Is trial

2026-04-10T14:39:18Z

Shuvro: Created a article

{{Short description|Russian 2011 Trial}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' trial}}
[[File:Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (Russian).jpg|upright|thumb|alt=Color image of the Russian edition of Bhagavad Gita As It Is front cover|The Russian edition of ''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'', which was put on trial in [[Tomsk]].]]
In 2011, a trial was commenced to ban the Russian edition of the book ''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'' (1968), a translation and commentary of the [[Hindu]] holy text ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'', on charges that the commentaries fomented religious extremism. It contains a translation and commentary by [[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]], founder of the [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement.

The trial was initiated in June 2011 in [[Tomsk, Russia]], based on an assessment of the book by scholars of [[Tomsk State University]], which concluded that Prabhupada's commentaries incite religious, social, and racial intolerance. The trial caused controversy, which was reported in the Indian, Russian, and international media, as well as on social networks. The Indian government harshly criticized the proposed ban as "patently absurd" undertaking of "ignorant and misdirected or motivated individuals". The overwhelmingly wide negative response to the trial forced Russian officials to offer apologies to India, promising the necessary remedial measures to prevent the ban. The trial also sparked public protests and legal actions in India against the proposed ban and drew harsh criticism of the intellectual community in Russia, leading Russian scholars publicly denounced the perpetuation of the trial. The scholars appealed to President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] and Premier [[Vladimir Putin]] for intervention and warned them of the trial's negative consequences for [[India-Russia relations]] and for Russia's international reputation.

In December 2011, the judge dismissed the court case, a decision praised by the communities both in India and Russia. On 26 January 2012, the Tomsk prosecutor's office filed an appeal against the judge's ruling, but on 21 March 2012, the appeal court dismissed it, upholding the lower court's verdict. On 29 May 2012 Tomsk region prosecutor's office decided not to challenge the appeal court's verdict.

==The book==
{{main|Bhagavad Gita|Bhagavad Gita As It Is}}
{{multiple image
| width = 200
| image1 = Rajiv Gandhi meeting Russian Hare Krishna devotees in New Delhi 1989.jpg
| alt1 = A black-and-whitу photo of Rajiv Gandhi holding a book and surrounded by Russian Hare Krishnas
| caption1 = Indian Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]] receiving a Russian copy of the ''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'' from [[USSR|Soviet]] [[ISKCON|Hare Krishna]] followers. Delhi (India), 1989.
| image2 = President of India Pratibha Patil with Russian Bhagavad Gita As It Is.JPG
| alt2 = A color photo of the President flanked by Hare Krishna followers in robes, holding a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian.
| caption2 =[[President of India]] [[Pratibha Patil]] receiving a Russian copy of ''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'' from [[ISKCON]] leaders [[Bhakti Vijnana Goswami]] (first from left) and Gopal Krishna Goswami (third from left). New Delhi, February 2011
}}
''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'' is a Russian version of the [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON) founder [[A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]]'s translation and commentaries on the ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'', a revered scripture for nearly one billion Hindus.<ref name=Times /> The book, a central scripture for [[ISKCON|Hare Krishna]] followers,<ref name=MoscowTimes /> was first published by the [[Bhaktivedanta Book Trust]] in 1968<ref name=HTGita1>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Settle-Gita-controversy-Krishna-tells-Russian-govt/Article1-784743.aspx|title=Settle Gita controversy, Krishna tells Russian govt|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=20 December 2011|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220233635/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Settle-Gita-controversy-Krishna-tells-Russian-govt/Article1-784743.aspx|archive-date=20 December 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and has been translated into 80 languages, with over 100 million copies distributed globally till date.<ref name=HTGita2>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Iskcon-If-Gita-is-banned-we-ll-intensify-protest/Article1-785039.aspx|title=Iskcon: If Gita is banned, we'll intensify protest|last=Arora|first=Rajat|work=Hindustan Times|date=20 December 2011|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221010708/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Iskcon-If-Gita-is-banned-we-ll-intensify-protest/Article1-785039.aspx|archive-date=21 December 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> According to scholars, the book has never been accused of fomenting extremism before.<ref name=TOI-MAU>{{cite news|last=Maurya|first=Abhai|title=Russians kick up an unholy row over holy book|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Russians-kick-up-an-unholy-row-over-holy-book/articleshow/11201253.cms|access-date=24 December 2011|date=22 December 2011|archive-date=17 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517094633/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/india/30546077_1_expert-opinion-tomsk-state-university-iskcon|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=RIR-Vanina>{{cite news|last=Vanina|first=Elena|title=Dangers of putting Gita on trial|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/23/dangers_of_putting_gita_on_trial_14075.html|access-date=23 December 2011|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=23 December 2011|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203211604/http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/23/dangers_of_putting_gita_on_trial_14075.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ISKCON, in 2004 and 2005 Moscow state prosecutors found no extremism in the previous edition ''[[Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is|Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'', which had only slight stylistic differences from the one on trial.<ref name=TOI-BVG>{{cite news|last=Mehta|first=Mona|title=Moscow courts had dismissed Gita cases|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Moscow-courts-had-dismissed-Gita-cases/articleshow/11273929.cms|access-date=28 December 2011|date=28 December 2011|archive-date=19 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319034223/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-28/india/30564486_1_bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada-bhagavad-gita-moscow-court|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' was presented to a number of world leaders, including the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British Prime Minister]] [[David Cameron]], who said that he "keeps a copy of the book in his office."<ref name=MoscowTimes /> Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajay Malhotra said that Prabhupada's translation of the Gita "is one of the best that you can find, because he gives you the words, the meanings and the options to understand it as it was written".<ref name=Times /> In November 2011, [[President of India]] [[Pratibha Patil]] in a message to ISKCON Russia for its 40th anniversary commended the organization for "an important role in popularising the noble and eternal message of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and promoting spiritual harmony in many foreign lands".<ref name=TOI-temple>{{cite news|title=Facing 'ban Gita' case, Hindus build Krishna temple in Moscow|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Facing-ban-Gita-case-Hindus-build-Krishna-temple-in-Moscow/Article1-786950.aspx|access-date=26 December 2011|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=25 December 2011|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225185743/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Facing-ban-Gita-case-Hindus-build-Krishna-temple-in-Moscow/Article1-786950.aspx|archive-date=25 December 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' trial follows prohibition of a number of publications by groups such as the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and the [[Church of Scientology]].<ref name=NYT /><ref name=AP /><ref name=HTx /><ref name=IBNLx />

==Court case==
The court case was filed in June 2011 by the public prosecutor of Tomsk Victor Fyodotov.<ref name=TOI-MAU /> The prosecutor based his plea on an expert analysis of the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' commissioned by the [[Federal Security Service (Russia)|FSB]].<ref name=US-DS /> Its authors, three professors of [[Tomsk State University]], Sergei Avanesov, Valery Svistunov, and Valery Naumov, concluded that [[Bhaktivedanta Swami]]'s commentaries on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' contain "signs of fomenting religious hatred, denigration of human dignity on grounds of gender, race, nationality, language, origins, and religious conviction",<ref name=RIR-Vanina /><ref name=RIA-inquest>{{Cite web|title=Перевод священного писания кришнаитов проверят на экстремизм|trans-title=Translation of the sacred Krishna scriptures to be tried for extremism|url=http://www.ria.ru/inquest/20110831/427685043.html|author=[[RIA Novosti]]|work=РИА Новости |language=ru|date=31 August 2012}}</ref> claim exclusiveness of the Krishna religion,<ref name=TOI-MAU /><ref name=RIA-inquest /> use derogatory terms against those who were not devotees of Krishna,<ref name=TOI-MAU /><ref name=RIA-inquest /> and foster "social discord", "gender, race, nationality, and language" discrimination.<ref name=MoscowTimes /><ref name=RIA-inquest /> In addition to this, it was alleged to contain "calls to hostile, violent actions against a number of social and religious groups".<ref name=RIA-inquest /><ref name=newsru>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Первый зам генпрокурора, высказавшийся по суду над "Бхагавад-гитой", недостаточно информирован, считают юристы, участвовавшие в процессе|trans-title=Lawyers: First Deputy Prosecutor General insufficiently informed to comment on the trial of the "Bhagavad-gita"|url=http://www.newsru.com/religy/17feb2012/bhagavad.html|newspaper=[[NEWSru]]|date=17 February 2012|language=ru|access-date=23 March 2012|archive-date=21 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321190738/http://www.newsru.com/religy/17feb2012/bhagavad.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=newsru-tomsk>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Прокуратура Томска подала апелляцию на решение суда о "Бхагавад-гите"|trans-title=The Prosecutor's Office filed an appeal of Tomsk court's decision on the "Bhagavad Gita"|url=http://newsru.com/religy/26jan2012/tomsk.html|newspaper=[[NEWSru.com]]|date=26 January 2012|language=ru|access-date=24 March 2012|archive-date=29 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044544/http://www.newsru.com/religy/26jan2012/tomsk.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=gazeta>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Прокуратура Томска настаивает на экстремистском характере "Бхагавад-гиты" и подала апелляцию|trans-title=The prosecutor's office in Tomsk insists on an extremist nature "Bhagavad Gita" and filed an appeal"|url=http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2012/01/26/n_2180377.shtml|newspaper=[[Gazeta.ru]]|date=26 January 2012|language=ru|access-date=24 March 2012|archive-date=30 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330021507/http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2012/01/26/n_2180377.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

The prosecutor thus charged the book as being in violation of the Federal law № 114-ФЗ ("On countering extremist activities")<ref name=newsru /><ref name=Interfax-MID>{{cite news|title=Tomsk trial held over "Bhagavad Gita" translation, not book proper – ministry|url=http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=8941|access-date=23 December 2011|date=23 December 2011|agency=[[Interfax]]|archive-date=5 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105131640/http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=8941|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=RIR-Interfax /> and petitioned the court to include ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' in the [[Federal List of Extremist Materials]], which would ban its printing, possession, and distribution.<ref name=MoscowTimes /> The Federal List contains over 1,000 works,<ref name=NYT /> [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]]'s ''[[Mein Kampf]]'' among them,<ref name=Times>*{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/india/anger-over-move-to-ban-hindu-scripture-rn6jr8b6rhx|title=Anger over move to ban Hindu scripture|last=Pagnamenta|first=Robin|date=20 December 2011|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-date=10 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510201053/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/asia/article3264291.ece|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}
*{{cite news|last=Pagnamenta|first=Robin|title=Moscow targets Hindu's holy text|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/moscow-targets-hindus-holy-text/story-e6frg6so-1226227475019|access-date=23 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Australian]]|date=21 December 2001|agency=[[The Times]]}}</ref><ref name=MoscowTimes>{{cite news|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/krishna-holy-book-faces-ban-in-tomsk/448803.html|title=Krishna Holy Book Faces Ban in Tomsk|author=Alexander Bratersky|date=28 November 2011|work=[[Moscow Times]]|access-date=17 December 2011|archive-date=26 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226233309/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/krishna-holy-book-faces-ban-in-tomsk/448803.html|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=Reuters /><ref name=BBC /> considered as fomenting ethnic, social, and religious hatred.<ref group="nb">Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian state has had problems with populist right wing movements, often organised on nationalist bases. As part of an attempt to reduce this, a [[Federal List of Extremist Materials]] is maintained. Texts such as [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]]'s ''[[Mein Kampf]]'' have been added to the list, due to their use by right wing movements. ({{cite book|title=National-Socialism, Left Patriotism, or Superimperialism? The 'Radical Right' in Russia. The radical right in central and eastern Europe since 1989.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QZr1vsDIvlUC&pg=PA257|isbn=978-0-271-01811-9|last1=Williams|first1= Christopher|last2=Hanson|first2= Stephen|series=Post-Communist Cultural Studies|year=1999|publisher=Pennsylvania State University press|location=University Park, Pennsylvania|pages=257–278|editor=Sabrina P Ramet}})</ref>

===First, second, and third hearings (August 2011)===
[[File:Судья Галина Бутенко (12 августа 2011).jpg|thumb|alt=A female judge looks into an open book|Federal Judge [[Galina Butenko]] studies a copy of the ''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'' during the first court hearing. August 12, 2011. ]]
In the first, second, and third court hearings held on 12, 18, and 29–30 August 2011 respectively, Federal Judge Galina Butenko dismissed the assessment as inadequate and subjective after the prosecutor's experts said that their opinion in the assessment should be taken as private rather than official.<ref name=TOI-MAU /><ref name=RIR-Vanina /> According to Avanesov, the 2010 expert analysis was personally requested by [[Federal Security Service (Russia)|Federal Security]] officer Dmitry Velikotsky.<ref name=F18>{{cite news|last=Corley|first=Felix|title=RUSSIA: Has "madness" of banning religious publications been stopped?|url=https://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1652|access-date=21 March 2012|newspaper=[[Forum 18]]|date=5 January 2012|archive-date=24 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324072718/http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1652|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=lenta>{{cite news|last=Попова|first=Анна|title=На поле дхармы|url=http://lenta.ru/articles/2011/12/21/bhagavadgita/|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[Lenta.ru]]|date=28 December 2011|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107171555/http://lenta.ru/articles/2011/12/21/bhagavadgita/|url-status=live}}</ref> They also stated that the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' did not contain any extremist statements.<ref name=MoscowTimes /><ref name=TOI-MAU /> Two experts invited by the court, N. V. Serebrennikov (Tomsk) and N. N. Karpitsky (Tomsk), also rejected the written expert opinion, maintaining, that while Prabhupada's commentaries used abusive words for those who are not Krishna's devotees, the use of these words did not attempt to create a racial or religious divide, to which the Judge recalled that similarly emotionally charged statements are found in the [[Bible]], like: "Don't throw [[wikt:cast pearls before swine|pearls before swine]]".<ref name=TOI-MAU /> The court noted that, despite some claims of exclusiveness in Prabhupada's commentaries, such statements are characteristic of most religious texts and therefore posed no evidence to support the accusations made against the book.<ref name=TOI-MAU /><ref name=RIR-Vanina />

The judge consequently postponed the next hearing until December 2011, as the prosecution requested a new assessment of the book by a panel of three professors of [[Kemerovo State University]], including linguist Michael Osadchy, psychologist Sergei Dranishnikov, and religious studies expert Alexei Gorbatov.<ref name=lenta /> They were divided on the issue: two found signs of extremism in the text and one did not.<ref name=F18 /><ref name=ITAR-TASS>{{cite news|author=[[ITAR-TASS]]|script-title=ru:Томский суд отказался признать "Бхагавад-гиту" экстремистской|trans-title=Tomsk court refused to recognize the "Bhagavad Gita" as extremist|date=28 December 2011|url=http://www.itar-tass.com/c9/308329.html|language=ru|access-date=26 March 2012|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729152407/http://www.itar-tass.com/c9/308329.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a plea by ISKCON advocate Mikhail Fralov to seek a statement of the Russian Human Rights Committee on the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' and on the right of religious minorities, the Judge agreed to hear their opinion and postponed the final verdict until 28 December 2011.<ref name=TOI-SPD>{{cite news|title=As Hindus rally, Russia court defers Gita verdict|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/india/30537774_1_sadhu-priya-das-iskcon-religious-movement-russia-court|archive-url=https://archive.today/20111230042909/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/india/30537774_1_sadhu-priya-das-iskcon-religious-movement-russia-court|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 December 2011|access-date=24 December 2011|date=20 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref>

===Fourth hearing and judgement (December 2011)===
{{wikinews|Russian court rejects move to ban Hindu scripture}}
On 28 December 2011, Federal Judge Galina Butenko rejected the prosecutor's plea for a ban of the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is''.<ref name=HTx>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Russia-court-rejects-ban-on-Gita/Article1-788330.aspx|title=Russian court rejects Gita ban|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=28 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610222157/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Russia-court-rejects-ban-on-Gita/Article1-788330.aspx|archive-date=10 June 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=IBNLx>{{cite news|title=Russian court rejects 'ban Gita' plea|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/russian-court-rejects-ban-gita-plea/215792-3.html|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=IBNLive|date=28 December 2011|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107235836/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/russian-court-rejects-ban-gita-plea/215792-3.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=NDTVx>{{cite news|title=Russian court refuses to ban Gita: Report|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/russian-court-refuses-to-ban-gita-report-161516|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[NDTV]]|date=28 December 2011|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108040828/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/russian-court-refuses-to-ban-gita-report-161516|url-status=live}}</ref> The court's resolution stated that the main criterion for classifying any text as an extremist one is the presence of calls for extremist actions and justifications for such actions, and that the propaganda of exclusiveness found in the book and criticism of political, ideological, and religious convictions is not sufficient grounds for classifying it as such.<ref name=ITAR-TASS-2>{{cite news|author=[[ITAR-TASS]]|title=Siberian court refuses to classify Bhagavad-Gita as extremist book|date=21 March 2012|url=http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c154/371816.html|access-date=29 March 2012|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729142308/http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c154/371816.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The decision received wide coverage by the international media.<ref name=INT>*{{cite news
|title = Russian Court Rejects Proposed Ban of Hindu Text
|url = https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russian-court-ban-hare-krishna-text-15243747?page=2#.Tvw6VBNOhzH
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|agency = [[Associated Press]]
}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*{{cite news
|last = Zakh
|first = Dmitry
|title = Russian court rejects ban on Hindu sacred text
|url = https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gHrOJCba4pNoJkr_ZtA49WjZOP-Q?docId=CNG.4bfda62c86eb3d04eb04662280f29975.71
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[Agence France-Presse]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|archive-date = 9 January 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120109071533/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gHrOJCba4pNoJkr_ZtA49WjZOP-Q?docId=CNG.4bfda62c86eb3d04eb04662280f29975.71
|url-status = dead
}}
*{{cite news
|last = Javed
|first = Sofia
|title = Russian court rejects proposed ban of Hindu text
|url = http://arabnews.com/world/article555239.ece
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[Arab News]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|agency = [[Associated Press]]
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111230004033/http://arabnews.com/world/article555239.ece
|archive-date = 30 December 2011
|url-status = dead
|df = dmy-all
}}
*{{cite news
|title = Russia court declares Hindu book Bhagvad Gita legal
|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16344615
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[BBC]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|archive-date = 28 December 2011
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111228152559/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16344615
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|title = Russian court rejects call to ban Hindu holy book
|url = http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-rt-russia-indiaholybookl6e7ns04l-20111228,0,7090544.story
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[Chicago Tribune]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|agency = [[Reuters]]
}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*{{cite news
|last = Basu
|first = Moni
|title = Russian court rejects petition to ban Hindu scripture
|url = https://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/29/world/europe/russia-hindu-text/index.html
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[CNN]]
|date = 29 December 2011
|archive-date = 29 December 2011
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111229172842/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/29/world/europe/russia-hindu-text/index.html
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|last = Kates
|first = Glenn
|title = Threat of Bhagavad Gita Ban Lifted in Russia
|url = http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/threat-of-bhagavad-gita-ban-lifted-in-russia/
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[The New York Times]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|archive-date = 10 January 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120110172348/http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/threat-of-bhagavad-gita-ban-lifted-in-russia/
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|title = Russian court rejects call to ban Bhagavad Gita
|url = http://in.reuters.com/article/russia-india-holybook-idINDEE7BR09B20111228?feedType=RSS&feedName=globalCoverage2
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[Reuters]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|archive-date = 3 February 2016
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160203011247/http://in.reuters.com/article/russia-india-holybook-idINDEE7BR09B20111228?feedType=RSS&feedName=globalCoverage2
|url-status = dead
}}
*{{cite news
|title = Russian court rejects bid to ban Bhagavad Gita
|url = http://en.ria.ru/russia/20111228/170535934.html
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[RIA Novosti]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|archive-date = 2 May 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120502163410/http://en.ria.ru/russia/20111228/170535934.html
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|last = Javed
|first = Sofia
|title = Hare Krishna text not banned by Russian court
|url = https://www.sfgate.com/world/article/Hare-Krishna-text-not-banned-by-Russian-court-2430143.php
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[San Francisco Chronicle]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|agency = [[Associated Press]]
|archive-date = 30 December 2011
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111230052048/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2011%2F12%2F28%2FMN531MHMSQ.DTL
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|last = Javed
|first = Sofia
|title = Russian court rejects proposed ban of Hindu text
|url = http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/russian-court-rejects-proposed-ban-of-hindu-text-20111229-1pd6s.html
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[Sydney Morning Herald]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|archive-date = 9 January 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120109231319/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/russian-court-rejects-proposed-ban-of-hindu-text-20111229-1pd6s.html
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|last = Rana
|first = Preetika
|title = Russia dismisses Bhagavad Gita ban
|url = https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/12/28/russia-dismisses-bhagavad-gita-ban/?mod=google_news_blog
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[The Wall Street Journal]]
|date = 29 December 2011
|archive-date = 15 July 2014
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022540/http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/12/28/russia-dismisses-bhagavad-gita-ban/?mod=google_news_blog
|url-status = live
}}
*{{cite news
|title = Russian court says key text of Hare Krishna movement is not 'extremist'
|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russian-court-to-consider-ban-on-key-text-of-hare-krishna-movement/2011/12/28/gIQA1GUgLP_story.html
|archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/64JDsoJUk?url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russian-court-to-consider-ban-on-key-text-of-hare-krishna-movement/2011/12/28/gIQA1GUgLP_story.html
|archive-date = 30 December 2011
|access-date = 29 December 2011
|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]
|date = 28 December 2011
|agency = [[Associated Press]]
|url-status = dead
|df = dmy
}}</ref>

===Appeal (March 2012)===
On 26 January 2012, the Tomsk prosecutor's office appealed the court's refusal to declare the Russian ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' an extremist text in a superior court, insisting that the book should be banned,<ref name=TOI-APP>{{cite news|title=Gita verdict: Russian prosecutors planning to file appeal|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/europe/30666187_1_gita-verdict-social-discord-and-hatred-appeal|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126053532/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/europe/30666187_1_gita-verdict-social-discord-and-hatred-appeal|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|access-date=26 January 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 January 2012}}</ref><ref name=RIA-APP>{{cite news |title=Ban Only Russian Comment in Hindu Holy Book – Prosecutors |url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20120216/171341942.html |access-date=16 February 2012 |date=16 February 2012 |agency=[[RIA Novosti]] |archive-date=18 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218231714/http://en.ria.ru/russia/20120216/171341942.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and asking for more time.<ref name=ET-APP>{{cite news|title=Russian prosecutors to move higher court seeking Gita ban |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/russian-prosecutors-to-move-higher-court-seeking-gita-ban/articleshow/11640077.cms|access-date=26 January 2012|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=26 January 2012}} {{Dead link|date=September 2013|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>

The prosecutors insisted that the Russian translation of the book be banned as "extremist literature."<ref name=firstpost1>{{cite news|title=Gita verdict: Russian prosecutors planning to file appeal|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/gita-verdict-russian-prosecutors-planning-to-file-appeal-194858.html|access-date=26 January 2012|newspaper=[[The First Post]]|date=26 January 2012|archive-date=28 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128032450/http://www.firstpost.com/india/gita-verdict-russian-prosecutors-planning-to-file-appeal-194858.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The appeal quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich questioning the translated version, the authenticity of its linguistics as they relate to Hindu scripture, and "semantic distortions."<ref name="firstpost1"/>

The prosecutor general for Tomsk Vasily Voikin said, "When we have to deal with such materials, we are just bound to proceed with them. The law opposes extremism. When scholars say the text is of an extremist character, we just have to respond".<ref name=RASPI-APP>{{cite news|title=Prosecutor's office appeals adverse judgment in Bhagavad Gita case|url=http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120126/259796779.html|access-date=16 February 2012|date=1 February 2012|agency=RASPI|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619163037/http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120126/259796779.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The appeal was scheduled for hearing by the Tomsk regional court on 6 March 2012<ref>{{cite news|title=Appeal in Bhagavad Gita case to be heard in March|url=http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120214/260191734.html|access-date=14 February 2012|newspaper=RAPSI (Russian Legal Information Agency)|date=14 February 2012|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619160758/http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120214/260191734.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but was later rescheduled for 20 March.<ref name=Hindu-20 />

On 16 February 2012, explaining the rationale behind the appeal, first deputy prosecutor general of Russia Alexander Buksman said in an interview during his visit to Tomsk that the public misunderstood the initial plea of prosecutor's office to have the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' declared an extremist text. He stated that the prosecutor’s office sought a ban of the Russian version of the book’s commentaries rather than on the Hindu text itself, adding, "it’s important to discern gems from the chatter in this very case; the society’s perception of this issue is that prosecutors are standing against the concepts of this religion [Hinduism]. However, the problem is that the Russian translation has paragraphs that could be seen as promoting extremism; prosecutors started the case for that reason." Deputy prosecutor general of Russian in Siberia region Ivan Semchishyn confirmed, "That is why the prosecutor now has to stand up for his position in the appellate court".<ref name=RIA-APP /><ref name=newsru-proc>{{cite news|url=http://newsru.com/religy/16feb2012/bhagavad.html|script-title=ru:В Генпрокуратуре считают, что дело "Бхагавад-гиты" представляется в обществе искаженно|trans-title=The prosecutor's office believes that the "Bhagavad Gita" case is distorted in the community|newspaper=[[NEWSru.com]]|date=16 February 2012|language=ru|access-date=24 March 2012|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325224736/http://www.newsru.com/religy/16feb2012/bhagavad.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 February 2012, at a press conference at the [[Interfax]] office in Tomsk, [[Anti-cult movement|anti-cult]] activist [[Alexander Dvorkin]] stated that the "manifesto book of the Krishna Consciousness Society, ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'', is not immediately related to the original, being a free and not quite skilled translation."<ref>{{cite news|title=Prosecutors' complaints in Bhagavad Gita book case legitimate – expert|url=http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=9088|access-date=21 February 2012|newspaper=Interfax|date=21 February 2012|archive-date=29 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429181442/http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=9088|url-status=live}}</ref>

In response to the appeal, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), along with the [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON), stated that they would fight "internationally" against any threats to ban the Bhagavad Gita in Russia.<ref>{{cite news|title=VHP, Iskcon to fight against ban attempt on Gita|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/VHP-Iskcon-to-fight-against-ban-attempt-on-Gita/articleshow/12000925.cms|access-date=23 February 2012|date=23 February 2012|archive-date=4 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504072432/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-23/bhubaneswar/31090291_1_bhagavad-gita-ban-attempts|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Dismissal of appeal (March 2012)===
Representative of the prosecution said that the district court incorrectly interpreted the definition of "extremism" when it claimed that it is necessary for it to contain calls to extremist activity which must be expressed in any kind of actions, pointing out that the law prohibits all propaganda that incites any kind of hatred.<ref name=Echo-Moskvy>{{cite news|title=Томский суд вновь отказал прокуратуре в запрете книги "Бхагавад-гита как она есть"|date=21 March 2012|author=[[Echo Moskvy]]|url=http://echo.msk.ru/news/870830-echo.html|access-date=1 April 2012|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203011246/http://echo.msk.ru/news/870830-echo.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=newsru-mar21>{{cite news|title=Суд в Томске вновь отказался признать экстремистской книгу "Бхагавад-гита как она есть"|date=21 March 2012|author=[[NEWSru]]|url=http://newsru.com/religy/21mar2012/bhagavad.html|access-date=1 April 2012|archive-date=22 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322111435/http://www.newsru.com/religy/21mar2012/bhagavad.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 March 2012, the appeal court upheld the decision of the lower court, rejecting the prosecutor's petition.<ref name=ITAR-TASS-2 /><ref name=NDTVxx>{{cite news|title=Russian court dismisses plea seeking ban on Gita|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/russian-court-dismisses-plea-seeking-ban-on-gita-188254|access-date=21 March 2012|newspaper=[[NDTV]]|date=21 March 2012|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321111531/http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/russian-court-dismisses-plea-seeking-ban-on-gita-188254|archive-date=21 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 29 May 2012, Tomsk regional prosecutor Vasily Voykin said that the prosecutor's office will no further appeal the court's refusal to declare ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' extremist.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prosecutors won't contest court refusal to declare 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is' extremist|url=http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120529/263289348.html|access-date=29 May 2012|newspaper=Russian Legal Information Agency|date=29 May 2012|agency=[[RIA Novosti]]|archive-date=12 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212161240/http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120529/263289348.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reaction to the trial==

===In India===

====Media====
Since 17 December 2011, when ''[[Indo-Asian News Service]]'' (IANS) issued a report by a staff writer Nallan Chakravarthi Bipindra (NC Bipindra) from Moscow about the proposed ''Bhagavad Gita'' ban in Russia, the event became breaking news in the [[Media of India|Indian printed and electronic media]], with over 600 publications, including editorials, in all major newspapers and TV news channels as of 27 December 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Bhagavad-Gita|title=Topic: Bhagavad Gita|access-date=27 December 2011|work=The Times Of India|archive-date=10 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710013632/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Bhagavad-Gita|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Parliament====
{{Wikinews|Indian Parliament irate as Russia poised to ban Bhagavad Gita|d1=Indian Parliament irate as Russia poised to ban ''Bhagavad Gita''}}
On 19 December 2011, [[Bhartruhari Mahtab]], leader of the [[Biju Janata Dal]] party, raised up the issue of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial in the Indian Parliament ([[Lok Sabha]]), demanding to know what the Indian government was undertaking to protect "the religious rights of Hindus in Russia".<ref name=BBC /> He also called on the government to "impress [this] upon the Russian authorities through diplomatic channels".<ref name=BBC /> The [[Speaker of Lok Sabha|House Speaker]] [[Meira Kumar]] then turned down requests for speeches on the topic and had to adjourn the session amid protests against the ban of the ''Gita'' sparked by Mahtab's statement,<ref name=BBC>{{cite news|title=India MPs angry as Russia court ponders Hindu book ban|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16251763|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[BBC]]|date=19 December 2011|archive-date=19 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219174153/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16251763|url-status=live}}</ref> as angry members of the Parliament across the party lines strongly condemned the ban, shouting: "We will not tolerate an insult to Lord Krishna!"<ref name=NDTV>{{cite news|title=MPs ask govt to intervene as Russian court considers ban on Gita|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lok-sabha-storm-as-russian-court-decides-whether-to-ban-bhagavad-gita-159070&cp|date=20 December 2011|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref name=itimes>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Parliament-ruckus-over-Bhagvad-Gita%0A-facing-ban-in-Russia/articleshow/11166214.cms |work=The Times Of India |title=Parliament ruckus over ''Bhagavad Gita'' facing ban in Russia |date=19 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220151557/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Parliament-ruckus-over-Bhagvad-Gita-facing-ban-in-Russia/articleshow/11166214.cms |archive-date=20 December 2011 }}</ref><ref name=guardian>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/19/bhagavad-gita-russia-india-siberia|title=Bhagavad Gita trial in Russia closes Indian parliament|date=19 December 2011|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|agency=[[Reuters]]|location=London|archive-date=23 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223184110/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/19/bhagavad-gita-russia-india-siberia|url-status=live}}</ref> The issue was simultaneously raised in [[Rajya Sabha|Rajya Sabha (the Upper House)]].<ref name=Hindu-LS>{{cite news|title=Protests in Parliament over Bhagwad Gita controversy|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2731504.ece|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 December 2011|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108033640/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2731504.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> This display of political unity surprised the media and prompted a Rajya Sabha member to call the 19 December parliamentary session "a golden day in our history when all differences were deleted to express solidarity for Gita, the book of India".<ref name=ET-Unity>{{cite news|last=Vijay|first=Tarun|title=Political unity over Gita: A historic day in our times|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/political-unity-over-gita-a-historic-day-in-our-times/articleshow/11179979.cms|access-date=22 December 2011|date=2 December 2011|work=The Times Of India|archive-date=21 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221011409/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/political-unity-over-gita-a-historic-day-in-our-times/articleshow/11179979.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 December, [[Sushma Swaraj]], leader of the largest opposition party [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] demanded that the Indian government declare the ''Bhagavad Gita'' a "national book".<ref name=HT-NB>{{cite news|title=Declare Bhagavad Gita as national book, demands BJP|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Declare-Bhagavad-Gita-as-national-book-demands-BJP/Article1-784744.aspx|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=20 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220143222/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Declare-Bhagavad-Gita-as-national-book-demands-BJP/Article1-784744.aspx|archive-date=20 December 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Her move seconded by a BJP member of Rajya Sabha, [[Tarun Vijay]], who asked rhetorically "Can sun be banned, Himalayas be banned ...?"<ref name=HT-NB /> Members across party lines voiced their support.<ref name=HT-NB/> [[Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha]] [[K. Rahman Khan]], member of the [[Indian National Congress]], said "the entire house agrees with this and joins in condemning this".<ref name=HT-NB /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/news/30538238_1_bhagavad-gita-ban-tarun-vijay|title=Rajya Sabha condemns Russian move to ban Gita|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=20 December 2011|author=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]|archive-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206071022/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/news/30538238_1_bhagavad-gita-ban-tarun-vijay|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 21 December, a Bharatiya Janata Party delegation led by the party's foreign affairs chief [[Vijay Jolly]] met with the Deputy Chief of the Russian Mission in Delhi Denis Alipov to express the party's "pain and anguish" at the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial and demand that "suitable measures" be taken by the Russian government to immediately dismiss the court case as baseless. Jolly also expressed surprise that the Russian government allowed the trial to continue for over half a year despite the fact that "[[India–Russia relations]] is of paramount importance to both countries". The delegation also sent through the Russian embassy a copy of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' to [[President of Russia]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] along with a letter, in which the BJP delegation stressed to the Russian President that the Gita is a book of "sublime thoughts" that "preaches self discipline ... promotes spiritualism and teaches to the mankind the need to fulfill responsibility towards worldly duties".<ref name=Outlook-BJP>{{cite news|title=Take Steps to Withdraw Gita Case: BJP to Russia|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=745136|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616082341/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=745136|archive-date=16 June 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====Government====
According to officials of the [[Prime Minister of India]]'s office, "[t]his matter is receiving the highest attention and the Indian embassy officials in Moscow have been instructed to follow up the case with the Russian authorities", in order to either have the case withdrawn by the state or resolved.<ref name=TOI>{{cite news|author = N. C. Bipindra|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Bhagavad-Gita-faces-extremist-branding-ban-in-Russia/articleshow/11143014.cms|title = Bhagavad Gita faces 'extremist' branding, ban in Russia|date = 17 December 2011|publisher = [[Times of India]]|work = [[Indo-Asian News Service]]|access-date = 17 December 2011|archive-date = 18 December 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111218015454/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Bhagavad-Gita-faces-extremist-branding-ban-in-Russia/articleshow/11143014.cms|url-status = live}}</ref> Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs [[Rajeev Shukla]] said that the Indian authorities are "apprising the Russian government" on the issue.<ref name=Hindu-LS /> However, members of the Parliament accused the Indian government of inaction. They said that on 1 November, ISKCON informed [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]]'s principal secretary [[Pulok Chatterji]] of the impending court case, urging the government to use "some high-level ministerial visits" to Moscow, prior to the Prime Minister's own visit 15–17 December, to protect the scripture from legal action.<ref name=Hindu-LS /><ref name=HT-NB /> The letter, written by ISKCON's Governing Body Commissioner Gopala Krishna Goswami, cited the assessment as stating that "Krishna is evil and not compatible with Christian views".<ref name=HT-NB /><ref name="TOI"/><ref name=IT-CHR>{{cite news|title=Declare 'Bhagavad Gita' as national book, BJP tells govt|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/bhagavad-gita-row-india-russia-149330-2011-12-19|access-date=20 March 2012|newspaper=[[India Today]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]|date=20 December 2011|archive-date=21 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321105357/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bhagavad-gita-row-india-russia/1/165053.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=AsianAge /> Despite the advance notice, which was also sent to the [[United Progressive Alliance|United Progressive Alliance (UPA)]] chairperson [[Sonia Gandhi]], [[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Commerce and Industry Minister]] [[Anand Sharma]], and the [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs Minister]] [[S. M. Krishna]], the issue was not discussed with the Russian government during the following six official visits of Indian ministers and top officials to Moscow.<ref name=HT-NB /><ref name=AsianAge>{{cite news|title=India had advance notice of 'ban Gita' move in Russia|url=http://www.asianage.com/international/india-had-advance-notice-ban-gita-move-russia-576|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Asian Age]]|date=20 December 2011|archive-date=16 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616155049/http://www.asianage.com/international/india-had-advance-notice-ban-gita-move-russia-576|url-status=live}}</ref> Officials who were part of the delegation accompanying the Prime Minister confirmed receipt of the letter to the [[Indo-Asian News Service]].<ref name=TOI /><ref name=AsianAge />

====Ministry of External Affairs====
[[File:India-eam-krishna.jpg|right|thumb|upright|alt=A color photo of the Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna|Indian [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Foreign Minister]] [[S. M. Krishna]].]]
Following the Parliament's demand for a report from the [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs Ministry]] on the issue, [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Foreign Minister]] [[S. M. Krishna]] said that ISKCON had been advised to take legal recourse and put the controversy in the light of [[Russia-India relations]].<ref name=STAT-BAN>{{cite news|title=Gita row: India talks to Russian authorities|url=http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=394013&catid=36|access-date=20 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|date=20 December 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112082332/http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=394013&catid=36|archive-date=12 January 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=DNAx>{{cite news|title=Russian court rejects application seeking ban on Bhagvad Gita|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_russian-court-rejects-application-seeking-ban-on-bhagvad-gita_1630899|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=28 December 2011|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]|archive-date=10 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110110750/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_russian-court-rejects-application-seeking-ban-on-bhagvad-gita_1630899|url-status=live}}</ref> He also stated in Lok Sabha that "the Bhagavad-gita is the definitive treatise of Indian thought."

