Sabarkantha district: Difference between revisions

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m added indian legendary actor and comedian Manoj Joshi sir name in Notable Personalities bc he is too from sabarkantha district,Himmatnagar.
 
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{{Infobox settlement
| name              = Sabarkantha district
| settlement_type    = [[List of districts of Gujarat|District]] of [[Gujarat]]
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
|size = 250
|photo1a = Roda Temples-17.jpg
|photo1b = Shrimad Rajchandra Vihar Idar12.jpg
|photo2a = Tower Chok Himmatnagar.jpg
|photo2b = Brahmaji Temple of Khedbrahma5.jpg
|photo3a = Mysterious lost temple of polo forest.jpg
}}
| image_caption      = Clockwise from top-left: [[Roda Group of Temples]]; Rajchandra Vihara, [[Idar, Gujarat|Idar]]; [[Brahma Temple, Khedbrahma|Brahma Temple]], [[Khedbrahma]]; Abhapur temples in [[Polo Forest]]; Tower Chowk, [[Himatnagar]]
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|frame-align=center|type=shape|id=Q1772856|stroke-colour=#C60C30|stroke-width=2|text=Interactive Map Outlining Sabarkantha District}}
| map_caption1      = Location of district in Gujarat
| image_map1        = Sabarkantha in Gujarat (India).svg
| coordinates        = {{Coord|region:IN-GJ|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type  = Country
| subdivision_name  = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Gujarat]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Region]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[North Gujarat]]
| seat_type          = Headquarters
| seat              = [[Himatnagar]]
| area_total_km2    = 5,390
| population_total  = 2,428,589
| population_as_of  = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#GJ.E2.80.94Gujarat|GJ]]-09
| website            = {{URL|https://sabarkantha.nic.in/}}
| iso_code          = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|GJ-IN]]
}}


{{Infobox settlement
'''Sabarkantha district''' is one of the 33 administrative districts of the Indian state of [[Gujarat]], situated in the northeastern part of the state.<ref name="Districts_of_India_NIC">{{cite web |title=Districts of Gujarat |url=http://districts.nic.in/districts.php?sid=GJ |website=Districts of India |publisher=National Informatics Centre |access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref> The district headquarters is in [[Himatnagar]], and it is traversed by National Highway 48.<ref name="Districts_of_India_NIC" /> Sabarkantha comprises a total of 1,389 villages, including [[Pedhmala]] and [[Takhatgadh Kampa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Takhatgadh Pin Code |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/pincode/gujarat/sabarkantha/takhatgadh |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=indiatvnews.com |publisher=Independent News Service}}</ref> According to recent demographic projections, the district has an estimated population of around 2.5 million as of January 2025.
| name                    = Sabarkantha district
| native_name            =
| native_name_lang        =
| other_name              =
| nickname                =
| settlement_type        = district
| image_skyline          =
| image_alt              =
| image_caption          =
| image_map              = Sabarkantha in Gujarat (India).svg
| map_caption            = Location of district in Gujarat
| coordinates            =  
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1      = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1      = [[Gujarat]]
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_date        =
| founder                =
| named_for              =
| seat_type              = Headquarters
| seat                    = [[Himatnagar]]
| government_type        =
| governing_body          =
| leader_title            = District Collectorate
| leader_name            =
| unit_pref              = Metric
| area_footnotes          =
| area_rank              =
| area_total_km2          =
| elevation_footnotes    =
| elevation_m            =
| population_total        = 2,428,589
| population_as_of        = 2011
| population_rank        =
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_demonym      =
| population_footnotes    =
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| demographics1_info1    = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[English language|English]]
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code            =  
| registration_plate      = [[List of RTO districts in India#GJ.E2.80.94Gujarat|GJ]]-9
| website                 = {{URL|gujaratindia.com}}  
| iso_code                = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|GJ-IN]]|


