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{{More citations needed|date=September 2023}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Maihar
| name               = Maihar
| native_name                     =  
| native_name       =  
| native_name_lang               =  
| native_name_lang   =  
| other_name                     =  
| other_name         = Mai Ka Har
| nickname                       =  
| nickname           =  
| settlement_type                 = Town
| settlement_type   = City
 
| image_skyline      = Sharada_Temple_Maihar.JPG
| coordinates                     = {{coord|24.262|N|80.761|E|display=inline,title}}
| image_caption      = [[Maa Sharda Mandir, Maihar]]
| subdivision_type               = Country
| image_map          =
| subdivision_name               = {{flagu|India}}
| map_alt            =
| subdivision_type1               = State
| mtion              =
| subdivision_name1               = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| pushpin_map        = India Madhya Pradesh#India3
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| pushpin_label_position = right
| subdivision_name2               = [[Bundelkhand]]
| pushpin_map_alt    = Maihar on a map of Madhya Pradesh
| subdivision_type3               = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| pushpin_map_caption =
| subdivision_name3               = [[Satna]]
| coordinates       = {{coord|24.262|N|80.761|E|display=inline, title}}
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| subdivision_type   = Country
| established_date               = 1778
| subdivision_name   = {{flagu|India}}
| founder                         =  
| subdivision_type1 = State
| named_for                       =  
| subdivision_name1 = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| governing_body                 =  
| subdivision_type2 = [[Administrative divisions of India|Region]]
| leader_party                   =  
| subdivision_name2 = [[Baghelkhand]]
| leader_title                   =  
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of districts in India|District]]
| leader_name                     =  
| subdivision_name3 = [[Maihar district|Maihar]]
| leader_title2                   = MP
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| leader_name2                   = Ganesh Singh (BJP)
| established_date   = 1778
| leader_title3                   = MLA
| founder           =  
| leader_name3                   = Narayan Tripathi (BJP)
| named_for         =  
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| governing_body     =  
| area_footnotes                 =  
| leader_party       = (BJP)
| area_rank                       =  
| leader_title       = MLA
| area_total_km2                 =  
| leader_name       = Shri Shrikant Chaturvedi
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| leader_title2     = MP
| elevation_m                     = 367
| leader_name2       = Ganesh Singh (BJP)
| population_total               = 40,192
| leader_title3     = Municipal Corporation
| population_as_of               = 2001
| leader_name3       = Geeta Soni (BJP)
| population_rank                 =  
| unit_pref         = Metric
| population_density_km2         = auto
| area_footnotes     =  
| population_demonym             =  
| area_rank         =  
| population_footnotes           =  
| area_total_km2     =  
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| elevation_footnotes =  
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| elevation_m       = 367
| demographics1_info1             = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| population_total   = 54,000
| demographics1_title2           = Local
| population_as_of   = 2023
| demographics1_info2             = [[Bagheli language|Bagheli]]
| population_rank   =  
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| population_demonym =  
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|Pin Code]]
| population_footnotes =  
| postal_code                     = 908796
| demographics_type1 = Languages
 
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| area_code_type                 = [[Communications in India|Telephone]]
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]]
| area_code                       = 07674
| demographics1_title2 = Local
| registration_plate             = MP-19-XXXX
| demographics1_info2 = [[Bagheli language|Bagheli]]
| footnotes                       =  
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| official_name                  =  
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|Pin Code]]
| postal_code       = 485771
| area_code_type     = [[Communications in India|Telephone]]
| area_code         = 07674
| registration_plate = MP-19
| footnotes         =  
| website            = {{URL|https://maihar.nic.in/en/}}
}}
}}
'''Maihar''' is a tehsil in [[Satna]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], India. Maihar is known for the temple<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.maihartemple.com/about-maihar-temple/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112529/https://www.maihartemple.com/about-maihar-temple/|archive-date=2018-08-13|title= About Maihar Temple by Maihartemple.com |publisher= Maihar temple}}</ref> of the revered mother goddess [[Saraswati|Sharda]] situated on [[Trikuta]] hill.
'''Maihar''' is a city in [[Maihar district]] of the Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]]. It is the district's administrative headquarters. Maihar is noted for the [[Maa Sharda Mandir, Maihar|Maa Sharda Temple]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.maihartemple.com/about-maihar-temple/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112529/https://www.maihartemple.com/about-maihar-temple/|archive-date=2018-08-13|title= About Maihar Temple by Maihartemple.com |publisher= Maihar temple}}</ref> one of the [[Shakta pithas|Shakti Peeth]].
[[File:Sharada_Temple_Maihar.JPG|thumb|right| [[Saraswati|Maa Sharda]] temple Maihar]][[Image:View from Sharda temple Maihar1.JPG|thumb|right|View from [[Saraswati|Sharda]] temple Maihar]]