====High Court====
On 21 December, the [[Bombay High Court|High Court of Mumbai]] questioned the Indian government as to the measures it is undertaking to intervene in the possible ban of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' and directed the government to consider representing the position of India on the issue before the court in Tomsk.<ref name=TOI-HC>{{cite news|last=Sequeira|first=Rosy|title=HC: Centre may represent India in Gita ban case|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/mumbai/30546508_1_indian-embassy-russian-court-bhagwad-gita|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126045106/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/mumbai/30546508_1_indian-embassy-russian-court-bhagwad-gita|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 December 2011}}</ref><ref name=IE-HC>{{cite news|title=What steps taken in Gita ban case: HC to govt|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/what-steps-taken-in-gita-ban-case-hc-to-govt/890619/|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=22 December 2011}}</ref> The High Court decision came in response to a [[Public Interest Litigation]] filed by two local activists charging the Indian government with inaction in regard to informing the Russian court of the actual purport of the ''Bhagavad Gita'', and that the Indian Embassy's "monitoring the matter closely" was not sufficient.<ref name=TOI-HC /> The court observed Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna's Parliament statement does not imply if Indian government's direct involvement with the 28 December ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial hearing and asked the government to submit its reply on the steps taken by 9 January.<ref name=IE-HC />

====Religious groups====
[[File:Hare Krishnas rallying at Russian Consulate in Kolkata.JPG|thumb|[[ISKCON]] devotees rallying in front of the Russian Consulate in Kolkata (India) demanding to stop the ''[[Bhagavad Gita As It Is]]'' trial. 19 December 2011]]
On 19 December, dozens of ISKCON followers organized a rally in front of the Russian Consulate in [[Kolkata]], holding up copies of the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' in various languages and demanding to stop persecution of their most important scripture.<ref name=Reuters>{{cite news|last=Prusty|first=Nigam|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-india-russia-idUKTRE7BI0W620111219|title=Hold India uproar at call in Russia to ban Hindu holy book|work=[[Reuters]]|date=19 December 2011|access-date=20 December 2011|archive-date=27 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127154643/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/12/19/uk-india-russia-idUKTRE7BI0W620111219|url-status=dead}}</ref> Similar protest marches were held in [[New Delhi]]<ref name=HT-GKG>{{cite news|last=Arora|first=Rajat|title=ISKCON: If Gita is banned, we'll intensify protest|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Iskcon-If-Gita-is-banned-we-ll-intensify-protest/Article1-785039.aspx|access-date=18 February 2012|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=20 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221010708/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Iskcon-If-Gita-is-banned-we-ll-intensify-protest/Article1-785039.aspx|archive-date=21 December 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and [[Chandigarh]].<ref name=TOI-On>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/chandigarh/30537527_1_bhagawad-gita-signatures-petition|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103113413/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-20/chandigarh/30537527_1_bhagawad-gita-signatures-petition|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|title=Bhagawad Gita on trial gathers online support|last=Negi|first=Himanshi|date=20 December 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=20 December 2011}}</ref> Gopal Krishna Goswami, ISKCON's Governing Body Commissioner for India, said that ISKCON members are poised to intensify their public protests across the globe if their scripture is banned. He said, "I hope the Indian government will be able to pressurize the Russian government and the matter gets solved legally. It's a book of peace and there's nothing extreme in it. Holy scriptures shouldn't be taken to court".<ref name=HT-GKG />

On 21 December, a highly respected Islamic seminary [[Darul Uloom Deoband]] issued a statement signed by its vice-chancellor Abul Qasim Nomani in defense of the ''Bhagavad Gita'', in which he condemned "Russian diktat against the Hindu holy scripture".<ref name=TOI-ISL>{{cite news|last=Mishra|first=Manjari|title=Darul Uloom Deoband urges Hindus, Muslims to unite on Gita|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/india/30546086_1_darul-uloom-deoband-hindus-muslims|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103073001/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/india/30546086_1_darul-uloom-deoband-hindus-muslims|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 December 2011}}</ref> Nomani also called accusations of the Gita of extremism "totally baseless and highly objectionable",<ref name=TOI-ISL /> maintaining that the proposed ban is tantamount to violation of the freedom of conscience "enshrined" in the Indian Constitution, and called on boldly countering the "Russian highhandedness".<ref name=TOI-ISL />
Maulana Khalid Rashid, head of [[Firangi Mahal]], another Islamic center of higher education in [[Lucknow]], also condemned what he called "Russian arrogance" and called on Muslims to support Hindu followers while appealing to the Indian government "to take a firm stance so that such blasphemous interference is not attempted in future".<ref name=TOI-ISL />

On 22 December 2011, [[Isai Mahasangh]] organization representing Christians in the Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] addressed the [[President of India]] [[Pratibha Patil]] and the [[Pope Benedict XVI]], asking for their intervention in the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial. An Isai Mahasangh delegation conveyed their memorandum to the President through Madhya Pradesh governor [[Ram Naresh Yadav]], and to the Pope through the [[Holy See]] embassy in [[New Delhi]]. Jerry Paul, General Secretary of Isai Mahasangh, stated that it was clear from the court case against the Gita that "the Russians are not aware of the importance of the Gita, the teachings and values it upholds and above all its place in the life of millions of Indians".<ref name=Hindu-Chr>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Mahim Pratap|title=Christians in MP oppose proposed Russian ban on Gita|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2738302.ece|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 December 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=11 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111073943/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2738302.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

A prominent Hindu teacher [[Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]] in his Twitter called the proposed ban of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' in Russia "an unpardonable loss for the people of Russia" and, countering accusations of the book of "extremism" and "intolerance" opined that it was the move to ban the scripture that showed intolerance and bred terrorism rather than the Gita's teachings.<ref name=DB-NET>{{cite news|title=Bhagavad Gita ban: Outrage grows as sales soar|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/NAT-TOP-bhagvad-gita-ban-outrage-grows-as-sales-soar-2660886.html?HT4=|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Dainik Bhaskar|Daily Bhaskar]]|date=21 December 2011|agency=with [[Press Trust of India|PTI]] input|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108003855/http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/NAT-TOP-bhagvad-gita-ban-outrage-grows-as-sales-soar-2660886.html?HT4=|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Hindu activists====
On 20 December 2011, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad|Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)]] threatened to protest outside Russian missions in India if Russia effects the ban. VHP General Secretary [[Pravin Togadia]] said in a statement that the ''Bhagavad Gita'' is held sacred by all Hindus and that its principles have universal appeal and "touch humanity so very deeply", citing [[Albert Einstein]]'s fascination with the book as an example. Togadia also warned Russian authorities that Indians will be forced to boycott Russian goods, plants, and offices in India in response to the Gita ban in Russia.<ref name=AA-VHP>{{cite news|title=VHP threatens Russian establishments with retaliation if Gita is banned|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/vhp-threatens-russian-establishments-retaliation-if-gita-banned-632|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Asian Age]]|date=20 December 2011|archive-date=22 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122053847/http://www.asianage.com/india/vhp-threatens-russian-establishments-retaliation-if-gita-banned-632|url-status=live}}</ref> A group of VHP members held a protest march in front of the [[Russian consulate in Mumbai]].<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|last=Kates|first=Glenn|title=In Russia, the Bhagavad Gita has a date in court|url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/23/in-russia-the-bhagavad-gita-has-a-date-in-court/|access-date=23 December 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=23 December 2011|archive-date=23 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223173035/http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/23/in-russia-the-bhagavad-gita-has-a-date-in-court/|url-status=live}}</ref> VHP and [[Bajrang Dal]] activists also staged protest in [[Chandigarh]], calling on the Indian government to protect the rights of [[Hindus in Russia]] and denouncing the proposed ban.<ref name=DB-VHP>{{cite news|title=VHP, Bajrang Dal protest against bid to ban Bhagwad Gita|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-NEWS-vhp-bajrang-dal-protest-against-bid-to-ban-bhagwad-gita-2657671.html?LHS-|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Dainik Bhaskar|Daily Bhaskar]]|date=21 December 2011|agency=with [[Press Trust of India|PTI]] input|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729161619/http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-NEWS-vhp-bajrang-dal-protest-against-bid-to-ban-bhagwad-gita-2657671.html?LHS-|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 23 December, dozens of activists of [[Rashtrawadi Sena]], a hardline Hindu group, burned a [[Flag of Russia|Russian flag]] and shouted anti-Russian slogans during a protest march in [[New Delhi]] over the proposed ban. Rashtrawadi Sena president Jai Bhagwan Goyal called the ''Gita'' "the most pious book of the nation" and said there will be no tolerance for insulting it. The protesters also sent a memorandum to Indian President Pratibha Patil, and to the Russian embassy, demanding to avert the ban. They also urged the President to declare the ''Bhagavad Gita'' a "national scripture" in order to prevent such insults in the future.<ref name=RSena>{{cite news|title=Hindu hardline group protests against Bhagavad Gita ban|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/256185|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=News Track India|date=23 December 2011|agency=[[Asian News International|ANI]]|archive-date=9 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309125643/http://newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/256185|url-status=live}}</ref> A similar protest along with the burning of a Russian flag was held on 26 December by activists of the right-wing Hindu organisation [[Shiv Sena]] in [[Amritsar]].{{cn|date=December 2020}} In a similar move, a [[Jammu]] unit of [[Sri Ram Sena]] appealed to Indian and Russian authorities to forestall the impending ''Gita '' ban "for the betterment of Indo-Russia relations".<ref name=IBN-Sena>{{cite news|title=Ram Sena urges Russian officials to amicably solve Gita issue|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/ram-sena-urges-russian-officials-to-amicably-solve-gita-issue/941752.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103111009/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/ram-sena-urges-russian-officials-to-amicably-solve-gita-issue/941752.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[CNN-IBN|IBN Live]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]|date=23 December 2011}}</ref>

====Atheists and rationalists====
[[Sanal Edamaruku]], the president of the [[Indian Rationalist Association]], opposed the ban calling for the right to read any literature under the freedom of expression, even if he considered the book to be promoting the caste system. Similarly, Dr Jayagopal, the founder of the Atheist Society of India, opposed the ban, in spite of considering the book to be undemocratic and against the spirit of the constitution. He also suspected that the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] may have been behind the ban. Megh Raj Mitter, the founder of the [[Tarksheel Society]], also opposed this move, but admitted that Russians may have been offended by the book and their sentiments should be respected.<ref name=atheist/>

On the other hand, [[Dalit]] [[Marxist]] scholar Chittibabu Padavala supported the ban, as he considered Gita to be promoting inequalities from birth unlike other religious texts.<ref name=atheist>{{cite news|title=Atheists, rationalists oppose ban on Bhagwat Gita|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-23/news/30550973_1_ban-iskon-bhagwat-gita|publisher=The Economic Times|access-date=5 September 2013|date=23 December 2011|archive-date=26 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126065216/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-23/news/30550973_1_ban-iskon-bhagwat-gita|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Russian community in Goa====

On 21 December 2011, the Russian community in [[Goa]] has issued a statement condemning the proposed ban on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' in Russia. Speaking on behalf of the 150-strong community, Russian consulate in Goa Vikram Varma stated: "The Russian community in Goa as a whole condemns the possibility of a ban on any of India's ancient scriptures. It is felt by the Russian community in Goa as well as by a large section of Russians visiting Goa that the depth of knowledge and wisdom offered by the Bhagavad Gita cannot be understood by a casual reader. It is well accepted that all the ancient Hindu scriptures are of tremendous importance not only to India but to the rest of the world."<ref>{{cite news|title=Russians in Goa flay possibility of ban on Gita|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/goa/30545829_1_russian-consulate-russian-city-goa|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730020308/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-22/goa/30545829_1_russian-consulate-russian-city-goa|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 July 2012|access-date=22 December 2011|date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|agency=[[Times News Network]]}}</ref>

====Society====
The trial sparked community protests in India. On 16 December 2011, an [[online petition]] to stop the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial was launched, and by 22 December more than 45,000 people from all over the world, mostly from India.<ref name=TOI-On />

The topic has gone viral on social networks, with the [[hashtag]] #Gita becoming a leading trend on Indian [[Twitter]].<ref name=Reuters /><ref name=TOI-On /><ref name=DB-NET /> Noted poet and lyricist [[Javed Akhtar]], for instance, twitted: "Banning Gita ? Have they lost their minds. This great book of wisdom belongs not only to Hindus but to the whole humanity".<ref name=DB-NET /><ref name=Link>{{cite news|title=Should Bhagavad Gita be India's National Book?|url=http://thelinkpaper.ca/?p=12828|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=The Link|date=24 December 2011|archive-date=11 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611184001/http://thelinkpaper.ca/?p=12828|url-status=live}}</ref> Member of Parliament [[Naveen Jindal]] wrote in his blog, "I welcome the statement by the Russian ambassador to India condemning the ''Bhagavad Gita'' controversy".<ref name=DB-NET /> [[Janata Dal]] party leader [[Subramanian Swamy]] wrote on Twitter: "Happy to inform that Russian Ambassador will tell my daughter on TV that he is a student of Gita and Russia will rectify matters soon. Ok?"<ref name=DB-NET /> and Bollywood celebrity [[Farah Khan]] suggested in a retweet: "The Russians have banned the Gita. In retaliation let's ban something equally sacrosanct to them: vodka".<ref name=DB-NET />

Prominent social activists from a broad societal spectrum also condemned the trial.<ref name=Rediff-3>{{cite news|last=Nanjappa|first=Vicky|title=Bhagavad Gita ban:Three views, three solutions|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-debate-bhagavad-gita-ban/20111223.htm|access-date=23 December 2011|newspaper=Rediff News|date=23 December 2011|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108013643/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-debate-bhagavad-gita-ban/20111223.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
A vocal anti-fundamentalist [[Ram Puniyani]] of the EKTA Committee for Communal Amity called the move to ban the ''Bhagavad Gita'' translation "irrational",<ref name=Rediff-3 /> suggesting that possible questionable passages should be analyzed and debated, but they do not warrant the legal action.<ref name=Rediff-3 /> Former president of the [[Students Islamic Movement of India]] Shahid Badr Falahi said he was "completely against"<ref name=Rediff-3 /> this or any other bans of religious books, calling on "equal opinion on issues pertaining to every religion".<ref name=Rediff-3 /> [[Ram Madhav]], national executive member of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] termed the attempted ban "a shameful act" planned by some "fundamentalist groups in Russia" to portray the Bhagavad Gita as a "terror manual".<ref name=Rediff-3 /> He emphasized the Gita's status as one of the most sacred texts respected in all religions and expressed hope that the Russian government will help stop the trial.<ref name=Rediff-3 />

===In Russia===
The Russian society appears to be embarrassed by the court case over the Gita, with the media mostly condemning the ongoing trial, carrying reports titled like "Trial of Indian book brings shame to Tomsk". A prominent Russian Internet paper Gazeta.ru published a satirical article on how a work that was created 5,000 years ago has suddenly become an extremist document.<ref name=TOI-MAU />

====Indian diaspora and ISKCON====
Hare Krishna followers, who count over 100,000 members and over 100 centers in Russia, expressed fear that the trial on their main scripture, if upheld by the court, will be followed by a ban of their entire movement and religion nationwide.<ref name=MoscowTimes /><ref name=HT-NB /><ref name=TOI /> The 15,000-strong Hindu community in Russia shared the apprehension.<ref name=HT-NB /> On 1 November, ISKCON leader in India Gopal Krishna Goswami appealed to the Indian government asking to intervene and resolve the impending trial by bringing it up with the Russian authorities during Indian official visits to Moscow.<ref name=HT-NB /> Hindu followers in Russia from India, [[Bangladesh]], [[Mauritius]], [[Nepal]] and other countries held an emergency meeting, at which they set up the [[Hindu Council of Russia]] meant to protect their interests in Russia, and elected [[Sadhu Priya Das]], and India-born member of ISKCON, as its chairman. Das said that they were seeking opinion of the Russian Ombudsman and experts from Moscow and St. Petersburg, the main centers of Indology in Russia,<ref name=TOI-MAU /> and that they trusted the Russian judiciary, hoping that "finally the truth will prevail".<ref name=STAT-BAN /><ref name=Statesman />

ISKCON members alleged that the court case was instigated by the Russian Orthodox Church in order to limit their activities in Russia.<ref name=NYT /><ref name=AP /><ref name=HTx/><ref name=IBNLx /><ref name=Reuters /><ref name=RIR-reject>{{cite news|title=Tomsk court rejects bid to ban "Bhagavad-Gita"|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/28/tomsk_court_rejects_the_bid_to_ban_bhagavad-gita_14108.html|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=28 December 2011|access-date=1 April 2012|archive-date=6 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306054425/http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/28/tomsk_court_rejects_the_bid_to_ban_bhagavad-gita_14108.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=RIR-bilateral>{{cite news|title=Bhagavad Gita in court: Overcoming unexpected roadblock to relationship|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2012/01/10/bhagavad_gita_in_court_overcoming_unexpected_roadblock_to_bilateral_14141.html|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=10 January 2012|access-date=1 April 2012|archive-date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119010352/http://indrus.in/articles/2012/01/10/bhagavad_gita_in_court_overcoming_unexpected_roadblock_to_bilateral_14141.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Scholars====
On 28 November, at a round table organized by Russian newspaper ''[[Moskovskij Komsomolets]]'', scientists and members of the [[Russian Academy of Sciences]] along with a few religious leaders stated in a resolution, "there is no basis for conducting such a trial and the very fact of initiating a trial by the public prosecutor is an insult to the religious feelings of followers of Vaishnavism in India and Russia and it will give a body blow to Indo-Russian relations."<ref name=TOI-MAU />

Sergey Serebryanny, the head of the [[Institute of High Humanitarian Studies]] at the [[Russian State University for the Humanities]] and an Indologist, said Russian courts give the term ‘extremism’ a very broad interpretation, which allows them to label as extremist anything going against the authorities, whether secular or religious. He also opined that, while Prabhupada supplemented his version of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' with his own ideas and beliefs, his followers "have the same right for the freedom of conscience as believers of other religious confessions that observe the laws of the Russian Federation".{{cn|date=December 2020}}

Russian Indologist Yevgenia Vanina of the [[Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences]] wrote an article severely criticizing the court case over the ''Bhagavad Gita'', which "is revered by millions in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and wherever Hindus live". She reminded that in Europe, the Gita was "admired by many great philosophers and thinkers, such as Herder, Schopenhauer and Tolstoy" and thought it ironic that while the Hindu scripture was first translated into Russian in 1788, "nobody put the book and its translators on trial in the Orthodox Russian Empire in 1788, but it’s being judged in secular democratic Russia". Vanina also argued that charges of extremism against Prabhupada's "copious" commentaries on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' are fallacious and based on a "primitive" screening of the religious text for negative words (such as "fool," "enemy," "demon", "kill"). According to Vanina, using this approach, any ancient text, from the Greek myths to the Bible, and the Koran, can be found extremism, especially when "specialists in philosophical suicidology are entrusted with passing judgement on ancient Indian texts". Vanina concluded by opining that, despite people's right to their attitudes towards "a Russian lad wearing Indian clothes and singing Hare Krishna", ISKCON followers have the right to practice their religion, and that the Russian Orthodox Church, instead of calling for a ban on competitors or attempting to legally equate their holy book to ''Mein Kampf'', should introspect as to the reasons that deter young Russians from joining the Church. Otherwise, Vanina predicted, "people will again start being burned alive".<ref name=RIR-Vanina />

Historian and full professor of the Diplomatic Academy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Andrey Volodin opined that the move to ban the ''Gita'' was "contrary to the basic principle of tolerance inherent in Russian civilisation". He said that this trial, held in Tomsk, "one of Russia’s intellectual capitals, raises doubts as to whether the local leaders are sane and the intellectual community in one of the country’s main academic and university centers is actually mature". To a question, which forces in Russia are interested in a ban on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' Volodin replied that "all the intelligence services in the world, including the CIA and MI6, could never have come up with a more effective move to compromise Russia in India and in the world".<ref name=RIR-Volodin>{{cite news|last=Volodin|first=Andrei|title=Gita row: A test of Russian toleration|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/23/gita_row_a_test_of_russian_toleration_14077.html|access-date=23 December 2011|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=23 December 2011|archive-date=13 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213204444/http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/23/gita_row_a_test_of_russian_toleration_14077.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Government====
In an interview by ''[[CNN-IBN]]'', Russia's ambassador to India [[Alexander Kadakin]] called ''Bhagavad Gita'' "the source of wisdom and inspiration not only for the people of India but for Russia as well and the world."
<ref name=KadCNN>{{cite news|url=http://m.ibnlive.com/news/bhagvad-gita-a-sacred-text-in-russia-as-well/3/213652.html|title=Bhagvad Gita a sacred text in Russia as well|last=Haidar|first=Suhasini|work=[[CNN-IBN]]|date=20 December 2011|access-date=22 December 2011|archive-date=25 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425221105/http://m.ibnlive.com/news/bhagvad-gita-a-sacred-text-in-russia-as-well/213652-3.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=KadWSJ>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/12/20/bhagavad-gita-extremist-label-riles-lawmakers/?mod=google_news_blog|title=Bhagavad Gita 'Extremist' Label Riles Lawmakers|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=20 December 2011|last=Rana|first=Preeetika|access-date=22 December 2011|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108234912/http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/12/20/bhagavad-gita-extremist-label-riles-lawmakers/?mod=google_news_blog|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=KadTOI>{{cite news|title=Taking scripture to court inadmissible: Russian ambassador|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-21/india/30542175_1_court-in-tomsk-city-extremist-text-secular-credentials|access-date=22 December 2011|date=21 December 2011|author=TNN|archive-date=16 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316100959/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-21/india/30542175_1_court-in-tomsk-city-extremist-text-secular-credentials|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> and commended the Indian Parliament and government for their resolute stance on the Bhagavad Gita trial in Russia, opining that both countries nations, being secular, democratic, and multi-confessional, "should not allow such things to happen".<ref name=KadCNN />
He assured that the Russian government is using all means to end the ''Bhagavad Gita'' scandal and added that he thought it "categorically inadmissible" to take any sacred scriptures "for examination to ignorant people" to the courts rather than to academic forums.<ref name=IE-RU>{{cite news|title=Russia expresses sadness over Bhagwad Gita controversy|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/russia-expresses-sadness-over-bhagwad-gita-controversy/889960/0|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=20 December 2011}}</ref><ref name=KadCNN /><ref name=KadTOI /> Kadakin ruled out the possibility of the Russian government directly influencing the court decision, but added that the government still "can do something" and called the instigators of the trial "madmen", whose "madness should be stopped."<ref name=KadCNN /> He also answered a question of a possible apology to the people of India by the Russian government, opining that since it was not the Russian government who started the case, it "has nothing to apologize for, [but] can only testify and reiterate the love and affection and highest esteem our nation has for Bhagvat Gita."<ref name=KadCNN />

On 27 December 2011, after a meeting with the Foreign Minister of India S. M. Krishna, at which Krishna reiterated India's grave concerns over the issue, Kadakin told reporters that the Russian government will do everything within its powers to prevent the ban.<ref name=TOI-SMK>{{cite news|title=Krishna discusses Bhagavad Gita row with Russian ambassador|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Krishna-discusses-Bhagavad-Gita-row-with-Russian-ambassador/articleshow/11265831.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103160300/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-27/india/30560871_1_court-in-tomsk-city-bhagavad-gita-nerpa|url-status=live|archive-date=3 January 2013|access-date=27 December 2011|date=27 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]}}</ref> He said that, while it was a judicial process, the Russian government can ask the people of Russia "to express our love and admiration for the Gita, ... that [assurance] you can get from anyone in Russia". He also added that he had read the Gita and thought it was a great scripture of the world, and maintained that "no holy scripture, whether it is Bible, Quran or Gita, can be brought to a court".<ref name=TOI-SMK />

According to the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla, a top Russian minister also "expressed regrets" about the situation.<ref name=Hindu-LS />

Russian [[Ombudsman|Chief Director]] for [[Human rights in Russia|Human Rights]] [[Vladimir Lukin]] stated that the attempt to ban ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' amounted to "infringement on the constitutional right to the freedom of consciousness"<ref name=TheHindu>{{cite news|last=Radyushin|first=Vladimir|title=India asks Russia to drop the case against Gita translation|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2731900.ece|access-date=22 December 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|date=20 December 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108040017/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2731900.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> and that it was "unacceptable" to ban the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' written by ISKCON founder Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in Russia, as he said it was a "globally respected book".<ref name=Statesman>{{cite news|title=Gita ban: Russian court suspends verdict till 28 Dec|url=http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=393903&catid=36|access-date=22 December 2011|date=19 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108011714/http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=393903&catid=36|archive-date=8 January 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As the Ombudsman for Russia, Vladimir Lukun took the Bhagavad Gita court case under his special control<ref name=KadCNN /> and will testify in the court on 28 December asking to dismiss the charges.<ref name=TheHindu-MID>{{cite news|last=Radyushin|first=Vladimir|title=Gita ban: Russia rejects India's complaints|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2741599.ece?homepage=true|access-date=23 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 December 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107225740/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2741599.ece?homepage=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

At a 22 December 2011 press briefing, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Russian Foreign Ministry]] spokesman Alexander Lukashevich attempted to clarify a number of points seemingly misunderstood by his Indian colleagues: "In June this year Tomsk prosecutors instigated legal proceedings against the third edition of the Russian translation of 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is' with a view to have it added to the federal list of extremist materials. I would like to stress that the trial is not about 'Bhagavad Gita', a religious philosophical poem, which forms part of the great Indian epic Mahabharata and is one of the most famous texts of the ancient Hindu literature. In Russia, the book was first published in Russian in 1788 and then went through many editions in different years and in various translations. The Tomsk court case is about classifying as extremist material the Russian-language edition of 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is', written in 1968 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The work represents an authorized translation of the original from Sanskrit into English. The book was translated into Russian in 1984. As evident from the materials available, the complaints of law enforcement are not so much about the text of the book itself, whose double translation suffers from semantic distortions, as about the author's comments which were regarded as falling under Article 13 of the Federal Law 'On Counteracting Extremist Activity'."<ref name=Interfax-MID /><ref name=RIR-Interfax>{{cite news|author=Interfax|title=Tomsk trial held over "Bhagavad Gita" translation, not book proper - ministry|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/23/tomsk_trial_held_over_bhagavad_gita_translation_not_book_proper_-_mi_14078.html|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=23 December 2011|access-date=19 March 2012|archive-date=17 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217195814/http://indrus.in/articles/2011/12/23/tomsk_trial_held_over_bhagavad_gita_translation_not_book_proper_-_mi_14078.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=TheHindu-MID /><ref name=MID-brief>{{cite press release|script-title=ru:Брифинг официального представителя МИД России А.К.Лукашевича, 22 декабря 2011 года|trans-title=Briefing by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Mr. Lukashevitch, 22 December 2011|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Foreign Ministry]]|date=22 December 2011|url=http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/briefview/5A299EC9BE98767A4425796E005447BD|language=ru|title=|access-date=19 March 2012|archive-date=20 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120100707/http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/briefview/5A299EC9BE98767A4425796E005447BD|url-status=live}}</ref>

Nelly Krechetova, Human Rights Ombudsman of Tomsk region, has termed the trial "absurd". Speaking on the ''[[Echo of Moscow]]'' radio station, she said, "This book is considered sacred by more than a billion people the world over, and in Russia itself the book has been in circulation for 20 years." She continued that there was no manifest incident of extremism caused by the dissemination of the book. A ban on the book, she said, would amount to "violation of constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of conscience and faith."<ref name=TOI-MAU />

===International===
''[[Associated Press]]'' reported that the attempt to ban ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' angered Hindus around the world.<ref name=AP>*{{cite news
|title=Russian court to consider ban on key text of Hare Krishna movement
|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russian-court-to-consider-ban-on-key-text-of-hare-krishna-movement/2011/12/28/gIQA1GUgLP_story.html
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20111230042452/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russian-court-to-consider-ban-on-key-text-of-hare-krishna-movement/2011/12/28/gIQA1GUgLP_story.html
|archive-date=30 December 2011
|access-date=29 December 2011
|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]
|date=28 December 2011
|agency=[[Associated Press]]
|url-status=dead
|df=dmy
}}
*{{cite news
|last=Javed
|first=Sofia
|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russian-court-ban-hare-krishna-text-15243747#.Tvr96BNOhzH
|title=Russian court may ban Hare Krishna text
|access-date=28 December 2011
|newspaper=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]
|date=28 December 2011
|agency=[[Associated Press]]
}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The court case evoked protests by US-based [[Hindu]] activists, who called the trial "an attack on religious freedom and belittling of the entire [[Hindu]] community."<ref name=YahooNews>{{cite news|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/hindus-upset-bhagavad-gita-ban-attempt-russian-city-095924009.html|title=Hindus upset at Bhagavad Gita ban attempt by Russian city|work=[[Asian News International|ANI]]|publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]|date=29 November 2011|access-date=19 December 2011|archive-date=11 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611051755/http://in.news.yahoo.com/hindus-upset-bhagavad-gita-ban-attempt-russian-city-095924009.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Hindu American Foundation]] (HAF) based in [[Washington, DC]] expressed "shock and outrage" over the attempted ban. Subhag Shukla, HAF managing director, called the move by Russian prosecutors "indefensible" and "a draconian attempt to restrict the religious freedom of Hindus in Russia".
Shukla added that, "[b]y promoting a narrow and intolerant agenda that demonizes a sacred scripture revered by more than one billion Hindus worldwide, Russian officials are acting contrary to the principles of a free democratic society".<ref name=HAF /> HAF members conveyed their concerns in an official statement to the Russian embassy in Washington, DC, requesting a follow-up meeting to monitor the situation, and urged the Russian judiciary and government "to uphold the basic rights of their Hindu citizens". They also warned that "Any court ruling or law that would prohibit the Bhagavad Gita or any other Hindu religious literature would be considered a direct attack on the civil liberties of Russia's Hindu community and an affront to Hindus throughout the world".<ref name=HAF>{{cite news|last=Jha|first=Lalit K.|title=Hindus in US outraged at attempts to ban Gita in Russia|url=http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5694646|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104011148/http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5694646|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2013|access-date=27 December 2011|newspaper=[[MSN News]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]|date=21 December 2011}}</ref>

In [[Kathmandu]], Nepal, a consortium of the country's Hindu organizations, [[Rastriya Dharma Sabha Nepal]], condemned the proposed ban, urging the [[Politics of Nepal|government]] and the [[Nepalese Parliament]] to support the ''Bhagavad Gita''. Chairman of the Dharma Sabha Madhav Bhattarai also requested the Parliament to discuss the issue and address it with the Russian government and embassy in Nepal.<ref name=HimTimes1>{{cite news|title=Dharma Sabha Nepal denounces ban on Gita|url=http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Dharma+Sabha+Nepal+denounces+ban+on+Gita&NewsID=313585|access-date=26 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Himalayan Times]]|date=22 December 2011|archive-date=13 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613034332/http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Dharma+Sabha+Nepal+denounces+ban+on+Gita&NewsID=313585|url-status=live}}</ref> Another protest was expressed by a Nepali Shreemadbhagawat Publicity Service Association (SPSA), which emphasized that rather than being extremist, the ''Gita'' "guides one for the self-discipline and responsibility to human duties" and informed of plans to hold rallies against the potential ban.<ref name=HimTimes2>{{cite news|title='Bhagwat Gita is not extremist literature'|url=http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=%27Bhagwat+Gita+is+not+extremist+literature%27&NewsID=313597&a=3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104215134/http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline='Bhagwat+Gita+is+not+extremist+literature'&NewsID=313597&a=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2013|access-date=26 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Himalayan Times]]|date=22 December 2011}}</ref>

The [[United States Department of State]] in its annual [[International Religious Freedom Report]] for 2011 cited the Bhagavad Gita trial among instances of "selectively enforced existing legal restrictions on religious freedom" by the Russian government. The report quoted the Russian Ombudsperson for Human Rights Vladimil Lukin as saying that "the struggle with terrorism is a struggle with real terrorist planning and creation of groups, not with the interpretation of ancient holy books, of whatever faith".<ref name=US-DS>{{cite web|last=[[United States Department of State]]|title=International Religious Freedom Report for 2011|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/193067.pdf|publisher=[[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor]]|access-date=1 August 2012}}</ref>

On 4 December 2025, [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Narendra Modi]] presented a Russian copy of Prabhupada's ''[[Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is|Bhagavad-Gita As It Is]]'' to the [[President of Russia]] [[Vladimir Putin]] during Putin's [[state visit]] to India, writing in his official [[Twitter|X account:]] "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Modi |first=Narendra |date=4 December 2005 |title=X account of the Prime Minister of India |url=https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1996640866468090252 |access-date=5 December 2025}}</ref> The note added to the gift explained: "Its timeless wisdom inspires ethical living, mind control, and inner peace, with translations making it accessible to modern readers worldwide".<ref>{{Cite news |last=HT News Desk |date=5 December 2025 |title=M Modi's gifts to Putin span from Kashmir to Bengal and beyond, list includes special copy of Gita {{!}} Details, photos |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modis-gifts-to-putin-span-from-kashmir-to-bengal-and-beyond-list-includes-special-copy-of-gita-details-photos-101764946527495.html |access-date=6 December 2025 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

==Reaction to the appeal==

===Scholars===
{{Wikinews|Russian scholars call on Medvedev and Putin to defend Bhagavad Gita}}
On 24 February 2012, Russian religious scholars and experts held a nationwide conference ''Bhagavad Gita in history and modern society'' at the Tomsk State University.<ref name=RAPSI-Conf>{{cite news|title=Bhagavad Gita case perplex scientists|url=http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120224/260445972.html|access-date=25 February 2012|date=24 February 2012|agency=RAPSI|archive-date=6 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606072401/http://rapsinews.com/judicial_news/20120224/260445972.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They said they were "perplexed" over the Tomsk prosecutor's office's continued attempts to have the ''Bhagavad Gita as It Is'' declared extremist. [[Chief researcher]] of the [[Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences|Institute of Oriental Studies]] of the [[Russian Academy of Sciences]], indologist [[Irina Glushkova]] said in an interview with ''[[RIA Novosti]]'' that there are various schools of Hinduism "and each school is based on its own scripture or commentary", adding that "from this point of view ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' has the right to exist as any other commentary or scripture. It is a fundamental principle of Hinduism and there is no any other Hinduism whoever says it, Dvorkin or the Tomsk prosecutor's office".<ref name=RAPSI-Conf /> She also stated it was "impermissible" to subject the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' to a criminal court trial, because "it is inseparable from the original ''Bhagavad Gita'', both being parts of the same culture".<ref>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Рассматривать "Бхагавад-гиту как она есть" с точки зрения Уголовного кодекса - недопустимо, утверждают ученые|trans-title=Scholars: It's impermissible to view the Bhagavad Gita As It Is via the Criminal Code|url=http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Siberia/report.asp?id=295556|access-date=25 February 2012|date=24 February 2012|agency=[[Interfax]]|language=ru|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619103848/http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Siberia/report.asp?id=295556|url-status=live}}</ref> Philosopher [[Tatyana Lyubimova]], chief researcher of the [[Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences]], said that most ancient scriptures, including the ''Bhagavad Gita'', were revised or adapted over the years so that modern people could better understand them.<ref name=RAPSI-Conf />

On 12 March 2012, a group of twenty leading Russian [[philosophy|philosophers]], [[Oriental studies|orientologists]], and [[philology|philologists]] published an open letter addressing both [[President of the Russian Federation|Russian President]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] and the [[Prime Minister of Russia|Russian Prime Minister]] and [[President-elect]] [[Vladimir Putin]], with copies sent to Russia's [[Prosecutor General of Russia|Presecutor General]], [[Ministry of Justice of Russia|Ministry of Justice]], and [[Public Chamber]], urging the ruling tandem to take the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' court case under their "personal control".<ref name=Hindu-20>{{cite news|last=Radyushin|first=Vladimir|title=Russian scholars' plea on Gita|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2999643.ece|access-date=16 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 March 2012|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317054639/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2999643.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Newsru-20>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Российские ученые просят Медведева и Путина взять процесс над "Бхагавад-гитой" под личный контроль|trans-title=Russian scholars ask Medvedev and Putin to take "Bhagavad Gita" court case under their personal control|url=http://newsru.com/religy/15mar2012/bhagavad.html|access-date=16 March 2012|newspaper=[[NEWSru]]|date=15 March 2012|language=ru|archive-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317055426/http://www.newsru.com/religy/15mar2012/bhagavad.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The scholars said they were alarmed by the Tomsk prosecutor's attempting to overrule the earlier court's rejection of the extremest charges against the book, and filing a modified petition asking the court to ban only Bhaktivedanta Swami's commentaries and exempting the original text from the charges of extremism. The scholars criticized the prosecutor's indictment of the commentaries with extremism as "untrue and contrary to the traditions of Hinduism".<ref name=Hindu-20 /> They emphasized that, contrary to the prosecutor's accusations, the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' was considered sacred by a section of Hindu followers as belonging to the commentary tradition of [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism|Bengali Vaishnavism]], "one of the most popular branches of Hinduism",<ref name=Hindu-20 /> and "did not contain any signs of extremism and did not incite hatred on ethnic, religious or any other grounds".<ref name=Hindu-20 /> The scholars also warned Russia's top leaders that the trial "discredits Russia's cultural and democratic credentials in the eyes of the civilized world and is driving a wedge in Russian-Indian relations".<ref name=Hindu-20 />

===ISKCON===
Maxim Osipov, a representative of ISKCON's Governing Body Commission, said that the commentary to ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' is "a precise and clear reflection" on the religious tradition taught by Prabhupada, the founder-[[acharya]] of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.<ref name=RAPSI-Conf />

==Reaction to the court decision==

===In India===
{{Expand section|date=March 2012}}

"I welcome the verdict of the Honourable District Court in Tomsk today, which has dismissed the appeal petition in the ''Bhagavad Gita'' case. It is good that the decision of the lower trial court in this matter has been reaffirmed. I trust that this issue is now conclusively behind us", said [[Ajai Malhotra]], Indian Ambassador to the Russian Federation.<ref name=RIR-Mar21>{{cite news|title=Tomsk court dismisses Bhagavad Gita case|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2012/03/21/tomsk_court_dismisses_bhagavad_gita_case_15204.html|date=21 March 2012}}</ref>

"We appreciate this sensible resolution of a sensitive issue and are glad to put this episode behind us. We also appreciate the efforts of all friends in Russia who made this outcome possible. This demonstrates yet again that the people of India and Russia have a deep understanding of each other’s cultures and will always reject any attempt to belittle our common civilizational values", said Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash.<ref name=AP /><ref name=HTx />

===In Russia===
{{expand section|date=April 2012}}

====Human Rights Commissioner====
{{expand section|date=April 2012}}
On 11 April 2012 [[Vladimir Lukin]], the [[Human Rights]] [[Commissioner]] of Russia, "warned against court decisions on ''Bhagavad Gita'' texts based on judges' opinions rather than expert examinations." Lukin stated that the "Tomsk [judges] considered something they should not have… It should have been up to [[theologian]]s and [[historian]]s." Lukin noted that "[[Winston Churchill]] once said: Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn't misuse it."<ref name=IT-Lukin>{{cite news|title=Russian ombudsman warns on Gita rulings|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/rest-of-the-world/story/russian-ombudsman-warns-on-gita-rulings-98892-2012-04-11|newspaper=[[India Today]]|date=12 April 2012|access-date=12 April 2012|archive-date=12 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412213040/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/russian-ombudsman-warns-on-gita-rulings/1/184131.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=RIA-Lukin>{{cite news|title=Bhagavad Gita Texts Up for Experts to Judge - Russian Ombudsman|url=http://en.ria.ru/society/20120411/172744774.html|newspaper=[[RIA Novosti]]|date=11 April 2012|access-date=11 April 2012|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725181103/http://en.ria.ru/society/20120411/172744774.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Religions====
On 28 December 2011, the day the Tomsk court dismissed extremism charges against the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'', director of the Human Rights Center of the World Russian People's Council [[Roman Silantyev]] said that the examination of the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'' as extremist was accurate, and that "it has nothing to do with traditional Hinduism."

He also called Krishna devotees in Russia marginal pseudo-Hindu cult members with "extremely nasty reputation" and condemned their [[Hare Krishna Food for Life|charitable food distribution programs]] saying it was unacceptable for Orthodox, Muslim, Jews and Buddhist believers.<ref name=IFSil>{{cite news|title=Tomsk court didn't find "Bhagavad Gita" translation extremist|url=http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=8953|access-date=16 February 2012|date=28 December 2011|agency=[[Interfax]]|archive-date=21 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121165653/http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=8953|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 18 January 2012, a number of Russia's Islamic leaders denounced Hare Krishna followers in Russia as a "destructive cult" and called on the Russian authorities not to yield to the Indian pressure in regard of the proposed banning of the ''Bhagavad Gita As It is''. [[Mufti]] Muhammedgali Huzin, head of All-Russian Muslim Board executive committee, said,
"I believe that Russian authorities should be principally tough in the question and shouldn't give way to any provocations and pressure. I think that Russia can do without semiliterate interpretations of ancient epos". First deputy chairman of the Central Spiritual Board of Russian Muslims Mufti of Moscow and Russia's Central Region Albir Krganov proposed to "pay the debt" to Krishna devotees in Russia for their charitable food distribution by "delivering nutritious Halal canned beef to starving Krishna devotees of India. We are ready to personally distribute this meat to Russian Krishnaites".<ref name=IF-Mus>{{cite news|title=Russian Muslims believe Krishnaites a sect and ready to deliver them Halal meat|url=http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=8986|access-date=16 February 2012|date=18 January 2012|agency=[[Interfax]]|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203011246/http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=8986|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=RIR-Appeal>{{cite news|title=Siberian prosecutors make another attempt to ban Prabhupada's Gita interpretation|url=http://indrus.in/articles/2012/01/26/siberian_prosecutors_make_another_attempt_to_ban_prabhupadas_gita_in_14630.html|access-date=16 February 2012|newspaper=Russia & India Report|date=26 January 2012}}</ref> However, other all-Russia Islamic umbrella organizations rejected their statements as "fortunately" not representing the opinion of a majority of Russian Muslims of the issue.<ref name=RIR-Appeal />

On 27 January 2012, a group of Russian Orthodox Christian activists entered the premises of the Moscow Krishna temple and tried to hand the temple authorities a box of canned beef. The group claimed that their action was in retaliation for the burning of the Russian flag in India by Hindu fundamentalists protesting the proposed ban of the ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is'', which they called an "anti-Russian … disgraceful act" and "one of the steps in the unprecedented campaign of pressing on Russian court".<ref>{{cite news|title=Orthodox believers conveyed a batch of tinned stewed meat to Moscow Krishnaites in protest against burning Russian flag|url=http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=9015|access-date=16 February 2012|date=27 January 2012|archive-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204223149/http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=9015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 31 January 2012, the head of the Traditional Buddhist Sangha of Russia Andrey Baljirov called the Indian authorities who asked the Russian government to help avert the proposed ban of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is "misinformed" and "exerting pressure" and spoke against the proposed construction of the Krishna temple in Moscow because "there are Buddhist followers in Moscow who do not have a temple yet".<ref name=IF-Bud>{{cite news|script-title=ru:В буддийской общине РФ выступают против строительства храма кришнаитов в Москве|trans-title=The Buddhist community of Russia spoke against the construction of Krishna temple in Moscow|url=http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=44000|access-date=16 February 2012|date=31 January 2012|agency=[[Interfax]]|language=ru|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203181018/http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=44000|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Federal List of Extremist Materials]]
* [[Freedom of the press in the Russian Federation]]
* [[Hinduism in Russia#Controversy over construction of a Hindu temple in Moscow|Controversy over construction of a Hindu temple in Moscow]]
* [[Frivolous litigation]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==External links==
{{Wiktionary|cast pearls before swine}}

===Documents===
*{{Cite web |title=Translated excerpts from the expert assessment of Bhagavad Gita As It Is by Tomsk State University |url=http://gita-tomsk.ru/sites/default/files/BG%20Court%20ENG.pdf |access-date=16 April 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*{{Cite web|title=Expert assessment of Bhagavad Gita As It Is by Tomsk State University|url=http://gita-tomsk.ru/sites/default/files/БГ%20Томск%20обращение%20прокуратуры%20и%20экспертиза%20ТГУ.pdf|language=ru|access-date=16 April 2012}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*(in Russian) [https://web.archive.org/web/20141121005555/http://gita-tomsk.ru/node/72 Court materials.]
*{{Cite web |title=Федеральный закон от 25.07.2002 № 114-ФЗ "О противодействии экстремистской деятельности" |trans-title=Federal law of 25 July 2002 N143-ФЗ "On countering extremist activity" |url=http://www.minjust.ru/node/1081 |language=ru |access-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529141307/http://minjust.ru/node/1081 |archive-date=29 May 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
*{{Cite web |title=Федеральный список экстремистских материалов |trans-title=Federal list of extremist materials |url=http://www.minjust.ru/nko/fedspisok |language=ru |access-date=19 March 2012 |archive-date=15 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915120130/http://minjust.ru/nko/fedspisok |url-status=dead }}

===Media reports===
* {{cite news|url=https://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1623|title=RUSSIA: "How can a believer light a match to destroy holy books?"|author=Felix Corley|work=[[Forum 18]]|date=10 October 2011|access-date=17 December 2011}}
* {{cite news|url=https://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1642|title=RUSSIA: "This isn't about freedom of conscience or censorship"|date=2 December 2011|work=[[Forum 18]]|author=Felix Corley|access-date=17 December 2011}}

===Video coverage===
*[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/Russian-court-refuses-to-ban-Bhagvad-Gita-followers-cheer/videoshow/11280765.cms ''Times of India'' report on the dismissal of the case. 28 December 2011.]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MjFFW9x170 Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajay Malhotra about ''Bhagavad Gita As It Is''. (YouTube video)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceiEo3S57Es Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin denouncing the Gita trial on CNN-IBN (YouTube video)]
*[http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/mps-ask-govt-to-intervene-as-russian-court-considers-ban-on-i-bhagavad-gita-i/218877 NDTV report on the Parliament ruckus over the Gita ban. 19 December 2011 (English) ]
*[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/bhagvad-gita-ban-russia-lok-sabha-396138-2011-12-18 India Today report on the Parliament "uproar" over the Gita. 19 December 2011 (English)]
* [http://zeenews.india.com/videos/verdict-on-bhagvad-gita-ban-on-dec-28_14336.html Zee TV report on a rally in front of the Russian Consulate in Kolkata protesting the proposed ban. (Hindi)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lguhds3Lea0 NewsX Live TV channel report on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial. (English) (YouTube video)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR1WWOKlTfY NewsX Live TV channel update on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial. (English)(YouTube video)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj4s_5xyGyU TV9Mumbai report on the ''Bhagavad Gita'' trial. (Hindi) (YouTube video)]

{{Opposition to NRMs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhagavad Gita As It Is trial in Russia}}
[[Category:Hinduism in Russia]]
[[Category:International Society for Krishna Consciousness]]
[[Category:Human rights abuses in Russia]]
[[Category:Freedom of religion]]
[[Category:Censorship in Russia]]
[[Category:Trials in Russia]]
[[Category:2011 in religion]]
[[Category:2012 in religion]]
[[Category:2011 in Russia]]
[[Category:2012 in Russia]]
[[Category:Tomsk]]
[[Category:Anti-Hindu sentiment]]
[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

Wamiqa Gabbi

2026-03-26T14:03:53Z

Shuvro: formatting fix

{{short description|Indian actress (born 1993)}}
{{redirect|Vamiqa|the fictional female character Vamiq|Metiochus and Parthenope}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Wamiqa Gabbi
| image = Wamiqa Gabbi snapped outside Maddock office (2) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Gabbi in 2024
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|09|29|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Chandigarh]], India
| other_names =
| known_for =
| yearsactive = 2007–present
| education = [[DAV College, Chandigarh]]
| occupation = Actress
}}

'''Wamiqa Gabbi''' (born 29 September 1993) is an Indian actress who predominantly works in [[Punjabi cinema|Punjabi]] and [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]] films and series. She made her screen debut as a child with a brief role in the Hindi film ''[[Jab We Met]]'' (2007). She later established herself as a leading lady in Punjabi cinema with roles in the commercially successful comedy films ''[[Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22]]'' (2013), ''[[Nikka Zaildar 2]]'' (2017) and its sequel ''[[Nikka Zaildar 3]]'' (2019), as well as the crime drama ''[[Kali Jotta]]'' (2023).