footnotes              =
==Geography and climate ==
}}
[[File:Harnav dam.jpg|thumb|Harnav dam|left|181x181px]]Sabarkantha District is bounded by [[Rajasthan]] to the north and northeast, the [[Banaskantha district]] and the [[Mehsana district]] to the west, the [[Gandhinagar district]] to the south and the [[Aravalli district]] to the southeast.<ref name="CensusHandbookSabarKantha">{{cite book |title=District Census Handbook Sabar Kantha Part XII-B |date=2011 |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2405_PART_B_DCHB_SABAR%20KANTHA.pdf |access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref> It is spread across an area of 5390&nbsp;km and its geographical location: 23.030 to 24.30 N latitude and 72.43 to 73.39 E. longitude.
[[File:Himatnagar Public Library and Towerclock.jpg|thumb|[[Himatnagar]] Public Library|400x400px]]
'''Sabarkantha district''' is one of the 33 districts of [[Gujarat]] state of [[India]] and is located in the northeastern part of the state.<ref name="Districts_of_India_NIC">{{cite web |title=Districts of Gujarat |url=http://districts.nic.in/districts.php?sid=GJ |website=Districts of India |publisher=National Informatics Centre |access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref> The administrative headquarters of the district are located in [[Himmatnagar]].<ref name="Districts_of_India_NIC" />


==Geography==
The district has a climate of a minimum temperature of 9<sup>o</sup> C in the winter and a maximum temperature of 49<sup>o</sup> C in the summer. The region also includes a number of rivers which include [[Sabarmati River|Sabarmati]], [[Khari River|Khari]], Meshvo, [[Hathmati River|Hathmati]], Harnao, [[Vatrak River|Vatrak]] and Mazam. There is a variety of soil and flat available around these rivers.
[[File:Harnav dam.jpg|thumb|Harnav dam|400x400px]]
Sabarkantha District is bounded by [[Rajasthan]] state to the north and northeast, [[Banaskantha district]] and [[Mehsana district]] to the west, [[Gandhinagar district]] to the south and [[Panchmahal district]] to the southeast.<ref name="CensusHandbookSabarKantha">{{cite book |title=District Census Handbook Sabar Kantha Part XII-B |date=2011 |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2405_PART_B_DCHB_SABAR%20KANTHA.pdf |access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref>


It is spread across an area of 7390&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. It has a gender ratio of 950 females per 1000 men, and the literacy rate for the district is 76.6%.
With all these factors, the district has given rise to a number types of [[Agriculture in India|agriculture]]. Crops include paddy, [[millet]], [[cotton]], [[wheat]], [[sorghum]], [[tobacco]], [[peanut|groundnut]], [[Castor oil plant|castor]], [[Mustard plant|mustard]], [[vegetable]]s, [[tomato]]es and [[cauliflower]].


==History==
==History==
During the [[Western Satrap]] rule, the region was known as ''Shwabhra'' ({{lang-gu|શ્વભ્ર}}). The region is under rule of Satrap Rudradama in 150 A.D. as indicated in [[Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts]] at [[Junagadh]]. The river of the region is named as ''Shwabhravati'' which is now known as [[Sabarmati River]]. The region is also named in auxiliary text ''Gaṇapāṭha'' of [[Pāṇini]]'s grammar work, ''Aṣṭādhyāyī''.<ref>Shukla, Jaykumar R. ''Shwabhra'', Gujarati Vishwakosh, p. 754.</ref>
During the [[Western Satraps|Western Satrap]] rule, the region was known as ''Shwabhra'' ({{langx|gu|શ્વભ્ર}}). The region was under the rule of Satrap Rudradama in 150 A.D. as indicated in [[Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts]] at [[Junagadh]]. The river of the region was originally named ''Shwabhravati'' and is now known as the [[Sabarmati River]]. The region is also named in the auxiliary text ''Gaṇapāṭha'' of [[Pāṇini]]'s grammar work, ''Aṣṭādhyāyī''.<ref>Shukla, Jaykumar R. ''Shwabhra'', Gujarati Vishwakosh, p. 754.</ref>