==Origin of the name==
==Origin of the name==


It is said that when lord [[Shiva]] was carrying the body of the dead mother goddess (''Mai'' in Hindi) [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]], her necklace (''har'' in Hindi) fell at this place and hence the name "Maihar" (Maihar = ''Mai''+''Har'', meaning the "necklace of mother").<ref>''Maihar Darshan Guide'' (Ed. Laxmi Prasad Soni), Vidyasagar Book Stall, Satna, p. 5</ref>
According to legend, when [[Shiva]] carried the body of the mother goddess (''Mai'' in Hindi) [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]], her necklace (''har'' ) fell at this place.<ref>''Maihar Darshan Guide'' (Ed. Laxmi Prasad Soni), Vidyasagar Book Stall, Satna, p. 5</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2023}} Local residents believe that the warriors [[Alha]] and [[Udal of Mahoba|Udal]], under the [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti|Chandel]] king [[Paramardideva]], fought [[Prithvi Raj Chauhan]] and were the first to visit the goddess in the forest. They called her "Sharda Mai", and she became known as "Mata Sharda Mai". Alha worshiped her for 12 years and reached immortality with Saraswati's blessing.
there is also one fact about Maihar, that is related to famous Warriors Alha and his brother Udal.


According to the locals of Maihar, the warriors [[Alha]] and [[Udal Mahoba|Udal]],
==History==
regime under King [[Paramardideva]] [[Chandela|Chandel]] who had war with [[Prithvi Raj Chauhan]], were very strong followers of Sharda Devi. It is said that they are the first ones to visit the goddess in this remote forest. They called the mother goddess by the name "Sharda Mai", and henceforth she became popular as "Mata Sharda Mai". Alha worshiped for 12 years and got the amaratva with the blessings of Sharda Devi. Behind the temple and downhill is Alha Pond. At a distance of 2&nbsp;km from this pond is situated an "akhara" (wrestling ring) where Alha and Udal used to practice ''kushti'' ([[wrestling]]). The people of Maihar believe that Alha is still alive and comes at 4:00&nbsp;a.m. to worship the Goddess Sharda.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} This has been covered by various television news channels and broadcated on news