Gabbi expanded into other languages with the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] romance ''[[Maalai Naerathu Mayakkam]]'' (2016) and the [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] sports drama ''[[Godha (film)|Godha]]'' (2017). She went on to gain recognition in Hindi streaming series ''[[Grahan (2021 TV series)|Grahan]]'' (2021), ''[[Mai (TV series)|Mai: A Mother's Rage]]'' (2022), and ''[[Modern Love Mumbai]]'' (2022), the latter two directed by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]. A major breakthrough came in 2023 with her acclaimed performance of an aspiring actress in the period drama ''[[Jubilee (TV series)|Jubilee]]'', followed by her role as a spy's wife in Bhardwaj's thriller ''[[Khufiya]]'', which earned her a [[Filmfare OTT Awards|Filmfare OTT Award]]. She has since achieved commercial success with the fantasy film ''[[Bhool Chuk Maaf]]'' (2025).

==Early life==
Gabbi was born in a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] family in [[Chandigarh]] on 29 September 1993.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Express |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chennai-express/848689.html |work=The Tribune |date=18 October 2019 |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105122805/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chennai-express/848689.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wamiqa Gabbi: This is the First Time I will be Celebrating My Birthday Alone |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/wamiqa-gabbi-this-is-the-first-time-i-will-be-celebrating-my-birthday-alone-4255850.html |access-date=22 February 2022 |work=News18 |date=29 September 2021 |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222173456/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/wamiqa-gabbi-this-is-the-first-time-i-will-be-celebrating-my-birthday-alone-4255850.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nanda |first1=Karan |date=16 April 2019 |title=You Won't Believe These 5 Punjabi Actresses Looked Like This Before!!! |url=https://www.ptcpunjabi.co.in/then-now-these-rare-pics-of-top-punjabi-actresses-will-stun-you-see-pics |work=PTC Punjabi |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222173459/https://www.ptcpunjabi.co.in/then-now-these-rare-pics-of-top-punjabi-actresses-will-stun-you-see-pics |url-status=live}}</ref> Her father Govardhan Gabbi is an author and writes in [[Hindi]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] languages.<ref>{{cite news |title=BFFs Wamiqa Gabbi and Mandy Takhar step in for each other |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/bffs-wamiqa-gabbi-and-mandy-takhar-step-in-for-each-other/articleshow/78973676.cms |access-date=22 February 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=31 October 2020 |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222174130/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/bffs-wamiqa-gabbi-and-mandy-takhar-step-in-for-each-other/articleshow/78973676.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=All about perceptions: Wamiqa Gabbi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/All-about-perceptions/article13978870.ece |access-date=22 February 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=18 October 2016 |language=en-IN |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224200509/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/All-about-perceptions/article13978870.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> She did her schooling at St. Xavier's School, Chandigarh, and completed her degree in Arts from [[DAV College, Chandigarh]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sood |first=Ribha |date=21 April 2022 |title=Pollywood: 'I don't make plans, just choose to live in the present,' says Wamiqa Gabbi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/pollywood-dont-make-plans-live-in-the-present-wamiqa-gabbi-7878810/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=19 December 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219113810/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/pollywood-dont-make-plans-live-in-the-present-wamiqa-gabbi-7878810/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career==
=== Early work and expansion (2007–2019) ===

Gabbi made her film debut at the age of thirteen with a brief role in [[Imtiaz Ali (director)|Imtiaz Ali]]'s [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]] romantic comedy ''[[Jab We Met]]'' (2007), playing the cousin of [[Kareena Kapoor]]'s character.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi had doubts about getting a lead role after working with Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met: 'Their parents already worked in the films..' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/wamiqa-gabbi-had-doubts-about-getting-a-lead-role-after-working-with-shahid-kapoor-kareena-kapoor-in-jab-we-met-8562543/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602121008/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/wamiqa-gabbi-had-doubts-about-getting-a-lead-role-after-working-with-shahid-kapoor-kareena-kapoor-in-jab-we-met-8562543/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She admitted to feeling uncertain about her future in the film industry while working on the picture, as she did not come from an acting family like Kapoor.<ref name=":02"/> After minor roles in ''[[Love Aaj Kal (2009 film)|Love Aaj Kal]]'' (2009), ''[[Mausam (2011 film)|Mausam]]'' (2011), and ''[[Bittoo Boss]]'' (2012), Gabbi had her first lead role in the coming-of-age drama ''[[Sixteen (2013 Indian film)|Sixteen]]'' (2013), portraying a teenager who enters a relationship with a significantly older man.<ref name="Sharma">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Paloma |title=Review: 16 is a stereotypical teen drama |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/review-16-is-a-stereotypical-teen-drama/20130712.htm#:~:text=At%20the%20centre%20of%20the,her%20friends%20lose%20their%20virginity. |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033617/https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/review-16-is-a-stereotypical-teen-drama/20130712.htm#:~:text=At%20the%20centre%20of%20the,her%20friends%20lose%20their%20virginity. |url-status=live }}</ref> In a review for ''[[Mumbai Mirror]]'', [[Karan Anshuman]] commended Gabbi as "the standout" in a mediocre film.<ref>{{cite web |title=Film review: Sixteen |url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Film-review-Sixteen/articleshow/21038448.cms |work=Mumbai Mirror |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=15 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215210150/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Film-review-Sixteen/articleshow/21038448.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> It emerged as a commercial failure, after which she admitted to almost giving up acting due to consistent rejections.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sixteen - Movie |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=1296 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Box Office India]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033548/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=1296 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Wamiqa-Gabbi Comedy Stars.jpg|thumb|Gabbi in 2019|left]]
Later that year, Gabbi made her debut into [[Punjabi cinema]] alongside [[Amrinder Gill]] and [[Yo Yo Honey Singh]] in the comedy film ''[[Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22]].<ref name="CinePunjab.com2">{{cite web |title=Tu Mera 22 Mein Tera 22 |url=http://www.cinepunjab.com/2012/12/tm22mt22-releases-on-25th-january-2013.html |work=CinePunjab.com |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218143950/http://www.cinepunjab.com/2012/12/tm22mt22-releases-on-25th-january-2013.html |url-status=live }}</ref>'' It was a box-office success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl436372737/weekend/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> Her subsequent roles in the Punjabi romances ''[[Ishq Brandy]]'' (2014) and ''Ishq Haazir Hai'' (2015) generally went unnoticed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 March 2014 |title=Punjabi Film Mr And Mrs 420 Does Well |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=212 |access-date=29 December 2024 |website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> In ''[[Bhale Manchi Roju]]'', Gabbi expanded to [[Telugu cinema]] opposite [[Sudheer Babu]] as a woman abducted on her wedding day.<ref name="Jonnalagedda">{{Cite news |last=Jonnalagedda |first=Pranita |title=Bhale Manchi Roju Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/bhale-manchi-roju/movie-review/50325774.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228034410/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/bhale-manchi-roju/movie-review/50325774.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Made on a [[Low-budget film|shoestring budget]], the film was a box-office success.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} She next made her debut into [[Tamil cinema]] in 2016 with the romantic drama ''[[Maalai Naerathu Mayakkam]]'', opposite [[Balakrishna Kola]]. She was drawn to the character as it was a departure from the "chirpy" roles she had portrayed previously in her Punjabi films.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{Cite web |date=27 December 2015 |title=Couldn't have asked for better debut: Wamiqa Gabbi on 'Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/couldnt-have-asked-for-better-debut-wamiqa-gabbi-on-maalai-nerathu-mayakkam/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228193332/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/couldnt-have-asked-for-better-debut-wamiqa-gabbi-on-maalai-nerathu-mayakkam/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite criticising the film's regressive themes, a critic for ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' labelled Gabbi "a talent to watch out for".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 January 2016 |title='Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam' Review: Partly Good, Partly Regressive |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/Jan/02/maalai-nerathu-mayakkam-review-partly-good-partly-regressive-863779.html |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228035139/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/Jan/02/maalai-nerathu-mayakkam-review-partly-good-partly-regressive-863779.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2017, she debuted into [[Malayalam cinema]] with the sports comedy ''[[Godha (film)|Godha]]'' opposite [[Tovino Thomas]].<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite news |last1=Jayaram |first1=Deepika |date=9 June 2017 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi fondly shares her first picture with Tovino |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/wamiqa-gabbi-fondly-shares-her-first-picture-with-tovino/articleshow/59068644.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306153627/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/wamiqa-gabbi-fondly-shares-her-first-picture-with-tovino/articleshow/59068644.cms |archive-date=6 March 2022 |access-date=19 September 2020 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> To prepare for her role as a Punjabi wrestler, she trained for the sport in [[Amritsar]] and lived with her coach for a month.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=27 January 2017 |title=I was battered and bruised playing a wrestler in Godha: Wamiqa Gabbi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/i-was-battered-and-bruised-playing-a-wrestler-in-godha-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/55272593.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In the film's climactic combat scene, Gabbi sustained physical injuries throughout her entire body.<ref name=":1" /> Her performance was positively received by critics including ''[[Firstpost]]''<nowiki/>'s [[Anna M. M. Vetticad|Anna MM Vetticad]] who described her as "luminous" and appreciated her accurate emulation of a professional wrestler's mannerisms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vetticad |first=Anna MM |date=28 May 2017 |title=Godha movie review: A Malayalam Dangal filled with warmth but lacking muscle |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/godha-movie-review-a-malayalam-dangal-filled-with-warmth-but-lacking-muscle-3489607.html |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Firstpost]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228053318/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/godha-movie-review-a-malayalam-dangal-filled-with-warmth-but-lacking-muscle-3489607.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Godha'' emerged as a [[sleeper hit]] at the box-office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Akhila |date=2 August 2017 |title=Godha Box Office: 75 Days Kerala Collections |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2017/godha-box-office-75-days-kerala-collections-266874.html |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=FilmiBeat |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033545/https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2017/godha-box-office-75-days-kerala-collections-266874.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Gabbi ended the year with the commercially successful Punjabi spiritual sequel ''[[Nikka Zaildar 2]],'' for which she earned her first nomination for Best Actress (Critics) at the [[Filmfare Awards Punjabi|Punjabi Filmfare Awards]]''.''<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite news |date=20 July 2018 |title=Punjabi movie sequels that raised the bar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/photo-stories/punjabi-movie-sequels-that-raised-the-bar/photostory/65071040.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228034717/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/photo-stories/punjabi-movie-sequels-that-raised-the-bar/photostory/65071040.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Winners of the Filmfare Awards Punjabi 2018 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-punjabi-2018/winners |access-date=1 January 2025 |magazine=[[Filmfare]] |archive-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830110015/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-punjabi-2018/winners |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nikka Zaildar 2 Is A HIT |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=3278#:~:text=The%20Punjabi%20film%20Nikka%20Zaildar,do%20around%2010%20crore%20nett. |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Box Office India]] |archive-date=30 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130193945/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=3278#:~:text=The%20Punjabi%20film%20Nikka%20Zaildar,do%20around%2010%20crore%20nett. |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Parahuna]]'' was Gabbi's sole 2018 release.<ref name="Toor">{{Cite web |last=Toor |first=Sangeet |date=29 September 2018 |title=Parahuna Movie Review: Where Laughs Come At The Expense Of Nuance |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/parahuna-movie-review |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Film Companion]]}}</ref>

In 2019, Gabbi had five releases—four of which were Punjabi. She began the year as part of an ensemble that included [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] and [[Mamta Mohandas]] in the Malayalam science fiction film ''[[9 (2019 film)|9]]''. In a mixed review for Film Companion, Neelima Menon wrote that Gabbi was "scintillating as the mysterious stranger".<ref name="Menon">{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Neelima |date=8 February 2019 |title=9: Nine Movie Review: A Sci-fi Film That Comes Into Its Own After It Turns Into A Psychological Thriller |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/9-nine-movie-review-a-sci-fi-film-that-comes-into-its-own-after-it-turns-into-a-psychological-thriller |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Film Companion]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033902/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/9-nine-movie-review-a-sci-fi-film-that-comes-into-its-own-after-it-turns-into-a-psychological-thriller |url-status=live }}</ref> She followed this with the unremarkable Punjabi features ''Nadhoo Khan'' and ''Dil Diyan Gallan''.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite news |date=25 April 2019 |title=Nadhoo Khan: All that you need to know about the period drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/nadhoo-khan-all-that-you-need-to-know-about-the-period-drama/photostory/69036126.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033257/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/nadhoo-khan-all-that-you-need-to-know-about-the-period-drama/photostory/69036126.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite news |date=30 April 2019 |title=Here's how Wamiqa Gabbi is counting down days to 'Dil Diyan Gallan' release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/heres-how-wamiqa-gabbi-is-counting-down-days-to-dil-diyan-gallan-release/articleshow/69114373.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033725/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/heres-how-wamiqa-gabbi-is-counting-down-days-to-dil-diyan-gallan-release/articleshow/69114373.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Gabbi returned to the ''Nikka Zaildar'' franchise for its [[Nikka Zaildar 3|third instalment]], as a struggling poetess caught in a love triangle with [[Ammy Virk]] and Sonia Kaur's characters. Gurnaaz Kaur of ''[[The Tribune (India)|The Tribune]]'' was appreciative of her addition to the film.<ref name="Kaur">{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Gurnaaz |date=21 September 2019 |title=Movie Review - Nikka Zaildar 3: It's laugh riot |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/movie-review/movie-review-nikka-zaildar-3-it-s-laugh-riot-835553 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Tribune]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228232308/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/movie-review/movie-review-nikka-zaildar-3-it-s-laugh-riot-835553 |url-status=live }}</ref> It emerged as a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 September 2019 |title='Nikka Zaildar 3': The Ammy Virk starrer off to a great start at the box office |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/nikka-zaildar-3-the-ammy-virk-starrer-off-to-a-great-start-at-the-box-office/articleshow/71241199.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223165253/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/nikka-zaildar-3-the-ammy-virk-starrer-off-to-a-great-start-at-the-box-office/articleshow/71241199.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Doorbeen''—a drama centred on the illegal drug trade in Punjab—cast Gabbi as the love interest of [[Ninja (singer)|Ninja]]'s character.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |title=Experience comedy & romance with Doorbeen |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/amritsar/experience-comedy-romance-with-doorbeen-838402/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Tribune]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223165252/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/amritsar/experience-comedy-romance-with-doorbeen-838402/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Rise to prominence with streaming projects (2020–present) ===
In ''Galwakdi'' (2020), Gabbi played a free-spirited woman who falls in love with a librarian (played by [[Tarsem Jassar]]) that struggles with [[obsessive–compulsive disorder]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 December 2021 |title='Galwakdi' Trailer: Watch how a strict and boring man Tarsem Jassar falls in love with a carefree girl Wamiqa Gabbi, and then everything changes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/galwakdi-trailer-watch-how-a-strict-and-boring-man-tarsem-jassar-falls-in-love-with-a-carefree-girl-wamiqa-gabbi-and-then-everything-changes/articleshow/88258085.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223172406/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/galwakdi-trailer-watch-how-a-strict-and-boring-man-tarsem-jassar-falls-in-love-with-a-carefree-girl-wamiqa-gabbi-and-then-everything-changes/articleshow/88258085.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, she returned to Hindi cinema after eight years with [[Kabir Khan (director)|Kabir Khan]]'s sports drama ''[[83 (film)|83]]'', starring [[Ranveer Singh]]. She had a supporting role as cricket player [[Madan Lal]]'s wife;<ref name="Rajpal">{{Cite web |last=Rajpal |first=Roktim |date=23 December 2021 |title=Kapil Dev's daughter helped me prepare for my part: Wamiqa Gabbi on playing Madan Lal's wife in '83' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/kapil-devs-daughter-helped-me-prepare-for-my-part-wamiqa-gabbi-on-playing-madan-lals-wife-in-83-1063902.html |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228222917/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/kapil-devs-daughter-helped-me-prepare-for-my-part-wamiqa-gabbi-on-playing-madan-lals-wife-in-83-1063902.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Gabbi acknowledged that her role was brief but chose to sign the film regardless out of admiration for Khan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 January 2022 |title=Exclusive! '83' actor Wamiqa Gabbi on working with Deepika Padukone, Hollywood dreams & more |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-exclusive-83-actor-wamiqa-gabbi-on-working-with-deepika-padukone-hollywood-dreams--more-445166 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[WION]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223172406/https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-exclusive-83-actor-wamiqa-gabbi-on-working-with-deepika-padukone-hollywood-dreams--more-445166 |url-status=live }}</ref> She next made her foray into streaming with the crime drama series ''[[Grahan (2021 TV series)|Grahan]]'', in which she played Manu, a Sikh girl who becomes romantically involved with a Hindu boy (played by [[Anshumaan Pushkar|Anshuman Pushkar]]) during the [[1984 anti-Sikh riots]].'''<ref name="Lifestyle Asia India 2021">{{cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=Grahan real story, series cast & more about the Hotstar Specials show |url=https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/entertainment/real-story-of-grahan-series-cast-based-on-chaurasi-novel-hotstar-specials/ |access-date=26 June 2021 |website=Lifestyle Asia India |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626101914/https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/entertainment/real-story-of-grahan-series-cast-based-on-chaurasi-novel-hotstar-specials/ |url-status=live }}</ref>''' Shweta Keshri of ''[[India Today]]'' wrote that Gabbi and Pushkar "do proper justice while bringing alive the 80s romance to screen", but [[The Quint]]'s Shefali Deshpande bemoaned that Gabbi's "fake freckles and Instagram filter like make up" detracted from the character's authenticity and also criticised the pair's poorly written roles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keshri |first=Shweta |date=24 June 2021 |title=Grahan Review: New Disney+Hotstar series on 1984 anti-Sikh riots is relevant in India today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/grahan-review-new-disney-hotstar-series-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-is-relevant-in-india-today-1818685-2021-06-24 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[India Today]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223173728/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/grahan-review-new-disney-hotstar-series-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-is-relevant-in-india-today-1818685-2021-06-24 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Deshpande |first=Shefali |date=24 June 2021 |title=Review: Though Well Intentioned 'Grahan' Is a Missed Opportunity |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/grahan-show-review-disney-hotstar-zoya-hussain-pawan-malhotra-chaurasi#read-more |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Quint]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228035540/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/grahan-show-review-disney-hotstar-zoya-hussain-pawan-malhotra-chaurasi#read-more |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Wamiqa Gabbi and Sidhant Gupta snapped promoting their show Jubilee (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Gabbi with co-star [[Sidhant Gupta]] promoting ''[[Jubilee (TV series)|Jubilee]]'' in 2023]]
In 2022, Gabbi featured in two series—''[[Mai (TV series)|Mai: A Mother's Rage]]'' and ''[[Modern Love Mumbai]]—'' which were released on to [[Netflix]] and [[Amazon Prime Video]], respectively. In the former, she played a mute girl whose mother (played by [[Sakshi Tanwar]]) investigates the circumstances surrounding her death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desai |first=Rahul |date=15 April 2022 |title=Mai, on Netflix, Is An Imperfect But Potent Portrait of Revenge |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/streaming-reviews/mai-tv-series-review-netflix-sakshi-tanwar-an-imperfect-but-potent-portrait-of-revenge#:~:text=Subtle%20undercurrents%20of%20dissent%20%E2%80%93%20and,listens%20but%20has%20no%20voice. |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Film Companion]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228042951/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/streaming-reviews/mai-tv-series-review-netflix-sakshi-tanwar-an-imperfect-but-potent-portrait-of-revenge#:~:text=Subtle%20undercurrents%20of%20dissent%20%E2%80%93%20and,listens%20but%20has%20no%20voice. |url-status=live }}</ref> Gabbi admitted that the intense role took a significant emotional toll on her, and she often broke down crying after filming several scenes; however, she deemed it essential for the audience to experience such scenes that reflect reality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mai: Wamiqa Gabbi says she 'broke down' while filming Sakshi Tanwar-led Netflix series |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mai-wamiqa-gabbi-says-she-broke-down-while-filming-sakshi-tanwar-led-netflix-series/2fcdf61339578 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223182411/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mai-wamiqa-gabbi-says-she-broke-down-while-filming-sakshi-tanwar-led-netflix-series/2fcdf61339578 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]''{{'s}} [[Shubhra Gupta]] took note of her "eloquent use of sign language".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=15 April 2022 |title=Mai review: Sakshi Tanwar shines in Netflix series |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/mai-review-sakshi-tanwar-raima-sen-7870464/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> In [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]'s segment of the latter anthology series, she essayed a young Gujarati woman navigating her relationship with an [[Chinese people in India|Indo-Chinese]] man (played by [[Meiyang Chang]]).<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 May 2022 |title=Modern Love Mumbai, Mai actor Wamiqa Gabbi calls her acting journey 'magical' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/wamiqa-gabbi-of-modern-love-mumbai-mai-calls-acting-journey-magical-my-characters-helped-me-sort-personal-life-101652376232582.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004212703/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/wamiqa-gabbi-of-modern-love-mumbai-mai-calls-acting-journey-magical-my-characters-helped-me-sort-personal-life-101652376232582.html |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |url-status=live }}</ref> She said she was drawn to exploring a different culture through the character as most of her previous characters did not offer this opportunity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2023 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi on starring in Modern Love Mumbai and Chennai: "Collaborating with visionary filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj and Thiagarajan Kumararaja has been a stroke of luck" |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/wamiqa-gabbi-starring-modern-love-mumbai-chennai-collaborating-visionary-filmmakers-like-vishal-bhardwaj-thiagarajan-kumararaja-stroke-luck/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223185530/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/wamiqa-gabbi-starring-modern-love-mumbai-chennai-collaborating-visionary-filmmakers-like-vishal-bhardwaj-thiagarajan-kumararaja-stroke-luck/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Reception to the series was generally favourable; Anuj Kumar of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote that, "Wamiqa and Chang fit effortlessly into their parts".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=13 May 2022 |title='Modern Love: Mumbai' review: A slam-dunk of an anthology if ever there was one |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/modern-love-mumbai-review-a-slam-dunk-of-an-anthology-if-ever-there-was-one/article65410372.ece |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619162243/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/modern-love-mumbai-review-a-slam-dunk-of-an-anthology-if-ever-there-was-one/article65410372.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

The year 2023 proved to be a [[Breakthrough role|breakthrough]] for Gabbi, during which she appeared in six projects.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Divya J |first=Shekhar |date=4 January 2024 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi's Day In The Spotlight Is Here. And She's Ready For It |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/showstoppers/wamiqa-gabbis-day-in-the-spotlight-is-here-and-shes-ready-for-it/90665/1 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Forbes]] India |archive-date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218173940/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/showstoppers/wamiqa-gabbis-day-in-the-spotlight-is-here-and-shes-ready-for-it/90665/1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Abhimanyu |title=Breakthrough Star of the Year 2023: Wamiqa Gabbi on variety of Jubilee, Khufiya, and connecting with diverse audiences |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-breakthrough-star-of-the-year-2023-wamiqa-gabbi-on-variety-jubilee-khufiya-charlie-chopra-modern-love-chennai-3073016 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[DNA India]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223200818/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-breakthrough-star-of-the-year-2023-wamiqa-gabbi-on-variety-jubilee-khufiya-charlie-chopra-modern-love-chennai-3073016 |url-status=live }}</ref> She started the year in Bhardwaj's ''[[Fursat (film)|Fursat]]'', a short film about a scientist (played by [[Ishaan Khatter]]) who discovers an artefact that transports him to the future. Filming for ''Fursat'' took place on the [[iPhone 14 Pro]] in collaboration with [[Apple Inc.]]<ref>{{cite news |date=3 February 2023 |title=Apple releases Indian-made 'Shot on iPhone' short movie |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/apple-releases-indian-made-shot-on-iphone-short-movie-1187525.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708024759/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/apple-releases-indian-made-shot-on-iphone-short-movie-1187525.html |archive-date=8 July 2023 |access-date=8 July 2023 |work=Deccan Herald}}</ref> Bhardwaj was initially sceptical of Gabbi's dancing abilities and considered simplifying the choreography for her but was impressed by her skills during the first rehearsal.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 February 2023 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi 'impressed' an unsure Vishal Bhardwaj with her effort in 'Fursat' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/wamiqa-gabbi-impressed-an-unsure-vishal-bhardwaj-with-her-effort-in-fursat/articleshow/98235090.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303024127/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/wamiqa-gabbi-impressed-an-unsure-vishal-bhardwaj-with-her-effort-in-fursat/articleshow/98235090.cms |archive-date=3 March 2023 |access-date=21 November 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In preparation, she learnt contemporary dance steps for her role in only nine days due to commitments to other projects.<ref name="filmcompanion.in">{{Cite web |date=10 February 2023 |title=Ishaan Khatter and Wamiqa Gabbi learnt contemporary dance for Fursat |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/ishaan-khatter-and-wamiqa-gabbi-learnt-contemporary-dance-for-fursat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212104032/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/ishaan-khatter-and-wamiqa-gabbi-learnt-contemporary-dance-for-fursat |archive-date=12 February 2023 |access-date=21 November 2024 |website=Film Companion |language=en}}</ref> ''India Today''<nowiki/>'s Roktim Rajpal took note of Gabbi's ability to "convey a lot through silence and expressions" and appreciated her chemistry with Khattar given the duration of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajpal |first=Roktim |date=7 February 2023 |title=Fursat Movie Review: Vishal Bharadwaj's short film, shot on iPhone, is a celebration of his vision |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/fursat-movie-review-vishal-bharadwajs-short-film-shot-on-iphone-is-a-celebration-of-his-vision-2331486-2023-02-07 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[India Today]] |archive-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708225116/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/fursat-movie-review-vishal-bharadwajs-short-film-shot-on-iphone-is-a-celebration-of-his-vision-2331486-2023-02-07 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, reviewers of the film generally felt that the film prioritised showcasing the capabilities of the iPhone at the expense of the script's quality.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lidhoo |first=Prateek |date=8 February 2023 |title=Podcast {{!}} Fursat Review: Can an iPhone Limit Vishal Bharadwaj's Vision? |url=https://www.thequint.com/podcast/fursat-shot-on-iphone-review-vishal-bharadwaj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211043518/https://www.thequint.com/podcast/fursat-shot-on-iphone-review-vishal-bharadwaj |archive-date=11 February 2023 |work=The Quint |access-date=21 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=K. Jha |first=Subhash |date=12 February 2023 |title=Fursat: Eye phone misfire; Vishal Bhardwaj's most incoherent film till date |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/fursat-eye-phone-misfire-vishal-bhardwajs-most-incoherent-film-till-date-12138462.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708025639/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/fursat-eye-phone-misfire-vishal-bhardwajs-most-incoherent-film-till-date-12138462.html |archive-date=8 July 2023 |work=Firstpost |access-date=13 February 2023}}</ref> Gabbi's next release, the Punjabi crime drama ''[[Kali Jotta]]'', premiered within a week of ''Fursat''. She played a lawyer who investigates the disappearance of her former school teacher (played by [[Neeru Bajwa]]). The film was met with critical acclaim upon release;<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite news |title=Kali Jotta Movie Review : Neeru Bajwa's acting prowess and Vijay Kumar Arora's directorial expertise combined to make a heart-wrenching cinematic piece |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movie-reviews/kali-jotta/movie-review/97579684.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=26 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226121122/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movie-reviews/kali-jotta/movie-review/97579684.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Sukhpreet Kahlon of ''The Indian Express'' wrote that Gabbi brought "a carefree exuberance to her performance".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kahlon |first=Sukhpreet |date=4 February 2023 |title=Kali Jotta movie review: Hard-hitting, poignant film that Neeru Bajwa carries on her able shoulders |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kali-jotta-movie-review-neeru-bajwa-8423513/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> ''Kali Jotta'' emerged as a major commercial success, ranking as the [[List of Punjabi films of 2023|third highest-grossing Punjabi film of the year]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Punjabi Film Kalli Jotta Is A BLOCKBUSTER |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7636 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[Box Office India]] |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033947/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7636 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A turning point in Gabbi's career came in [[Vikramaditya Motwane]]'s period series ''[[Jubilee (TV series)|Jubilee]]'', in which she appeared among an ensemble cast.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Farzeen |first=Sana |date=27 August 2024 |title=Aparshakti Khurana: Jubilee helped me break out of 'hero's friend' roles |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/aparshakti-khurana-says-jubilee-helped-him-break-out-of-hero-friend-roles-2588826-2024-08-27 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=[[India Today]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223215530/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/aparshakti-khurana-says-jubilee-helped-him-break-out-of-hero-friend-roles-2588826-2024-08-27 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4" /> Set against the emergence of the Hindi film industry in post-Partition India, she portrayed Niloufer, a headstrong [[courtesan]] with aspirations of becoming an actress.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Wamiqa Gabbi's Day In The Spotlight Is Here. And She's Ready For It |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/showstoppers/wamiqa-gabbis-day-in-the-spotlight-is-here-and-shes-ready-for-it/90665/1 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Forbes India |language=en}}</ref> Motwane cast Gabbi in the role for her understanding of the nuance and emotion required by directors, along with her "gorgeous screen presence".<ref name=":6" /> To prepare for the song "Babuji Bhole Bhale", she drew inspiration from actresses [[Rekha]], [[Priyanka Chopra]] and [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2023 |title='Jubilee': Wamiqa Gabbi reveals she took inspiration from Rekha, Priyanka Chopra for 'Babuji Bhole Bhale' song |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/jubilee-wamiqa-gabbi-reveals-she-took-inspiration-from-rekha-priyanka-chopra-for-babuji-bhole-bhale-song/articleshow/99685951.cms |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223215531/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/jubilee-wamiqa-gabbi-reveals-she-took-inspiration-from-rekha-priyanka-chopra-for-babuji-bhole-bhale-song/articleshow/99685951.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon release on to Amazon Prime Video, ''Jubilee'' received critical acclaim as did Gabbi's performance.<ref name=":5" /> Shilajit Mitra of ''The Hindu'' wrote that "Gabbi cements her reputation as one of the most promising, and frankly stunning actresses of our time", and [[Saibal Chatterjee]] of ''[[NDTV]]'' was particularly impressed with the emotional depth she brought to the character.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mitra |first=Shilajit |date=7 April 2023 |title='Jubilee' series review: A lustrous, long-winded showbiz drama |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jubilee-series-review-a-lustrous-long-winded-showbiz-drama/article66708380.ece |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223215530/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jubilee-series-review-a-lustrous-long-winded-showbiz-drama/article66708380.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |date=7 April 2023 |title=Jubilee Review: A Celebration, Homage And Lament Rolled Into One |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/jubilee-review-a-celebration-homage-and-lament-rolled-into-one-4-5-stars-3927920 |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408070944/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/jubilee-review-a-celebration-homage-and-lament-rolled-into-one-4-5-stars-3927920 |url-status=live }}</ref> Critic Udita Jhunjhunwala observed that while her performances in ''Grahan'', ''Mai: A Mother's Rage'', and ''Modern Love Mumbai'' demonstrated her versatility to a certain extent, it was ''Jubilee'' that truly showcased her capabilities as an actor.<ref name=":3" /> She earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the [[Filmfare OTT Awards]].<ref name=":15">{{Cite magazine |title=Nominations for the Filmfare OTT Awards 2023: Full List Out |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/nominations-for-the-filmfare-ott-awards-2023-full-list-out-279050.html |magazine=Femina |date=23 November 2023 |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=20 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120101244/https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/nominations-for-the-filmfare-ott-awards-2023-full-list-out-279050.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May, Gabbi featured once again in the ''Modern Love'' franchise for its Tamil iteration, ''[[Modern Love Chennai]]''; she cited her aspiration to collaborate with director [[Thiagarajan Kumararaja]] as the primary reason for accepting the project.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 May 2023 |title=I had longed to collaborate with Thiagarajan Kumararaja, says Wamiqa Gabbi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-had-longed-to-collaborate-with-thiagarajan-kumararaja-says-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/100498673.cms |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=24 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224002843/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-had-longed-to-collaborate-with-thiagarajan-kumararaja-says-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/100498673.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> She portrayed a woman tasked with helping her ex-boyfriend (played by PB) recover his memory following a car accident, the segment that ''Firstpost''<nowiki/>'s Bhuvanesh Chandar considered the series' highlight.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandar |first=Bhuvanesh |date=18 May 2023 |title='Modern Love: Chennai' review: Thiagarajan Kumararaja's anthology is a phenomenal assortment of captivating love stories |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/modern-love-chennai-review-thiagarajan-kumararajas-anthology-is-a-phenomenal-assortment-of-captivating-love-stories/article66865826.ece |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518143611/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/modern-love-chennai-review-thiagarajan-kumararajas-anthology-is-a-phenomenal-assortment-of-captivating-love-stories/article66865826.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Wamiqa Gabbi snapped at Kalayanaraman Family’s Navrati 2024 celebrations (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Gabbi in 2024]]
The following month, Gabbi reunited with Bhardwaj for their third collaboration in ''[[Charlie Chopra & the Mystery of Solang Valley]]'', a thriller series adapted from [[Agatha Christie]]'s ''[[The Sittaford Mystery]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vishal Bhardwaj drops surprise first episode from his new web series adapted from Agatha Christie's novel |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/vishal-bhardwaj-agatha-christies-the-sittaford-mystery-web-series-101688112294118.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630090927/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/vishal-bhardwaj-agatha-christies-the-sittaford-mystery-web-series-101688112294118.html |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=30 June 2023 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Based on the character of Trefusis, Gabbi played a detective who attempts to prove the innocence of her fiancé (played by [[Vivaan Shah]]) in the murder of his uncle, a role she described as "my most ambitious yet" and spent two months preparing for.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2023 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi talks about playing Detective in her upcoming streaming show Charlie Chopra |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/wamiqa-gabbi-talks-about-playing-detective-in-her-upcoming-streaming-show-charlie-chopra |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[Film Companion]] |archive-date=21 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721033819/https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/wamiqa-gabbi-talks-about-playing-detective-in-her-upcoming-streaming-show-charlie-chopra |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Kaushal |first=Sweta |date=27 September 2023 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi felt so underconfident after moving to Bombay, she decided to quit acting |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/wamiqa-gabbi-charlie-chopra-exclusive-interview-101695722055450.html#:~:text=Milestones%20of%20Wamiqa's%20career,gave%20me%20so%20much%20love.%E2%80%9D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228085054/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/wamiqa-gabbi-charlie-chopra-exclusive-interview-101695722055450.html#:~:text=Milestones%20of%20Wamiqa's%20career,gave%20me%20so%20much%20love.%E2%80%9D |archive-date=28 December 2023 |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |url-status=live }}</ref> The series also required her to break the [[fourth wall]], a technique which she modelled after [[Phoebe Waller-Bridge]]'s character in ''[[Fleabag]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=Did you know Wamiqa Gabbi took inspiration from Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Charlie Chopra? |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-you-know-wamiqa-gabbi-took-inspiration-from-pheone-waller-bridge-for-charlie-chopra-639379 |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[WION]] |archive-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223200818/https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-you-know-wamiqa-gabbi-took-inspiration-from-pheone-waller-bridge-for-charlie-chopra-639379 |url-status=live }}</ref> Citing the series as one of Bhardwaj's weaker projects, [[Mashable]] India's Sanyukta Thakare thought that the weak writing had constrained Gabbi's performance, but still felt that she "showed great promise in deep emotional moments".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakare |first=Sanyukta |date=27 September 2023 |title=Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley Review: Agathe Christie's Adaptation Is Slow Paced And Bland |url=https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/60949/charlie-chopra-the-mystery-of-solang-valley-review-agathe-christies-adaptation-is-slow-paced-and-bla |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[Mashable]] India |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228041737/https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/60949/charlie-chopra-the-mystery-of-solang-valley-review-agathe-christies-adaptation-is-slow-paced-and-bla |url-status=live }}</ref>

She gained further attention for her role in Bhardwaj's spy thriller ''[[Khufiya]]'' co-starring [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]] and [[Ali Fazal]].<ref name=":3" /> When casting Gabbi for the film, Bhardwaj recalled her audition for his shelved adaptation of ''[[Midnight's Children]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pardiwalla |first=Tanzim |date=3 October 2023 |title=Exclusive: Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi breakdown Khufiya, a regular day on a Vishal Bhardwaj set & more {{!}} Filmfare.com |url=https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/exclusive-ali-fazal-wamiqa-gabbi-breakdown-khufiya-a-regular-day-on-a-vishal-bhardwaj-set-more-61622.html |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref> In a mixed review of the film, [[WION]]'s Shomini Sen praised Gabbi for holding her own in the presence of Tabu and Fazal, despite being a relatively new actor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Shomini |date=5 October 2023 |title=Khufiya review: Tabu, Ali Fazal's film is not your usual espionage thriller |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-khufiya-review-tabu-ali-fazals-film-is-not-your-usual-espionage-thriller-642833 |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[WION]] |archive-date=24 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224023426/https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-khufiya-review-tabu-ali-fazals-film-is-not-your-usual-espionage-thriller-642833 |url-status=live }}</ref> She earned her first award for Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film at the [[Filmfare OTT Awards]] and earned an additional nomination for Best Actress at the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1 December 2024 |title=Winners of the Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024: Full List Out |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-danube-properties-filmfare-ott-awards-2024-full-list-out-69977.html |access-date=2 December 2024 |magazine=Filmfare |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202110824/https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-danube-properties-filmfare-ott-awards-2024-full-list-out-69977.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Describing her frequent collaborations with Bhardwaj, she called it a "privilege" to work with him and revealed that he instilled confidence in her as an actor at a time when she considered quitting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fatima |first=Syeda Eba |date=10 June 2023 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi on working with Vishal Bhardwaj on four projects: Getting validated by him boosted my confidence |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/wamiqa-gabbi-on-working-with-vishal-bhardwaj-on-four-projects-getting-validated-by-him-boosted-my-confidence-101686421647178.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616205740/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/wamiqa-gabbi-on-working-with-vishal-bhardwaj-on-four-projects-getting-validated-by-him-boosted-my-confidence-101686421647178-amp.html |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |url-status=live }}</ref>