During the [[British Raj]] Vijaynagar in Sabarkantha district was the capital of [[Vijaynagar State]] or Pol State, one of the [[princely state]]s of the [[Mahi Kantha Agency]].<ref>[http://www.indianrajputs.com/view/vijaynagar Rajput Provinces of India - Vijaynagar State (Princely State)]</ref>
During the [[British Raj]], ''Vijaynagar'' in the Sabarkantha district was the capital of [[Vijaynagar State]] or Pol State, one of the [[princely state]]s of the [[Mahi Kantha Agency]].<ref>[http://www.indianrajputs.com/view/vijaynagar Rajput Provinces of India - Vijaynagar State (Princely State)]</ref>[[File:Himatnagar Public Library and Towerclock.jpg|thumb|[[Himatnagar]] Public Library|left|239x239px]]The present-day district of Sabarkantha was formed in 1949 through the merger of 29 [[princely state]]s and some parts of the British-governed [[Ahmedabad district]].<ref name="GujGazetteersSabarkantha">{{cite book |last1=Rajyagor |first1=S B |title=Gujarat State Gazetteers Sabarkantha District |date=1974 |publisher=Director, Government Printing |location=Ahmedabad |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.244761/ |access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref> When the former [[Bombay state]] was bifurcated in 1960, Sabarkantha became a part of the newly-formed [[Gujarat]].<ref name="GujGazetteersSabarkantha" />


The present-day district of Sabarkantha was formed in 1949 through the merger of 29 [[princely state]]s and some parts of the British-governed Ahmedabad district.<ref name="GujGazetteersSabarkantha">{{cite book |last1=Rajyagor |first1=S B |title=Gujarat State Gazetteers Sabarkantha District |date=1974 |publisher=Director, Government Printing |location=Ahmedabad |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.244761/ |access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref> When the erstwhile [[Bombay state]] was bifurcated in 1960, Sabarkantha became a part of the newly-formed [[Gujarat]].<ref name="GujGazetteersSabarkantha" />
==Economy==
In 2006, the [[Ministry of Panchayati Raj]] named Sabarkantha one of the country's 250 [[Poverty in India|most backward districts]] (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=brgf/> It is one of six districts in Gujarat currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).<ref name=brgf>{{cite web|author=Ministry of Panchayati Raj|date=September 8, 2009|title=A Note on the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme|publisher=National Institute of Rural Development|url=http://www.nird.org.in/brgf/doc/brgf_BackgroundNote.pdf|access-date=September 27, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405033402/http://www.nird.org.in/brgf/doc/brgf_BackgroundNote.pdf|archive-date=April 5, 2012}}</ref>


==Economy==
[[Agriculture]] is the backbone of Sabarkantha district's economy, with approximately 62.8% of the workforce engaged in farming<ref>{{Cite web |title=Economy of the district |url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Geographic-map-of-Sabarkantha-District_fig1_215667092 |website=www.researchgate.net}}</ref> and related activities. The region primarily cultivates wheat, cotton, pulses, and groundnut, which are among its most significant [[crop]]s.
In 2006 the [[Ministry of Panchayati Raj]] named Sabarkantha one of the country's 250 [[Poverty in India|most backward districts]] (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=brgf/> It is one of the six districts in Gujarat currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).<ref name=brgf>{{cite web|author=Ministry of Panchayati Raj|date=September 8, 2009|title=A Note on the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme|publisher=National Institute of Rural Development|url=http://www.nird.org.in/brgf/doc/brgf_BackgroundNote.pdf|access-date=September 27, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405033402/http://www.nird.org.in/brgf/doc/brgf_BackgroundNote.pdf|archive-date=April 5, 2012}}</ref>


==Divisions==
==Sub-Divisions==
Sabarkantha district has 8 [[taluka]]s:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Villages & Panchayats {{!}} District Sabarkantha, Government of Gujarat {{!}} India|url=https://sabarkantha.nic.in/villages-panchayats/|access-date=2021-08-19|language=en-US}}</ref>
Sabarkantha district has eight [[taluka]]s:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Villages & Panchayats {{!}} District Sabarkantha, Government of Gujarat {{!}} India|url=https://sabarkantha.nic.in/villages-panchayats/|access-date=2021-08-19|language=en-US}}</ref>


# Himatnagar
# [[Himatnagar]]
# Idar
# [[Idar, Gujarat|Idar]]
# Prantij
# [[Prantij]]
# Talod
# [[Talod]]
# Khedbrahma
# [[Khedbrahma]]
# Poshina
# [[Poshina]]
# Vadali
# [[Vadali, Gujarat|Vadali]]
# Vijaynagar
# Vijaynagar