==History==
Maihar's history dates back to the [[Paleolithic]]. It was the former capital of the [[princely state]] of [[Maihar State|Maihar]]. The state was founded in 1778 by [[Jogi (caste)|Jogis]] who were granted land by the ruler of the nearby state of [[Orchha]]. It became a princely state of [[British India]] during the early 19th century, and was administered as part of [[Bundelkhand]] in the [[Central India Agency]]. Bundelkhand's eastern states (including Maihar) were separated to form the new agency of [[Bagelkhand]] in 1871. In 1933, Maihar and ten other states in western Bagelkhand were returned to Bundelkhand. The state had an area of {{convert|407|sqmi|km2}} and a population of 63,702 in 1901. Watered by the [[Tamsa River]], it consists primarily of alluvial soil covering sandstone and is fertile except for the southern hills. A large area was forested, and the city experienced a severe famine in 1896–1897. Maihar became a station on the [[East Indian Railway]] (the present-day [[West Central Railway]]) line between [[Satna]] and [[Jabalpur]], {{convert|97|mi|km}} north of Jabalpur. Extensive ruins of shrines and other buildings surround Maihar.<ref>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Maihar |volume=17 |page=429}}</ref> Maihar is part of the [[Satna Lok Sabha constituency]] with six other [[State legislative assemblies of India|Vidhan Sabha]] constituencies: [[Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh Assembly constituency|Chitrakoot]], [[Raigaon Assembly constituency|Raigaon]], [[Satna Assembly constituency|Satna]], [[Amarpatan Assembly constituency|Amarpatan]], [[Nagod Assembly constituency|Nagod]] and [[Rampur-Baghelan Assembly constituency|Rampur-Baghelan]]. [[Shrikant Chaturvedi]] is the MLA for the [[Maihar Assembly constituency]].
Maihar's history can be traced to the [[Paleolithic Age]]. The town was formerly the capital of the [[princely state]] of [[Maihar State|Maihar]]. The state was established in 1778 by [[Jogi (caste)|Jogis]] clan, who were granted land by the ruler of the nearby state of [[Orchha]].(Maihar king developed the other state [[Vijayraghavgarh]]). The state became a princely state of [[British India]] in the early 19th century, and was administered as part of [[Bundelkhand]] Agency in the [[Central India Agency]]. In 1871 the eastern states of Bundelkhand Agency, including Maihar, were separated to form the new agency of [[Bagelkhand]] in Central India. In 1933 Maihar, along with ten other states in western Bagelkhand, were transferred back to the Bundelkhand Agency. The title of the ruler is "Raja" and the present ruler is HH Raja Shrimant Saheb Akshay Raj Singh Ju deo Bahadur. The state had an area of {{convert|407|sqmi|km2}}, and a population of 63,702 in 1901. The state, which was watered by the [[Tamsa River]], consists mainly of alluvial soil covering sandstone, and is fertile except in the hilly district of the south. A large area was under forest, the produce of which provided a small export trade. The state suffered severely from famine in 1896–1897. Maihar became a station on the [[East Indian Railway]] (now the [[West Central Railway]]) line between [[Satna]] and [[Jabalpur]], {{convert|97|mi|km}} north of Jabalpur. Extensive ruins of shrines and other buildings surround the town.<ref>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Maihar |volume=17 |page=429}}</ref> Maihar (constituency number 64) is one of the 7 Vidhan Sabha constituencies located in [[Satna district]], it is the most politically motivated town of satna district with elections hugely dominated and contested by Hindu Brahmins and Patel community. Maihar is part of [[Satna (Lok Sabha constituency)|Satna Lok Sabha constituency]] along with six other Vidhan Sabha segments of this district, namely, [[Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh Assembly constituency|Chitrakoot]], [[Raigaon (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Raigaon]], [[Satna (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Satna]], [[Amarpatan (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Amarpatan]], [[Nagod (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nagod]] and [[Rampur-Baghelan (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Rampur-Baghelan]] '''Narayan Tripathi''' is the current MLA of Maihar Vidhan Sabha.
[[Image:View from Sharda temple Maihar2.JPG|thumb|right|View from [[Saraswati|Sharda]] temple Maihar showing the pond of [[Alha]] and [[Udal Mahoba|Udal]]]]