Gabbi next featured in the Hindi action film ''[[Baby John (film)|Baby John]]'' (2024) starring [[Varun Dhawan]] in the title role. She was initially hesitant in accepting the role as it was her first time doing action sequences.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anand |first=Akriti |date=19 December 2024 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi Admits Feeling Nervous While Shooting Action Scenes For Baby John: 'Never Done It' {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/wamiqa-gabbi-admits-feeling-nervous-while-shooting-action-scenes-for-baby-john-ive-never-done-it-9162129.html#google_vignette |work=News18 |access-date=25 December 2024 |archive-date=26 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226134804/https://www.news18.com/movies/wamiqa-gabbi-admits-feeling-nervous-while-shooting-action-scenes-for-baby-john-ive-never-done-it-9162129.html#google_vignette |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sukanya Verma]] of [[Rediff.com]] bemoaned that "the charismatic Wamiqa Gabbi is wasted" in a poorly written role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=25 December 2024 |title=Baby John Review: Stale Vibes|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/baby-john-review/20241225.htm |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> It failed to recoup its estimated {{INRConvert|1.8|b}} investment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rawal |first=Sugandha |date=27 December 2024 |title=Baby John box office collection day 3: Varun Dhawan film fails to sustain opening day momentum |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/baby-john-box-office-collection-day-3-varun-dhawan-film-fails-to-sustain-opening-day-momentum-101735312510105.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The following year, Gabbi starred opposite [[Rajkummar Rao]] in the fantasy film ''[[Bhool Chuk Maaf]]'', about a man who is stuck in a time loop on his wedding day. The film faced several delays in its release due to the [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict]] and issues between distributers.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bhool Chuk Maaf goes direct-to-OTT on May 16 amid "heightened security drills across the nation" |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/bhool-chuk-maaf-goes-direct-ott-may-16-amid-heightened-security-drills-across-nation/ |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=8 May 2025 |access-date=8 May 2025}}</ref> In a scathing review of the film for [[Scroll.in]], Nandini Ramnath wrote that Gabbi was "a misfire as the sometimes coquettish, sometimes feisty, and all-times grating Titli".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=23 May 2025 |title='Bhool Chuk Maaf' review: Comedy traps both its hero and viewers in an unending time loop |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1082019/bhool-chuk-maaf-review-comedy-traps-both-its-hero-and-viewers-in-an-unending-time-loop |work=Scroll.in |access-date=23 May 2025}}</ref> Against expectations, ''Bhool Chuk Maaf'' emerged as a successful financial venture.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Bhool Chuk Maaf' becomes the 5th biggest hit of Rajkummar Rao's career, surpassing 'Mr. & Mrs. Mahi' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/bhool-chuk-maaf-becomes-the-5th-biggest-hit-of-rajkummar-raos-career-surpassing-mr-mrs-mahi/articleshow/121454819.cms |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |date=29 May 2025 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref>

==== Upcoming projects ====
Gabbi has several upcoming projects across multiple languages. In Tamil cinema, she will star in the fantasy film ''Genie'' alongside [[Jayam Ravi]] and the romance ''Iravaakaalam'' opposite [[S. J. Suryah|S.J. Suryah]], which has been completed since 2018 but is yet to be picked up for distribution.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":13" /> In Punjabi, she will appear in the romantic drama ''Kikli'' with [[Mandy Takhar]] and [[Jobanpreet Singh]]. In Malayalam, she will appear in the action film ''Tiki Taka'' alongside [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]].<ref name=":9" /> In Telugu, she will feature in the spy thriller ''[[G2 (film)|G2]]'' with [[Adivi Sesh]] and [[Emraan Hashmi]].<ref name=":0" /> She also has multiple Hindi projects in [[Vikas Bahl]]'s comedy ''Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling'' with [[Jaya Bachchan]] and [[Siddhant Chaturvedi]], the horror-comedy ''[[Bhooth Bangla]]'' alongside [[Akshay Kumar]] and Tabu and the romantic comedy ''Pati Patni Aur Woh Do'' starring [[Ayushmann Khurrana]] and [[Sara Ali Khan]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Wamiqa Gabbi Teases Audience With A Glimpse, As She Begins Shooting For Akshay Kumar's Bhoot Bangla |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/wamiqa-gabbi-begins-shooting-for-akshay-kumar-039s-bhoot-bangla-7440558 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=10 January 2025 |access-date=21 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bhool Chuk Maaf teaser: Rajkummar Rao is a dulha who gets trapped in a time loop |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhool-chuk-maaf-teaser-rajkummar-rao-is-a-dulha-who-gets-trapped-in-a-time-loop-9842308/ |work=The Indian Express |date=18 February 2025 |access-date=18 February 2025}}</ref> Additionally, she will feature in [[Raj & DK]]'s Netflix fantasy miniseries ''Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom'' alongside [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]], [[Aditya Roy Kapur]], and Ali Fazal.<ref name=":11" /> She is currently shooting for a film opposite actor [[Bhuvan Bam]], titled ''Kuku Ki Kundali''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2025|title=YouTuber Bhuvan Bam teams up with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for a new project|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/youtuber-bhuvan-bam-teams-up-with-karan-johars-dharma-productions-for-a-new-project/cid/2129651|access-date=January 3, 2026|website=[[Telegraph India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-16|title=Wamiqa Gabbi joins Bhuvan Bam in Lucknow for ‘Kuku Ki Kundali’; auto shoot video goes viral|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/wamiqa-gabbi-joins-bhuvan-bam-in-lucknow-for-kuku-ki-kundali-auto-shoot-video-goes-viral/articleshow/128433985.cms|access-date=2026-02-22|work=[[The Times of India]]|issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Filmography==

{{Pending films key}}

=== Films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Language
! Notes
! Ref.
|-
| 2007 ||''[[Jab We Met]]''|| Geet's and Roop's cousin || rowspan="5" | [[Hindi]]
| ||<ref name=":02"/>
|-
| 2009 ||''[[Love Aaj Kal (2009 film)|Love Aaj Kal]]''||
| || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakrtaborty |first1=Juhi |title=Grahan actor Wamiqa Gabbi: People can be on top of their career and still be depressed |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/grahan-actor-wamiqa-gabbi-people-can-be-on-top-of-their-career-and-still-be-depressed-101626980221513.html |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424101919/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/grahan-actor-wamiqa-gabbi-people-can-be-on-top-of-their-career-and-still-be-depressed-101626980221513.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2011 ||''[[Mausam (2011 film)|Mausam]]''||Lala Durgadas's daughter
| || <ref>{{cite news |title=I always wanted to be an actress: Wamiqa Gabbi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/i-always-wanted-to-be-an-actress-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/21399928.cms |access-date=15 October 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=22 January 2017 |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306152114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/i-always-wanted-to-be-an-actress-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/21399928.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2012 ||''[[Bittoo Boss]]''||Mrinalini's sister
| ||<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2017 |title=I always wanted to be an actress: Wamiqa Gabbi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/i-always-wanted-to-be-an-actress-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/21399928.cms |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306152114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/i-always-wanted-to-be-an-actress-wamiqa-gabbi/articleshow/21399928.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2013 ||''[[Sixteen (2013 Indian film)|Sixteen]]''||Tanisha
| ||<ref name="Sharma"/>
|-
| ''[[Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22]]''||Nikky|| rowspan="3" |[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| ||''<ref name="CinePunjab.com2"/>''
|-
| 2014 ||''[[Ishq Brandy]]''|| Kimmi
| ||
|-
| rowspan="2" |2015 || ''Ishq Haazir Hai'' || Simar
| ||<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 January 2017 |title=Diljit Dosanjh & Wamiqa Gabbi to release Ishq Haazir Hai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/music/diljit-dosanjh-wamiqa-gabbi-to-release-ishq-haazir-hai/articleshow/46174995.cms |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228034504/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/music/diljit-dosanjh-wamiqa-gabbi-to-release-ishq-haazir-hai/articleshow/46174995.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Bhale Manchi Roju]]''|| Sitha ||[[Telugu language|Telugu]]|| rowspan="3" | credited as Wamiqa
||<ref name="Jonnalagedda"/>
|-
| 2016 ||''[[Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam]]''|| Manoja ||[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
||<ref name="indianexpress.com"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017 ||''[[Godha (film)|Godha]]''|| Adithi Singh ||[[Malayalam]]
||<ref name="The Times of India"/>
|-
| ''[[Nikka Zaildar 2]]''|| Saawan Kaur || rowspan="2" |Punjabi
| ||<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>
|-
| 2018||''[[Parahuna]]''|| Maano
| ||<ref name="Toor"/>
|-
| rowspan="5" |2019||''[[Nine (2018 film)|Nine]]''|| Eva ||Malayalam
| ||<ref name="Menon"/>
|-
| ''Nadhoo Khan''|| || rowspan="5" |Punjabi
| ||<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
|-
| ''Dil Diyan Gallan''||Natasha
| ||<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
|-
| ''[[Nikka Zaildar 3]]''|| Palpreet
| ||<ref name="Kaur"/>
|-
| ''Doorbeen''||
| ||<ref name=":22"/>
|-
|rowspan=1|2020||''Galwakdi''|| Amberdeep Kaur
| ||<ref>{{cite news |title=Galwakdi: Tarsem Jassar and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer gets a release date |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/galwakdi-tarsem-jassar-and-wamiqa-gabbi-starrer-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/72003572.cms |access-date=3 March 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=11 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402004152/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/galwakdi-tarsem-jassar-and-wamiqa-gabbi-starrer-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/72003572.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2021
|''[[83 (film)|83]]''|| Annu Lal || rowspan="2" | Hindi
| ||<ref name="Rajpal"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" |2023
|''[[Fursat (film)|Fursat]]''
|Diya Srivastav
|Short film
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fursat Movie Review: Vishal Bhardwaj's Musical Shot On iPhone Weaves A Magical Drama |url=https://www.ekwanderingastronome.com/2023/02/fursat-movie-review-bollywood-movies.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210172634/https://www.ekwanderingastronome.com/2023/02/fursat-movie-review-bollywood-movies.html |archive-date=10 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Kali Jotta (2023 film)|Kali Jotta]]''
|Anant
|Punjabi
|
|<ref name="ReferenceC"/>
|-
|''[[Khufiya]]''|| Charu Ravi Mohan
| rowspan="1" | Hindi
| ||<ref>{{cite news |title=Tabu and Ali Fazal to fly to Canada for the final schedule of Vishal Bharadwaj's Khufiya |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/tabu-ali-fazal-fly-canada-final-schedule-vishal-bharadwajs-khufiya/ |access-date=16 May 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=31 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502170755/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/tabu-ali-fazal-fly-canada-final-schedule-vishal-bharadwajs-khufiya/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2024
| ''Tabaah''
| Raavi
| Punjabi
|
|
|-
| ''[[Baby John (film)|Baby John]]''
| Tara / Adhira Verman
| rowspan="4"| Hindi
|
| <ref>{{Cite news |title=Watch: Varun Dhawan starts shooting for VD18, spotted with Atlee on the sets |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/varun-dhawan-begins-shooting-for-vd18-spotted-with-atlee-on-the-sets/articleshow/102591234.cms |work=The Times of India |date=10 August 2023 |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005161758/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/varun-dhawan-begins-shooting-for-vd18-spotted-with-atlee-on-the-sets/articleshow/102591234.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="1"|2025
| ''[[Bhool Chuk Maaf]]''
| Titli Mishra
|
| <ref>{{Cite web|last=Seta|first=Fenil|title=Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf to release on April 10; clash with Sunny Deol-starrer Jaat|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/breaking-rajkummar-rao-wamiqa-gabbi-starrer-bhool-chuk-maaf-release-april-10-clash-sunny-deol-starrer-jaat/|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=14 February 2025|access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="11" | 2026
| {{pending film|[[Bhooth Bangla]]}}
| {{TableTBA}}
| Completed
| <ref>{{cite news|title=Wamiqa Gabbi Teases Audience With A Glimpse, As She Begins Shooting For Akshay Kumar's Bhoot Bangla|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/wamiqa-gabbi-begins-shooting-for-akshay-kumar-039s-bhoot-bangla-7440558|work=NDTV|date=10 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-date=14 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114185427/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/wamiqa-gabbi-begins-shooting-for-akshay-kumar-039s-bhoot-bangla-7440558|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Pati Patni Aur Woh Do}}
| {{TableTBA}}
| Filming
| <ref>{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Kashvi Raj |date=30 August 2025 |title=Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 Fight: Ayushmann Khurrana Shares First Post Since Locals Assaulted Crew |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/patni-patni-aur-woh-2-fight-ayushmann-khurrana-shares-first-post-since-locals-assaulted-crew-ws-l-9537968.html |work=News 18 |access-date=4 September 2025}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|[[G2 (film)|G2]]}}
| Mahalakshmi Naagin
| Telugu
| rowspan="2" | Filming
| <ref name=":0">{{cite magazine |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |date=7 January 2025 |title=Adivi Sesh Joined by Wamiqa Gabbi in Indian Spy Thriller Sequel 'G2' |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/adivi-sesh-wamiqa-gabbi-g2-goodachari-1236266792/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=7 January 2025 |archive-date=7 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107144534/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/adivi-sesh-wamiqa-gabbi-g2-goodachari-1236266792/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|DC}}
| Chandra
| Tamil
| <ref>{{Cite news |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj-Arun Matheswaran project titled DC; Wamiqa Gabbi to also star |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Nov/01/lokesh-kanagaraj-arun-matheswaran-project-titled-dc-wamiqa-gabbi-to-also-star |work=Cinema Express |date=1 November 2025 |access-date=2 November 2025}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Tiki Taka}}
| {{TableTBA}}
| Malayalam
| rowspan="3" | Completed
| <ref name=":14">{{cite news |title=Malayalam Actor Asif Ali Injured While Practicing Stunts For His Next |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/malayalam-actor-asif-ali-injured-while-practicing-stunts-for-his-next-8675288.html |work=News18 |date=24 November 2023 |access-date=27 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Kikli}}
| {{TableTBA}}
| Punjabi
|<ref name=":9">{{cite news |title=It's a wrap for Mandy Takhar's debut production 'Kikli' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mandy-takhars-debut-production-kikli/articleshow/79964018.cms |access-date=8 July 2023 |work=The Times of India |date=26 December 2020 |archive-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708154630/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mandy-takhars-debut-production-kikli/articleshow/79964018.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Iravaakaalam}}
| rowspan="4" |{{TableTBA}}
| rowspan="2" | Tamil
|<ref name=":13">{{cite news |last1=Subhakeerthana |first1=S. |title=It's a wrap for Iravaakaalam |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/tamil/2018/Jan/16/its-a-wrap-for-iravaakaalam-1755448.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=17 January 2018 |access-date=27 December 2024 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228033710/https://www.newindianexpress.com/tamil/2018/Jan/16/its-a-wrap-for-iravaakaalam-1755448.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Genie}}
| rowspan="4" |Filming
| <ref name=":8">{{Cite news |title=Kalyani Priyadarshan excited about being part of 'Genie' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalyani-priyadarshan-excited-about-being-part-of-genie/articleshow/101537388.cms |work=The Times of India |date=6 July 2023 |access-date=7 July 2023 |archive-date=6 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706092221/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalyani-priyadarshan-excited-about-being-part-of-genie/articleshow/101537388.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling}}
| rowspan="2" | Hindi
|<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|title=Jaya Bachchan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Wamiqa Gabbi come together for Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/jaya-bachchan-siddhant-chaturvedi-wamiqa-gabbi-come-together-dil-ka-darwaaza-khol-na-darling/|work=Bollywood Hungama|date=14 November 2024|access-date=15 November 2024|archive-date=15 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115005846/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/jaya-bachchan-siddhant-chaturvedi-wamiqa-gabbi-come-together-dil-ka-darwaaza-khol-na-darling/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{pending film|Kuku Ki Kundli}}
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saxena |first=Deep |date=12 February 2026 |title=Bhuvan Bam shoots for Bollywood debut film Kuku Ki Kundli in Lucknow; Wamiqa Gabbi to join the cast |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/exclusive-bhuvan-bam-shoots-for-bollywood-debut-film-kuku-ki-kundli-in-lucknow-wamiqa-gabbi-to-join-the-cast-101770810817493.html |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=12 February 2026}}</ref>
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role
!Language!! class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2021 || ''[[Grahan (TV Series)|Grahan]]'' || List of Grahan characters#Manjeet Chhabbra|Manjeet Kaur Chhabra / Manu
| rowspan="4" |Hindi|| <ref>{{cite news |title=Hotstar Specials' series 'Grahan' to premiere on June 24 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/jun/12/hotstar-specials-series-grahan-to-premiere-on-june-24-2314942.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=12 June 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626101217/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/jun/12/hotstar-specials-series-grahan-to-premiere-on-june-24-2314942.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2022 || ''[[Mai (TV series)|Mai: A Mother's Rage]]'' || Supriya Chaudhary ||<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farzeen |first=Sana |date=12 April 2022 |title=Here's what Sakshi Tanwar has to say about Mai being compared to Sridevi's Mom, Raveena Tandon's Maatr |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/heres-what-sakshi-tanwar-has-to-say-on-mai-being-compared-to-sridevis-mom-and-raveena-tandons-maatr-7864083/ |access-date=23 April 2022 |work=The Indian Express |archive-date=23 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423093116/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/heres-what-sakshi-tanwar-has-to-say-on-mai-being-compared-to-sridevis-mom-and-raveena-tandons-maatr-7864083/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Modern Love Mumbai]]'' || Megha || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Narain |first1=Yatamanyu |title=Wamiqa Gabbi Calls It A 'Stroke Of Luck' On Being Part Of Modern Love Mumbai And Modern Love Chennai |url=https://www.news18.com/entertainment/webseries/wamiqa-gabbi-calls-it-a-stroke-of-luck-on-being-part-of-modern-love-mumbai-and-modern-love-chennai-7912855.html |access-date=13 June 2023 |work=News18 |date=25 May 2023 |language=en |archive-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613175637/https://www.news18.com/entertainment/webseries/wamiqa-gabbi-calls-it-a-stroke-of-luck-on-being-part-of-modern-love-mumbai-and-modern-love-chennai-7912855.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" |2023
|''[[Jubilee (TV series)|Jubilee]]''
|Nilofer Qureshi
| <ref>{{cite news |title=Aparshakti Khurana, Aditi Rao Hydari's web series 'Jubilee' trailer out now |url=https://theprint.in/feature/aparshakti-khurana-aditi-rao-hydaris-web-series-jubilee-trailer-out-now/1469709/ |access-date=13 June 2023 |work=ThePrint |agency=ANI |date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613181045/https://theprint.in/feature/aparshakti-khurana-aditi-rao-hydaris-web-series-jubilee-trailer-out-now/1469709/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Modern Love Chennai]]'' || Sam
|Tamil|| <ref>{{cite magazine |last=PTI |date=8 May 2023 |title=Modern Love Chennai to premiere on Prime Video on May 18. See poster |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/modern-love-chennai-to-premiere-on-prime-video-on-may-18-see-poster-2376338-2023-05-08 |archive-date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517090759/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/modern-love-chennai-to-premiere-on-prime-video-on-may-18-see-poster-2376338-2023-05-08 |url-status=live |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Charlie Chopra & the Mystery of Solang Valley]]'' || Charlie Chopra
| rowspan="2"|Hindi||<ref>{{cite magazine |title=It's a wrap for Vishal Bhardwaj's Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/news/2023/may/02/its-a-wrap-for-vishal-bhardwajs-charlie-chopra--the-mystery-of-solang-valley-42944.html |magazine=Cinema Express |date=2 May 2023 |access-date=30 June 2023 |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630112540/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/news/2023/may/02/its-a-wrap-for-vishal-bhardwajs-charlie-chopra--the-mystery-of-solang-valley-42944.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| TBA
| {{pending series|[[Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom]]}}
| {{TableTBA}}
|<ref name=":11">{{cite news |last=Yadav |first=Monica |date=17 September 2024 |title=Wamiqa Gabbi kicks off shoot for Raj & DK's action-fantasy series Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-wamiqa-gabbi-kicks-off-shoot-raj-dks-action-fantasy-series-rakt-bramhand-bloody-kingdom/ |work=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=21 December 2024 |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220172808/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-wamiqa-gabbi-kicks-off-shoot-raj-dks-action-fantasy-series-rakt-bramhand-bloody-kingdom/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

=== Music video appearances ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Song
!Language(s)
!Singer
!{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017
|"Manak Di Kali"
| rowspan="7" |Punjabi
|[[Ranjit Bawa]]
|
|-
|"Angreji Wali Madam"
|[[Kulwinder Billa]], [[Shipra Goyal]]
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |2018
|"Teri Khaamiyan"
|[[Akhil (singer)|Akhil]]
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2018 |title=Teri Khaamiyan: Akhil's latest soft melody is out |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/music/teri-khaamiyan-akhils-latest-soft-melody-is-out/articleshow/66283950.cms |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130041616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/music/teri-khaamiyan-akhils-latest-soft-melody-is-out/articleshow/66283950.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|"100 Percent"
|[[Garry Sandhu]]
|
|-
|2020
|"Kajla"
|[[Tarsem Jassar]]
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 August 2020 |title=Tarsem Jassar's 'Kajla' ft. Wamiqa Gabbi is a perfect way to start an early weekend |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/music/tarsem-jassars-kajla-ft-wamiqa-gabbi-is-a-perfect-way-to-start-an-early-weekend/articleshow/77409426.cms |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2021
|"Kade Kade"
|[[Ammy Virk]]
|{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}
|-
|"Tere Laare"
|[[Afsana Khan]], [[Amrit Maan]]
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 July 2021 |title=The pain of treachery is portrayed beautifully in Afsana Khan's 'Tere Laare' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/music/the-pain-of-treachery-is-portrayed-beautifully-in-afsana-khans-tere-laare/articleshow/84259619.cms |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|2024
|"Ittefaq"
|Hindi
|[[Siddhant Chaturvedi]], OAFF, Savera
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=12 June 2024 |title=Siddhanth Chaturvedi releases his first single 'Ittefaq,' starring Wamiqa |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/music/story/siddhanth-chaturvedi-releases-his-first-single-ittefaq-starring-wamiqa-gabbi-2552357-2024-06-12 |access-date=12 June 2024 |magazine=India Today}}</ref>
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Work
!Result
!Ref.
|-
|2018
|[[Filmfare Awards Punjabi]]
|Best Actress (Critics)
|''[[Nikka Zaildar 2]]''
|{{nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Winners of the Filmfare Awards Punjabi 2018 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-punjabi-2018/winners |magazine=[[Filmfare]] |access-date=1 January 2025 |archive-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830110015/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-punjabi-2018/winners |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2023
| rowspan="3" |[[Filmfare OTT Awards]]
|Best Actress in a Drama Series
|''[[Jubilee (TV series)|Jubilee]]''
|{{nom}}
|<ref name=":15" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |2024
| Best Actress in a Web Original Film
| rowspan="2" |''[[Khufiya]]''
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Winners of the Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024: Full List Out |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-danube-properties-filmfare-ott-awards-2024-full-list-out-69977.html |magazine=Filmfare |date=1 December 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202110824/https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-danube-properties-filmfare-ott-awards-2024-full-list-out-69977.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film
|{{won}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|id=3844346}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama person|wamiqa-gabbi}}
* {{Facebook|WamiqaGabbiOfficial}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gabbi, Wamiqa}}
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Indian television actresses]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Actresses from Chandigarh]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Punjabi cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Malayalam cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi television]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil television]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]

Woh

2026-03-17T03:36:04Z

Shuvro: creating a info!

{{Short description|Indian horror series}}
{{about||the 2013 TV series|Woh (Pakistani TV series)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox television
| image = WohLogo.jpg
| caption =
| native_name =
| genre = {{ubl|[[Horror fiction|Horror]]|[[Thriller (genre)|Thriller]]}}
| based_on = ''[[It (novel)|It]]'' by [[Stephen King]]
| director = {{ubl|Glen Baretto|Ankush Mohla}}
| starring = [[Woh#Cast|See below]]
| open_theme = [[Raju Singh]]
| end_theme = [[Uttank Vora]]
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 52
| producer = {{ubl|Noshir Desai|Bharat Sunder}}
| editor = Steven Bernard
| cinematography = Deepak Malwankar
| camera = [[Multi-camera]]
| runtime = 25 minutes
| company = United Studios Ltd
| budget = $2.3 million
| network = [[Zee TV]]
| first_aired = {{start date|1998|1|4|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1998|12|27|df=y}}
| related = ''[[It (miniseries)|It]]''
}}
'''''Woh''''' ({{Langx|hi|वो}}, {{transliteration|hi|ISO|Vo}}, [[Literal translation|lit]]. ''that one'') is a 52-episode Indian [[horror thriller]] television series which aired on [[Zee TV]] in 1998. The series starred Indian film director [[Ashutosh Gowarikar]], and [[dwarfism|dwarf]] actor [[Lilliput (actor)|Lilliput]] in the title role. It is a [[Hindi language|Hindi-language]] TV show adaptation of [[Stephen King]]'s epic horror novel ''[[It (novel)|It]]''.

==Plot==
Seven teenagers Ashutosh, Raja, Julie, Shiva, Ronnie, Sanjeev and Rahul battle an [[Demon|evil force]] that takes the form of a [[clown]] called [[Pennywise|Woh]] who kidnaps children, and free the town of [[Panchgani]] of his evil influence. They promise to return, if Woh ever returns. Fifteen years after they part ways, Ashutosh starts seeing balloons, at places where children are being kidnapped. He immediately recognises that Woh has returned and calls his friends to return.

All the friends return except Sanjeev who gets killed by Woh. The day they realise this, the police take the friends into custody, and they narrate how they battled Woh with the help of Samidha fifteen years ago. The police believe them and release them. They go and meet Samidha and she joins their group. They battle Woh with difficulty. That same day Ashutosh learns his wife is pregnant and Raja proposes to Samidha. All the friends return to their normal lives.

Bad omens occur during the birth of Ashutosh's child Siddharth. His doctor and Ashutosh's wife's aunt are mysteriously killed. Ashutosh's friends arrive for Siddharth's seventh birthday, and realise Woh has returned as Siddharth. They go to the same caves and discover from ''Woh''<nowiki/>'s mother that he was her son, who was bullied by society because of his [[dwarfism]]. He killed himself and became a vengeful ghost. The friends convince him to leave Siddharth's body and help him attain salvation. Siddharth is saved and the story ends on a happy note.

==Cast==
* [[Lilliput (actor)|Lilliput]] as [[Pennywise|Vikram / Woh]]
* [[Ashutosh Gowarikar]] as Ashutosh Dhar
** [[Shreyas Talpade]] as Young Ashutosh Dhar
* [[Mamik Singh]] as Rahul Sahni
* [[Nasirr Khan]] as Raja
** Ankur Javeri as Young Raja
* Anupam Bhattacharya as Sanjeev
** Parag Nair as Young Sanjeev
* [[Amit Mistry]] as Ronnie Batliwala
** Sumeet Goradia as Young Ronnie Batliwala
* Seema Shetty as Julie
** Namrata Gaur as Young Julie
* Ankush Mohla as Shiva
** Adesh Rathi as Young Shiva
* [[Sulabha Deshpande]] as the mother of Vikram / Woh

==Development==
''Woh'' was created by Ankush Mohla and Glen Barreto, neither of whom had read the original novel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sequeira |first=Gayle |date=2019-09-16 |title=How Two Men Pulled Off A 52-Episode Indian Adaptation Of Stephen King’s It… Without Reading A Single Page |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/hollywood-features/how-two-men-pulled-off-a-52-episode-indian-adaptation-of-stephen-kings-it-without-reading-a-single-page/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}</ref> The show is loosely based on the American [[miniseries]] [[It (miniseries)|''It'']], with major plot points matching. However, ''Woh'' took creative liberties and added many elements that were not in the original novel or the miniseries, such as Woh's backstory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Michael |date=2020-05-27 |title=IT: The Second TV Adaptation You've Never Seen Explained |url=https://screenrant.com/it-hindi-version-tv-show-explained/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> As Indian audiences were unfamiliar with the source material, the show did not gain much popularity and only ran for one season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallimore |first=Joe |date=2017-09-04 |title=Did You Know There Was an Indian TV Series Based on 1990’s “IT”? |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3456164/it-know-indian-tv-series-based-1990s/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Bloody Disgusting! |language=en-US}}</ref> The show had a low budget and did not make use of special effects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seibold |first=Witney |date=2023-07-12 |title=Stephen King's It Was Once Adapted As A 52-Episode TV Series – In India |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1333922/stephen-king-it-once-adapted-52-episode-tv-series-india-woh/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Hindi horror shows]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|7396230}}

{{Stephen King's It}}
{{Media based on Stephen King works}}

[[Category:1998 Indian television series debuts]]
[[Category:Indian horror fiction television series]]
[[Category:It (novel)]]
[[Category:Television shows based on works by Stephen King]]
[[Category:Zee TV original programming]]

Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation

2026-03-06T03:04:55Z

Shuvro: Created page - done

{{Short description|Electronics Development in Bihar}}
{{Advert|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (BELTRON)
| logo =
| logo_size = 100
| former_name =
| type = Statutory board
| foundation = 2010
| defunct =
| location = Beltron Bhawan, Baldev Bhawan Rd, Shastri Nagar, [[Patna]], India<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/news/lathicharge-on-computer-operators-in-beltron-bhawan-patna-computer-operators-protest-for-joining-letter-128101249.html|title=मांगा नियुक्ति पत्र, मिलीं लाठियां:पटना में बेल्ट्रॉन भवन के पास कंप्यूटर ऑपरेटरों को पुलिस ने दौड़ा-दौड़ा कर पीटा}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/patna/news/candidates-who-had-given-beltron-office-access-exam-were-protesting-and-gheraoing-many-youths-got-hurt-129928817.html|title=नौकरी मांगने पहुंचे अभ्यर्थियों पर पुलिस ने चटकाई लाठियां:बेल्ट्रॉन ऑफिस पहुंच एग्जाम दे चुके कैंडिडेट्स कर रहे थे प्रदर्शन, 7 को पुलिस ने किया डिटेन}}</ref>
| area_served = [[Bihar]]
| industry =
| products =
| key_people = Santosh Kumar Mall (Managing Director)
| parent = IT Department, [[Government of Bihar]]
| num_employees = 14,850 (2022)
| homepage = {{URL|https://bsedc.bihar.gov.in/}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/bihar-beltron-jobs-fraud-through-a-fake-site-under-the-name-of-beltron-have-you-applied-too-know-whole-story-rts-1514996|title=Bihar Beltron Jobs: Fraud Through Fake Site Under The Name Of Beltron — Check Real Link}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/bihar/patna/news/recruitment-made-fake-interview-of-beltrons-fake-website-cheating-8-lakh-people-126297744.html|title=बेल्ट्राॅन की फर्जी वेबसाइट बनाकर निकाली भर्ती, इंटरव्यू कराया, 8 लाख लोगों को ठगा}}</ref>
}}

'''Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.''' ('''BELTRON''') is a [[Government of Bihar]] undertaking.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/all-bihar-gram-panchayats-to-have-their-own-websites-101652850108287.html|title=All Bihar gram panchayats to have their own websites now}}</ref> BELTRON is an executive wing of the state IT department and handles [[Government of Bihar]]'s technological needs. It works to promote the electronics hardware manufacturing and IT industry and provide high quality, service-oriented consultancy services within Bihar.

BELTRON recruits employees in the departments of Government of Bihar, when requisition is sought from BELTRON by the departments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ndtv.in/jobs/beltron-bihar-invites-applications-to-recruit-accountants-program-executives-data-entry-operators-1645710|title=BELTRON में प्रोग्राम एग्जीक्यूटिव, डाटा एंट्री ऑपरेटर और अन्य पदों पर भर्ती}}</ref> Beltron Recruitment Processes conducts exams to fill the posts like Data Entry Operator, Stenographer, Programmer in Government Departments of Bihar.

In 2016, BELTRON provided free Wi-Fi service in over 300 colleges and nine universities of Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dit.bihar.gov.in/wifi-campus.html|title=Free Wi-Fi Campus Scheme}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/free-wi-fi-for-educational-purpose-only-bihar-govt-to-block-porn-sites/story-IJfAvcZVtY5vY351nRszUN.html|title=Free Wi-Fi for educational purpose only: Bihar govt to block porn sites}}</ref> In 2021, BELTRON developed an innovative Home Isolation Tracking (HIT) app under the guidance of the health department, during [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bihars-hit-covid-app-for-patients-at-home-pm-modi-seeks-details-for-countrywide-use-11621483434368.html|title=HIT Covid: An app for patients at home in Bihar that impresses PM Modi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/after-successful-run-of-vaccine-express-in-rural-areas-bihar-launches-it-for-cities/articleshow/83202579.cms|title=After successful run of 'Vaccine Express' in rural areas, Bihar launches it for cities}}</ref> HIT app keeps an eye on the condition of COVID patients recuperating at their residence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/bihar-cm-launches-hit-covid-app-to-ensure-regular-tracking-monitoring-of-home-isolated-patients/articleshow/82711281.cms|title=Bihar CM launches 'HIT Covid App' to ensure regular tracking, monitoring of home isolated patients}}</ref> BELTRON is providing IT support for [[Bihar caste-based survey 2023]], and hired the services of a Maharashtra-based private firm Trigyn Technologies to develop the mobile app- Bijaga (Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana), which is available on [[Google Play]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/203-castes-in-bihar-to-choose-from-as-2nd-leg-of-survey-begins-april-15-101679588703223.html|title=203 castes in Bihar to choose from as 2nd leg of survey begins April 15}}</ref> It host the data on cloud.

==See also==
* [[Department of Science and Technology, Bihar]]
* [[National Informatics Centre]]
* [[Bharat Broadband Network]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://bsedc.bihar.gov.in/ Official website]

{{State agencies of Bihar}}
{{Portal bar|India}}

[[Category:State agencies of Bihar]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in Bihar]]
[[Category:Government departments of Bihar]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2010]]
[[Category:Companies based in Patna]]
[[Category:Nitish Kumar]]

Crazy Boy (film)

2026-03-03T21:22:24Z

Shuvro: minor edit

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2016}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Crazy Boy
| image = Crazy Boy.jpg
| caption = Poster
| director = [[Mahesh Babu (Director)|Mahesh Babu]]
| producer = G Chandru
| story = Ajay Kumar
| screenplay = Ajay Kumar
| starring = Dilip Prakash [[Ashika Rangnath|Ashika Ranganath]]
| music = [[Jassie Gift]]
| cinematography = Shekhar Chandra
| editing = K. M. Prakash
| studio = Durga Parameshwari Amma Films
| distributor = Jayanna Films
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2016|8|19}}
| runtime = 2:30 Hours
| country = India
| language = Kannada
| budget =
| gross =
}}

'''Crazy Boy''' is a 2016 [[Kannada]]-language [[romantic drama film]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Desa|first1=Dhwani|title=Crazy Boy is a complete family entertainer — Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Crazy-Boys-a-family-entertainer/articleshow/53754462.cms|accessdate=25 August 2016|work=Times of India|date=19 August 2016}}</ref> directed by [[Mahesh Babu (Director)|Mahesh Babu]] and produced by G. Chandru under Durga Parameshwari Amma Films. The film stars debutants Dilip Prakash and [[Ashika Ranganath]] in the lead roles, while [[P. Ravi Shankar]], [[Rangayana Raghu]] and [[Sadhu Kokila]] appear in supporting roles.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vijaykarnataka Crazy Boy Dilip Prakash Entry in to Kannada Industry|url=http://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/entertainment/gossip/crazy-boy-kannada-movie-hero-dilip-prakash/articleshow/53752699.cms|accessdate=25 August 2016|work=Vijaykarnataka}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sharadhaa|first1=A|title=I can think of nothing else but 'Crazy Boy': Ashika Ranganath|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/I-can-think-of-nothing-else-but-Crazy-Boy-Ashika-Ranganath/2016/08/16/article3581144.ece1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816110849/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/I-can-think-of-nothing-else-but-Crazy-Boy-Ashika-Ranganath/2016/08/16/article3581144.ece1|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2016|accessdate=25 August 2016|work=The New Indian Express|date=16 August 2016}}</ref> The music was composed by [[Jassie Gift]], while cinematography and editing were handled by Shekhar Chandra and K. M. Prakash.

''Crazy Boy'' was released on 18 August 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mahesh Babu is all set to launch these newbies — Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-is-all-set-to-launch-these-newbies/articleshow/53721653.cms|accessdate=25 August 2016|work=Times Of India}}</ref> The film was dubbed in [[Hindi]] with the same name and in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] as ''Pahelo Divas'' (પહેલો દિવસ).

== Plot ==
Arjun, a passionate and family guy, is raised by his father's friend, a mechanic, after the death of his parents in a car accident. Nandini, a rich college girl, soon falls for his good nature. Arjun also contests to become a college leader, which earns the wrath of Vikki, a high profile brat, but soon ends the rivalry and they become friends. However, their love life doesn't go smoothly after an incident, where Arjun's father gets insulted by Nandini's brother intentionally as he doesn't accept their relationship. Later, Nandini is introduced to her would-be-groom Manoj, a rich businessman, by Nandini's brother. However at a stage play, Arjun and Nandini get cleared of their misunderstanding and they reunite. In a fit of rage, Manoj tries to kill Nandini, but is captured by the police, who reveals that he is actually a fraud, running a gang of [[Human trafficking|human traffickers]]. Nandini's brother realize his mistake and accepts their relationship.

== Cast ==
*Dilip Prakash as Arjun
*[[Ashika Ranganath]] as Nandini
*[[P. Ravi Shankar]] as Nandini's brother
*[[Rangayana Raghu]] as Arjun's adopted father
*[[Sadhu Kokila]] as a drama teacher
*[[Ananth Nag]]

== Soundtrack ==

{{Infobox album
| name = Crazy Boy
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Jassie Gift]]
| cover =
| border = yes
| alt =
| caption = Soundtrack cover
| released = July 06 2016
| recorded = 2016
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length =
| label = Akash Audio
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}

The movie music is composed by music director [[Jassie Gift]]. The soundtrack album rights is acquired by Akash Audio. [[Darshan Tugudeep|Darshan]] and [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]] jointly released audio CD of Kannada cinema ‘Crazy Boy’ of debut producer G Chandru in Durgaparameshwari Amma Films.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sharadhaa|first1=A|title=Crazy boy set to launch stars|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/Crazy-boy-set-to-launch-stars/2016/07/06/article3515146.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706152756/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/Crazy-boy-set-to-launch-stars/2016/07/06/article3515146.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 July 2016|accessdate=25 August 2016|work=The New Indian Express|agency=www.newindianexpress.com|date=25 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Track listing ===
{{Track listing
| total_length =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Thirugi Node Gantogalla
| extra1 = [[Puneeth Rajkumar]]
| lyrics1 = Anand
| length1 =
| title2 = Vinanthi Maadalilla
| extra2 = [[Shreya Ghoshal]], [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]]
| lyrics2 = [[V. Nagendra Prasad|Dr. V. Nagendra Prasad]]
| length2 =
| title3 = Naanene Nandene
| extra3 = [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]]
| lyrics3 = Anand
| length3 =
| title4 = Murida Sethuveya
| extra4 = [[Shreya Ghoshal]], [[Santhosh Venky]]
| lyrics4 = [[V. Nagendra Prasad|Dr. V. Nagendra Prasad]]
| length4 =
| title5 = Arere Alele
| extra5 = [[Aalap Raju]], Sangeetha
| lyrics5 = Anand
| length5 =
| title6 = Mugiligu Kadaligu
| extra6 = [[Rajesh Krishnan]]
| lyrics6 = Ghousepeer
| length6 =
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|5988500}}
* {{Official website|http://www.dilipprakash.com/crazyboy/}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Crazy Boy}}
[[Category:2016 films]]
[[Category:2010s teen romance films]]
[[Category:2016 Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Indian teen romance films]]
[[Category:Films set in universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Films shot in Bengaluru]]
[[Category:Films shot in Thailand]]
[[Category:Films directed by Mahesh Babu (director)]]

{{2010s-Kannada-film-stub}}

Kang Shanaba

2026-02-26T21:23:02Z

Shuvro: Added initial data w/ infobox.