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Sabarkantha district has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 2,428,589,<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 2011-09-30 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in}}</ref> roughly equal to the nation of [[Kuwait]]<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 2011-10-01 | quote = Kuwait 2,595,62  }}</ref> or the US state of [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php|title=2010 Resident Population Data|publisher=U. S. Census Bureau|access-date=2011-09-30| quote =New Mexico - 2,059,179 }}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 183rd in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=districtcensus/> The district has a population density of {{convert|328|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 16.56%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Sabarkantha has a [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 950 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 76.6%.<ref name=districtcensus/>
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], the Sabarkantha district has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 2,428,589,<ref name="districtcensus">{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book – Sabarkantha |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/380/download/1168/DH_2011_2405_PART_A_DCHB_SABAR_KANTHA.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> roughly equal to the nation of [[Kuwait]]<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070613004507/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 13, 2007 | access-date = 2011-10-01 | quote = Kuwait 2,595,62  }}</ref> or the U.S. state of [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php|title=2010 Resident Population Data|publisher=U. S. Census Bureau|access-date=2011-09-30|quote=New Mexico - 2,059,179|archive-date=2010-12-27|archive-url=https://archive.today/20101227010452/http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 183rd in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]). The district has a population density of {{convert|328|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}. Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 16.56%. Sabarkantha has a [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 950 females for every 1000 males and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 76.6%.
 
The residual district had a population of 1,388,671, of which 237,158 (17.08%) lived in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 125,462 (9.03%) and 328,243 (23.64%) of the population, respectively.<ref name="districtcensus" />
 
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Sabarkantha district (2011)<ref name="Religion"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|92.55}}
{{bar percent|[[Gujarati Muslims|Islam]]|green|6.48}}
{{bar percent|[[Jainism in Gujarat|Jainism]]|pink|0.72}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.25}}
}}
 
There are 1,285,218 Hindus, 90,027 Muslims and 9,990 Jains, within the total population.<ref name="Religion">{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Population by Religion - Gujarat |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11373/download/14486/DDW24C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>


At the time of the [[2011 Census of India]], 97.86% of the population in the district spoke [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] and 1.63% [[Hindi]] as their first language.<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html 2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue]</ref>
===Languages===


[[Punsari]], a small village in the district was selected as the best village in Gujarat.<ref name=toi>{{cite web|title=Gujarat village that puts metros to shame|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-20/ahmedabad/31788127_1_gujarat-village-indian-village-cctv-cameras|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523171553/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-20/ahmedabad/31788127_1_gujarat-village-indian-village-cctv-cameras|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 May 2012|author=Bharat Yagnik|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 May 2012}}</ref>
At the time of the [[2011 Census of India]], 97.85% of the population in the district spoke [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] and 1.63% spoke [[Hindi]] as their first language.<ref name="language">{{cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Gujarat |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10212/download/13324/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2700.XLSX |website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>


==Forts==
==Politics==
{{transcluded section|source=15th Gujarat Assembly}}{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Sabarkantha district (2011)<ref name="language"/>
|label1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] |value1 = 97.85 |color1 = skyblue
|label2 = [[Hindi]] |value2 = 1.63 |color2 = orange
|label3 = Others |value3 = 0.52 |color3 = grey
}}{{#section:15th Gujarat Assembly|MLA Header}}
{{#section:15th Gujarat Assembly|Sabarkantha district}}
{{#section:15th Gujarat Assembly|Sabarkantha district 2}}
{{end}}


'''Idario Gadh''' -
==Historic Heritage sites==
Ilva Durga (ancient fort) –
[[File:Jain Temple, Polo Forest.jpg|thumb|Sharneshwar Temple in Abhapur]]
Idar is an ancient fort, known as 'Ilva Durga' and finds mentioned in Mahabharat and in the travelogue of the Rathore Rajputs in the Mahi Kantha agency at the time of British Raj. It is a classic example of a naturally protected hill fort, located at the southern edge of the Aravalli range. At the foothill, lay the ruins of an old palace, a fine specimen of architecture in stone with delicately carved balconies. The entry to Idar town is through a three storeyed clock tower cum entrance gate, with a huge arch and semi circular dome at the top. The road, with a colourful bazaar on both sides, leads to the tower and ends at the foothills of Idar fort.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/forts-1.htm#Idar | title=Gujarat State Portal}}</ref>
 