==Tourist sites==
==<span class="anchor" id="Tourist sites"></span>Attractions==
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2021}}
<gallery>
File:Night view of sharda temple.jpg|alt=Night view of Maa Sharda temple Maihar from local market on 09-04-2019|Night view of  [[Saraswati|Maa Sharda]] temple Maihar from local market on 09-04-2019
File:Alha Udal pond maihar.jpg|alt=Pond of Alha and Udal near Maa Sharda temple Maihar|Pond of [[Alha]] and [[Udal Mahoba|Udal]] near Maa [[Saraswati|Sharda]] temple Maihar
File:Alah Dev Mandir Maihar.jpg|alt=Alha Dev temple behind Maa Sharda temple Maihar|[[Alha]] Dev temple near Maa Sharda temple Maihar
</gallery>
'''''Tourist attractions in Maihar include'':'''{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* '''Maa Sharda Devi Temple:''' Maihar is known for the Maa Sharda Devi temple (around of 502 A.D.), situated at the top of Trikut hill which is around 5&nbsp;km from the railway station. There are 1,063 steps to reach the top of the hill. Along with stairs, there is a ropeway for convenience of the pilgrims developed government authorities.
* '''Ustad Allauddin Khan Maqbara:''' Padma Vibhushan "Sarod Samrat" Ustad [[Allauddin Khan]] chose Maihar as his home and established the Maihar Gharana of music. He took his last breath here and buried as per his wish.


'''''<big>Another</big> Temples in Maihar'''''
The [[Maa Sharda Mandir, Maihar|Maa Sharda Mandir]], built around 502 CE, is at the top of Trikut hill. The hill has 1,064 steps and a ropeway. Other temples in Maihar are the Golamath, Oila, Badi Mai, Bada Akhada and Icchapurti temples. The home of musician [[Allauddin Khan]] has been restored in his memory.
* '''Golamath Temple:''' This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This east facing Pancharathi temple is built in Nagara style and has been built during Kalchuri period (10th – 11th century A.D.). It is said that this temple was built in one fortnight only.
* '''Oila Temple:''' Established by Neelkanth Maharaj, this temple is said to fulfil all the wishes of its pilgrims. This is situated in Satna Road.
* '''Badi Mai Temple:''' One of the oldest temples of the region, this temple is situated in Satna Road, Maihar.
* '''Bada Akhada:''' This temple is situated on Deviji Road, Maihar. The campus also has a Sanskrit School.
* '''Icchapurti Temple:''' Situated in the Campus of KJS Cement Factory at Rewa Road


==Geography==
==<span class="anchor" id="Geography"></span>Elevation and rainfall==
Maihar is located at {{coord|24.27|N|80.75|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/35/Maihar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Maihar]</ref> It has an average elevation of 367&nbsp;metres (1204&nbsp;ft).The area receives moderate rainfall mostly in the month of July and August.
Maihar is located at {{coord|24.27|N|80.75|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/35/Maihar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Maihar]</ref> It has an average elevation of 367&nbsp;metres (1204&nbsp;ft). The area receives moderate rainfall, primarily in July and August.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
<https://www.censusindia2011.com/madhya-pradesh/satna/maihar-population.html>
Maihar town is divided into 18 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Maihar Municipality has population of 40,192 of which 21,031 are males while 19,161 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.


Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 5238 which is 13.03% of total population of Maihar (M). In Maihar Municipality, Female Sex Ratio is of 911 against state average of 931. Moreover, Child Sex Ratio in Maihar is around 875 compared to Madhya Pradesh state average of 918. Literacy rate of Maihar city is 81.99% higher than state average of 69.32%. In Maihar, Male literacy is around 87.82% while female literacy rate is 75.62%
Maihar town is divided into 18 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Maihar Municipality has population of 40,192 of which 21,031 are males while 19,161 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/madhya-pradesh/satna/maihar-population.html | title=Maihar Tehsil Population Satna, Madhya Pradesh, List of Villages & Towns in Maihar Tehsil }}</ref>
 
The population of children aged 0-6 is 5238 which is 13.03% of total population of Maihar (M). In Maihar Municipality, the female sex ratio is 911 against state average of 931. Moreover, the child sex ratio in Maihar is around 875 compared to Madhya Pradesh state average of 918. literacy rate of Maihar city is 81.99% higher than the state average of 69.32%. In Maihar, male literacy is around 87.82% while the female literacy rate is 75.62%


===Religion===
===Religion===
 
[[Hinduism]] is the majority religion in Maihar, accounting for about 81%. [[Jainism]] accounts for 17%, and there are also a small number of Others (approximately 0.23%).
Hinduism is the majority religion in maihar which is approx 81%
<gallery mode=packed>
 