{{Short description|Traditional Meitei sport of Manipur, India}}
{{Infobox sport|name=Kang Sannaba / Kang Shanaba|image=ꯀꯥꯡ ꯁꯥꯟꯅꯄ.jpg|caption=Traditional Kang used in the game|nickname=Game of Kang; Playing the Kang|first=Ancient times|region=[[Manipur]], [[India]]|genre=Indoor game|equipment=Kang (round or oval seed), Chekphei, Lamtha|contact=No|team=7 players per side|venue=Earthen floors of traditional houses and temple courtyards}}

'''Kang Shanaba''' or '''Kang Sanaba''' ({{Script|Mtei|ꯀꯥꯡ ꯁꯥꯅꯕ}}) or '''Kang Sannaba''' ({{Script|Mtei|ꯀꯥꯡ ꯁꯥꯟꯅꯕ}}), literally "playing the kang" or "the game of kang", is an indigenous [[Meitei people|Meitei]] game.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kang Shanaba 1 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indoor_Game_of_Kang.Kang_Shanaba_1 |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref> It is a type of indoor activity that utilizes a rounded or oval object known as a "kang", which is the seed of a creeper,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC |title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization |date=1988 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-853-2 |pages=286, 303 |language=en}}</ref> and can be tossed onto the ground. The game is typically enjoyed on the smooth earthen surfaces found in traditional homes and temple courtyards. Regarded as sacred, it is thought that the deities participated in this game, especially during the Meitei lunar new year, known as [[Sajibu Nongma Panba|Cheiraoba]] (the first day of the Sajibu month), and continuing through the Rath Yatra festival (Kang Chingba).<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Traditional Sports in India |url=https://sports.indiapress.org/kang_shanaba.php |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=sports.indiapress.org}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Indoor Game of Kang 1 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indoor_Game_of_Kang.Indoor_Game_of_Kang_1 |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== Origin ==

=== Mythology ===
The [[Meitei people]] believe that Kang was originally played by seven Lainingthous (deities) and seven goddesses known as Leimarens (female deities) to commemorate the creation of the earth and the splendor of the rising Sun and Moon. The term "Kang" is derived from the Manipuri word "Kangba", which means to begin.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Tensuba |first=Keerti Chand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GmZuAAAAMAAJ |title=Genesis of Indian Tribes: An Approach to the History of Meiteis and Thais |date=1993 |publisher=Inter-India Publications |isbn=978-81-210-0308-7 |pages=175–180 |language=en}}</ref>The game represented the commencement of a new life following the formation of the earth. The Lainingthous and Leimarens competed in seven rounds, with the goddesses emerging victorious in each round.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" />

They utilized a spherical object called ''Kangkhil'', which is a seed from a large climbing plant, during the game. This provided the goddesses with a significant advantage. Feeling disheartened, the gods requested assistance, prompting [[Pakhangba]] to create an oval-shaped Kang for the Leimarens.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" />

=== According to the Royal Chronicle ===
As per the Royal Chronicle, the [[Cheitharon Kumbaba]], the game known as Kang Tharo Shanaba, originated during King [[Loitongba]]'s reign in AD 1122.<ref name=":82">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=E. Ishwarjit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GP9_AAAAMAAJ&q=Kang |title=Manipur, a Tourist Paradise |date=2005 |publisher=B.R. Publishing Corporation |isbn=978-81-7646-506-9 |language=en}}</ref> One day during the festivities of [[Cheiraoba]] (the Meitei new year), King Loitongba was strolling through his royal courtyard when he noticed a couple of ''Kangkhil'' seeds lying in a corner. He tossed one seed a little way off and then picked up the other seed to try and hit the first one. He continued to attempt to hit the target repeatedly.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Indoor Game of Kang 2 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indoor_Game_of_Kang.Indoor_Game_of_Kang_2 |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" />

This activity turned into an enjoyable game for King Loitongba, who then shared it with his family and others around him. It brought him happiness and captured his interest. He recalled similar indoor games his ancestors had played and decided to name this new method of playing with Kangkhil seeds "Kang Tharo Sanaba".<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" />

At the Queen's suggestion, the king permitted women to participate, but stipulated that each women's team must include two male players.<ref name=":2" />

== Players ==
The game of Kang consists of seven players<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Kang Shanaba- Manipur – Bharatiya Khel |url=https://bharatiyakhel.in/kang-shanaba-manipur/ |access-date=2025-11-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> on each side with their position names as'':<ref name=":2" />''<ref name=":6" />

* ''Matai Achouba'' (''Taijao''),
* ''Pan-ngakpa''
* ''Chekpheitanba-Yet'' (''Matai Mathang-Yet'')
* ''Langjei''
* ''Chekpheitanba-Oi'' (''Matai Mathang -Oi'')
* ''Lamthatanba'' (''Anompham'')
* ''Matai Khutshi''

The [[Meitei people]] believe that the court used for Kang symbolizes the journey of life. The seven participants on each team correspond to the seven days of the week. Each team consists of eight Chekphei and seven ''Lamtha Kangkhils'' for the seven players, totaling 15 ''Kangkhuls'' per team. Collectively, both teams reflect the 30 days of a complete lunar month. This illustrates the progression of days, months, and years within life. Every player represents various daily routines in their unique manner.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" />

To achieve scoring, two Chekpheis are utilized. The first Chekphei signifies "Darkness", while the second represents "Day". As the day commences, each player advances the Lamtha along their path (Kangkhul) in the appropriate direction. If the Kang, a flat implement used in the game, passes the endpoint, it indicates the crossing of life's final phase. The player who accomplishes this is deemed "Dead" or "Shiba" for that round.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" />

When there are two tracks alongside the "Matais", after a strike, the Kang veers to the left; this situation is referred to as "Hanba". If it crosses the final boundary with three tracks in the center, it is also called "Hanba"; otherwise, it is identified as "Handaba".<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" />

== Role of Women in Kang ==
Kang play was traditionally participated in by both boys and girls in the past. In these performances, boys typically occupied the outer four positions while the three roles, including Chekphei and Langjei, were taken by women.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Kang Shanaba 2 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indoor_Game_of_Kang.Kang_Shanaba_2 |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref name=":4" />

Such matches were organized either within the community or during special occasions. However, in 1980, an all-women Kang tournament was held at the temple of Lord Ramji Prabhu in Imphal. This tournament is now held annually and is organized by the All Manipur Women Kang Association, which was founded in 1982.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

== Kang Tharo Sannaba for Children ==
Children enjoy playing Uri-kang, thus it came to be known as "Anganggi Kang Tharo Sannaba".<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Indoor Game of Kang 3 |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indoor_Game_of_Kang.Indoor_Game_of_Kang_3 |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

This game can be played on a flat surface with either two players or two teams, but it's also possible to play individually. Two lines are marked around ten feet apart. The game begins with an Urikang positioned on one line, its wider side facing the opposing team if present. The player rolls their Kang toward a designated spot on the ground. As the Kang moves, the player follows along and attempts to hit it with their hand. The rolling Kang is required to stay behind the line, even if it gets very close to the target. The Kang measures about three lums in width (approximately ten khudups) and six lums in length (around twenty khudups), though these dimensions may vary based on available space.<ref name=":7" />Lines referred to as Leeris are indicated with small ropes to define the game's boundaries. The primary lines for this game are the Lamtha Leeris and Kangpha Leeris. Each playing area contains eight Chekphei Kangkhuls and seven Lamtha Kangkhuls, which indicate where the seven players should be positioned. <ref name=":7" />

== Evolution of Kang ==
As time passed, the game underwent changes and enhancements. The term "Kang" originates from Kangkhil, which signifies the seed of a plant known as Kangli. Eventually, the Uri-kang or Kangkhil was substituted with circular pieces crafted from wood for commoners and ivory for nobility.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" />Subsequently, the circular Kang was replaced by a piece shaped like an oval, made from buffalo horns, tortoise shells, and various other materials. Around the year 1851, during the reign of King [[Chandrakirti Singh|Chandrakirti]], the game was refined to include a designated playing area, established rules, and a team called Kangkhut composed of seven players. The most current iteration involves an egg-shaped piece created from lac and similar substances. <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=E. Ishwarjit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GP9_AAAAMAAJ&q=Kang |title=Manipur, a Tourist Paradise |date=2005 |publisher=B.R. Publishing Corporation |isbn=978-81-7646-506-9 |language=en}}</ref>

Today, plastic Kang pieces are becoming very popular.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" />

== Organizations ==
In Manipur, there are three groups that organize tournaments and manage the game:

* The All Manipur Kang Association, started in 1952; the All Manipur Kang Control Board, set up in 1972.<ref name=":3" />
* The All Manipur Women Kang Association, formed in 1982.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

In 1960, the All Manipur Kang Association revised their regulations to establish a standard version of Kanglon utilized throughout the state. The Manipur Kang Control Board was created in 1972 with slightly altered rules. In 1989, the Manipur Kang Federation was founded to develop a unified set of regulations for Kanglon. This initiative resulted in modifications to the rules of both the All Manipur Kang Association and the Control Board, merging them into what is now referred to as the Federation Rules of 1989.<ref name=":3" />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Kh. Tolhal |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466418 |title=Kang |publisher=Digital Library of India |year=1962 |language=Manipuri}}
[[Category:Meitei culture]]
[[Category:Meitei mythology]]
[[Category:Traditional sports of India]]
[[Category:Sports originating in India]]
[[Category:Sport in Manipur]]

Nakti Dam Wildlife Sanctuary

2026-02-24T02:19:51Z

Shuvro: new post.

{{Infobox protected area
| name = Nakti Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
| alt_name =
| iucn_category = IV
| iucn_ref =
| image = Nakti Dam 12.jpg
| image_caption =
| map = India Bihar#India
| relief = 1
| mapframe = Yes
| coordinates = {{coord|24|49|3|N|86|24|0|E|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref =
| established = 22 July 1987
| area_km2 = 3.33
| elevation =
| nearest_city = [[Jamui]]
| governing_body =
| website =
| footnotes =
}}

'''Nakti Dam Wildlife Sanctuary''' is a [[Protected areas of India|protected area]] and [[List of wildlife sanctuaries of India|wildlife sanctuary]] located in [[Jamui district]] of the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Bihar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wii.gov.in/eia/wildlife_database/bihar|title=Wildlife sanctuaries in Bihar|work=[[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], [[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>

== Description ==
The sanctuary covers an area of {{cvt|3.33|km2}} and was declared as a protected area on 22 July 1987.<ref name="Compendium">{{cite report|url=https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-04/9%20Compendium%20Book_2021_Low%20%281%29%20%282%29.pdf|title=National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India|work=[[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], [[Government of India]]|date=November 2021|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wildbihar.org/nakti-dam-bird-sanctuary|title=Nakti Dam Wildlife Sanctuary|work=Wild Bihar|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>

The sanctuary hosts about 136 species of local and migratory birds. Major avifauna include [[Indian courser]], [[sand grouse]],
[[yellow-wattled lapwing]], [[Indian robin]], and [[bar-headed goose]].<ref name="Compendium"/>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Protected Areas of India}}

[[Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Bihar]]
[[Category:Jamui district]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in Bihar]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1987]]

{{Jamui-geo-stub}}

Delhi Public School, Sarvodaya Nagar

2026-02-22T18:58:28Z

Shuvro: Put Up The Data W/ Infobox

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox school
| name = Delhi Public School Servodaya Nagar
| image = DPS Servodaya Nagar.jpg
| logo =
| motto = Service Before Self
| established = 1996
| type = Private School
| founder = Mr. Alok Misra
| head_label =
| head =
| principal = Mrs. Manju Passan
| enrollment = 600+
| campus = Urban
| colours = Green and white {{color box|#006A4E}}{{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| city = Servodaya Nagar, [[Kanpur]]
| state = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| country = [[India]]
| affiliations = [[Central Board of Secondary Education]], [[Delhi Public School Society]]
| free_label = Acronym
| free_text = DPS
| website = {{URL|dpsservodayanagar.com}}
}}
[[Delhi Public School Society|Delhi Public School]] Servodaya Nagar, Kanpur is a private co-educational English medium school running under the aegis of [[Delhi Public School Society]], [[New Delhi]]. The school is for classes Play Group to Class-V, serving as a Junior Wing of [[Delhi Public School, Azaad Nagar]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Azaad nagar|first=DPS|title=DPS Azaad nagar|url=http://dpsazaadnagar.com/|publisher=Alok|accessdate=28 February 2014}}</ref> Kanpur. Located in the heart of city, the school is a unique blend of academics and co-curricular activities which serves as a stepping stone in the formative years of students.

== Overview ==

Delhi Public School, Serrvodaya Nagar was founded in 1997 and was the first Delhi Public School in [[Kanpur]]. Delhi Public School, Serrvodaya Nagar perpetually strives to become a benchmark of excellence in all vistas of education under the guidance and supervision of the Head Mistress, Mrs.Manju Passan. Moreover, DPS Azaad Nagar (under the aegis of [[Delhi Public School Society]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Society|first=DPS|title=DPS Society|url=http://dpsfamily.org/|accessdate=28 February 2014}}</ref> [[New Delhi]] and affiliated to [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]], New Delhi) was established in the year 2004 as the senior and full-fledged wing of DPS Servodaya Nagar.
DPS Servodaya Nagar is a co - educational day school with more than 600 students. It is located in a campus with 600+ students. Serrvodaya Nagar consists of AR &amp; VR Lab, Digital Board (Smart Class), Swimming pool, Activity Room, Computer Lab, Maths Lab, Science Lab, a library, Multi-Purpose Area, a junior playground and swings area.<ref>{{cite news|last=Servodaya Nagar|first=DPS|title=Art & Craft Exhibition "Prism"|url=http://epaper.jagran.com/epaper/11-sep-2013-64-kanpur-archive-edition-kanpur-Page-8.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140831071726/http://epaper.jagran.com/epaper/11-sep-2013-64-kanpur-archive-edition-kanpur-Page-8.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2014|accessdate=11 September 2013|newspaper=Dainik Jagran I-Next}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Servodaya Nagar|first=DPS|title=DPS Servodaya nagar Infrastructure|url=http://dpsservodayanagar.com/infrastructure.html|accessdate=28 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901120956/http://dpsservodayanagar.com/infrastructure.html|archive-date=1 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Delhi Public School Society]]
* [[List of schools in Kanpur]]
* [[Delhi Public School, Azaad Nagar]]
* [[DPS Barra]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{DPS Society aegis}}

{{coord|26.47|80.30|display=title}}

[[Category:Primary schools in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Delhi Public School Society]]
[[Category:Schools in Kanpur]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Uttar Pradesh]]

Bhajan Lal Sharma ministry

2026-02-09T07:20:00Z

Shuvro:

{{Short description|1st Ministry of Bhajan Lal Sharma}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox government cabinet
| cabinet_type = Ministry
| cabinet_number = 27th
| jurisdiction = [[Rajasthan]]
| flag = File:Emblem Rajasthan.png
| incumbent =
| image = Bhajan Lal Sharma.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = [[Bhajan Lal Sharma]]
| date_formed = 13 December 2023
| date_dissolved =
| government_head = [[Bhajan Lal Sharma]]
| government_head_title = [[Chief Minister of Rajasthan|Chief Minister]]
| deputy_government_head = [[Diya Kumari]] [[Prem Chand Bairwa]]
| deputy_government_head_title = [[Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan|Deputy Chief Ministers]]
| state_head = [[Haribhau Bagade]]
| state_head_title = [[Governor of Rajasthan|Governor]]
| members_number =
| total_number =
| political_parties = {{Color box|{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}|border=darkgray}} [[Bharatiya Janata Party|'''BJP''']]
| legislature_status = [[Majority government| Majority]]
{{Composition bar|130|200|{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
| opposition_cabinet = [[Indian National Congress|INC]] {{Composition bar|70|200|{{Party color|Indian National Congress}}|background-color=|border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
| opposition_party = {{Color box|{{Party color|Indian National Congress}}|border=darkgrey}} [[Indian National Congress|INC]]
| opposition_leader = [[Tika Ram Jully]]
| election = [[2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election|2023]]
| last_election = [[2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election|2023]]
| legislature_term = 5 years
| previous = [[Third Gehlot ministry]]
| successor =
}}
The '''Bhajan Lal Sharma ministry''' represents the formation of the Twenty-seventh cabinet of the Indian state [[Rajasthan]] under the leadership of [[Bhajan Lal Sharma]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bhajanlal-sharma-elected-new-rajasthan-chief-minister-2475058-2023-12-12|title=Bhajan Lal Sharma is next Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje proposes name|website=[[India Today]]|last=Wadhawan|first=Dev Ankur|date=12 December 2023|access-date=2023-12-12|archive-date=2023-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212111812/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bhajanlal-sharma-elected-new-rajasthan-chief-minister-2475058-2023-12-12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aajtak.in/business/utility/story/bhajan-lal-sharma-will-be-new-cm-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-know-about-his-networth-debt-and-other-details-tutc-1837122-2023-12-12|title=राजस्थान को मिल गया नया CM, नाम- भजन लाल शर्मा, करोड़पति हैं... लेकिन कर्ज भी 35 लाख!|date=12 December 2023|website=[[Aaj Tak]]|language=hi|access-date=2023-12-12|archive-date=2023-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212111812/https://www.aajtak.in/business/utility/story/bhajan-lal-sharma-will-be-new-cm-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-know-about-his-networth-debt-and-other-details-tutc-1837122-2023-12-12|url-status=live}}</ref> who has been elected the Fifteenth [[Chief Minister of Rajasthan]]. The [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), led by Bhajan Lal Sharma, secured an absolute majority in the [[2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election]], winning 115 out of the 200 seats in the [[Rajasthan Legislative Assembly|state assembly]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/rajasthan/jaipur-bhajan-lal-sharma-will-be-new-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-bjp-surprise-again-after-mp-mohan-yadav-vasundhara-raje-vs-baba-balak-nath-7896253.html|title=भजनलाल शर्मा होंगे राजस्थान के नए मुख्यमंत्री, BJP विधायक दल की बैठक में फैसला|date=12 December 2023|website=[[News18]]|language=hi|last=George|first=Preeti|access-date=12 December 2023|archive-date=12 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212111812/https://hindi.news18.com/news/rajasthan/jaipur-bhajan-lal-sharma-will-be-new-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-bjp-surprise-again-after-mp-mohan-yadav-vasundhara-raje-vs-baba-balak-nath-7896253.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==
The results of the [[2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election]] were released on 3 December 2023, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a majority in the winning 115 of the 230 seats in the state legislative assembly. On 12 December 2023, after days of deliberations, the BJP picked [[Bhajan Lal Sharma]], a first-time MLA, as its chief minister. [[Prem Chand Bairwa]] and [[Diya Kumari]] were chosen to be deputy chief ministers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iqbal |first=Mohammed |date=2023-12-12 |title=Rajasthan CM: Bhajan Lal Sharma to be Chief Minister of Rajasthan |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/rajasthan-assembly/bhajan-lal-sharma-chief-minister-of-rajasthan/article67630427.ece |access-date=2023-12-21 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2023-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217094723/https://www.thehindu.com/elections/rajasthan-assembly/bhajan-lal-sharma-chief-minister-of-rajasthan/article67630427.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The new government was officially sworn in on 15 December 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rajasthan CM: Bhajan Lal Sharma takes oath as Rajasthan Chief Minister in presence of BJP top brass |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bhajan-lal-sharma-takes-oath-as-rajasthan-cm-in-the-presence-of-bjp-top-brass/article67641156.ece |website=[[The Hindu]] |issn=0971-751X |access-date=8 June 2025 |language=en-IN |date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=26 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226154131/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bhajan-lal-sharma-takes-oath-as-rajasthan-cm-in-the-presence-of-bjp-top-brass/article67641156.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Council of Ministers==
Source:<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wadhawan |first1=Dev Ankur |title=Rajasthan Cabinet portfolios allocated, Chief Minister keeps 8 key ministries |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajasthan-cabinet-portfolios-allocated-chief-minister-bhajan-lal-sharma-keeps-8-key-ministries-2484824-2024-01-05 |website=[[India Today]] |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106031952/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajasthan-cabinet-portfolios-allocated-chief-minister-bhajan-lal-sharma-keeps-8-key-ministries-2484824-2024-01-05 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |language=en |date=5 January 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Cabinet Ministers===
{{Cabinet table start|hiderefcol=y}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = [[List of chief ministers of Rajasthan|'''Chief Minister''']] {{bulletlist
|General Administration
|Home Affairs
|Excise
|Personnel
|Anti Corruption Bureau
|Planning
|Policy making cell
|Information and Public Relations
}}
Other departments not allocated to any Minister
| minister1 = [[Bhajan Lal Sharma]]
| minister1_termstart = 15 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = [[List of deputy chief ministers of Rajasthan|'''Deputy Chief Minister''']] {{bulletlist
|Finance
|Tourism
|Women & Child Development
|Art & Cultural Affairs
|Public Works
|Child Empowerment
}}
| minister1 = [[Diya Kumari]]
| minister1_termstart = 15 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = [[List of deputy chief ministers of Rajasthan|'''Deputy Chief Minister''']]
{{bulletlist
|Higher Education
|Road Transport and Highways
|Technical Education
|Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy
}}
| minister1 = [[Prem Chand Bairwa]]
| minister1_termstart = 15 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Agriculture and Industry
|Rural Development
|Disaster Management Assistance and Civil Defense
|Public Prosecution Redressal
}}
| minister1 = [[Kirodi Lal Meena]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Medical and Health
|Medical and Health Services
}}
| minister1 = [[Gajendra Singh Khimsar]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Industry and Commerce
|Information Technology and Communication
|Youth Affairs and Sports
|Skill Planning and Entrepreneurship
|Sainik Welfare
}}
| minister1 = [[Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Tribal Area Development
|Home Guards
}}
| minister1 = [[Babulal Kharadi]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Parliamentary Affairs
|Law and Legal Affairs
|Minister of Justice
}}
| minister1 = [[Jogaram Patel]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Water Resources
|Water Resources Planning
}}
| minister1 = [[Suresh Singh Rawat]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|School Education
|Panchayati Raj
|Sanskrit Education
}}
| minister1 = [[Madan Dilawar]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Social Justice and Empowerment
}}
| minister1 = [[Avinash Gehlot]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Animal Husbandry and Dairy
|Cow Husbandry
|Devasthan
}}
| minister1 = [[Joraram Kumawat]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Revenue
|Colonization
}}
| minister1 = [[Hemant Meena]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Food and Civil Supplies
|Consumer Affairs
}}
| minister1 = [[Sumit Godara]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Public Health Engineering
|Ground Water
}}
| minister1 = [[Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table end}}

===Ministers of State (Independent Charge)===
{{Cabinet table start|hiderefcol=y}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Forest, Environment and Climate Change
|Science and Technology
}}
| minister1 = [[Sanjay Sharma (politician)|Sanjay Sharma]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Cooperative
|Civil Development
}}
| minister1 = [[Gautam Kumar]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Urban Development
|Health Governance
}}
| minister1 = [[Jhabar Singh Kharra]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}

{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Energy
}}
| minister1 = [[Heeralal Nagar]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table end}}

===Ministers of State===
{{Cabinet table start|hiderefcol=y}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Panchayati Raj and Rural Development
|Disaster Management Assistance and Civil Defense
}}
| minister1 = [[Otaram Dewasi]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Public Works
|Women and Child Development
|Child Empowerment
}}
| minister1 = [[Manju Baghmar]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Revenue
|Colonization
|Sainik Kalyan
}}
| minister1 = [[Vijay Singh Chaudhary]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Industry and Commerce
|Youth Affairs and Sports
|Skill Planning and Entrepreneurship
|Policy Making
}}
| minister1 = [[KK Vishnoi]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table minister
| title = {{bulletlist
|Home
|Cow Husbandry
|Animal Husbandry and Dairy
|Fisheries
}}
| minister1 = [[Jawahar Singh Bedham]]
| minister1_termstart = 30 December 2023
| minister1_termend =
| minister1_party = Bharatiya Janata Party
}}
{{Cabinet table end}}

==Former Ministers==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! SI No.
! Name
! Department
! Tenure
! Reason
! colspan="2" scope="col" | Party
|-
! 1.
|'''[[Surender Pal Singh]]'''
|Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Agricultural Marketing Agricultural Educator Indira Gandhi Canal Minority Affairs
| 30 December 2023 – 8 January 2024
| Lost Election
|{{Party name with color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}
|-
|}

==Demographics==
{{Pie chart
| caption= Representation of ministers by district
| label1 = Ajmer
| value1 = 4.16 | color1 = blue
| label2 = Alwar
| value2 = 4.16 | color2 = red
| label3 = Barmer
| value3 = 4.16 | color3 = khaki
| label4 = Bharatpur
| value4 = 4.16 | color4 = indigo
| label5 = Bikaner
| value5 = 4.16 | color5 = magenta
| label6 = Chittorgarh
| value6 = 4.16 | color6 = purple
| label7 = Jaipur
| value7 = 16.66 | color8 = yellow
| label8 = Jodhpur
| value8 = 8.33 | color9 = wheat
| label9 = Kota
| value9 = 8.33 | color10 = teal
| label10 = Nagaur
| value10 = 8.33 | color11 = pink
| label11 = Pali
| value11 = 8.33 | color12 = darkviolet
| label12 = Pratapgarh
| value12 = 4.16 | color13 = green
| label13 = Sawai Madhopur
| value13 = 4.16 | color14 = magenta
| label14 = Sikar
| value14 = 4.16 | color15 = orange
| label15 = Sirohi
| value15 = 4.16 | color16 = chocolate
| label16 = Tonk
| value16 = 4.16 | color17 = pink
| label17 = Udaipur
| value17 = 4.16 | color18 = aqua
}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left" border="1" width="75%"
|-
! District
!Ministers
!Name of ministers
|-
|[[Ganganagar district|Ganganagar]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Hanumangarh district|Hanumangarh]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Bikaner district|Bikaner]]
|1
|[[Sumit Godara]]
|-
|[[Churu district|Churu]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Jhunjhunu district|Jhunjhunu]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Sikar district|Sikar]]
|1
|[[Jhabar Singh Kharra]]
|-
|[[Jaipur district|Jaipur]]
|4
|[[Bhajan Lal Sharma]] [[Diya Kumari]] [[Prem Chand Bairwa]] [[Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore]]
|-
|[[Alwar district|Alwar]]
|1
|Sanjay Sharma
|-
|[[Bharatpur district|Bharatpur]]
|1
|[[Jawahar Singh Bedham]]
|-
|[[Dholpur district|Dholpur]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Karauli district|Karauli]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Dausa district|Dausa]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Sawai Madhopur district|Sawai Madhopur]]
|1
|[[Kirodi Lal Meena]]
|-
|[[Tonk district|Tonk]]
|1
|Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary
|-
|[[Ajmer district|Ajmer]]
|1
|[[Suresh Singh Rawat]]
|-
|[[Nagaur district|Nagaur]]
|2
|[[Manju Baghmar]] Vijay Singh Choudhary
|-
|[[Pali district|Pali]]
|2
|[[Avinash Gehlot]] [[Joraram Kumawat]]
|-
|[[Jodhpur district|Jodhpur]]
|2
|[[Gajendra Singh Khimsar]] [[Jogaram Patel]]
|-
|[[Jaisalmer district|Jaisalmer]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Barmer district|Barmer]]
|1
|[[KK Vishnoi]]
|-
|[[Jalore district|Jalore]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Sirohi district|Sirohi]]
|1
|[[Otaram Dewasi]]
|-
|[[Udaipur district|Udaipur]]
|1
|[[Babulal Kharadi]]
|-
|[[Pratapgarh district, Rajasthan|Pratapgarh]]
|1
|Hemant Meena
|-
|[[Dungarpur district|Dungarpur]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Banswara district|Banswara]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Chittorgarh district|Chittorgarh]]
|1
|[[Gautam Kumar]]
|-
|[[Bhilwara district|Bhilwara]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Bundi district|Bundi]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Kota district|Kota]]
|2
|[[Heeralal Nagar]] [[Madan Dilawar]]
|-
|[[Baran district|Baran]]
|0
|
|-
|[[Jhalawar district|Jhalawar]]
|0
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Current Indian ministries}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharma ministry}}
[[Category:Lists of current Indian state and territorial ministries]]
[[Category:2023 in Indian politics]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party state ministries of Rajasthan|Sharma]]
[[Category:Rajasthan ministries]]
[[Category:Indian ministries established in 2023|Bhajan Lal]]

Durgapur

2026-02-07T13:53:59Z

Shuvro: content fix

{{Short description|Planned Urban Agglomeration and Major Industrial Hub of West Bengal, India}}
{{About|the city in [[West Bengal]]|the administrative subdivision|Durgapur subdivision|other uses}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Durgapur
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Urban Agglomeration]]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| space = 1
| total_width = 275
| perrow = 1/2/2
| image1 =
| caption1 = Durgapur aerial view along [[Asian Highway 1|AH1]]
| image2 = NIT Durgapur front .jpg
| caption2 = Statue of [[Bidhan Chandra Roy]] in [[National Institute of Technology Durgapur|NIT Durgapur]]
| image3 =
| caption3 = [[Durgapur Barrage]]
| image4 = Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport on November 2020.jpg
| caption4 = [[Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport]]
| image5 = Shram Vir Statue, Durgapur Steel Plant - panoramio (1).jpg
| caption5 = [[Durgapur Steel Plant]]
}}
| nickname = Ruhr of India
| pushpin_map = India West Bengal#India3#Asia
| coordinates = {{coord|23|33|N|87|19|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Paschim Bardhaman district|Paschim Bardhaman]]
| established_title = Established
| established_date = Late 1950s
| founder = [[Bidhan Chandra Roy]] (former Chief Minister of West Bengal)
| named_for = Durgacharan Chattopadhyay
| government_type = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body = {{bulleted list|[[Durgapur Municipal Corporation]]|[[Asansol Durgapur Development Authority]]}}
| leader_title = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name = Anindita Mukherjee
| leader_title1 = [[Legislature]]
| leader_name1 = {{Collapsible list|bullets=yes
| title = Members
| 1 = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|MP]] [[Kirti Azad]] ([[Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Bardhaman–Durgapur]]; [[Trinamool Congress|TMC]])
| 2 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] [[Pradip Mazumdar]] ([[Durgapur Purba (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Durgapur Purba]]; [[Trinamool Congress|TMC]])
| 3 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] [[Lakshman Chandra Ghorui]] ([[Durgapur Paschim (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Durgapur Paschim]]; [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
}}
| leader_title2 = [[Executive (government)|Executive]]
| leader_name2 = {{Collapsible list|bullets=yes
| title = Officers
| 1 = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] Sh. Ponnambalam S., [[District magistrate|DM]], [[Paschim Bardhaman district|Paschim Bardhaman]]
| 2 = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] Smt. Aditi Chaudhary, [[Commissioner]] of [[Asansol Municipal Corporation]] & CEO, [[Asansol Durgapur Development Authority|ADDA]]
| 3 = [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] Sunil Kumar Choudhary, [[Commissioner of Police (India)|CP]], [[Asansol–Durgapur Police Commissionerate]] (in the rank of IG)
| 4 = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] Ms. Nitu, [[Additional district magistrate|ADM]], Paschim Bardhaman
| 5 = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] Ms. Subashini E., [[Additional district magistrate|ADM]], Paschim Bardhaman
| 6 = [[West Bengal Civil Service|WBCS]] Sanjoy Paul, [[Additional district magistrate|ADM]]
| 7 = [[West Bengal Civil Service|WBCS]] Aranya Banerjee, [[Additional district magistrate|ADM]]
| 8 = [[West Bengal Police Service|WBPS]] Mir Sahidul Ali, [[Additional deputy commissioner of police|ADC]]
| 9 = [[West Bengal Police Service|WBPS]] Subrata Deb, [[Additional deputy commissioner of police|ADC]]
| 10 = [[West Bengal Police Service|WBPS]] Pradip Mondal, [[Additional deputy commissioner of police|ADC]]
}}
| leader_title3 = [[Judiciary]]
| leader_name3 = {{Collapsible list|bullets=yes
| title = Judges
| 1 = [[All India Judicial Service|AIJS]] Shri Debaprasad Nath, [[District courts of India|District & Sessions Judge]]
| 2 = [[West Bengal Judicial Service|WBJS]] Mohd. Aqil Saifi, [[District courts of India|ADSJ]]
| 3 = [[All India Judicial Service|AIJS]] Lokesh Pathak, [[District courts of India|ADSJ]]
| 4 = [[West Bengal Judicial Service|WBJS]] Shri Prashant Chowdhary, [[District courts of India|ADSJ]]
| 5 = [[West Bengal Judicial Service|WBJS]] Md. Rafique Alam, [[District courts of India|ADSJ]]
}}
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Durgapur City|url=http://bardhaman.nic.in/blocks/durgapur_mc.html}}</ref><ref name='ADDA'>{{cite web|title=Asansol Durgapur Development Authority|url=https://www.sudawb.org/wbdma_oldversion/HTM/MUNI_ADDA.htm|website=sudawb.org|access-date=24 November 2020}}</ref>
| area_urban_km2 = 154.20
| area_metro_km2 = 771.28
| area_rank = [[List of metropolitan area in West Bengal|4th in West Bengal]]
| elevation_m = 65
| population_urban = 726,000
| population_as_of = 2024
| population_metro = 1,209,372
| population_demonym = Durgapurbashi, Durgapurians
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = [[List of metropolitan area in West Bengal|4th in West Bengal]]
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]<ref name="wblangoff">{{cite web|title=Fact and Figures|url=https://wb.gov.in/portal/web/guest/facts-and-figures;jsessionid=JzdD9RHb7aMY5esZPtcsIVLy|website=Wb.gov.in|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=Nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=13 November 2019|page=85|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official
| demographics1_info2 = [[English language|English]]<ref name="wblangoff"/>
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 713201–713217
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = +91 0343
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#WB—West Bengal|WB-39]] / [[List of RTO districts in India#WB—West Bengal|WB-40]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Bardhaman–Durgapur]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Durgapur Purba (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Durgapur Purba]] [[Durgapur Paschim (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Durgapur Paschim]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]]
| blank4_name_sec1 = [[Transit system|Transit]]
| blank4_info_sec1 = '''[[National highways of India|Highway]]''': [[National Highway 19 (India)|NH-19]] [[Grand Trunk Road]] [[Asian Highway 1|AH1]] '''[[Railway]]''': [[Durgapur railway station|DGR]] '''[[Airport]]''': [[Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport]]
| blank5_name_sec1 = City Development Authority
| blank5_info_sec1 = [[Asansol Durgapur Development Authority]] ('''ADDA''')
| website = {{URL|https://durgapurmunicipalcorporation.org/}}
}}

'''Durgapur''' ({{IPA|bn|durgapur}}), is a major industrial hub and a [[Planned community|planned]] urban agglomeration in the [[India|Indian]] [[States and union territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Places to visit in Durgapur |url=https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/west-bengal/durgapur |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Incredible India |language=en}}</ref> It stands on the northern bank of the [[Damodar River|Damodar]] river and is located in [[Paschim Bardhaman district]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=মাঝি |first=দেবাশিস দাশগুপ্ত,সুমন |date=2024-09-20 |title=দামোদরের ড্রেজিংয়ের ভাবনায় সরকার, চিন্তা নাব্যতা নিয়ে |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/durgapur-news/state-government-is-thinking-of-dredging-damodar-river/articleshow/113523498.cms |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Eisamay Online |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 21 March 2020 }}</ref> Durgapur is a major centre for producing [[steel]] and manufacturing [[Train wheel|train wheels]] in India.<ref>[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1798772 Durgapur Railway Wheel Manufacturing]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Durgapur {{!}} Industrial City, Steel Hub {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Durgapur |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> Over the past few years{{which|date=July 2025}}, this city has also been developed as a hub for the [[Information technology|IT industry]] in India.<ref>https://stpi.in/en/about-kolkata-durgapur {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}</ref> The city was planned by Bidhan Chandra Roy, [[Joseph Allen Stein]] and [[Benjamin Polk]] in 1955.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raza |first=Raqeeb |date=2024-10-06 |title=23 Years Later: How an American Architect Shaped Modern Delhi's Steinabad |url=https://www.thequint.com/videos/23-years-later-an-ode-to-stein-man-behind-delhis-modern-architecture |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref> Durgapur is the only city in eastern India to have an operational [[dry dock]]. Durgapur has been nicknamed the 'Steel Backbone of Industrial Bengal'.

== History ==
=== Ancient settlements ===
Stone hunting equipment used by hunters from the prehistoric period has been excavated from Durgapur which shows that the human settlement of thr Durgapur area dates back to around 5000 BC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Durgapur, Historical Places in Durgapur, Durgapur Past |url=https://www.durgapuronline.in/guide/history-of-durgapur |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907212229/https://www.durgapuronline.in/guide/history-of-durgapur |archive-date=7 September 2024 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=DurgapurOnline.in |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The Damodar-Ajay River Valley witnessed the growth of settled life simultaneously during the [[Indus Valley Civilisation|Harappa-Mohenjo Daro]] civilization.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Editorial |date=2024-01-16 |title=Historical Origins of Durgapur - Durgapur Hub |url=https://durgapurhub.com/historical-origins-of-durgapur/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Etymology ===
Around 1765, Gopinath Chattopadhyay secured a lease for a portion of Jangalmahal (now part of Durgapur) from the Maharaja of Bardhaman.<ref name=":0" /> This area later became known as Gopinathpur Mouja. Gopinath worked to transform this dense forest into a habitable area. His descendant, Durgacharan Chattopadhyay, continued the effort and established a new colony in the present Sagarbhanga region of Durgapur. In 1793, he erected a Kali temple, followed by a Shiva temple in 1803. The Zamindar house in Sagarbhanga stands as a testament to Durgacharan’s substantial contributions.

In 1855, when the East India Company laid the railway line between Bardhaman and Andal, the station was named Durgapur, a tribute to Durgacharan’s efforts by the local community. This marked the formalization of the name ‘Durgapur,’ gaining significance as a railway hub in the country.<ref name=":0" />

=== Grand Trunk Road ===
As the colonial era unfolded, Durgapur became a strategic outpost along the [[Grand Trunk Road]]. British administrative records narrate the city’s transformation from a hamlet to a bustling settlement.

=== Post-Independence ===
Following India’s independence in 1947, Durgapur underwent a remarkable metamorphosis under the visionary leadership of [[Bidhan Chandra Roy]], the then Chief Minister of West Bengal. The city was chosen as the site for the second integrated steel plant in India, setting the stage for rapid industrialization and urbanization.

==Geography==
[[File:Map of Paschim Bardhaman district.jpg|400px|thumb|Map of Paschim Bardhaman district|left]]

===Location===
Durgapur is located at {{Coord|23.55|N|87.32|E|}}. It has an average elevation of {{convert|65|m|ft}}.

Durgapur is in the [[Paschim Bardhaman district]] of West Bengal, on the bank of the [[Damodar River]], just before it enters the alluvial plains of Bengal. The [[topography]] is undulating. The coal-bearing area of the [[Raniganj]] coalfields lies just beyond Durgapur; some parts intrude into the area. The area was deeply forested until the end of 20th century and some streaks of the indigenous [[Shorea robusta|sal]] and [[Madhuca longifolia|Mahua]] forests can still be seen scantily.