== Forts ==
 
=== Idariyo Gadh ===
Also known as '''[[Idar Forest|Idar Fort]]''', is an ancient hill fort located on the southern edge of the [[Aravalli Range]] in Idar, Gujarat. Historically referred to as '''<nowiki/>'Ilva Durga'''', the fort is mentioned in ancient texts, including the ''Mahabharata'', and later in the travel records of the Rathore Rajputs during the British Raj in the Mahi Kantha Agency. The fort is an example of natural hill fortification. At its foothill lie the remnants of an old palace, notable for its carved balconies. The entry into Idar is marked by a three-story clock tower, which also serves as an entrance gate, featuring an arch and a semi-circular dome. The road leading to the fort is flanked by a bazaar and ends at the base of the fort.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gujarat State Portal |url=http://gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/forts-1.htm#Idar |access-date=2014-03-22 |archive-date=2014-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701062217/http://gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/forts-1.htm#Idar |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Heritage Sites==
[[File:Jain Temple, Polo Forest.jpg|thumb|Sharneshwar Temple,Abhapur]]
{{Peacock|section|date=March 2021}}
=== Vijay Villas Vijaynagar ===
=== Vijay Villas Vijaynagar ===
Vijay Villas Vijaynagar is nested on the foothills of the aravali ranges and is on the edge of among the few dense forests left in Gujarat in the Sabarkantha district which is on the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is a heaven for nature and wild life admirers.  Unique for its picturesque surroundings which serves as a refuge for fascinating species of flora and fauna, a sanctuary of rare birds and wild animals, adorned by beautiful flowing rivulets and unsullied lakes fills up your senses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gujarattourism.com/spdetails.aspx?serviceid=286 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-03-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109014323/http://www.gujarattourism.com/spdetails.aspx?serviceid=286 |archive-date=2012-01-09 }}</ref>
Located in [[Vijayanagara|Vijaynagar]] at the foothills of the [[Aravalli Range|Aravalli]] Range, is situated near one of Gujarat's remaining dense forests, close to the Gujarat-Rajasthan border. This historic site, nestled in natural surroundings, reflects a blend of architectural and [[cultural heritage]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gujarattourism.com/spdetails.aspx?serviceid=286 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-03-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109014323/http://www.gujarattourism.com/spdetails.aspx?serviceid=286 |archive-date=2012-01-09 }}</ref>


=== Darbargadh ===
=== Darbargadh ===
About 18&nbsp;km from Ambaji in Sabarkantha district, Poshina takes one back to the simple beauty of traditional village life, populated by a captivating mélange of colorful tribal communities of the Garasias, Bhils and the pastoral Rabaris. Poshina is home to a tribal shrine where you find the staggering scene of thousands of terracotta horses standing in rows as offerings to the local goddess. Nearby villages have similar horses carved in reverence to her divinity. A visit to the homes of the potters who make these striking horses is an excellent glimpse into tribal culture.
Located approximately 18&nbsp;km from Ambaji, '''Darbargadh''' in Poshina is a historical palace that has been converted into a heritage hotel. The region is home to various tribal communities, including the [[Garasia]]s, [[Bhil]]s, and [[Rabari]]s. The area is notable for its unique tribal shrine that houses thousands of terracotta horses, offered in reverence to a local goddess. The palace itself features gateways, domes, pillars, arches, courtyards, and terraces, reflecting the architectural legacy of the Chalukyas, a dynasty that once ruled parts of Gujarat and Central India in the 12th century. In addition to the palace, Poshina contains Jain temples dedicated to [[Pārśvanātha|Parshvanath]] and [[Neminatha|Neminath]], and a Shiva temple.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=223&webpartid=899&lang=English |title=Poshina &#124; Nearby places &#124; Ambaji &#124; North Gujarat (Ahmedabad) &#124; Tourism Hubs &#124; Home &#124; Gujarat Tourism |access-date=2014-03-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140322092243/http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=223&webpartid=899&lang=English |archive-date=2014-03-22 }}</ref>[[File:Polo forest Vijaynagar.jpg|thumb|Polo Forest]]