{{OSM Location map
| width=550| height=550| zoom=13
| coord={{coord|23|31|30|N|87|17|30|E}}| float=centre|caption='''Durgapur''' R: temple, mosque, P: park, F: facility, N: neighbourhood, W: works, factory Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly Places marked on this map, which have a separate page, are linked in the larger full screen map
|mark-coord1={{coord|23|34|16|N|87|17|19|E}} | label-pos1=right|label1= Durgapur Steel Township|labela1=A Zone|numbered1=N| mark-title1=DSP A Zone Sorry, no page|label-color1=#800000 |label-size1=12| mark-size1=13|shape1=l-circle|shape-color1=#800000|shape-outline1=white|label-offset-x1=2
|mark-coord2={{coord|23|33|47|N|87|19|7|E}} | label-pos2=right|label2= Durgapur Steel Township|labela2=B Zone | mark-title2= DSP B Zone Sorry, no page| numbered2=N|label-offset-y2=-2
|mark-coord3={{coord|23|33|17|N|87|18|28|E}} | label-pos3=right|label3= Durgapur Steel Township|labela3=C Zone | mark-title3= DSP C Zone Sorry, no page| numbered3=N
|mark-coord4={{coord|23|33|29|N|87|16|32|E}} | label- =right|label4= Benachity| numbered4=N| mark-title4= Benachity Sorry, no page
|mark-coord5={{coord|23|32|53|N|87|18|20|E}} | label-pos5=right|label5= CMERI Colony| numbered5=N| mark-title5= CMERI Colony Sorry, no page
|mark-coord6={{coord|23|32|20|N|87|17|55|E}} | label-pos6=right|label6= City Centre| numbered6=N| mark-title6= City Centre Sorry, no page
|mark-coord7={{coord|23|31|58|N|87|19|25|E}} | label-pos7=right|label7= MAMC Township| numbered7=N| mark-title7= MAMC Township Sorry, no page
|mark-coord8={{coord|23|32|16|N|87|20|22|E}} | label-pos8=right|label8= Fuljhore| numbered8=N| mark-title8= Fuljhore Sorry, no page
|mark-coord9={{coord|23|31|0|N|87|20|58|E}} | label-pos9=left|label9= Bidhannagar| numbered9=N| mark-title9= Bidhannagar Sorry, no page
|mark-coord10={{coord|23|29|48|N|87|19|53|E}} | label-pos10=right|label10= Sagarbhanga| numbered10=N| mark-title10= Sagarbhanga Sorry, no page
|mark-coord11={{coord|23|29|48|N|87|18|20|E}} | label-pos11=right|label11= DPL Township| numbered11=N| mark-title11= DPL Township Sorry, no page
|mark-coord12={{coord|23|31|20|N|87|19|32|E}} | label-pos12=left|label12= APL Township| numbered12=N| mark-title12= APL Township Sorry, no page
|mark-coord13={{coord|23|31|0|N|87|16|3|E}} | label-pos13=right|label13= Angadpur| numbered13=N| mark-title13= Angadpur Sorry, no page
|mark-coord14={{coord|23|31|36|N|87|15|27|E}} | label-pos14=right|label14= DVC DTPS Colony| numbered14=N| mark-title14= DVC DTPS Colony Sorry, no page
|mark-coord15={{coord|23|33|13|N|87|15|38|E}} | label-pos15=right|label15= Old Court HSCL Colony| numbered15=N| mark-title15= Old Court HSCL Colony Sorry, no page
|mark-coord16={{coord|23|34|7|N|87|16|4|E}} | label-pos16=right|label16= Sukanta Pally| numbered16=N| mark-title16= Sukanta Pally Sorry, no page
|mark-coord17={{coord|23|29|41|N|87|19|0|E}} | label-pos17=right|label17= Durgapur railway station| numbered17=F| mark-title17= [[Durgapur railway station]]|shape-color17=#C42222
|mark-coord18={{coord|23|32|12|N|87|17|52|E}} | label-pos18=left|label18= Durgapur City Court| numbered18=F| mark-title18= Durgapur City Court Sorry, no page|shape-color18=#C42222
|mark-coord19={{coord|23|34|0|N|87|18|20|E}} | label-pos19=right|label19= Nehru Stadium| numbered19=F| mark-title19= Nehru Stadium Sorry, no page|shape-color19=#C42222
|mark-coord20={{coord|23|32|26|N|87|17|28|E}} | label-pos20=left|label20= Sidhu Kanhu Indoor Stadium| numbered20=F| mark-title20= [[Sidhu Kanu Indoor Stadium]]|shape-color20=#C42222
|mark-coord21={{coord|23|32|37|N|87|17|39|E}} | label-pos21=right|label21= CMERI| numbered21=C| mark-title21= [[Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute]] |shape-color21=#C42222
|mark-coord22={{coord|23|32|54|N|87|17|29|E}} | label-pos22=left|label22= NIT-Durgapur| numbered22=C| mark-title22= [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]] |shape-color22=#C42222
|mark-coord23={{coord|23|32|40|N|87|20|24|E}} | label-pos23=left|label23= Dr. B.C.Roy Engg College| numbered23=C| mark-title23= [[Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College, Durgapur]] |shape-color23=#C42222
|mark-coord24={{coord|23|31|15|N|87|20|24|E}} | label-pos24=left|label24= Bengal College of Engg & Tech| numbered24=C| mark-title24= [[Bengal College of Engineering & Technology]] |shape-color24=#C42222
|mark-coord25= {{coord|23.5468|87.2537}} | label-pos25=right|label25= SAIL Durgapur Steel Plant| numbered25=W| mark-title25= [[Durgapur Steel Plant]]
|mark-coord26= {{coord|23.5286|87.2693}} | label-pos26=right|label26= SAIL Alloy Steels Plant| numbered26=W| mark-title26= Alloy Steels Plant Sorry, no page
|mark-coord27= {{coord|23.5186|87.2983}}| label-pos27=bottom|label27= Durgapur Projects Limited| numbered27=W| mark-title27= Durgapur Projects Limited Sorry, no page
|mark-coord28={{coord|23|30|15|N|87|18|48|E}} | label-pos28=right|label28= Phillips Carbon Black Ltd.| numbered28=W| mark-title28= Philips Carbon Black Ltd. Sorry, no page
|mark-coord29={{coord|23|31|9|N|87|19|13|E}} | label-pos29=right|label29= MAMC| numbered29=W| mark-title29= Mining & Allied Machinery Corporation Sorry, no page
|mark-coord30={{coord|23|30|59|N|87|19|35|E}} | label-pos30=bottom|label30= APL (Alstom Projects)| numbered30=W| mark-title30= Alstom Projects (India) Ltd. Sorry, no page
|mark-coord31={{coord|23|31|50|N|87|15|4|E}} | label-pos31=|label31= DVC DTPS| numbered31=W| mark-title31= [[Durgapur Thermal Power Station]]
|mark-coord32={{coord|23|28|35|N|87|18|10|E}} | label-pos32= right|label32= Durgapur Barrage| numbered32=W| mark-title32= [[Durgapur Barrage]]
|mark-coord33={{coord|23|33|19|N|87|16|27|E}} | label-pos33=right|label33= Bhiringi Maa Kali Mandir| numbered33=R| mark-title33= Bhiringi Maa Kali Mandir Sorry, no page|shape-color33=#A40000
|mark-coord34={{coord|23|34|42|N|87|17|48|E}} | label-pos34=right|label34= ISKCON Mandir| numbered34=R| mark-title34= Durgapur ISKCON Mandir Sorry, no page|shape-color34=#A40000
|mark-coord35={{coord|23|30|33|N|87|21|0|E}} | label-pos35= left|label35= Ram Mandir| numbered35=R| mark-title35= Bidhannagar Ram Mandir Sorry, no page|shape-color35=#A40000
|mark-coord36={{coord|23|32|12|N|87|18|5|E}} | label-pos36=right|label36= Anand Amusement Park| numbered36=P| mark-title36= Anand Amusement Park Sorry, no page|shape-color36=green
|mark-coord37={{coord|23|33|45|N|87|18|5|E}} | label-pos37=bottom|label37= Mohan Kumaramangalam Park| numbered37=P| mark-title37= Mohan Kumaramangalam Park Sorry, no page|shape-color37=green
|mark-coord38={{coord|23|29|48|N|87|16|0|E}}| label38=Damodar River| label-color38 = #77A1CB| label-angle38=30| label-pos38=top| label-size38=10| mark-size38=0| mark-title38 =none
|mark-coord39= {{coord|23|33|40|N|87|15|5|E}} | label-pos39=right|label39= SAIL DSP |labela39= Administrative Building| numbered39=W| mark-title39= [[Durgapur Steel Plant]]
|mark-coord40= {{coord|23|33|50|N|87|14|0|E}} | label-pos40=right|label40= Durgapur Cement/ |labela40= Birla Cement| numbered40=W| mark-title40= [[M.P Birla Group]]}}

=== Environment ===
Durgapur has been ranked 35th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref>

===Climate===
{{unreferencedsect|date=July 2025}}
{{climate chart
|Durgapur
|9|22|14
|15|29|19
|19|36|25
|24|45|31
|26|41|87
|26|42|275
|26|37|334
|25|35|338
|25|34|239
|22|32|78
|17|28|15
|10|25|24
|float=left
|clear=none
}}
Durgapur experiences a somewhat transitional climate between the tropical wet and dry climate of Kolkata and the more humid subtropical climate further north. Summers are extremely hot and dry, lasting from March to the middle of June, with average daily temperatures exceeding 45 °C. They are followed by the monsoon season with heavy precipitation and somewhat lower temperatures. Durgapur receives most of its annual rainfall of around 1,320 mm during this season. The monsoon is followed by a cold, dry winter from November to January. Temperatures are cold, with average daily temperatures dropping near 9 °C. There is a short autumn at the end of October and a short spring in February, both of which have relatively moderate temperatures of around 20 °C. Due to the heavy rainfall it has received in recent years, for almost five months of heavy rainfall every year, locals often refer to the city as "Chhota Cherapunji" (named after the main city of [[Cherrapunji|Cherapunji]]).

==Law administration==

=== Police stations ===
Aurobindo Police Station, located in Durgapur Steel Township, opposite to Office of Commissioner of Police (Asansol-Durgapur) has jurisdiction over parts of [[Andal (community development block)|Andal]] CD Block. The area covered is 87 km2 and the population covered is 292,841. It has following investigation centres under it.<ref name=ps1>{{cite web | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bardhaman | work = Tables 2.1, 2.2 | publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 23 September 2018 | archive-date = 21 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name=ps2>{{cite web| url = http://asansoldurgapurpolice.in/# |title = Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate |work = Find your police station | publisher= Asansol Durgapur Police | access-date = 18 February 2017}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Investigation Centre ||Address
|-
| B-Zone Investigation Centre|| Marconi Avenue, B-Zone
|-
| City Centre Investigation Centre|| Bengal Ambuja, City Centre
|-
| Faridpur Investigation Centre|| Near Gandhi More
|-
| Waria Investigation Centre|| Near DSP Main Gate, Waria
|-
| DTPS Investigation Centre|| Old Colony, DVC-DTPS
|-
|}

Coke Oven police station, located near the Durgapur Railway Station, has jurisdiction over parts of the Durgapur municipal corporation. The area covered is 49 km2 and the population covered is 136,181.

Durgapur Women PS has jurisdiction over the Durgapur Subdivision

New Township police station, located in MAMC township, has jurisdiction over parts of the Durgapur municipal corporation and the [[Faridpur Durgapur]] CD Block. The area covered is 23 km2, and the population covered is 160,411. It has a police Outpost located in Bidhannagar under its jurisdiction.<ref name=ps1 /><ref name=ps2/>

==Demographics==

In the 2011 census, Durgapur Urban Agglomeration had a population of 566,937 out of which 294,349 were male and 272,588 were female. The 0–6 year population was 50,512. Effective literacy rate of the population was 87.70.<ref name="CensusUA">{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 | publisher = Government of India|access-date = 10 October 2011 }}</ref> Durgapur Municipal Corporation included and 3 [[census town]]s: [[Bamunara, Paschim Bardhaman|Bamunara]], [[Arra, Paschim Bardhaman|Arra]], and partly [[Andal, Paschim Bardhaman|Andal]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf | title = Constituents of urban Agglomerations Having Population 1 Lakh & above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011| publisher = Government of India|access-date = 27 March 2012 }}</ref>

{{See also|List of cities in West Bengal}}

In the 2011 census, Durgapur Municipal Corporation had a population of 581,409 out of which 301,700 were male and 279,709 were female. The 0–6 year population was 51,930. Effective literacy rate of the population was 87.84.<ref name=Census2011>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 10 October 2011 }}</ref>

=== Religion ===

{{Pie chart
|caption = Religions of Durgapur (2011)<ref name="religion"/>
|label1 = [[Hinduism in West Bengal|Hinduism]] |value1 = 91.63 |color1 = orange
|label2 = [[Islam]] |value2 = 6.34 |color2 = green
|label3 = [[Sikhism]] |value3 = 0.41 |color3 = darkturquoise
|label4 = Others |value4 = 1.62|color4 = yellow
|thumb = left
}}

According to Census of India 2011, Hinduism is the predominant religion in this city, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and others. Out of the 5,66,517 people living in Durgapur (Municipal Corporation); 5,19,122 are Hindus (91.63%), 35,923 are Muslims (6.34%), 1889 are Christians (0.36%), 2346 are Sikhs (0.44%), 513 are Buddhists, 382 are Jains, 906 are other religions, and 5436 (1.04%) did not state their religion.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11396/download/14509/DDW19C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

===Languages===

{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Durgapur (2011)<ref name="languages"/>
|label1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]] |value1 = 82.99 |color1 = orchid
|label2 = [[Hindi]] |value2 = 11.15 |color2 = orange
|label3 = [[Santali language|Santali]] |value3 = 1.84 |color3 = darkturquoise
|label4 = [[Urdu]] |value4 = 1.03 |color4 = green
|label5 = Others |value5 = 2.99 |color5 = grey
|thumb = left
}}

At the time of the 2011 census, 82.99% of the population spoke [[Bengali language|Bengali]], 11.15% [[Hindi]], 1.84% [[Santali language|Santali]], and 1.03% [[Urdu]] as their first language.<ref name="languages">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10226/download/13338/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1900.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

==Economy==
Durgapur is the biggest industrial hub of West Bengal and was planned as an integrated industrial city. It is the most developed city in West Bengal in terms of technology, infrastructure, and economy next to Kolkata and contributes a substantial amount to the economy of the state of West Bengal. It lies on the banks of [[Damodar River]] and near to the coalfields of Raniganj. Durgapur was a dream of former prime minister of India, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] and chief minister of West Bengal, [[Bidhan Chandra Roy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/economy/story/19881231-public-private-industries-in-dire-straits-in-durgapur-798050-1988-12-31|title=Public and private industries in dire straits in Durgapur|first=Kamaljeet |last=Rattan|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=12 November 2019|date=31 December 1988}}</ref> The 1948-founded [[Damodar Valley Corporation]] (DVC) is essential to the growth of the area.<ref name="durgapurhub.com">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=All You Need to Know About Asansol, Durgapur & Raniganj |url=https://durgapurhub.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-asansol-durgapur-raniganj/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> The first project in Durgapur was Damodar Valley Corporation's [[Durgapur Barrage]] which attracted many public sector units. [[Durgapur Steel Plant]] was the first PSU established in the region in 1955 with the help of U.K which was later undertaken by [[Steel Authority of India|SAIL]]. Later, an alloy plant was established by Hindustan Steel Ltd. in 1965 which was also acquired by SAIL. From 1951 to 2019, industrial units in the region grew from 46 to 430, with engineering units rising from 18 to 66 and basic metal units booming from 2 to 122.<ref name="durgapurhub.com"/> The area's economic strength is driven by its rich coal deposits, excellent transportation, and skilled labor force, making it a key economic hub in West Bengal and Eastern India.
[[File:Durgapur Steel Plant.jpg|thumb|Inside Durgapur Steel Plant]]
Mining and Allied Machinery Corporation (MAMC) was established in 1964 with the help and support from [[USSR]] (now closed but reviving with J.V of Bharat Earth Movers, [[Coal India]] & DVC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/joint-venture-to-revive-mamc/cid/515676|title=Joint venture to revive MAMC|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=12 November 2019}}</ref> Hindustan Fertilisers Corporation (HFC) was a major PSU which produced fertilizer but got closed down (now RCF showed interest to reopen it).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/rcf-eyes-durgapur-fertiliser-unit/cid/723078|title=RCF eyes Durgapur fertiliser unit|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=12 November 2019}}</ref> Bharat Opthlamic Glass Limited (BOGL) was established in 1972 used to manufacture electronic valves and other electronic components. Its closure was approved in 2006.

Durgapur Chemicals Limited (DCL) was set up by the Government of West Bengal in 1963 to boost the chemical needs of the state. DCL started its journey in 1968 and was involved in commercial production of [[Phenol]], [[phthalic anhydride]], [[Monochlorobenzene|monochloro benzene]], [[Pentachlorophenol|pentachloro Phenol]], [[caustic soda]], [[chlorine]] and [[hydrochloric acid]].{{cn|date=July 2025}} Although not closed, but the Government of West Bengal decided to disinvest in DCL in 2016 as it had increasingly become a sick industry.{{cn|date=July 2025}}

[[DPL Thermal Power Station|Durgapur Projects Limited]] (DPL) was the first [[thermal power station]] in the city. It was commissioned by the [[Government of West Bengal]] in 1960. It has eight production units of which only two are currently operational. The whole city of Durgapur and the surrounding areas get electricity supply from DPL. It is currently owned by [[West Bengal Power Development Corporation]].{{cn|date=July 2025}}

Major Indian and international MNCs have their production facilities in Durgapur which includes [[GE Power|GE Power India Limited]] (formerly ACC Babcock Limited which was later taken over by [[Alstom]]), [[Scania AB|Scania]] and [[Komatsu Limited|Komatsu]] (in partnership with [[Larsen & Toubro]]), [[RPG Group|Philips Carbon Black]], Sankey Wheels (a unit of GKW), [[Birla Corporation|Birla Cement]] (earlier Durgapur Cement Ltd.), Graphite India Limited, etc.

Durgapur is also an emerging IT and real estate hub. The Government of West Bengal's Webel IT Park houses some of well known as well as startup software companies generating employment opportunities for the youth of the region. It is set to develop many proposed residential areas like DLF's Durgapur Township.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/dlf-bags-durgapur-project/articleshow/2300108.cms?from=mdr|title=DLF bags Durgapur project|date=22 August 2007|work=The Economic Times|access-date=12 November 2019}}</ref> Companies like [[Tata Consultancy Services]] (a major Indian multinational IT company) etc. have their branch office and back office respectively in the city.{{cn|date=July 2025}}

==Transport==

===Road network===
Durgapur has a well-defined hierarchical road system comprising approximately 1,780 km of roads, categorized as arterial, sub-arterial, and collector roads.<ref name="IIEST20202" />

* '''Arterial and Sub-Arterial Roads''': ~ 480 km
** Some of the Major corridors include:
*** [[National Highway 19 (India)|NH-19]]
*** Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue
*** Mahatma Gandhi Road
*** Sarat Chandra Avenue
*** Bidhan Chandra Roy Avenue
*** Hahnemann Avenue
*** Bankura Road
*** Bidhan Sarani
*** SSB Sarani
*** Shahid Khudiram bose Sarani
*** Shastri Avenue
*** Zakir Hussain Avenue

* '''Collector Roads''': ~1,300 km

These are generally 7-meter-wide roads serving local traffic within neighborhoods.

Planned areas such as the DSP Township, SEPCO, MAMC, and Bidhan Nagar follow grid or modular patterns with wide roads and proper junctions. In contrast, unplanned areas like Benachity, Bhiringi, Fuljhore, and Palashdiha exhibit organically developed and often narrower road layouts with limited connectivity and lower right-of-way.<ref name="IIEST20202" />

The study reports that arterial roads in the planned areas have wider right-of-way (up to 50 m) compared to unplanned areas (as narrow as 15 m). Roads in industrial areas are generally 2-lane undivided roads with inadequate width for the volume of heavy vehicles.<ref name="IIEST20202" />

Durgapur is a gateway to the districts of [[Bankura district|Bankura]], [[Birbhum district|Birbhum]] ([[Bolpur]], [[Rampurhat]], [[Suri, Birbhum|Suri]]), and [[Purulia district|Purulia]]. [[National Highway 19 (India)|NH 19]] (old numbering: NH 2) passes through the city jurisdiction and [[State Highway 9 (West Bengal)|SH 9]] originates from Muchipara in the city. [[National Highway 14 (India)|NH 14]] (old numbering NH 60) passes through the north-western suburb of [[Pandabeswar]] and finally passes through [[Raniganj]] and heads away towards [[Odisha, India|Odisha]]. It is one of the few cities that has an [[Asian Highway Network|Asian Highway (AH)]] passing directly through the city jurisdiction. The [[AH1]] links [[Japan]] with [[Turkey]], through [[Korea]], [[China]], [[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]], [[Thailand]], [[Myanmar]], [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[Afghanistan]], and [[Iran]].

Durgapur has three bus termini at Durgapur Railway Station, Prantika (Prantika-I and II), and City Center. Within the city, private mini-buses operate from Durgapur Rly. Station to Prantika, via City Centre, Muchipara and various other routes within the city. Muchipara is an important bus stop in Durgapur, from which all buses are available.

Intra City Routes within the city are as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
!Route Name
!Origin & Destination
!Areas Covered
|-
|8B
|Durgapur Railway Station - Prantika
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Sagarbhanga, Muchipara, Bidhannagar, Fuljhore, Sepco (''Only bus stop'')
|-
|8A
|Durgapur Railway Station - Prantika
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Birbhanpur, Angadpur, DTPS, Faridpur, Benachity.
|-
|A - Zone
|Durgapur Railway Station - Prantika
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Gamon Bus stop, Garrage, DPL bus stop, 1st AB bus stop, City Centre, DSP Township.
|-
|B - Zone
|Durgapur Railway Station - Prantika
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Gamon Bus stop, Garrage, DPL bus stop, 1st AB bus stop, City Centre, Kabiguru, SEPCO Township, IQ - City, DSP Township.
|-
|54 - Feet
|Durgapur Railway Station - Prantika
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Gamon Bus stop, Garrage, DPL bus stop, 1st AB bus stop, City Centre, Gandhi More, 54 Feet Area.
|-
|MAMC
|Durgapur Railway Station - Prantika
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Gamon Bus stop, Garrage, DPL bus stop, MAMC Township, Mamra, Sepco (''Only bus stop'').
|-
|Ichhapur, Ukhra
|Prantika - Ichhapur.
Prantika - Ukhra.
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Dhandabag, Ichhapur, Ukhra.
|-
|Bijra
|Prantika - Bijra
|<ref name="IIEST20203" />Bijra.
|}
Auto-rickshaws ply between City Center, Benachity, William Kery, Chandidas, Mamra, Bidhannagar, Railway Station, and other parts of the city in a number of routes. They also act as Feeder Routes to ensure last Mile connectivity. Pre-paid taxis are available in the city from railway stations. Additionally, online cab services like [[Ola Cabs|Ola]], [[Uber]], etc., and bike taxi services like [[Rapido (company)|Rapido]] are available within the city.

[[File:Ram Mandir in Bidhannagar, Durgapur.jpg|thumb|Ram Mandir in Bidhannagar, Durgapur, West Bengal, India]]
Only one bus is available for the Kalyani-Bansberia route and it departs from Prantika-II Bus Terminus at 4:40 am and from [[Kalyani, West Bengal|Kalyani]] at 10 am every day.

Various private and government buses ranging from sleepers to premium Volvos are available from City Center Bus Terminus and Station Bus Terminus for [[Kolkata]], [[Asansol]], [[Barddhaman]], [[Barakar]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Digha]], and other nearby cities. Durgapur is the headquarters of [[South Bengal State Transport Corporation|SBSTC]] which provides government bus services to Kolkata, Haldia, Digha, and Bankura, from Durgapur and Asansol. Private buses are available for Asansol, Barakar, Bardhaman, Bolpur, Bishnupur, Chittaranjan, Deoghar, Digha, Illambazar, Jhargram, Kalna, Katwa, Kharagpur, Krishnanagar, Medinipur, Nabadwip, Nalhati, Purulia, Rampurhat, Siuri, Tatanagar, and Tarakeswar, among others.

===Air===

[[File:The front facade of Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Andal, Durgapur.jpg|270x270px|thumb|Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport]]

The city is home to a domestic airport, the [[Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport]]. It is India's first private-sector Greenfield airport. It is located at a place called Andal which is roughly 15 kilometres from Durgapur's City Center Bus Terminus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kniairport.com/#|title=KNIAIRPORT- Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport|website=www.kniairport.com|access-date=23 September 2018}}</ref> And an old DSP Airport at Bijra near IQ city.

An air force station at [[Panagarh]] (Military Airfield), belonging to the Indian Air Force, is used as a base for a [[C-130J Hercules]] squadron.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/panagarh-to-be-iafs-second-hub-for-c-130j-super-hercules-planes/articleshow/48344173.cms|title=Panagarh to be IAF's second hub for C-130J Super Hercules planes|date=11 July 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=23 September 2018}}</ref>

== Administrative changes ==
{{unreferencedsect|date=July 2025}}
The administrative setup came in stages. In 1837, when Bankura district was formed, the Durgapur area was part of it. In 1847, the Raniganj subdivision was formed with three police stations – Raniganj, Kanksa, and Neamatpur – and it was made a part of the Bardhaman district. In 1906, the subdivisional headquarters was shifted to Burdwan, and the subdivision renamed accordingly. In 1910, the police stations in Asansol subdivision were Asansol, Ranigunj, Kanksa, Faridpur, and Barakar. On 14 April 1968, the [[Durgapur subdivision]] was carved out of Asansol subdivision. In 2011, the [[Asansol–Durgapur Police Commissionerate|Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate]] (ADPC) was formed by the state government.

==Education==
=== Colleges ===
[[File:Nitdgpfront.jpg|thumb|National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India]]
Durgapur is home to [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nitdgp.ac.in|title=NIT DURGAPUR|work=nitdgp.ac.in}}</ref> an autonomous institution in eastern India of [[List of Institutes of National Importance|national importance]]. It is one of the 31 [[National Institutes of Technology|N.I.T.]]s in the country. [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur|N.I.T. Durgapur]] is one of the eight old Regional Engineering Colleges established in 1956.

[[Durgapur Government College]] is a premier government degree college not only in the home district of Paschim Barddhaman but also in the neighbouring districts of Bankura, Purulia, and Birbhum. It was established on 15 September 1970, and was affiliated to the [[University of Burdwan]], which later got affiliated to [[Kazi Nazrul University]].

The [[Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute]] (also known as CSIR-CMERI Durgapur or CMERI Durgapur) is a public [[engineering]] [[research and development]] institution in Durgapur, [[West Bengal]], India. It is a constituent laboratory of the Indian [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR).<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.csir.res.in |title = Council of Scientific & Industrial Research | CSIR | GoI}}</ref> The institute is dedicated to work in the [[Mechanical engineering|mechanical]] and allied engineering disciplines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmeri.res.in/abt/profile.html |title=Welcome to CMERI |publisher=cmeri.res.in |access-date=25 August 2013}}</ref>

The [[National Power Training Institute]] (Also known as NPTI(ER) and formerly known as PETS, Durgapur) is an institute under Ministry of Power, Government of India which offers postgraduate education in the field of power plants. This institute is also associated with several industrial bodies for imparting training to plant personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nptidurgapur.com/|title=Welcome To NPTI Durgapur|website=www.nptidurgapur.com|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110055202/http://www.nptidurgapur.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College, Durgapur|Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College]], [[Bengal College of Engineering and Technology]], [[Sanaka Education Trusts Group of Institutions]], [[NSHM Knowledge Campus]], [[Durgapur Institute of Advanced Technology and Management]] and The Aryabhatta Institute of Engineering & Management are private engineering colleges which offer ([[B.Tech]]) in engineering and other degrees, including [[Bachelor of Business Administration|BBA]], [[Bachelor of Computer Application|BCA]], [[B.Pharm]], and others. They are affiliated to [[Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology]] (MAKAUT). [[Durgapur Women's College]] and [[Michael Madhusudan Memorial College]] are general degree colleges affiliated to [[Kazi Nazrul University]].

[[Netaji Subhas Open University]] is a state open university for imparting distance education. It is modelled on the [[Open University]], [[UK]] and the [[IGNOU]], and offers courses in different disciplines of graduate and post-graduate courses.

[[IQ City Medical College]] and [[Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital]] are two colleges which offer ([[MBBS]]) medical degree and paramedical courses. They are affiliated to [[West Bengal University of Health Sciences]]. Durgapur Paramedical College is another college which offers both a diploma and degree in paramedical courses.

=== Public schools ===
[[File:Jawaharlal Nehru with school children at Durgapur copy.jpg|thumb|[[Jawaharlal Nehru]] with [[schoolchildren]] at Durgapur]]
Durgapur houses a large number of government aided and public schools in addition to two [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]] and [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Durgapur|Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya]] (under the Government of India). Notable private schools include: the [[St. Xavier's School, Durgapur|St. Xavier's School]] and [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] Public School.

==Sports facilities==
*[[Nehru Stadium, Durgapur|Nehru Stadium]] is the largest sports stadium in the city. It has a football ground, basketball and volleyball courts, athletic tracks, modern fully equipped gymnasium, etc.. It is managed by Durgapur Steel Plant Authority.
*[[Sidhu Kanu Indoor Stadium]] houses sporting organisations and sporting associations of Burdwan district, including Durgapur Sub-divisional Women's Sports Association, School Sports Association-Durgapur Sub-division, Burdwan District Badminton Association, Burdwan District Table Tennis Association, and Burdwan District Physical Culture Association.

==Media==
Durgapur has several electronic media houses: Express News, DSTV (owned by DSP), India Hood Durgapur, Durgapur Darpan, ''[[Anandabazar Patrika]]'' is published from Ghutgoria, near Durgapur, in Bankura District. Samay Sanket is another newspaper published from Durgapur. Durgapur does not have any F.M. stations, however, [[All India Radio]] 100.3 FM, 92.7 Big FM, 93.5 Red FM, and Radio Mirchi 95 FM have stations at [[Asansol]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Shibpur |first=Department of Architecture and Town & Regional Planning, IIEST |date=2020 |title=Preparation of Integrated Development Plan for Durgapur Town |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/716596150/Group-2-Transportation-and-Land-Use |website=scribd.com}}</ref> and serve both Asansol and Durgapur.

== Notable people ==
* [[Abhisek Banerjee]], Former Indian domestic cricketer.
* [[Aishe Ghosh]], Indian research scholar and student leader of [[Students' Federation of India|SFI]].
* [[Aloke Paul]], recipient of the [[Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology]], Alumni of [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]], Born in Durgapur.
* [[Ananda Gopal Mukhopadhyay]], Former Politician and Leader, [[Indian National Congress]].
* [[Bikash Sinha]], chairman of the Board of Governors of the [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]].
* [[Bikramjit Basu]], recipient of the [[Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology]], Alumni of [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]].
* [[Bimal Mitra]], Indian Bengali Author and author of [[Saheb Bibi Golam]].
* [[Dipali Saha]], Politician, [[All India Trinamool Congress]], won from Sonamukhi (Vidhan Sabha constituency), formerly within [[Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Durgapur]].
* [[Kalipada Bauri]], Former Politician who won from Gangajalghati, formerly within [[Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Durgapur]] from [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]].
* [[Kamanio Chattopadhyay]], recipient of the [[Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology]], Alumni of [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]].
* [[Lalbihari Bhattacharya]], Former Politician who won from [[Barjora (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]], formerly within [[Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Durgapur]] from [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]].
* [[Mamtaz Sanghamita]], Former Member of Parliament, [[Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)]] belonging to [[All India Trinamool Congress]]
* [[Mika Singh]], Indian Playback Singer and live performer.
* [[Mrinal Banerjee]], Former Minister of Power, [[States and union territories of India|State]] of [[West Bengal]] and former leader of [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]].
* [[Munmun Dutta]], Indian Film Actress.
* [[Nikhil Kumar Banerjee]], Indian physician and Politician belonging to [[All India Trinamool Congress]].
* [[Prayas Ray Barman]], Indian Cricketer, Youngest debutant in [[Indian Premier League]].
* [[Saidul Haque]], Former Member of Parliament, [[Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)]] belonging to [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]]
* [[Sandip Burman]], Tabla Player and Musician.
* [[Sri Zaheer]], 12th and current dean of the [[Carlson School of Management]], [[University of Minnesota]].
* [[Subir Chowdhury]], CEO and MD of JCB India.
* [[Sudip Chattopadhyay]], Indian developmental biologist, biotechnologist and the dean of research and consultancy at the [[National Institute of Technology, Durgapur]].
* [[Sunil Kumar Mandal]], Indian Politician and [[Member of Parliament]], Purba Bardhaman, who previously won from Galsi, within [[Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)]], from [[Forward Bloc]].
* [[S. S. Ahluwalia]], Member of Parliament, [[Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency)]] belonging to [[Bhartiya Janata Party]].
* [[Tushar Dutta]], Classical Music Vocalist.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.bardhaman.nic.in/ Bardhaman district official site]
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Durgapur}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Durgapur
|North = ''[[Birbhum district]]'',''[[Suri, Birbhum|Suri]]''
|Northeast = ''[[Bolpur]]'', ''[[Santiniketan]]'', ''[[Murshidabad district]]''
|East = ''[[Bardhaman]]'', ''[[Krishnanagar, Nadia|Krishnanagar]]''
|Southeast = ''[[Sonamukhi]]''
|South = ''[[Bankura district]]'', ''[[Bishnupur, Bankura|Bishnupur]]'', ''[[Kharagpur]]'', ''[[Balasore district]]''
|Southwest = ''[[Purulia district]]'', ''[[Jamshedpur]]''
|West = ''[[Raniganj]]'', ''[[Asansol]]'', ''[[Dhanbad]]''
|Northwest = ''[[Jamuria]]'',''[[Dumka district]]''
}}

{{Paschim Bardhaman District}}
{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}
{{Paschim Bardhaman topics}}
{{Authority control}}

{{West Bengal}}

{{reflist|group=Note}}

[[Category:Durgapur, West Bengal| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Paschim Bardhaman district]]
[[Category:Cities in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Planned communities in India]]
[[Category:Planned cities in West Bengal]]

Ruposhi Bangla (TV channel)

2026-02-06T06:17:56Z

Shuvro: cleanup details for clarity

{{short description|Indian Bengali-language television channel}}
{{Distinguish|Ruposhi Bangla}}
{{Notability|1=Company|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Ruposhi Bangla
| logo = rupasi bangla.png
| logo_size =
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2015
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|df=y|2009|08|31}}
| picture_format = [[576i]] ([[480i]] and [[480p]]) only in [[NTSC]] countries
| owner = PTC Network
| headquarters = Kolkata, India
| website = {{URL|http://www.ruposhibangla.in/}}
| country = India
| sister_channels = {{Collapsible list
| list_style = text-align:left;
|[[News Time Bangla]]
|[[Dhoom Music]]
|[[PTC News]]
|[[PTC Punjabi]]
| PTC Music
| PTC Simran
| PTC Chak De
| PTC Punjabi Gold
| Vissa TV
| Raj Musix Telugu
| Raj News Telugu
| [[Kairali TV]]
| Kairali News
| Kairali WE
| [[News7 Tamil]]
}}
}}

'''Ruposhi Bangla''' is a [[Bengali-language]] [[entertainment]] channel which was launched on 31 August 2009 with shows ranging from [[Reality television|reality]] to socio-mythology, [[feature film]]s to news updates and from comedy to drama. The channel is a production of Brand Value Communications Limited, Kolkata.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laghate |first1=Gaurav |title=STAR Jalsha, JALSHA Movies, Ruposhi Bangla garner record ratings |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/star-jalsha-jalsha-movies-garner-record-ratings-113010400229_1.html |work=Business Standard India |date=4 January 2013}}</ref> and prominently owned by PTC Network

==Former programming==
===Drama series===
*''Khelaghar''<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Productions|url=https://www.calcuttayellowpages.com/adver/110528_productions.html|work=T. Sarkar Productions|accessdate=18 January 2022}}</ref>
*''Meera MBA: Kaajer Maye''<ref>{{cite web|title=Meera MBA Kajer Maye|url=https://www.sphereorigins.com/show-inside/meera-mba-kajer-maye|work=Sphereorigins|accessdate=18 January 2021}}</ref>
*''Sonarpur Local''<ref>{{cite web|title=More colour & more entertainment @ Ruposhi Bangla|url=https://www.adgully.com/more-colour-more-entertainment-ruposhi-bangla-53310.html|work=Adgully|date=8 February 2013 |accessdate=13 December 2013}}</ref>

===Dubbed series===
*''[[Veer Shivaji]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Television news in India}}
{{Bengali-language television channels}}

[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 2009]]
[[Category:Television stations in Kolkata]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Bengali-language television channels in India]]

{{India-tv-stub}}

Dhundhoti

2026-01-25T09:37:16Z

Shuvro: Put Up Initial Entry Basic Info

{{Short description|District in Gurgaon}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2017}}
'''Dhundhoti''' in [[Gurgaon district]] is the name of the territory which up to late 19th or early 20th century was identified as 60 villages that were a [[jagir]] of the [[Chaudhary]] of Harsaru. The Chaudhary of Harsaru was hereditarily the senior descendant of Raja Harsh Dev Chauhan, founder of [[Garhi Harsaru]]. Harsh Dev was a descendant of famous Hindu Rajput king [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref name="subod"/>

The Dhundhoti region is an area of 60 villages in current [[Gurgaon district|Gurugram]] and [[Nuh district|Nuh]] districts that were a [[jagir]] of [[Chaudhary]] of Harsaru who was hereditarily the senior descendant of raja Harsh Dev Chauhan, and remained the titular head of this area.<ref name="subod"/> In the neighborhood of Dhundhoti existed the territories of [[Bighoto]], [[Alwar#Colonial era|Rath]] and Chandain that were mostly ruled by the descendants of famous [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref name="subod">{{cite book|last1=Kapoor|first1=Subodh|title=The Indian Encyclopaedia: Kamli-Kyouk Phyu|year=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=9788177552706|page=3874|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AYN0n0pzlpcC&dq=ahir+rajput+raja&pg=PA3874|accessdate=24 April 2016|language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Alwar State]]
* [[Bharatpur State]]
* [[History of Haryana]]
* [[History of Rajasthan]]
* [[Bighoto]] region
* [[Alwar#Rath region|Rath region]]
* [[Alwar#Wai region|Wai region]]
* [[Mewat]] region
* [[Divisions of Haryana]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Gurgaon district topics}}
{{coord missing|Haryana}}

[[Category:Villages in Gurgaon district]]

Daksha Nagarkar

2026-01-17T16:00:28Z

Shuvro: Put Up Some Entry W/ Sources.

{{short description|Indian actress}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Daksha Nagarkar
| image = Daksha Nagarkar.png
| caption = Daksha at Zombie Reddy pre-release event in 2021
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|07|12|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| education = [[Bachelor of Business Administration]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|model}}
| years active = 2014–present
| relatives = Paras Brahmani
}}

'''Daksha Nagarkar''' is an Indian actress and model who appears in [[Telugu cinema|Telugu films]]. She made her debut in 2014 with ''AK Rao PK Rao'', and then worked in ''[[Hora Hori]]'', ''[[Husharu]]'' and ''[[Zombie Reddy]].''

==Early life==
Daksha Nagarkar was born in [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]] to a [[Rajput]] mother and a [[Maratha (caste)|Maratha]] father.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} She was brought up in various places including [[Panchgani]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Delhi]] as she used to stay with her mother who worked for a cosmetics company.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=4 December 2018|title=కమర్షియల్సే ఇష్టం|trans-title=I like commercial films more|url=http://www.andhrabhoomi.net/content/chitra-7592|website=[[Andhra Bhoomi]]|language=te}}</ref> Nagarkar initially aspired to become a cardiologist as she comes from a family of doctors. However, she instead pursued a career in modelling and acting.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Adivi|first=Sashidhar|date=7 January 2022|title=Naga Chaitanya is my first dance co-star: Daksha Nagarkar|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/070122/naga-chaitanya-is-my-first-dance-co-star-daksha-nagarkar.html|website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref>

==Career==
Daksha nagarkar made her debut with ''AK Rao PK Rao'' (2014). She later acted in [[Hora Hori]] in 2015 directed by [[Teja (director)|Teja]]. Reviewing her performance in Hora Hori, Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote: "Daksha has a reasonably good screen presence and shows promise."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Dundoo|first=Sangeetha Devi|date=11 September 2015|title=Hora Hori: Old wine in an old bottle|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Hora-Hori-Old-wine-in-an-old-bottle/article10370137.ece|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Owing the film's shoot, Nagarkar could not attend her first year final exams and failed. Subsequently, she decided to take a break from films and complete her graduation in [[Bachelor of Business Administration]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=31 January 2021|title=గ్లామర్‌ పాత్రలు చేసేందుకు సిద్ధం: దక్ష|trans-title=I'm ready for glamorous roles: Daksha|url=https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/latestnews/daksha-nagarkar-interview-about-zombie-reddy/0206/121022309|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725084710/https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/latestnews/daksha-nagarkar-interview-about-zombie-reddy/0206/121022309|archive-date=25 July 2021|work=[[Eenadu]]|language=te}}</ref>

Three years later, Nagarkar returned to cinema with the [[coming of age]] film ''[[Husharu]]'' (2018).{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In 2021, she played a youngster addicted to gaming in ''[[Zombie Reddy]]''.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Adivi|first=Sashidhar|date=5 February 2021|title=Watch it like a zombie|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/050221/watch-it-like-a-zombie.html|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> A critic from ''[[The Hindu]]'' called her performance "effective"<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dundoo|first=Sangeetha Devi|title='Zombie Reddy' movie review: When the zombies attack Seema|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/zombie-reddy-review-when-zombies-attack-seema/article33759119.ece|access-date=7 February 2022|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> while ''Firstpost''{{'s}} Hemanth Kumar wrote that Nagarkar got her share of glory in the action-filled moments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 February 2021|title=Zombie Reddy movie review: Prashant Varma's zombie comedy adds a fun twist to an action|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/zombie-reddy-movie-review-prashant-varmas-zombie-comedy-adds-a-fun-twist-to-an-action-packed-family-drama-9274261.html|website=Firstpost}}</ref> In 2022, Nagarkar appeared in the dance number "Entha Sakkagundiro" in ''[[Bangarraju]]'', alongside [[Naga Chaitanya]].<ref name=":1" /> Later that year, she has signed to appear in the [[Ravi Teja]]-starrer ''[[Ravanasura]]''.<ref name=":4" />

==Filmography==
{{Pending films key}}
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
!Ref.
|-
|2014
|''AK Rao PK Rao''
|AK Rao's love interest
|
|-
|2015
|''[[Hora Hori]]''
|Mythili
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|2018
|''[[Husharu]]''
|Geeta
|
|{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|-
|2021
|''[[Zombie Reddy]]''
|Maggie
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
| 2022
|''[[Bangarraju]]''
|Herself
|Special appearance in "Entha Sakkagundiro" song
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
| 2023
|''[[Ravanasura (film)|Ravanasura]]''
|Janaki/Jaanu
|
|<ref name=":4">{{cite web |title=Ravi Teja starts shooting for Ravanasura|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2022/feb/02/ravi-teja-starts-shooting-for-ravanasura-29478.html|website=[[Cinema Express]]|date=2 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2024
|[[Love Me (2024 Indian film)|''Love Me'']]
|Charishma
|Cameo appearance
|
|-
|[[Swag (film)|''Swag'']]
|Kaluva and Vasundara Devi
|[[Dual role]]
|
|-
|}

== References ==

{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|nm8073177}}
*{{Twitter|DakshaOfficial}}

{{Commons category}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nagarkar, Daksha}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Female models from Mumbai]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Marathi actresses]]
[[Category:1998 births]]

Ambili (singer)

2026-01-08T00:01:56Z

Shuvro: Created info

{{Short description|Indian singer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Ambili (Singer)
| native_name =
| image =
| caption =
| image_size =
| birth_name = Padmaja Thampi
| birth_date =
| birth_place = [[Thiruvananthapuram]], Kerala, India
| death_date =
| instrument = Vocals
| genre = [[Playback singer|Playback singing]], [[Carnatic music]]
| years_active = 1970–1987
| label = Audiotracs
| website =
}}
'''Ambili ''' is an Indian film singer in [[Malayalam cinema]] who was active during the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metromatinee.com/artist/Ambili-8017 |title=Ambili:Profile and Biography, Malayalam Movie Singer Ambili latest Photo Gallery | Video Gallery, Malayalam Movie Singer Ambili, Ambili Filimography, Ambili Films and Cinemas, Ambili Awards and Nominations |access-date=14 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814130614/http://www.metromatinee.com/artist/Ambili-8017 |archive-date=14 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She has sung more than 3000 songs in 800 films. She has sung in Tamil, Hindi and Bengali.<ref>{{cite web|title=On Record with Ambili| date=28 August 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdcgUGXmDPk|publisher=Asianetnews|access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref> Her popular songs are "Thedi varum kannukalil", "Oonjala, oonjala", "Swarnamalakal", "Maayalle raga mazhaville" and "Guruvayoorappante thiruvamruthethinu".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/ambili.html|title=All you want to know about #Ambili|website=FilmiBeat}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Padmaja Thampi, known as Ambili, was born as the youngest among five children to R C Thampi and Sukumari at [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Her father was a military officer who later became a teacher and her mother was a singer. She has three brothers and a sister.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?artist=Ambili&category=singers|title=Profile of Malayalam Singer Ambili|website=en.msidb.org}}</ref> She had her education from Fathma College and Delhi University. She had learnt music from Mr. V. Dakshina Murthy. Her debut song was "Karagre vasathe" from the movie ''Sabarimala Sree Dharmashaastha'' in 1970. She is married to K G Rajashekharan, a Malayalam film director. They have a son, Raghavendran, and a daughter, Ranjini. She started her own music troop, ''Mayambu'', and performed for stage programs and albums. She received ''Kala Rathnam Title'' and ''Best Singer Award'' from Kerala Devaswom Board. She currently resides at [[Chennai]] with family. She is a recipient of Global NSS (Nair Service Society) award in 2017.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2012/jun/19/ambily-makes-a-comeback-378720.html|title=Ambily makes a comeback|website=The New Indian Express|date=19 June 2012 }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|4252939}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ambili}}
[[Category:Malayalam-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian women playback singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women classical singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Singers from Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:Women Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Kerala]]

Hinduism in Hong Kong

2026-01-03T08:28:09Z

Shuvro:

{{Short description|none}} 
{{Use Hong Kong English|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
[[File:Hindu Temple, Happy Valley.JPG|thumb|Hindu temple in [[Hong Kong]]]]
'''[[Hinduism]]''' is a minor faith in Hong Kong growing with South Asian birth growth. It is practised by descendants of migrants from the [[Indian subcontinent]] who are mainly businessmen. [[Hinduism]] represented 0.5% of Hong Kong's population with 40,000 Hindus as of 2010. By 2016, the Hindu population had increased to 100,000 or 1.3% of the total.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong: The Facts - Religion |url=http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/religion.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127080248/http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/religion.pdf |archive-date=2025-11-27 |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=www.gov.hk}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! '''Year'''
! '''Percent'''
! '''Population'''
|-
| '''2007'''
| '''0.6%'''
| style="background: lightgreen" | '''40,000'''
|-
| '''2010'''
| '''0.6%'''
| style="background: lightgreen" | '''40,000'''
|-
| '''2016'''
| '''1.3%'''
| style="background:#00A300" | '''100,000'''
|}

==Contemporary Society==
Hindu holidays of [[Holi]] is celebrated by Hindus as well as non-Hindus, for example, [[Diwali]] at [[Tsim Sha Tsui]], where many [[South Asians in Hong Kong]] lived and worked in. Many Indian restaurants, particularly the vegetarian ones, are owned by Hindus. There is a Hindu crematorium in Cape Collins. The [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] has a centre in Hong Kong established in 1981.

== Notable Establishments ==

=== Happy Valley Temple ===
This temple acts as the central nexus for around one hundred thousand Hindus in Hong Kong, and not only performs traditional poojas, weddings and other religious ceremonies, but also acts as a gatekeeper to the Commonwealth War Memorial and operates a crematorium in Cape Collins.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/culture-heritage/other-places-of-worship/happy-valley-hindu-temple.jsp|title=Happy Valley Hindu Temple {{!}} Hong Kong Tourism Board|website=www.discoverhongkong.com|access-date=2019-11-27}}</ref> The temple is managed by the Hindu Association of Hong Kong.

Located on the hillside behind the Hindu Temple at 1B Wong Nei Chong Road (opposite side from the Happy Valley Racecourse) there exists a [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]] (CWGC) memorial to 8 Hindu and Sikh soldiers whose mortal remains were cremated at the cremation ground behind the Hindu temple. A large white granite obelisk bearing the names of eight Indian soldiers who served in Hong Kong to assist with colonial defence of the Hong Kong garrison during the First World War.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2000319/HONG%20KONG%20HINDU%20AND%20SIKH%20CREMATION%20MEMORIAL|title=HONG KONG HINDU AND SIKH CREMATION MEMORIAL IN HAPPY VALLEY|website=CWGC.ORG|publisher=Commonwealth War Graves Commissions (CWGC)|accessdate=26 June 2017}}</ref> As with Commonwealth War Graves Commissions (CWGC) memorials all over the world, the military memorial is open to the general public and access is through the staircase at the rear of the Hindu Temple.

==See also==
* [[South Asians in Hong Kong]]
* [[Battle of Hong Kong]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Asia in topic|Hinduism in}}

[[Category:Hinduism in Hong Kong| ]]
[[Category:Religion in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Hinduism in China|Hong Kong]]

{{Hinduism-stub}}
{{HongKong-stub}}

Rudranagar

2025-12-19T02:09:12Z

Shuvro: refined information per standard format

{{Use Indian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Rudranagar
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| imagesize = 300px
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India West Bengal#India
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_mapsize = 300
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal##Location in India
| coordinates = {{coord|21.7458|N|88.0943|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Emblem of West Bengal (Banglarmukh) before 2018.png}} [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = [[South 24 Parganas]]
| subdivision_type3 = CD Block
| subdivision_name3 = [[Sagar (community development block)|Sagar]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 7.63
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 4
| population_total = 7132
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]<ref name="wblangoff">{{cite web|title=Fact and Figures|url=https://wb.gov.in/portal/web/guest/facts-and-figures;jsessionid=JzdD9RHb7aMY5esZPtcsIVLy|website=Wb.gov.in|access-date=5 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=Nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=5 July 2019|page=85|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official
| demographics1_info2 = [[English language|English]]<ref name="wblangoff"/>
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = PIN
| postal_code = 743373
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = +91 3210
| registration_plate = [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-19 to [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-22, [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-95 to [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-99
| blank1_name_sec1 = Lok Sabha constituency
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Mathurapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mathurapur (SC)]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Vidhan Sabha constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Sagar (West Bengal Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sagar]]
| website = {{URL|www.s24pgs.gov.in}}
| footnotes =
}}

'''Rudranagar''' is a village and a [[gram panchayat]] within the jurisdiction of the [[Gangasagar|Sagar]] police station in the [[Sagar (community development block)|Sagar]] [[Community development block in India|CD block]] in the [[Kakdwip subdivision]] of the [[South 24 Parganas]] district in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].

==Geography==
{{OSM Location map
| width=350| height=350| zoom=10
| coord={{coord|21|43|0|N|88|14|0|E}}| float=left|caption='''Places in Kakdwip subdivision (Kakdwip, Sagar, Namkhana, Patharpratima CD blocks) in South 24 Parganas district''' R: rural/ urban centre Places linked with coastal activity are marked in blue Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly
|mark-coord1={{coord|21|52|33|N|88|11|7|E}} | label-pos1=bottom|label1= Kakdwip| numbered1=R| mark-title1= [[Kakdwip]] (R)|label-color1= #800000 |label-size1=11| mark-size1=12|shape1=l-circle|shape-color1=#C42222 |shape-outline1=white|label-offset-x1=2
|mark-coord2={{coord|21|52|47|N|88|9|58|E}} | label-pos2=left|label2= Harwood Point| numbered2=R| mark-title2= [[Harwood Point]] (R) |shape-color2=#0048BA
|mark-coord3={{coord|21|46|11|N|88|13|53|E}} | label-pos3=right|label3= Namkhana| numbered3=R| mark-title3= [[Namkhana]] (R)
|mark-coord4={{coord|21|35|6|N|88|15|30|E}} | label-pos4=right|label4= Fraserganj| numbered4=R| mark-title4= [[Fraserganj]] (R) |shape-color4=#0048BA
|mark-coord5={{coord|21|44|35|N|88|5|39|E}} | label-pos5=right|label5= Rudranagar| numbered5=R| mark-title5= Rudranagar (R)|shape-color5=black| label-size5=13|label-color5=black 
|mark-coord6={{coord|21|38|50|N|88|4|31|E}} | label-pos6=right|label6= Gangasagar| numbered6=R| mark-title6= [[Gangasagar]] (R) |shape-color6=#0048BA
|mark-coord7={{coord|21|47|48|N|88|21|19|E}} | label-pos7=left|label7= Patharpratima| numbered7=R| mark-title7= [[Patharpratima]] (R)
|mark-coord8={{coord|21|38|53|N|88|24|16|E}} | label-pos8=left|label8= Gobardhanpur| numbered8=R| mark-title8= [[Gobardhanpur]] (R) |shape-color8=#0048BA
|mark-coord9={{coord|21|53|30|N|88|12|40|E}} | label-pos9=right|label9= Ganespur| numbered9=R| mark-title9= [[Ganespur]] (R)
|mark-coord10={{coord|21|48|14|N|88|22|25|E}} | label-pos10=right|label10= Ramganga| numbered10=R| mark-title10= [[Ramganga, South 24 Parganas]] (R)
|mark-coord11={{coord|21|45|25|N|88|5|53|E}} | label-pos11=right|label11= Harinbari| numbered11=R| mark-title11= [[Harinbari]] (R)
|mark-coord12={{coord|21|33|47|N|88|15|34|E}} | label-pos12=right|label12= Bakkhali| numbered12=R| mark-title12= [[Bakkhali]] (R) |shape-color12=#0048BA
|mark-coord13={{coord|21.7858 |N|88.0853|E}}| label13=Sagar Island| label-color13 = Black| label-angle13=-0| label-pos13=right| label-size13=10| mark-size13=0| mark-title13=none
|mark-coord14={{coord|21.7858 |N|88.0163|E}}| label14=Hooghly River| label-color14 = #77A1CB| label-angle14=-60| label-pos14=right| label-size14=10| mark-size14=0| mark-title14=none
|arc-coordC={{coord|21.5658|N|88.0763|E}}| arc-textC= Bay of Bengal | arc-text-colorC = soft blue| arc-angleC=200| arc-gapC=-1.0| arc-radiusC=1.6| arc-text-sizeC=14}}

===Area overview===
Kakdwip subdivision has full rural population. The entire district is situated in the [[Ganges Delta]]. The southern part of the delta has numerous channels and islands such as the [[Henry Island (India)|Henry Island]], [[Sagar Island]], Frederick Island and Fraserganj Island. The subdivision is a part of the [[Sundarbans settlements]]. A comparatively recent country-wide development is the guarding of the coastal areas by special coastal forces. The area attracts large number of tourists – Gangasagar and Fraserganj-Bakkhali are worth mentioning. Gobardhanpur holds a promise for the future.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook |title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 South Twety-four Parganas|work= Table 2.1, 2.2, 2.4b |publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 5 December 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf| title = Census of India 2011, West Bengal, District Census Handbook, South Twentyfour Parganas, Series – 20, Part XII-A, Village and Town Directory |work= Page 13, Physigraphy| publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal |access-date = 5 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas | work = Chapter 9: Sundarbans and the Remote Islanders, p 290-311 | publisher = Development & Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2009 | access-date = 5 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

===Location===
Rudranagar is located at {{coord|21.7458|N|88.0943|E|display=inline}}.

==Demographics==
According to the [[2011 Census of India]], Rudranagar had a total population of 7,132, of which 3,666 (51%) were males and 3,466 (49%) were females. There were 735 persons in the age range of 0 to 6 years. The total number of literate persons in Rudranagar was 6,397 (55.86% of the population over 6 years).<ref name=census2011>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-WB.html |title = C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA) | work= West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks|publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India | access-date = 24 October 2019}}</ref>

==Civic administration==
===Police station===
Sagar police station covers an area of 224.3 km2. It has jurisdiction over parts of the Sagar CD block.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://sundarbanpolicedistrict.org/each_police_station?psname=SAGAR|title = Sagar Police Station | work= Sundarban police district |publisher= West Bengal police | access-date = 24 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 South 24 Parganas | work = Table No. 2.1 | publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 24 October 2019}}</ref>

===CD block HQ===
The headquarters of the Sagar CD block are located at Rudranagar.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.wbpublibnet.gov.in/node/2155 |title = BDO Offices under South 24 Parganas District | publisher= West Bengal Public Library Network, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 24 October 2019}}</ref>

==Transport==
Rudranagar-Jibantala Road links Rudranagar to Kachuberia, where a ferry is available across the [[Muri Ganga River]] to [[Harwood Point]] on the main land.<ref>Google maps</ref>

==Education==
Rudranagar Debendra Bidyapith is a Bengali-medium co-educational higher secondary school. It was established in 1951. It has facilities for teaching from class V to class XII.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://schools.olympiadsuccess.com/s/south-twenty-four-pargan/rudranagar-debendra-bidyapith-hs-rudranagar-xiii-sagar-south-twenty-four-pargan-743373 | title = Rudranagar Debendra Bidyapith | publisher = School Square | access-date = 25 October 2019}}</ref>

[[Sagar Mahavidyalaya]] at [[Harinbari]] is located close by.

==Healthcare==
Sagar Rural Hospital at Rudranagar, with 30 beds, is the major government medical facility in the Sagar CD block.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals | publisher = Government of West Bengal |access-date = 16 December 2019}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{South 24 Parganas District}}

[[Category:Villages in South 24 Parganas district]]
[[Category:Sagar Island]]

Regupalem

2025-12-02T16:59:36Z

Shuvro: put up

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Regupalem
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = Telugu
| other_name =
| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| nickname =
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 14
| pushpin_map = India Andhra Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
| coordinates = {{coord|17.503637|N|82.792949|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Anakapalli district|Anakapalli]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 4,960
| population_as_of =
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 531055
| area_code = 08931
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = AP31
| website =
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
}}
'''Regupalem''' is a village in [[Anakapalli district]] in the state of [[Andhra Pradesh]] in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mandal wise list of villages in Visakhapatnam district|url=http://apland.ap.nic.in/cclaweb/Districts_Alphabetical/visakhapatnam.pdf|website=Chief Commissioner of Land Administration|publisher=National Informatics Centre|accessdate=6 March 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319222910/http://apland.ap.nic.in/cclaweb/Districts_Alphabetical/Visakhapatnam.pdf|archivedate=19 March 2015|format=PDF}}</ref>

==Demographics==

As of Census 2011 the town has population of 4,960 of which 2431 are males and 2529 are females. Average Sex Ratio is of 1040 against state average of 993. Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 457 which is 9.21% of total population of Regupalem. Child Sex Ratio in the town is around 1031 compared to Andhra Pradesh state average of 939. Literacy rate of Regupalem town is 67.58% lower than state average of 67.02%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/village/586417-regupalem-andhra-pradesh.html|title=Yelamachili Census 2011}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Anakapalli district}}

[[Category:Villages in Anakapalli district]]

Chapel of St. Jerome (Chorão Island)

2025-11-29T08:28:46Z

Shuvro: Put Up The Pg and Citations.

{{Short description|Chapel in Goa, India}}
{{coord|15.5274526557|73.877886389|display=title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox Church
| image = St. Jerome Chapel, Chorão.jpg
| caption =
| name = Chapel of St. Jerome
| fullname =
| location = [[Chorão (Island)|Chorão]], [[Goa]]
| country = India
| denomination = [[Roman Catholic]]
| status = [[Chapel]]
| church members =
| Architect =
| dedication = [[Saint Jerome]]
| client =
| archdiocese = [[Archdiocese of Goa and Daman]]
| engineer =
| construction date =
| founded date = {{start date and age|1761}}
| date_demolished =
| cost =
| structural_system =
| style = Greek
| size =
}}

The '''Chapel of St. Jerome''' is a historic [[Roman Catholic]] chapel on the island of [[Chorão (Island)|Chorão]] in [[Goa]], India. After closing of the [[Real Colégio de Educação de Chorão|Chorão Seminary]], although it had been abandoned for centuries, the chapel still stands. Acoustic phenomena are even now observed in the chapel. The chapel was built in 1761.

==History==
St. Jerome chapel is the only remaining relic of the [[Real Colégio de Educação de Chorão|Chorão Seminary]]. This chapel was known as the chapel of the Celestial School. The reason for its being called celestial was due to the fact that the chapel belonged to the Chorão Seminary, where spiritual things{{clarify|date=December 2016}} were taught. It Is situated on a hill, is polygonal in shape and has an elegant dome. This dome rests on columns of Greek style. Besides the porch it had seats all round. The inmates of the Chorão Seminary in the evenings spent their time here enjoying rest and fresh air. The same was done by Jesuit novices.<ref>História de Goa By Fr. Manuel Jose Gabriel de Saldanha Vol II 1926 page 219</ref>

As a homage to Jesus the Redeemer, the Vicar of the Church of [[Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island)]] Fr Jose Filipe de Andrade started its repairs in the year 1900. He cleared away the vast grove of trees that blocked the view of the building, repainted the pictures of [[St. Jerome]], which serves as a panel to the altar; there is above the altar the following inscription "TO JESUS THE REDEEMER -YEAR 1901". The chapel was re-opened for public worship on 17 August 1901. Since 1901, the feast of the Patron is annually celebrated with a mass offered in this chapel.<ref>The Island of Chorão (A Historical Sketch) 1962 By Francisco Xavier Gomes Catão page 42 {{OCLC|29051875}}</ref>

It had been classified by the Portuguese regime as a [[National Monument]] by a decree No. 1360 of 31 March 1932 and placed in charge of the State.<ref>Boletim official of 1932 No 27</ref> The permanent Body of Archaeology on behalf of the Public Works Dept in 1903 repaired the veranda of the chapel and cleared the vast forest that surrounded the chapel.<ref>História de Goa By Fr. Manuel Jose Gabriel de Saldanha Vol II 1926 page 250</ref>

In 1959 at the request of the then vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island) Fr Tome Caetano de Nazare, the Dept of Public Works effected many improvements. The interior wall, the columns and the flooring of the circular corridor were plastered with cement. A new wooden roof was placed with Mangalore tiles. Besides in the interior of the chapel itself, the ceiling vault as well as the candle sticks and the panels on the altar were painted. The picture of St. Jerome referred to above was again retouched. The expenditure incurred amounted to Rs 7000.<ref>The Island of Chorão (A Historical Sketch) 1962 By Francisco Xavier Gomes Catão page 43 {{OCLC|29051875}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[St Bartholomew's Church (Chorão Island)]]
*[[Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chapel of St. Jerome (Chorao Island)}}
[[Category:Catholic chapels in Chorão (island)]]
[[Category:Portuguese colonial architecture in India]]
[[Category:Catholic chapels in India]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic church buildings in Goa]]

Master-General of the Ordnance (India)

2025-11-08T15:09:36Z

Shuvro: cleanup

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}

The '''Master-General of the Ordnance''' (MGO) is a senior military position in the [[Indian Army]] held by a serving [[lieutenant general]].<ref name="IndArmy.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=cGZJv85c1dbqTHJBKGvPEA==&ParentID=Bpfiu2KyuIPMnXmvvCYvTQ==|title=MGO Branch|work=Indian Army website|author=Government of India}}</ref>
==Masters-General prior to Independence==
Masters-general included:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Army%20Commands%201900-2011.pdf |title=Army Commands |accessdate=27 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705211343/http://www.gulabin.com/armynavy/pdf/Army%20Commands%201900-2011.pdf |archivedate=5 July 2015 }}</ref>
* 1924–1930: [[Edwin Atkinson|Edwin Henry de Vere Atkinson]]
* 1930–1934: [[Bertram Kirwan|Bertram Richard Kirwan]]
* 1934–1938: [[Henry ap Rhys Pryce|Henry Edward ap Rhys Pryce]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spink.com/lot/500547|title=A Great War D.S.O. Group of Nine to General Sir Henry ap Rhys Pryce|publisher=Spink|access-date=8 November 2025}}</ref>
* 1938–1942: [[Charles Clement Armitage]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lhcma/locreg/ARMITAGE1.shtml |title=Sir (Charles) Clement Armitage|publisher=Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070731053216/http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lhcma/locreg/ARMITAGE1.shtml|archive-date=31 July 2007}}</ref>
* 1942–1944: [[Clarence August Bird]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unithistories.com/officers/Army_officers_B03.html#Bird_CA|title=British Army officer histories|publisher=Unit Histories|accessdate=2009-04-19}}</ref>
* 1944–1947: [[Kenneth Morley Loch]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lhcma/locreg/LOCH2.shtml|title=Loch, Kenneth|publisher=Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070731012038/http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lhcma/locreg/LOCH2.shtml|archive-date=31 July 2007}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Indian military appointments]]
[[Category:Indian Army appointments]]

{{india-mil-stub}}

Madras Engineer Group

2025-11-04T00:17:47Z

Shuvro: quick updated structure for accuracy additionally and cleaned formatting for consistency

{{Short description|Indian Army unit}}
{{more footnotes|date=March 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Madras Engineer Group
| image =
| image_size = 200px
| caption =
| dates = 1780–present
| country = {{flag|British India}}
 {{flag|India}}
| allegiance =
| branch = {{army|British India}}
 {{army|India}}
| type = [[Combat Engineers]]
| role = Combat support
| size =
| command_structure =
| garrison = [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]]
| garrison_label =
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto = ''Sarvatra!'' (Everywhere)
| colors =
| colors_label =
| march =
| mascot =
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles = [[Second Anglo-Afghan War]] [[First World War]] [[Second World War]] [[Burma Campaign]] [[Sino-Indian War]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947|Indo-Pak War-1947]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|Indo-Pak War-1965]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|Indo-Pak War-1971]] [[Kargil War]]
| anniversaries =
| decorations =
| battle_honours = See [[#Battle honours |Battle honours]] list
| disbanded =

| commander1 = Lt Gen AK Ramesh
| commander1_label = Colonel Comdt of Madras Sappers
| commander2 =
| commander2_label =
| commander3 =
| commander3_label =
| notable_commanders =

| identification_symbol = 
| identification_symbol_label =
}}
[[File:The War in the Far East- the Burma Campaign 1941-1945 IND4549.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Madras Sappers at the gates of [[Fort Dufferin, Burma|Fort Dufferin]], [[Mandalay]], [[Burma]], March 1945.]]

'''Madras Engineer Group''' ('''MEG'''), informally known as the '''Madras Sappers''', is an engineer group of the [[Indian Army Corps of Engineers|Corps of Engineers]] of the [[Indian Army]]. The Madras Sappers draw their origin from the erstwhile [[Madras Army|Madras Presidency army]] of the [[British Raj]]. This regiment has its HQ in [[Bengaluru]]. The Madras Sappers are the oldest of the three groups of the Corps of Engineers.

The Madras Sappers were the only regiment of the [[Madras Army|Madras Presidency Army]] to survive unscathed the extensive reorganisations that took place between 1862 and 1928.<ref name="Mason">{{cite book|first=Philip|last=Mason|pages=345 & 349|title=A Matter of Honour|year=1986|isbn=0-333-41837-9}}</ref> The ''thambis'', as the troops of the Madras Sappers are popularly known, with their hallmark [[Shako]]s have distinguished themselves in many battlefields around the world for more than 200 years.

The [[Bangalore torpedo]], a mine-clearing explosive device, was invented in the Centre at Bengaluru in the early years of the Twentieth Century.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Duffy|first1=Michael|title=www.firstworldwar.com|url=http://www.firstworldwar.com/atoz/bangaloretorpedo.htm|work=Bangalore Torpedo|access-date=2021-01-18|last2=Duffy|first2= Michael}}</ref>

==Timeline==
* 1780 – Created ''Madras Pioneers'' from two company of Pioneers (On 30 September 1780 at Madras Patnam)
* 1831 – Renamed Corps of Madras Sappers and Miners
* 1834 – Relocated HQ to [[Bengaluru]], where it remains today
* 1876 – Receive prefix ''Queens's Own''
* 1903 – 2nd Queen's Own Sappers and Miners, Renamed as part of the [[Horatio Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener of Khartoum|Kitchener Reforms]]

==History==
The second half of the eighteenth century found the [[East India Company]] involved in the politics of India and in conflict with the French and a number of native states, amongst whom [[Mysore]], the [[Marathas]] and the remnants of the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] empire were prominent. The newly raised army of the [[Madras Presidency]] was deficient of [[sappers|combat pioneers]] who were raised as 'ad hoc' companies and disbanded after the conflicts. The [[First Anglo-Mysore War]] highlighted this deficiency and led to the raising of two companies of the [[Madras Pioneers]] on 30 September 1780 at [[Fort St George]]. These men are the forefathers of the Madras Engineer Group of today and the [[Indian Army Corps of Engineers|Corps of Engineers]] of the Indian Army.

The [[Madras Pioneers]] formed an integral part of the armed forces. Their principal job in active warfare was to dig 'saps' or 'trenches' which permitted [[cannon]] to be brought in range of enemy [[fortifications]] and to dig 'mines' which would explode creating a breach in the fort walls. As a result, Sappers and Miners was born. In addition, the sappers used to lead the way to the breach for the 'forlorn hope' and infantry to follow. They also built roads, bridges, fortifications, wells, and water supplies, and fought as infantry when needed.

Since this group was constituted by the [[Madras Presidency]], and formed part of the Madras Army, they were called the [[Madras Sappers]]. Likewise in 1803 and again in 1824, the [[Bengal Sappers]] and [[Bombay Sappers]] were formed in the other presidencies.

The Madras Sappers recruited and trained ''small tough and wiry men'' from [[South India]]. These engineer troops fought in numerous campaigns in India at [[Sholinghur]], [[Srirangapatna]], [[Assaye]] (along with Major General [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Arthur Wellesley]], later [[Duke of Wellington (title)|Duke of Wellington]]), and also in [[Egypt]], China, [[Burma]] and other places abroad.

The Madras Sappers moved into [[Bengaluru]] in 1834, when they were involved in a major part of the construction activities of the Civilian and Military buildings in Bengaluru. Their association with Bengaluru, where the center is located, continues to this day.

The motto of the Madras Sappers is that common to all three regiments of the Corps of Engineers, '''Sarvatra''' (''Sanskrit:Everywhere'') the Indian equivalent to 'Ubique', the motto of the [[Royal Engineers]].

==Battle honours==

===Pre-World War I===

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Second Anglo-Mysore War|Carnatic (1781–82)]]
*[[Sholinghur (Battle honour)|Sholinghur (1781–82)]]
*[[Third Anglo-Mysore War|Mysore (1792)]]
*[[Battle of Seringapatam|Seringapatam (1799)]]
*[[French invasion of Egypt and Syria|Egypt (1801)]]
*[[Assaye (Battle honour)|Assaye (1803)]]
*[[Invasion of Java (1811)|Java (1811)]]
*[[Third Anglo-Maratha War|Nagpur (1819)]]
*[[Battle of Mahidpur|Mehidpur (1819)]]
*[[Inwa|Ava (1825)]]
*[[First Anglo-Chinese War|China (1840)]]
*[[Battle of Miani|Meanee (1843)]]
*[[Battle of Hyderabad|Hyderabad (1843)]]
*[[Second Anglo-Burmese War|Pegu (1852)]]
*[[Persia 1856-57 (Battle honour)|Persia (1856–57)]]
*[[Central India Campaign (1858)|Central India (1858)]]
*[[Indian Rebellion of 1857|Lucknow (1858)]]
*[[Taku Forts|Taku Forts (1860)]]
*[[Second Opium War|Pekin (1860)]]
*[[Abyssinia (battle honour)|Abyssinia (1868)]]
*[[Second Anglo-Afghan War|Afghanistan (1878–80)]]
*[[1882 Anglo-Egyptian War|Egypt (1882)]]
*[[Battle of Tel el-Kebir|Tel-el-Kebir (1882)]]
*[[Siege of Khartoum|Suakin (1885)]]
*[[Battle of Tofrek|Tofrek (1885)]]
*[[Third Anglo-Burmese War|Burma (1885–87)]]
*[[Malakand Agency|Chitral (1895)]]
*[[Malakand Agency|Malakand (1897)]]
*[[Tirah Campaign|Tirah (1897–98)]]
*[[Federally Administered Tribal Areas#"Hit and Run" Policy and war with tribes (1897-98)|Punjab Frontier (1897–98)]]
*[[Boxer Rebellion|Boxer Rebellion (1900)]]
{{div col end}}

===World War I===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Western Front (World War I)|France & Flanders (1914–15)]]
*[[First Suez Offensive|Suez Canal (1915–17)]]
*[[Egyptian Expeditionary Force|Egypt (1915–17)]]
*[[First Battle of Gaza (1917)|Gaza (1917)]]
*[[Battle of Megiddo (1918)|Megiddo (1917)]]
*[[Battle of Megiddo (1918)|Sharon (1918)]]
*[[Sinai and Palestine Campaign|Palestine (1918)]]
*[[Fall of Baghdad (1917)|Baghdad (1915–18)]]
*[[Mesopotamian Campaign|Mesopotamia (1915–18)]]
*[[Battle of Wadi (1916)|Tigris (1916)]]
*[[Siege of Kut-al-Amara|Kut-el-Amara (1917)]]
*[[India (1917)]]
*Persia (1918)
*N.W. Frontier (1914–15)
*[[East African Campaign (World War I)|East Africa (1918)]]
{{div col end}}

===World War II===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Battle of Mersa Matruh|Mersa Matruh (1940–43)]]
*[[Battle of Ngakyedauk|Ngakyedauk Pass (1942–45)]]
*[[Battle of Imphal|Bishenpur (1942–45)]]
*[[Battle of Meiktila and Mandalay|Meiktila (1942–45)]]
*[[Battle of Pokoku and Irrawaddy River operations|Tamu Road (1942–45)]]
*[[Battle of Monte Cassino|Cassino I (1943–45)]]
*[[East African Campaign (World War II)|Abyssinia (1940–41)]]
*[[North African Campaign|North Africa (1940–43)]]
*[[Anglo-Iraqi War|Iraq (1941)]]
*[[Syria-Lebanon Campaign order of battle|Syria (1941)]]
*[[Battle of Malaya|Malaya (1941–42)]]
*[[Burma Campaign|Burma (1942–45)]]
*[[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italy (1943–45)]]
{{div col end}}

===Post Independence===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947|Zoji La (1948)]]
*[[Battle of Basantar|Basantar River (1971)]]
*[[Jammu & Kashmir (1947-48)]]
*[[Jammu & Kashmir (1965)]]
*[[Punjab (1965)]]
*[[Jammu & Kashmir (1971)]]
*[[Punjab (1971)]]
*[[East Pakistan (1971)]]
{{div col end}}

==Symbols==
[[File:MadrasSappersMiners-Lucknow.jpg|thumb|right|Madras Sappers & Miners at the [[Qaisar Bagh]] complex in Lucknow, c 1857]]
[[File:The Queen's Own Madras Sappers and Miners, Review Order.jpg|thumb|right|Madras Sappers review order by [[Richard Simkin]], 1896]]
[[File:WarMemorialBangalore.jpg|thumb|400x400px|War memorial on Brigade road, Bangalore]]
The battle symbols of MEG are a sphinx to commemorate the victory in Egypt in 1801, an elephant for the victory in Assaye in 1803, a dragon for China (1848), a bighorn sheep for Zoji La (1948), and a tank for Basantar (1971).{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

== Republic Day Parade ==
Madras Engineer Group have been actively participating in the annual [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day Parade]] of India. MEG have been awarded the Best Marching Contingent three times in 1991, 1997 and 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157736 | title=Republic Day Parade – 2017 Awards announced | date=28 January 2017 | publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Defence | access-date=23 August 2019 }}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Egypt_(Sphinx).jpg|Sphinx symbol depicting the campaign in [[Battle of Abukir (1801)|Egypt, 1801]].
Image:Assaye (Elephant).jpg|Elephant emblem depicting the [[Battle of Assaye]], 1803.
Image:China (Dragon).jpg|Dragon symbol depicting the campaign in China, during the [[First Opium War]], 1840.
</gallery>
==See also==
* [[Indian Army]]
* [[Indian Army Corps of Engineers]]
* [[Bengal Engineer Group]]
* [[Bombay Engineer Group]]
* [[Madras Sappers Military Band]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==Book references==
*{{Citation
| last = Vibart
| first = Henry Meredith
| year = 1881
| title = The military history of the Madras engineers and pioneers
| publisher = W.H. Allen & co.
| publication-place = London
| url =https://archive.org/details/militaryhistoryo02viba
}}

==External links==
* https://web.archive.org/web/20091027133925/http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/9460/remem.htm
* https://web.archive.org/web/20071108123617/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/southasia/art-eng-sig/sm-mad.htm
* https://web.archive.org/web/20090725060217/http://www.remuseum.org.uk/corpshistory/rem_corps_part10.htm
* [http://sify.com/cities/bangalore/fullstory.php?id=13958631 Sify.com]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* {{cite web |title=INDIAN PIONEER BATTALIONS |url=http://www.reubique.com/indpion.htm |website=www.reubique.com |access-date=16 July 2021}}

{{Indian_Army_Arms_and_Services}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Madras Engineer Group}}
[[Category:History of the Madras Engineer Group|*]]
[[Category:British Indian Army regiments]]
[[Category:Indian Army Corps of Engineers]]
[[Category:Indian World War I regiments]]
[[Category:Indian World War II regiments]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1780]]
[[Category:1780 establishments in British India]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Burma in World War II|E]]
[[Category:Regiments of the Indian Army]]

J A Chowdary

2025-10-26T13:00:14Z

Shuvro: Added new entry v1

{{Short description|Indian businessman, b. 1955}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{orphan|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = J A Chowdary
| image = JA Chowdary.png
| birth_name = Jakkampudi Adiseshaiah Chowdary
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1955|2|18}}
| birth_place = [[Bathalapalle]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| alma_mater = [[IIT Madras]]
| occupation = Former IT Advisor and Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh
}}
'''Jakkampudi Adiseshaiah Chowdary'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jakkampudi Adiseshaiah Chowdary |url=https://cypher.analyticsindiamag.com/speaker/jakkampudi-adiseshaiah-chowdary/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Cypher 2025 {{!}} India's Biggest AI Conference |language=en-US}}</ref> (born 18 February 1955) is the founding director of [[Software Technology Parks of India|Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)]] at [[Bangalore]], [[Hyderabad]] and [[Chennai]]. He also served as chairman of the Indian BlockChain Standards Committee, the General Partner-Succeed Innovation Fund and a former IT advisor and special chief secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/priority-for-creation-of-jobs-for-youth-says-ja-chowdary/article8038527.ece|title=Priority for creation of jobs for youth, says J.A. Chowdary|last=Reddem|first=Appaji|date=29 December 2015|work=The Hindu|accessdate=7 December 2017|issn=0971-751X}} - {{Cite web|url=http://www.voicendata.com/budget-thrust-can-prove-transformative-for-andhra-j-a-chowdary-chief-secy-govt-of-ap/|title=Budget thrust can prove transformative for Andhra: J A Chowdary, Chief Secy, Govt of APVoice&Data|website=VoicenData|accessdate=7 December 2017}} - {{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Industry/YcaRVGdkNFazKk87eENYwN/Andra-Pradesh-govt-has-created-an-ecosystem-for-fintech-succ.html|title=Andhra Pradesh has created an ecosystem for fintech success: J.A. Chowdary|date=7 July 2017|work=Mint|accessdate=7 December 2017}}</ref> He is "one of the key architects" of [[HITEC City]] and Cyberabad in Hyderabad.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J A Chowdary - InfoRiskToday |url=https://www.inforisktoday.in/authors/j-chowdary-i-1890 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=www.inforisktoday.in}}</ref>

J A Chowdary is leading the Fintech Forum in Hyderabad.

== Early life ==
J A chowdary was born in a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] family on 18 February 1955 in [[Bathalapalle]], in [[Sri Sathya Sai district]] (previously [[Anantapur district]]) of [[Andhra Pradesh]].

He started his career at the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] as a scientist, where he was involved in designing telemetry subsystems for [[Bhaskara (satellite)|Bhaskara]], [[Rohini (satellite)|Rohini]] and [[Aryabhata (satellite)|Aryabhata]] satellites.

He worked at [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]] (BHEL), where he contributed towards developing mechanisms that would facilitate online monitoring of pollution levels, and process control instruments for BHEL power stations.

Chowdary has an [[M.Tech]] in solid state electronics from [[Indian Institute of Technology Madras]] and an [[Master of Science|M.Sc]] from SK University.

== Career and contributions ==
In the 1990s. Chowdary was credited as "one of the key architects" of the [[HITEC City|HITEC City and Cyberabad]] in Hyderabad and in founding [[International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad]] at Hyderabad and IIDT at [[Tirupati]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-others/mr-ja-chowdary-managing-director-nvidia-graphics-india-president-tie-hyderabad-113111400539_1.html|title=Mr. JA Chowdary, Managing Director, NVIDIA Graphics India & President, TiE, Hyderabad|publisher=IIFL|accessdate=7 December 2017}}</ref>

Chowdary is a co-founder of [[PortalPlayer]] which was acquired by [[Nvidia]] in 2007. He led the development of the chip that went into the first generation of [[iPod]]. He is also a co-founder and board member at Hyderabad Angels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=282943958&privcapId=310174546|title=J. A. Chowdary: Executive Profile & Biography|work=Bloomberg|accessdate=7 December 2017}}</ref>

Chowdary has been in the roles of chairman of the Industry Development Forum for Andhra Pradesh, co-chairman of the [[Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry]] (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh), president of the Anantapur Development Initiative Foundation and president of the Food 360 Foundation.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

== Awards and honours ==
Chowdary has won:

* "Meritorious Invention Award" from NRDC, Government of India,
* HMA Award of excellence "for promoting the Indian IT Industry",
* HYSEA Award of excellence "for promoting the IT industry in Andhra Pradesh" and in 2020 HYSEA awarded him "Life Time Achievement Award" too
* Award of excellence from the Telugu Association of the state of [[Texas]] in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hysea.in/j-a-chowdary-past-president-4/|title=J. A. Chowdary (Past President)|website=HYSEA|accessdate=7 December 2017|archive-date=7 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192050/http://hysea.in/j-a-chowdary-past-president-4/|url-status=dead}} - {{Cite web|url=https://www.talentsprint.com/newsroom/mr-ja-chowdary-being-honoured-%E2%80%9Cvisishta-puraskaaram%E2%80%9D-award-dr-ramineni-foundation-his|title=Mr JA Chowdary is being honoured with the "VISISHTA PURASKAARAM" Award by the Dr. Ramineni Foundation, for his outstanding contribution to the growth of IT industry in AP|website=TalentSprint|accessdate=7 December 2017}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Software Technology Parks of India|Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)]]
*[[HITEC City]]
*[[Fintech Valley Vizag]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://apit.ap.gov.in/contact-us/ Official website]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chowdary, J A}}
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:IIT Madras alumni]]
[[Category:Businesspeople in the software industry]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian businesspeople]]

Khokhar Khanzada

2025-10-26T04:28:24Z

Shuvro: Updated article with clearer structure

{{Short description|Muslim community}}{{Unreferenced|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox ethnic group|
| group = Khokhar Khanzada
| popplace = {{hlist|India|Pakistan}}
| langs = [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| rels = Islam
| related = [[Khokhar]], [[Khanzada (Awadh)|Khanzada]]
}}

The '''Khokhar Khanzada''' is a Muslim community{{Clarify|reason=What makes them a distinct Muslim community among all the other Muslim population of Rajasthan and UP? Anything in their history, language, occupation, place of origin, caste, tribe that stands out? Also are they linked in any way to the Khokhar tribe or Khanzada Rajputs?|date=September 2025}} found mainly in the [[Nagaur District]] of [[Rajasthan]] and [[Fatehpur district]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]] in India.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Indian Muslim}}

[[Category:Khanzada]]
[[Category:Rajput clans]]

{{India-ethno-stub}}

Ramchandra Narayan Dandekar

2025-10-13T18:21:50Z

Shuvro: fixed issues

{{Short description|Indian academic (1909–2001)}}
{{refimprove|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{infobox person
|name =Ramchandra Narayan Dandekar
|birth_date =17 March 1909
|birth_place =Satara
|death_date ={{death date and age|df=yes|2001|12|11|1909|3|17}}
|occupation=vedic scholar, indologist
}}
'''Ramchandra Narayan Dandekar''' (1909–2001) was an [[Indologist]] and [[Vedas|Vedic]] scholar from [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]. He was born in [[Satara (city)|Satara]] on 17 March 1909 and died in Pune on 11 December 2001.