In Poshina you find the Darbargadh Poshina, once a palace, and now a welcoming heritage hotel, with huge gateways, a massive dome, numerous pillars and arches, a pleasant courtyard, gardens, lawns and terraces, owned by the descendants of the Chalukyas, whose empire spread through much of Gujarat and Central India in the 12th century. You also find old Jain sandstone temples of Parshvanath and Neminath and an old Shiva temple.
=== Polo Forest ===
The '''[[Polo Forest]]''' spans an area of 400 square kilometers near the village of Abhapur in Vijaynagar taluka, Gujarat. The forest is surrounded by the Aravalli hills, and the Harnav River flows through it. Within the forest are remnants of ancient temples, including a Shiva temple and Jain temples, which date back to the 10th and 15th centuries. Every year, the '''[[Pola (festival)|Polo Festival]]''' is organized by the Gujarat government, featuring various activities such as trekking, cycling, and camping.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Polo Forest - Pictures, Timing, Fees and How to Visit from Ahmedabad in Gujarat |url=http://www.theindia.co.in/places/polo-forest}}</ref>


Sabarkantha district is host to the famous [[Chitra Vichitra Fair]] in Gunbhakhari village, a couple of weeks after Holi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=223&webpartid=899&lang=English |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-03-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140322092243/http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=223&webpartid=899&lang=English |archive-date=2014-03-22 }}</ref>
==Notable residents==
 
* [[Umashankar Joshi]] (1911–1988), writer and scholar, born in Bamna (now [[Aravalli district]]).
=== Polo forest ===
* [[Rashid Patel]], Indian cricketer.
{{main|Polo forest}}
* [[Zohraben Chavda]] (1923–1997), Gandhian social reformer and member of the 3rd Loksabha from Banaskantha.
[[File:Polo forest Vijaynagar.jpg|thumb|Polo Forest]]
*[[Manoj Joshi (actor)|Manoj Joshi]], actor and comedian, born in [[Himatnagar|Himmatnagar]].
Polo forest is spread across 400 square KM, located near Abhapur village in Vijaynagar taluka of Gujarat. Polo forest is surrounded by beautiful hills from where the Harnav River is crossing and spread across the forest, ancient Shiv temple, Jain temple and other heritage site located in nearby areas, Every year, Gujarat government celebrate Polo festival by organizing well-planned travel events which includes adventure activities, cycling, camping. There is a polo camp city is setup at polo forest where you can stay and enjoy the polo utsav.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.theindia.co.in/places/polo-forest |title = Polo Forest - Pictures, Timing, Fees and How to Visit from Ahmedabad in Gujarat}}</ref>
*[[Praful Khoda Patel]], politician and administrator of Diu, Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli.
==Notable personalities==
* [[Umashankar Joshi]] (1911–1988) Writer and scholar. Born in Bamna.
* [[Rashid Patel]] Indian cricketer
* [[Zohraben Chavda]] (1923–1997) a Gandhian social reformer and member of the 3rd Loksabha from Banaskantha
*[[Manoj Joshi (actor)|Manoj Joshi]] Actor and comedian. Born in [[Himatnagar|Himmatnagar]].  


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Punsari]]
* [[Punsari]]
* [[Harsol]]
* [[Harsol]]
* [[Tropic of Cancer Science Park]]


==References==
==References==
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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [https://sabarkantha.nic.in/ Official website]
* [https://sabarkantha.nic.in/ Official website]
* [http://sabarkantha.gujarat.gov.in/ Collectorate website]
* [http://sabarkantha.gujarat.gov.in/ Collectorate website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913162613/http://sabarkantha.gujarat.gov.in/ |date=2011-09-13 }}
* [http://sabarkanthadp.gujarat.gov.in/sabarkantha/english/panchayat/taluka-panchayat.htm]
*[https://archive.today/20130414080754/http://www.bhiloda.org/ Bhiloda site]
* [https://archive.today/20130414080754/http://www.bhiloda.org/ Bhiloda site]
* {{osmrelation-inline|1950802}}


{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location
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{{Gujarat}}
{{Gujarat}}
{{coord|23.6|72.95|type:adm2nd_region:IN|display=title}}


[[Category:Sabarkantha district| ]]
[[Category:Sabarkantha district| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Districts of Gujarat]]