==Education==

Dandekar earned an M.A. in [[Sanskrit]] in 1931, and an M.A. in Ancient Indian Culture in 1933, both from [[Bombay University]] (renamed some years ago as Mumbai University). He joined [[Fergusson College]] in [[Pune]] in 1933 as a professor of Sanskrit and Ancient Indian Culture. In 1936, he went to [[Germany]] for further studies and received his doctoral degree from [[Heidelberg University]] in 1938 for his thesis ''Der Vedish Mensh''.

==Career==
Upon his return from Germany, Dandekar continued to teach at Fergusson College. In 1950, he was appointed Professor of Sanskrit and Head of the Department of [[Sanskrit]] and [[Prakrit]] Languages at the [[Savitribai Phule Pune University|University of Poona]] (now called Savitribai Phule Pune University, and before that the University of Pune). He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts during 1959-1965. In 1964, he became the Director of the Center of Advanced Study in Sanskrit at the University of Poona, and served in that capacity until 1974.

In 1939, Dandekar had become the Honorary Secretary of the renowned [[Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute]] (BORI), and he continued to function in that capacity till 1994, effectively running the Institute for fifty-five years. From 1994 until his death in 2001, he served as the vice-president of the Institute.

Dandekar was closely associated with numerous Indian and international organizations related to [[Indology]], and he served and shaped these organizations in various manners. They included the All India Oriental Conference, the International Congress of Orientalists, the World Sanskrit Conference, the Sanskrit Commission of the Government of India, and the Deccan College. He served as an adviser on Indology at [[UNESCO]].

Along with a large number of other publications, Dandekar published a monumental six-volume ''Vedic Suchi'' (Vedic bibliography) in 1946.

==Honors==
Dandekar received many honors and awards, including the [[Padmabhushan]] title in 1962 from the President of India,<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India | date=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015 | archive-date=15 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015193758/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref> and a [[List of Sahitya Akademi fellows|Sahitya Akademi Fellowship]] in 2000.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cite web | url=http://www.ejvs.laurasianacademy.com/ejvs0802/ejvs0802obituary.pdf | title=Professor R.N. Dandekar | publisher=EJVS | date=2001 | access-date=18 September 2015 | author=Madhav M Despande | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220153631/http://www.ejvs.laurasianacademy.com/ejvs0802/ejvs0802obituary.pdf | archive-date=20 February 2012 | df=dmy-all }}

{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1960–69}}
{{SahityaAkademiFellowship}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dandekar, Ramchandra Narayan}}
[[Category:1909 births]]
[[Category:2001 deaths]]
[[Category:Marathi-language writers]]
[[Category:People from Satara (city)]]
[[Category:Indian Indologists]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in literature & education]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship]]
[[Category:University of Mumbai alumni]]

K.D. Shorey

2025-10-07T03:37:34Z

Shuvro: Added first info with sources

{{Short description|Indian film producer, actor, and director}}
{{Infobox person
| name =
| image = K.D. Shorey.jpeg
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|02|03}}
| birth_place = [[Jalandhar]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2022|09|16|1930|02|03}}
| death_place = [[Mumbai, India]]
| occupation = Film producer, actor, and director
| spouse = Rajeshwari Shorey
| children = 3 sons, including [[Ranvir Shorey]]
}}
'''Krishan Dev Shorey''' (3 February 1930 – 16 September 2022), known professionally as '''K.D. Shorey''', was an Indian film producer, actor, and director who was active in the [[Hindi film industry]] during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He was known for producing films such as ''[[Zinda Dil]]'' (1975), ''[[Be-Reham]]'' (1980), and ''[[Bad Aur Badnam|Bad Aur Badnaam]]'' (1984), and for directing ''Maha-Yuddh'' (1998). Shorey also held significant roles in industry organisations, including general secretary of the [[Film Federation of India]], the Film Makers' Combine and the president of the [[Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association]] (IMPPA). He was a key advocate in securing official industry status for the film business.

== Early life ==
K.D. Shorey was born on 3 February 1930 in [[Jalandhar, India]] and faced financial hardships, as noted by his son, actor [[Ranvir Shorey]], who described him as having "survived poverty, Bollywood, and cancer."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=This producer lost all his money on flop movies; his enmities in Bollywood caused problems for his children |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranveer-shorey-father-lost-all-his-money-on-flop-films-enmities-in-industry-caused-problems-for-his-children-10220425/ |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Career ==
Shorey began his film career as a producer with ''[[Umar Qaid]]'' (1975), a multi-starrer featuring [[Vinod Khanna]] and [[Jeetendra]], followed by ''[[Zinda Dil]]'' (1975), which starred [[Rishi Kapoor]] and [[Neetu Singh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hindi Producer K D Shorey Biography, News, Photos, Videos |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/hindi/producer/k-d-shorey |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=nettv4u |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Ranvir Shorey Mourns Filmmaker Father KD Shoreys Death Calls Him His Greatest Inspiration |url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/ranvir-shorey-mourns-filmmaker-father-kd-shoreys-death-calls-him-his-greatest-inspiration-bollywood-news-5636828/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=www.india.com |language=en}}</ref>

His production company, KDS Films, backed several projects in the 1980s, including ''[[Be-Reham]]'' (1980), starring [[Sanjeev Kumar]] and [[Shatrughan Sinha]], and ''[[Bad Aur Badnam|Bad Aur Badnaam]]'' (1984).<ref name=":2" />

In 1998, Shorey directed ''Maha-Yuddh'', a film featuring [[Gulshan Grover]], [[Kader Khan]], [[Mukesh Khanna]], and his elder son, Lokesh Shorey, in his acting debut. While the film included notable actors, it did not achieve significant commercial success.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />

Shorey also made uncredited cameo appearances in some of his films, often as a judge.<ref name=":1" />

Beyond filmmaking, Shorey was actively involved in industry governance, serving as general secretary of the Film Makers' Combine and on the executive committee of [[Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association|IMPPA]] for several years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IMPPA |url=https://www.imppa.info/imppaPastPresident.html |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=www.imppa.info}}</ref>

He served as an active member of the [[Film Federation of India]], notably holding the position of general secretary. He played a significant role in advocating for the recognition of the film business as an official industry, contributing to efforts that led to its formal acknowledgment as such.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Information |first=Film |date=2023-05-12 |title=FLASHBACK {{!}} 12 May 2023 (From our issue dated 16th May, 1998) |url=https://filminformation.com/featured/flashback-12-may-2023-from-our-issue-dated-16th-may-1998/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Film Information |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

Ranvir described him as his "greatest source of inspiration and protection," noting his resilience in overcoming personal and professional hardships. Shorey's later years were marked by health struggles, including a battle with cancer.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-17 |title=Ranvir Shorey's father filmmaker KD Shorey dies at 92 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranvir-shorey-s-father-filmmaker-kd-shorey-dies-actor-says-lost-my-greatest-source-of-inspiration-101663398825449.html |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Death ==
K.D. Shorey died on 16 September 2022, at the age of 92 in [[Mumbai, India]], surrounded by his children and grandchildren.<ref name=":1" />

His death was widely reported, with tributes from industry figures like [[Kubbra Sait]], [[Gajraj Rao]], and [[Kay Kay Menon]], reflecting his lasting impact.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cyril |first=Grace |date=2022-09-17 |title=Ranvir Shorey's dad filmmaker KD Shorey passes away at 92. Actor mourns his death |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/ranvir-shorey-s-dad-filmmaker-kd-shorey-passes-away-at-92-actor-mourns-his-death-2001407-2022-09-17 |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-18 |title=Ranvir Shorey's father Krishan Dev Shorey passes away at 92 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranvir-shoreys-father-krishan-dev-shorey-passes-away-at-92-8156834/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

His chautha (memorial ceremony) was held on 19 September 2022, at Maheshwari Bhavan in [[Andheri West]], Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Information |first=Film |date=2022-09-17 |title=K.D. SHOREY NO MORE {{!}} 17 September 2022 |url=https://filminformation.com/featured/k-d-shorey-no-more-17-september-2022/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Film Information |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
*''[[Umar Qaid]]'' (1975) – Producer
*''[[Zinda Dil]]'' (1975) – Producer, Actor (uncredited, as Judge)
*''[[Be-Reham]]'' (1980) – Producer
*''[[Bad Aur Badnam|Bad Aur Badnaam]]'' (1984) – Producer
*''Maha-Yuddh'' (1998) – Director, Producer

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{IMDb name|id=nm1520624}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:K.D., Shorey}}
[[Category:Hindi film producers]]
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:People from Jalandhar]]

Chawl

2025-09-01T14:35:46Z

Shuvro: quick adjusted information based on references further and cleaned formatting for consistency

{{Short description|Type of Indian residential building}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
[[File:Chawl - Mumbai 2006.jpg|thumb|A chawl in [[Mumbai]]]]
[[File:Chawl-community-housing-Dadar.jpg|thumb|Chawls in [[Dadar]], Mumbai]]
A '''chawl''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]: चाळ) is a type of residential building found in western [[India]], similar to a [[tenement]]. Typically low quality housing, chawls are generally associated with poverty. The first chawls were constructed in the early 1700s, as housing for industrial workers.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Physical and Social Configurations of the Bombay Chawls|url=https://www.sahapedia.org/physical-and-social-configurations-of-the-bombay-chawls|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Sahapedia|language=en}}</ref>

==History==
Chawls are rooted in the history of Bombay's (now [[Mumbai]]) colonial past. Workers migrated to Bombay from far and wide, as it was the center of trade for the [[East India Company]]. However, due to the land being unequally divided, British merchants and officials lived in sprawling bungalows, leaving little space for the working class. To accommodate this workforce, Chawls sprung up. These were tiny one room apartments shared by up to five people. Being highly congested, unsanitary, and unsafe, these were also more expensive than comparable accommodation in other Indian cities.<ref>{{cite book |last=National Council of Educational Research and Training|first=NCERT |title=India and the Contemporary World, part II |publisher=NCERT |page=142,143 |url=https://ncert.nic.in/ncerts/l/jess306.pdf}}</ref>

Town planning in Bombay finally came about because of fears of a plague epidemic, due to which The City Of Bombay Improvement Trust was established in 1898. Initial projects failed, displacing far more than they resettled. However, subsequent projects saw greater success, which largely included land reclamation projects to connect the [[Seven Islands of Bombay]]. This, along with modern apartments, led to availability of better housing, due to which chawls have declined. However, they may still be seen in the poorer parts of Mumbai.<ref>{{cite book |last= National Council of Educational Research and Training |first=NCERT |title=India and the Contemporary World, part II |publisher=NCERT |page=144,145 |url=https://ncert.nic.in/ncerts/l/jess306.pdf}}</ref>

==Description==
===Building layout===
Chawls are typically 4 to 5 stories tall, with between 8 and 16 dwellings on each floor. These dwellings are known as ''kholis (room)''. A central staircase services the building and gives access to a long passage that runs the length of each floor. Many chawls are also built around a small courtyard, which functions as a communal space for residents.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kamath |first1=Naresh |title=There's room for everyone: How Mumbai's chawls have been housing people for 117 years |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/there-s-room-for-everyone-how-mumbai-s-chawls-have-been-housing-people-for-27-years/story-ISMyYhgY2BQZzDNTcpG1sI.html |accessdate=22 August 2019 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> As many chawls are made with wood and often not subject to repairs, they become unstable or unsafe to live in over time, sometimes requiring relocation of the residents for fear that the structure may collapse.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thereby Hangs A Storey {{!}} Outlook India Magazine|url=https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/thereby-hangs-a-storey/228540|access-date=2021-04-03|website=magazine.outlookindia.com/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-10|title=Chawl caves in at Mumbai suburbs|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/chawl-caves-in-at-mumbai-suburbs-835733.html|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>

===Sanitation===
Families on a floor have to share a common block of [[latrine]]s. Tenements with private bathrooms are highly sought after and may be 50% more expensive than the price of a normal chawl.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kamath |first1=Naresh |title=There's room for everyone: How Mumbai's chawls have been housing people for 117 years |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/there-s-room-for-everyone-how-mumbai-s-chawls-have-been-housing-people-for-27-years/story-ISMyYhgY2BQZzDNTcpG1sI.html |accessdate=22 August 2019 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The lack of bathrooms has been credited with furthering disease outbreaks in chawls.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yadavar|first=Swagata|date=2020-05-17|title=6 toilets for 20 houses, inadequate testing: Why Mumbai's Worli chawls are a Covid hotspot|url=https://theprint.in/india/6-toilets-for-20-houses-inadequate-testing-why-mumbais-worli-chawls-are-a-covid-hotspot/423419/|access-date=2021-04-03|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> Infestations of insects such as cockroaches or centipedes are not uncommon either, and with no rules about littering, sanitary conditions are usually very poor.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Homegrown|title=What It's Actually Like To Live In A Mumbai Chawl|url=https://homegrown.co.in/article/801844/what-its-actually-like-to-live-in-a-mumbai-chawl|access-date=2021-04-03|website=homegrown.co.in|language=en}}</ref>

==Life for residents==
Despite poor sanitation and living conditions, chawls are often seen as "[[middle class]]" housing, and are often more affordable than much of the housing in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sriram|first=Jayant|date=2016-03-07|title=What chawls can teach us|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/what-chawls-can-teach-us/article8323238.ece|access-date=2021-04-03|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Some chawls have shops or businesses incorporated into their structure, which provide employment or shopping opportunities to the inhabitants.<ref>Karandikar, P., 2010. ''Chawls: Analysis of a middle class housing type in Mumbai, India''. Iowa State University.</ref>

Residents of chawls sometimes cite a sense of community where everything is shared amongst themselves; the cramped design of chawls forces social interaction between residents and very often special occasions, such as weddings or religious festivals, are celebrated communally.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2006-09-16|title=A life in the day of the chawl|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-a-life-in-the-day-of-the-chawl-1053409|access-date=2021-04-03|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-13|title=Jeetendra recalls memories of growing up in a chawl, says neighbours gathered at his home to see a ceiling fan. Watch|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jeetendra-recalls-memories-of-growing-up-in-a-chawl-says-neighbours-gathered-at-his-home-to-see-a-ceiling-fan-watch-101615634630782.html|access-date=2021-04-03|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Learning from the Chawl Culture – Architecture & more by Square One|url=http://squareone.blog/the-chawl-culture/|access-date=2021-04-03|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
In [[Mulk Raj Anand|Mulk Raj Anand's]] novel ''[[Coolie (novel)|Coolie]]'', the central character Munoo lives with two family groups in a chawl during his time in Bombay, with detailed descriptions of the living circumstances. The 2019 Marathi-language drama film, ''[[15 August (2019 film)|15 August]]'' ({{langx|mr|१५ ऑगस्ट}}) revolves around life in a chawl, with the majority of the filming taking place there.<ref>{{Citation|last=Jaykar|first=Swapnaneel|title=15 August|date=2019-03-29|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9817300/|type=Drama|others=Abhishek Deshmukh, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Namrata Kadam, Addinath Kothare|publisher=RnM Motion Pictures|access-date=2021-04-03}}</ref> In [[Kiran Nagarkar|Kiran Nagarkar's]] novel ''Ravan & Eddie'', both main characters and their families live in a chawl.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ravan-Eddie-Kiran-Nagarkar-ebook/dp/B0082YWMWK|access-date=2021-04-03|via=www.amazon.com|title=Ravan and Eddie |date=11 December 2012 }}</ref>

Chawls are featured in the Mumbai level in the game ''[[Hitman 2 (2018 video game)|Hitman 2]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=Mumbai - The Dubious Cohabitation - Hitman Wiki Guide - IGN|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/hitman-2016/Mumbai_-_The_Dubious_Cohabitation|language=en|access-date=2021-04-03}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Cortiço]] – a term used in [[Brazil]] and [[Portugal]] for an area of concentrated, high density urban housing, Cortiço houses are typically divided into small rooms that are rented.
* [[Casa di ringhiera]] a very similar type of housing built in the same period, and for the same purposes in [[Northern Italy]].
* Corrala, casa de corredor, or edificación de vecindad, a similar structure typical of [[Madrid]], but also found in some other towns in [[Castile and León|Castile]], as well as in parts of [[Andalusia]] and some other cities in Spain.
* [[Corral de comedias]], this same structure used as a venue for theater, especially in Madrid during the [[Spanish Golden Age]].

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite thesis|degree=MS|last=Karandikar|first=Priyanka|title=Chawls: Analysis of a middle class housing type in Mumbai, India|publisher=Iowa State University|year=2010|url=http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/11777/|accessdate=31 January 2013}}
* {{cite thesis|degree=MS|last=Sanyal|first=Tithi|title=The Chawls and Slums of Mumbai|year=2018|url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/143823/A_12%20The%20Chawls%20and%20Slums%20of%20Mumbai.pdf}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Chawl}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* "[https://web.archive.org/web/20140114164445/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-06/news-interviews/28372634_1_owners-and-private-builders-chawl-films Life in a chawl]" ''[[The Times of India]]''. 6 February 2011.

[[Category:Culture of Mumbai]]
[[Category:Residential buildings in India]]
[[Category:Poverty in India]]
[[Category:Housing in India]]

Amrinder Singh (disambiguation)

2025-01-18T10:24:01Z

Shuvro:

'''[[Amrinder Singh]]''' (born 1993) is an Indian footballer.

'''Amrinder ''' or '''Amarinder Singh''' may also refer to:
*[[Amarinder Singh]] (born 1942) is an Indian politician, former chief minister of Punjab, India
* Amrinder Singh Gill (born 1976), known as [[Amrinder Gill]], Punjabi singer-actor
*[[Amrinder Singh Raja Warring]] (born 1977), Indian politician, Member of Punjab Legislative Assembly for Gidderbaha
*Amrinder Singh (c. 1980 - 2021), an Indian Punjabi farmer who committed suicide in support of and during the [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest]], Refer to article's [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest#Suicides|Suicides]] section.

{{hndis|Singh, Amrinder}}

Kuvalaya-mālā

2024-11-07T11:04:48Z

Shuvro: Added initial article basic info

{{Short description|779 Prakrit language novel}}
{{Infobox book
| name = Kuvalaya-mālā
| author = Uddyotana-sūri
| title_orig = कुवलयमाला
| orig_lang_code =
| translator = [[Hampanā|Hampa Nagarajaiah]], Christine Chojnacki (French), Alexander Reynolds (English)
| country = [[Gurjara-Pratihara|Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom]]
| language = [[Prakrit]], [[Apabhramsha]]
| subject = Story of five souls (''[[jiva]]s'') going through several rebirths on their way to [[moksha (Jainism)|liberation]]
| genre = fiction
| set_in =
| pub_date = 21 March 779 CE
}}
'''''Kuvalaya-mālā''''' ("[[Garland]] of Blue Water [[Lilium|Lilies]]") is a 779 CE [[Prakrit]]-language novel written by the [[Jainism|Jain]] monk Uddyotana-sūri in [[Jalore|Jabalipura]] of [[Gurjara-Pratihara]] kingdom (present-day [[Jalore]], India). It is written in the [[champu]] (mixed verse and prose) form, and features dialogues in several other languages, including [[Sanskrit]], [[Apabhramsha]], and [[Paishachi]].

The novel narrates the story of five souls (including that of princess Kuvalaya-mālā) as they go through several rebirths. Initially, each of the five souls is misguided by one of the five [[passion (emotion)|passions]]: anger, vanity, deceit, greed, and infatuation. Ultimately, the five souls meet the Jain leader [[Mahavira]] in their final birth, and achieve [[moksha (Jainism)|liberation]]. The text uses this narrative to explain the Jain philosophy and practices.

== Authorship and date ==

Uddyotana-sūri, also known as Udyota-sūri or Dakshinyachihna,{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=92}} composed ''Kuvalaya-mālā'' at Jabalipura (modern [[Jalore]]).{{sfn|B.J. Sandesara|1953|p=8}} An analysis of the work suggests that he completed it on 21 March 779 CE.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=20}} The work was composed during the reign of the [[Gurjara-Pratihara]] king [[Vatsaraja]] alias Ranahastin.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=105}}{{sfn|G.C. Pande|1979|p=66}}

''Kuvalaya-mālā'' is a didactic tale with a moral fervour: Uddyotana-sūri's teacher Hari-bhadra (fl. 750 CE) also wrote a didactic tale titled ''Samaraichcha-kaha''. Siddharshi (fl. 906 CE), another monk in this lineage, wrote a didactic tale titled ''Upamiti-bhava-prapancha''. Both Uddyotana-sūri and Siddharshi were inspired by Haribhadra's work.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=xxi}}

== Language ==

The author identifies the primary language of the text as [[Prakrit]], and states that it follows the "Maharashtra-deshi" patterns. The text features quotations in other languages, including [[Sanskrit]], [[Apabhramsha]], and [[Paishachi]].{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=77}}

The author recognizes three literary languages: Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsha, and the text features bards reciting in these languages in the court of king Drdha-varman. Besides the literary Prakrit ([[Maharashtri Prakrit|Maharashtri]] and [[Shauraseni Prakrit|Shauraseni]]), the text features other dialects including [[Magadhi Prakrit|Magadhi]], Rakshasi (Chulika-Paishachi), Paishachi, Apabhramsha, and a mixture of these.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=77}}

The author also provides specimens of vernaculars (''desha-bhasha'' or ''deshi-bhasha'') spoken by traders from different regions.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=77}} The author intends to name 18 of these regional groups, although the surviving text names only 16: Gollas, those from [[Madhyadesha|Madhya-desha]], those from [[Magadha (Mahajanapada)|Magadha]], those from [[Ganga-Yamuna Doab|Antara-veda]], Kiras, Dhakkas, [[Saindhava]]s, [[Marwar|Marukas]], [[Gurjaradesa|Gurjara]], [[Lata (region)|Latas]], [[Malwa|Malavas]], those from [[Karnataka]], Tajikas,{{efn|Tajika here refers to [[Arabs]]{{sfn|G.C. Pande|1979|p=67}} }} those from [[Kosala]], those from [[Maharashtra]], and those from [[Andhra]].{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=83-84}}

The author also refers to languages spoken by foreigners: the [[Khasas]], the [[Persians|Parasas]], and the [[Barbaras]].{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=77}}

== Plot ==

The novel follows the lives of five souls (''[[jiva]]s'') as they go through several [[reincarnation|rebirths]]. Each soul initially degrades itself with one of the five passions: anger, vanity, deceit, greed, and infatuation. Subsequently, the five souls follow the path of righteousness in their various rebirths, guided by Jain leaders and mutual-cooperation.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=60}}

The five souls and their various rebirths are:{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=60-67}}

* Chandasoma alias Bhadra-sharman > the god Padma-chandra > a lion > a god > Svyam-bhu-deva
* Sundari > Mana-bhata alias Shaktibhata > the god Padma-sara > prince Kuvalaya-chandra > a god > prince Mani-ratha-kumara
* Mayaditya alias Gangaditya > Padma-vara > princess Kuvalaya-mālā > a god > prince Maha-ratha
* Lobha-deva > the god Padma-prabha > Sagara-datta (a banker-turned saint) > a god > Vajra-gupta
* Vyaghradatta alias Moha-datta > the god Padma-kesara > prince Prthvi-sara > a god > prince Kama-gajendra

In the birth in which they are misguided by passions, the five souls become Jain monks guided by the preceptor Dharma-nandana, and promise to support each other in achieving [[moksha (Jainism)|libertaion]] in the subsequent births. In their final births, the five souls meet Mahavira, accept ''[[samlekhana]]'', and attain liberation.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=60-67}}

=== Introduction ===

In the introduction, the author invokes various Jain figures, including [[Rishabhanatha|Rishabha-natha]] and [[Mahavira]]. He discusses several religious and philosophical concepts, including the [[purushartha|four goals of life]]: ''[[dharma]]'' (righteous conduct), ''[[artha]]'' (material prosperity), ''[[kama]]'' (pleasure), and ''[[moksha (Jainism)|moksha]]'' (liberation). He states that his work combines the characteristics of five different varieties of the [[katha (storytelling format)|katha]] (story-telling) genre. He states that the text is primarily about ''dharma'', but also covers ''artha'' and ''kama''.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=22}}

The author provides an outline of the story, and presents a discourse on ''durjana'' (wicked person) and ''sajjana'' (pious person). The text then moves to the actual story.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=23}}

=== ''Prince Kuvalaya-chandra: his horse flies'' ===

King Drdha-varman rules the town of Vinita ([[Ayodhya]]) in [[Madhyadesha|Madhya-desha]]. One day, his commander Sushena returns from a successful military campaign, bringing the five-year old [[Malwa|Malava]] prince Mahendra-kumara as a captive to Vinita. King Drdha-varman, who had no heir, adopts Mahendra-kumara as his son.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=23-24}}

One day, queen Priyangu-shyama expresses frustration at not having a son of her own. The king then prays to his [[tutelary deity]], Rajya-lakshmi, and receives a boon that an outstanding son would be born to him.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=24}} Early next morning, the queen sees a dream in which the moon (''[[Chandra]]'') clung to a garland (''mālā'') of highly-fragrant lilies (''kuvalaya''). The king and his courtiers interpret the dream as a sign that the queen had conceived a son in accordance with the boon. After some time, the queen gives birth to prince Kuvalaya-chandra alias Shri-datta. The prince has a happy childhood, and is well-educated.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=25-26}}

One day, the prince rides on a horse through the town, captivating ladies with his personality. Suddenly, his horse starts flying in the sky, towards the south. The prince strikes the horse with a knife, and the horse falls dead on the ground, bringing the prince down with it. An anonymous voice greets the prince, and asks him to walk southwards. The prince reaches the [[Vindhyas|Vindhya]] forest, meets a saint, and receives a sermon from him.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=26-27}}

=== Dharma-nandana: Biographies of Five Souls ===

King Purandara-datta, the ruler of [[Kosambi|Kaushambi]], meets a Jain preceptor named Dharma-nandana.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=27}} The preceptor starts a discourse, narrating stories about five passions that lead to one's miserable wanderings in the material world (''[[samsara (Jainism)|samsara]]''):{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=28-35}}

* [[Anger]]: the story of Chanda-soma, who kills his brother and sister mistaking them for his wife and her lover
* [[Vanity]]: the story of Mana-bhata, who fakes his death to test his wife's love for him, leading to suicides by his wife and other family members
* [[Deceit]]: the story of Mayaditya, a merchant who cheats his friend and feels ashamed when the friend still remains loyal to him
* [[Greed]]: the story of Lobha-deva, a trader who kills his friend, and becomes miserable after the friend is reborn as a demon (''[[rakshasa]]'')
* [[Infatuation]]: the story of Moha-datta, who is separated from his family as an infant, and unaware of the relationships as a grown-up, becomes infatuated with his sister, killing his father in the process

In all five stories, the main character feels remorse for his actions, and becomes a monk under the guidance of Dharma-nandana.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=28-35}}

At night, King Purandara-datta observes Dharma-nandana and his pupils secretly. Dharma-nandana narrates a [[parable]] highlighting the importance of [[renunciation]], and urges the five newly initiated monks (the main characters of the above-mentioned stories) to practice repentance with renunciation. The king is impressed by the integrity of the monks, and returns to his palace. The next day, the king meets Dharma-nandana, and takes the 12 vows of a lay Jain (''[[shravaka (Jainism)|shravaka]]'').{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=35-36}}

Later, the five monks are reborn, meet each other, and discuss how they can attain enlightenment. The text describes successive births of the five monks, narrating related stories along the way. The five monks are reborn as follows:{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=37-39}}

* Chanda-soma > Padma-chandra > a lion in the Vindhya forest
* Mana-bhata > Padmasara > prince Kuvalaya-chandra
* Mayaditya > Padma-vara > princess Kuvalaya-mālā
* Lobha-deva > Padma-prabha > Sagara-datta who became the saint in the Vindhya forest
* Moha-datta > Padma-kesara, the god who possessed the prince's horse

In the Vindhya forest, the saint (Lobha-deva) explains the situation to prince Kuvalaya-chandra (Mana-bhata). He prophesizes that the prince will marry princess Kuvalaya-mālā (Mayaditya), and Padma-kesara (Moha-datta) will be reborn as their son. Meanwhile, the lion (Chanda-soma) dies in the forest, and becomes a god.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=39}}

=== Kuvalaya-chandra's journey to the south ===

Prince Kuvalaya-chandra crosses the Vindhya peaks, and reaches the statue of a [[Arihant (Jainism)|Jina]] beside a lake. A [[Yaksha]] girl named Kanaka-prabha emerges from the lake, and narrates the story of how the Yakshas came to worship the Jina.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=40-41}}

The prince then crosses the [[Narmada]] river, and reaches the hermitage of a female ascetic named Enika. Her parrot narrates their past and present lives to the prince. The prince and the ascetic worship [[Rishabhanatha|Rishabha]], discuss various topics, including ''[[Samudrika Shastra|Samudrika-shastra]]'', and meet [[vidyadhara]]s disguised as [[Sora people|Shabharas]].{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=41-42}}

After some days, Kuvalaya-chandra tells Enika that he had to go on a mission to Vijaya-puri. He narrates his genealogy, describing himself as a member of the [[Ikshvaku dynasty]] and the [[Lunar dynasty|Shashi-vamsa]]. Enika sends him off, and also sends a message about his well-being to his parents through her parrot.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=43}}

Kuvalaya-chandra then reaches the [[Sahyadri|Sahya mountain]], and joins a carvan heading to [[Kanchipuram|Kanchipuri]]. A group of [[Bhil people|Bhilla]] robbers attack the caravan, and the Bhilla chief engages in a duel with the prince. The two men eventually reconcile when they realize that they are both Jains.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=43}}

The Bhilla chief xintroduces himself as Darpa-parigha, a nephew of the prince's father Drdha-varman. He states that he was to be appointed as the king of Ratna-puri, but was forced to go into exile because of a conspiracy by his younger brother: he ultimately reached the Vindhyas, joined the Bhillas, and became a robber. The prince convinces Darpa-parigha to give up robbery, and follow the Jain teachings. He then leaves for Vijaya-puri, stating that his mission was to enlighten princess Kuvalaya-mālā.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=44-45}}

=== Kuvalaya-chandra in Vijaya-puri ===

Kuvalaya-chandra reaches Vijaya,{{efn|Possibly present-day [[Vijaydurg Fort|Vijaydurg]].{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=75}} }} the capital of the Vijaya-puri country on the southern cost, meeting several people along the way. He learns that the beautiful princess Kuvalaya-mālā had hung an incomplete verse in the palace yard: the rest of the verse was kept secure in the royal treasury. She was prophesized to marry the person who would complete the verse displayed to the public in the palace yard. The prince overhears conversations of people from different parts of India at various places in the capital, including a residential school and a market. He then reaches the palace yard, where he comes across different rulers who had been unable to complete the verse.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=45-46}}

Just then, an elephant gets out of control: prince Kuvalaya-chandra overpowers the elephant, mounts it, and recites the full verse. Kuvalaya-mālā is impressed, and chooses him as her life partner. Meanwhile, Mahendra-kumara comes to the scene, and the two men happily greet each other. Mahendra-kumara explains what happened at the palace after the horse flew away with the prince: his parents made several attempts to find the prince, and the entire town was in despair, until Enika's parrot brought the news of his well-being. King Drdha-varman then sent a party led by Mahendra-kumara to Vijaya-puri.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=46-47}}

While preparations are being made to fix an astrologically auspicious date for the wedding, prince Kuvalaya-chandra desperately longs for princess Kuvalaya-mālā. The princess sends presents to the prince, and Bhogavati - an attendant of the princess - narrates her biography to the prince. Bhogavati explains that an ascetic (''[[shramana]]'') had informed them about the princess's previous births as Mayaditya and Padma-vara.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=47}} Bhogavati then arranges a meeting between the prince and the princess. Sometime later, the wedding ceremony takes place, and the couple spends the next few days in amorous activities.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=48}} One day, Kuvalaya-chandra narrates his biography to his wife, and reminds her of their past births. Kuvalaya-mālā agrees to follow Jainism, and is thus enlightened.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=49}}

=== Kuvalaya-chandra starts back for Ayodhya ===

Kuvalaya-chandra receives a letter from king Drdha-varman asking him to return to Ayodhya. Accordingly, he sets out for Ayodhya on a date recommended by the royal astrologer, accompanied by Kuvalaya-mālā and Mahendra-kumara. On the way, he meets several people including king Jayanta in Jayanti and the saint Bhanu near the Sahya mountain. Bhanu narrates his autobiography, including his past birth and how he became a saint.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=49-50}}

At a valley in the Vindhya mountains, Kuvalaya-chandra comes across some [[alchemist]]s (''dhatu-vadins''), who were attempting to make gold, but could produce only copper. The prince corrects their mistakes, prays to the [[Arihant (Jainism)|Jinas]] and the [[Siddha]]s, and is thus able to produce gold. He teaches the correct technique of producing gold, as described in the text ''Jonipahuda'', to the alchemists and Kuvalaya-mālā.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=51}}

=== Kuvalaya-chandra in Ayodhya ===

Prince Kuvalaya-chandra receives a warm welcome in Ayodhya, and is appointed as the [[heir apparent]] on an auspicious day chosen by astrologers. After some days, king Drdha-varman decides to abdicate the throne and lead a religious life. He and the prince discuss which religion is the best. The king's tutelary deity gives him a [[Brahmi script|Brahmi]] manuscript outlining the aspects of the best religion, and the king wonders how to find a teacher who preaches such a religion.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=51}}

On the prince's suggestion, the king invites various religious leaders to describe what they consider to be ''[[dharma]]'' (righteous conduct). The religious leaders present their views on various religious and philosophical concepts, such as soul, liberation, sacrifice, meditation, life, death, god etc. The king decides that the manuscript agreed with a Jain teacher who preached abstention from [[ethics of Jainism|five sins]] and considered [[Arihant (Jainism)|Arhat]] as the divinity. The teacher initiates the king and his companions as monks, and gives them a religious discourse.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=52}}

Kuvalaya-chandra becomes the new king, and rules for several years. In accordance with the prophecy, Padma-kesara is born as prince Prthvi-sara to Kuvalaya-chandra and his queen Kuvalaya-mālā. Prthvi-sara intends to renounce the world at a young age, but is appointed the heir apparent against his wishes.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=52}} Sometime later, his parents renounce the world and take to religious life, and he becomes the new king.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=53}}

Later, Kuvalaya-chandra meets Darpa-parigha, who has now become a saint. Darpa-parigraha narrates his life since their last meeting, and guides Kuvalaya-candra, Kuvalaya-mālā, and Mahendra-kumara to renunciation. Sometime later, the five souls guided by Dharma-nandana are reborn and meet in heaven. Meanwhile, king Prthvi-sara appoints his son Manorathaditya on the throne, and becomes an ascetic.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=53}}

=== Mahavira's Samavasarana and the Five Souls ===

During the lifetime of the Jain leader [[Mahavira]], Kuvalaya-chandra is reborn as prince Mani-ratha to king Kanchana-ratha, in the town of Kakandi. One day, in his [[Samavasarana]] (divine preaching hall), Mahavira explains the Jain philosophy and religious concepts to several people, including king Kanchana-ratha. The prince is addicted to the cruel hobby of hunting, but Mahavira tells Kanchana-ratha that the prince will be enlightened soon.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=53}}

Meanwhile, the prince Mani-ratha comes across a female deer during a hunting mission, and feels remorse at his cruelty. He meets Mahavira, who explains that in their previous births, the prince and the deer were lovers.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=54}}

Sometime later, Mahavira reaches [[Shravasti]] and preaches to Gautama and others in his Samavasarana. Meanwhile, Prthvisara has been reborn as a god, and then as prince Kama-gajendra during the period of Mahavira. Kama-gajendra arrives at the scene and meets Mahavira, who narrates his life to the audience. Mahavira tells him about the current lives of his four companions, and tells him that he would achieve liberation in this life.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=55-56}}

Mahavira then reaches Kakandi, where he continues to preach to Gautama and others. Meanwhile, prince Vajra-gupta arrives at the scene, and Mahavira narrates his life to the audience, introducing him as Lobha-deva reborn. Mahavira continues his discourse, describing the two types of gods: ''saraga'' (those with attachments) and ''viraga'' (those without attachments).{{efn|The ''saraga'' gods include [[Vishnu|Govinda]], [[Kartikeya|Skanda]], [[Shiva|Rudra]], [[Deva (Jainism)|Vyantara]], [[Ganesha|Ganadhipa]], [[Durga]], [[Yaksha]], [[Rakshasa]], [[Bhoota (ghost)|Bhuta]], [[Pishacha]], [[Kinnara]], [[Kimpurusha]], [[Gandharva]], [[Mahoraga]], [[Nāga]], astral bodies, natural phenomenon etc.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=70}} }} He states that only those who worship the ''viraga'' gods attain [[moksha]] (salvation). At this point, a [[Brahmin|Brahmana]] boy named Svayam-bhu-deva arrives at the scene, and Mahavira narrates his life to the audience, introducing him as Chanda-soma reborn.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=56-59}}

Subsequently, Mahavira reaches [[Rajgir|Rajagrha]], and gives a discourse to king [[Shrenika]]. He also explains a dream to Shrenika's eight-year-old son, prince Maha-ratha, and explains that Maha-ratha was Kuvalaya-mālā reborn. The five souls then meet, and become Mahavira's companions. They eventually adopt ''[[samlekhana]]'' and attain liberation.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=59}}

=== Conclusion ===

The author explains the purpose of various episodes and characters in the text, stating that they promote the development of the right faith. He states that a person who sincerely reads or hears the ''Kuvalaya-mālā'' develops or strengthens ''[[samyaktva]]'' (righteousness). He states that Hri-devi is instrumental for this composition, and provides some details about himself, his predecessors, and the place and time of the composition of the text.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=60}}

== Scholarly interest ==

The text is an important source of information about the contemporary society, culture, polity, geography, economy and religion.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=70-74}}{{sfn|G.C. Pande|1979|p=66}} The various episodes in the text are interspersed with discussions on Jain philosophy, beliefs and practices.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=68}} The text also reviews beliefs and practices of non-Jain faiths, presenting them as unacceptable: these faiths include [[Buddhism]], [[Charvaka]], [[Brahmanism]], [[Samkhya]], [[Advaita]] and others.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=70-71}}

The passages in [[Paishachi]] ("Pesaya") language, which is largely unattested, have attracted scholarly attention.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=81}} Also of historical interest is the description of physical and temperamental characteristics of people from various regions, and specimens of their languages. For example, according to the author, "those from Andhra like women and warfare; they are handsome and fierce in eating; and they utter ''ati puti ratim''."{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=83-84}}

== Critical edition ==

[[A. N. Upadhye]] prepared a critical edition of the text (1957 and 1970), based on the following manuscripts:{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|pp=1-3}}<ref>{{cite journal |author=M. V. Patwardhan |title=Review: Kuvalayamālā |journal=Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute |volume=51 |issue=1/4 |year=1970 |pages=243–246 |jstor=41688693 }}</ref>

* A paper manuscript, kept at [[Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute]], [[Pune]] (No. 154 in 1881-1882 catalogue); possibly from 15th century.
* A palm-leaf manuscript kept at the big ''bhandara'' of [[Jaisalmer]], dated to 1083 CE ([[Vikrama Samvat|Samvat]] 1139).

The text of these manuscripts is not exactly identical.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=8}} The Pune manuscript features several omissions, which appear to be deliberate: for example, it omits several references to flesh.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=13}}

In mid-13th century, Ratnaprabha-sūri wrote ''Kuvalayamālā-kathā'', a Sanskrit-language digest of ''Kuvalayamālā''. In 1916, ''Muni'' Chatura-vijaya published a critical edition of Ratnaprabha's work, based on three manuscripts.{{sfn|A.N. Upadhye|1970|p=18}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |editor=A.N. Upadhye |editor-link=A. N. Upadhye |title=Kuvalayamālā: Part II |year=1970 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |series=Singhi Jain Series |oclc=606491763 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.408452 }}
* {{cite book |author=B.J. Sandesara |author-link=Bhogilal Sandesara |title=Literary Circle of Mahāmātya Vastupāla and its Contribution to Sanskrit Literature |series=Singhi Jain Series |year=1953 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5tljAAAAMAAJ }}
* {{cite book |author=G.C. Pande |author-link=Govind Chandra Pande |chapter=A Note on Uddyotanasuri's Kuvalayamala |title=Jain Thought and Culture |year=1979 |publisher=University of Rajasthan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w-0XAAAAIAAJ |page=66 }}
{{refend}}

[[Category:Prakrit Jain texts]]
[[Category:8th-century Indian books]]
[[Category:Indian novels]]
[[Category:Pratihara Empire]]
[[Category:Rajasthani literature]]
[[Category:Jain texts]]

Adi Sura

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[[Category:Rulers of Bengal]]

Puppalli

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Sirai Chaalai

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List of colleges affiliated with the Vikram University, Ujjain

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