Latest revision as of 07:49, 13 March 2026

Sabarkantha district
District of Gujarat
Clockwise from top-left: Roda Group of Temples; Rajchandra Vihara, Idar; Brahma Temple, Khedbrahma; Abhapur temples in Polo Forest; Tower Chowk, Himatnagar
Location of district in Gujarat
Location of district in Gujarat
Coordinates: Coordinates: Missing latitude
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Country India
StateGujarat
RegionNorth Gujarat
HeadquartersHimatnagar
Area
 • Total5,390 km2 (2,080 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total2,428,589
 • Density450/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialGujarati, Hindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
ISO 3166 codeGJ-IN
Vehicle registrationGJ-09
Websitesabarkantha.nic.in

Sabarkantha district is one of the 33 administrative districts of the Indian state of Gujarat, situated in the northeastern part of the state.[1] The district headquarters is in Himatnagar, and it is traversed by National Highway 48.[1] Sabarkantha comprises a total of 1,389 villages, including Pedhmala and Takhatgadh Kampa.[2] According to recent demographic projections, the district has an estimated population of around 2.5 million as of January 2025.

Geography and climate[edit | edit source]

Harnav dam

Sabarkantha District is bounded by Rajasthan to the north and northeast, the Banaskantha district and the Mehsana district to the west, the Gandhinagar district to the south and the Aravalli district to the southeast.[3] It is spread across an area of 5390 km and its geographical location: 23.030 to 24.30 N latitude and 72.43 to 73.39 E. longitude.

The district has a climate of a minimum temperature of 9o C in the winter and a maximum temperature of 49o C in the summer. The region also includes a number of rivers which include Sabarmati, Khari, Meshvo, Hathmati, Harnao, Vatrak and Mazam. There is a variety of soil and flat available around these rivers.

With all these factors, the district has given rise to a number types of agriculture. Crops include paddy, millet, cotton, wheat, sorghum, tobacco, groundnut, castor, mustard, vegetables, tomatoes and cauliflower.

History[edit | edit source]

During the Western Satrap rule, the region was known as Shwabhra (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.). The region was under the rule of Satrap Rudradama in 150 A.D. as indicated in Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts at Junagadh. The river of the region was originally named Shwabhravati and is now known as the Sabarmati River. The region is also named in the auxiliary text Gaṇapāṭha of Pāṇini's grammar work, Aṣṭādhyāyī.[4]

During the British Raj, Vijaynagar in the Sabarkantha district was the capital of Vijaynagar State or Pol State, one of the princely states of the Mahi Kantha Agency.[5]

Himatnagar Public Library

The present-day district of Sabarkantha was formed in 1949 through the merger of 29 princely states and some parts of the British-governed Ahmedabad district.[6] When the former Bombay state was bifurcated in 1960, Sabarkantha became a part of the newly-formed Gujarat.[6]

Economy[edit | edit source]

In 2006, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Sabarkantha one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640).[7] It is one of six districts in Gujarat currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).[7]

Agriculture is the backbone of Sabarkantha district's economy, with approximately 62.8% of the workforce engaged in farming[8] and related activities. The region primarily cultivates wheat, cotton, pulses, and groundnut, which are among its most significant crops.

Sub-Divisions[edit | edit source]

Sabarkantha district has eight talukas:[9]

  1. Himatnagar
  2. Idar
  3. Prantij
  4. Talod
  5. Khedbrahma
  6. Poshina
  7. Vadali
  8. Vijaynagar

Demographics[edit | edit source]

According to the 2011 census, the Sabarkantha district has a population of 2,428,589,[10] roughly equal to the nation of Kuwait[11] or the U.S. state of New Mexico.[12] This gives it a ranking of 183rd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 328 inhabitants per square kilometre (850/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 16.56%. Sabarkantha has a sex ratio of 950 females for every 1000 males and a literacy rate of 76.6%.

The residual district had a population of 1,388,671, of which 237,158 (17.08%) lived in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 125,462 (9.03%) and 328,243 (23.64%) of the population, respectively.[10]

Religions in Sabarkantha district (2011)[13]
Religion Percent
Hinduism
 
 92.55%
Islam
 
 6.48%
Jainism
 
 0.72%
Other or not stated
 
 0.25%

There are 1,285,218 Hindus, 90,027 Muslims and 9,990 Jains, within the total population.[13]

Languages[edit | edit source]

At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 97.85% of the population in the district spoke Gujarati and 1.63% spoke Hindi as their first language.[14]

Politics[edit | edit source]

This section is transcluded from 15th Gujarat Assembly. (edit | history)

Languages of Sabarkantha district (2011)[14]

  Gujarati (97.85%)
  Hindi (1.63%)
  Others (0.52%)
District No. Constituency Name Party Remarks
Sabarkantha 27 Himatnagar Vinendrasinh Zala Bharatiya Janata Party
28 Idar (SC) Ramanlal Vora
29 Khedbrahma (ST) Tushar Chaudhary Indian National Congress
Sabarkantha 33 Prantij Gajendrasinh Parmar Bharatiya Janata Party

Historic Heritage sites[edit | edit source]

Sharneshwar Temple in Abhapur

Forts[edit | edit source]

Idariyo Gadh[edit | edit source]

Also known as Idar Fort, is an ancient hill fort located on the southern edge of the Aravalli Range in Idar, Gujarat. Historically referred to as 'Ilva Durga', the fort is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Mahabharata, and later in the travel records of the Rathore Rajputs during the British Raj in the Mahi Kantha Agency. The fort is an example of natural hill fortification. At its foothill lie the remnants of an old palace, notable for its carved balconies. The entry into Idar is marked by a three-story clock tower, which also serves as an entrance gate, featuring an arch and a semi-circular dome. The road leading to the fort is flanked by a bazaar and ends at the base of the fort.[15]

Vijay Villas Vijaynagar[edit | edit source]

Located in Vijaynagar at the foothills of the Aravalli Range, is situated near one of Gujarat's remaining dense forests, close to the Gujarat-Rajasthan border. This historic site, nestled in natural surroundings, reflects a blend of architectural and cultural heritage[16]

Darbargadh[edit | edit source]

Located approximately 18 km from Ambaji, Darbargadh in Poshina is a historical palace that has been converted into a heritage hotel. The region is home to various tribal communities, including the Garasias, Bhils, and Rabaris. The area is notable for its unique tribal shrine that houses thousands of terracotta horses, offered in reverence to a local goddess. The palace itself features gateways, domes, pillars, arches, courtyards, and terraces, reflecting the architectural legacy of the Chalukyas, a dynasty that once ruled parts of Gujarat and Central India in the 12th century. In addition to the palace, Poshina contains Jain temples dedicated to Parshvanath and Neminath, and a Shiva temple.[17]

Polo Forest

Polo Forest[edit | edit source]

The Polo Forest spans an area of 400 square kilometers near the village of Abhapur in Vijaynagar taluka, Gujarat. The forest is surrounded by the Aravalli hills, and the Harnav River flows through it. Within the forest are remnants of ancient temples, including a Shiva temple and Jain temples, which date back to the 10th and 15th centuries. Every year, the Polo Festival is organized by the Gujarat government, featuring various activities such as trekking, cycling, and camping.[18]

Notable residents[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Districts of Gujarat". Districts of India. National Informatics Centre. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  2. ↑ "Takhatgadh Pin Code". indiatvnews.com. Independent News Service. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  3. ↑ District Census Handbook Sabar Kantha Part XII-B (PDF). Directorate of Census Operations. 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  4. ↑ Shukla, Jaykumar R. Shwabhra, Gujarati Vishwakosh, p. 754.
  5. ↑ Rajput Provinces of India - Vijaynagar State (Princely State)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Rajyagor, S B (1974). Gujarat State Gazetteers Sabarkantha District. Ahmedabad: Director, Government Printing. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ministry of Panchayati Raj (September 8, 2009). "A Note on the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme" (PDF). National Institute of Rural Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 5, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Economy of the district". www.researchgate.net.
  9. ↑ "Villages & Panchayats | District Sabarkantha, Government of Gujarat | India". Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "District Census Hand Book – Sabarkantha" (PDF). Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  11. ↑ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Archived from the original on June 13, 2007. Retrieved 2011-10-01. Kuwait 2,595,62
  12. ↑ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-09-30. New Mexico - 2,059,179{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Population by Religion - Gujarat". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Gujarat". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  15. ↑ "Gujarat State Portal". Archived from the original on 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  16. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2014-03-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ↑ "Poshina | Nearby places | Ambaji | North Gujarat (Ahmedabad) | Tourism Hubs | Home | Gujarat Tourism". Retrieved 2014-03-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  18. ↑ "Polo Forest - Pictures, Timing, Fees and How to Visit from Ahmedabad in Gujarat".

External links[edit | edit source]

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