View from Sharda temple Maihar1.JPG|alt=A winding river, seen from above|View from the Maa Sharda temple
Islam is the second largest religion in maihar which is approx 17%
View from Sharda temple Maihar2.JPG|alt=A pond, seen from above|View of the pond from the temple
 
Night view of sharda temple.jpg|alt=Night view of the Maa Sharda temple in 2019|Night view of the Maa Sharda Mandir from a local market in 2019
There are also some Jains which is approximately 0.23%
Alha Udal pond maihar.jpg|alt=A human-made pond, with vegetation|Pond of Alha and Udal, near the Maa Sharda temple
 
Alha Dev Mandir Maihar.jpg|alt=Two young people looking at an indoor shrine|The Alha Dev temple, near the Maa Sharda temple
==Education==
</gallery>
===Schools===
#[[Maharishi Vidya Mandir Schools|Maharishi Vidya Mandir]]
#Santhome Senior Secondary School
#Sarla Higher Secondary School at Sarlanagar,  
#Gyan Vihar Vidyapeeth School at Satna Road
# Simran Public higher secondary school
# Guru Nanak Mission Higher Secondary School
# Gurukul convent academy school udaipur,
# Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Public School (MSDM) and
# Miniland Academy are other developing schools.
 
Maihar has more than 35 Hindi and English medium schools.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
 
[[File:Ropeway Post at Maihar, Madhya Pradesh.jpg|thumb|Ropeway post at Maihar]]
1. Swami Vivekananda college
2. Sharda mahavidyalya Sarlanagar
Are the two major colleges of maihar


==Transport==
==Transport==
[[File:Maihar railway station.JPG|thumb|Maihar Railway Station, morning of 2 June 2009]]
Maihar is placed quite well as far as connectivity is concerned. It is connected via both major rail routes and [[National Highway 7 (India)|National Highway 7]]. The ''[[Mahakoshal Express]]'' provides a daily direct connection from Delhi's [[Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station|Hazrat Nizamuddin station]]. The ''Mahakoshal'' train (Train no. is 12189(Jbp to Delhi) and 12190(Delhi to Jbp))runs between Hazrat Nizamuddin station and [[Jabalpur Junction railway station|Jabalpur station]] which is situated about {{convert|722|km|mi}} past Maihar. [[Maihar railway station]] is situated in between [[Katni Junction railway station|Katni]] and [[Satna railway station|Satna stations]] of the [[West Central Railway zone|West Central Railway]]. During the [[Navratri|Nav Ratra]] festivals there is a heavy rush of pilgrims. Therefore, during these days all up and down trains stop at Maihar for the convenience of passengers. The nearest airports are [[Jabalpur Airport|Jabalpur]] and [[Khajuraho Airport|Khajuraho]].


Pilgrims can reach the temple either by the stairs or rope-way. Rope-way facility is available for pilgrims and is a safe, convenient, fast and economic way of reaching the remotely located temple.
[[File:Maihar railway station.JPG|thumb|alt=An outdoor railway station, seen from above|The Maihar railway station in 2009]]
Maihar is connected to  [[National Highway 7 (India)|National Highway 7]]. The [[Mahakoshal Express]] provides a  direct connection from Delhi's [[Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station|Hazrat Nizamuddin station]]. [[Maihar railway station]] is between the [[West Central Railway zone|West Central Railway's]] [[Katni Junction railway station|Katni]] and [[Satna Junction railway station|Satna]] stations. Many pilgrims attend the [[Navaratri|Nav Ratra]] festivals. The nearest airport is [[Satna Airport]] and bus service is available in the city.


==Economy==
==<span class="anchor" id="Culture"></span>Music==
Maihar is developing as an industrial town of the state due to availability of limestone in the area.
There is a 3.1 mn tn cement factory near Maihar (Maihar Cement Factory<ref>[http://www.maiharcement.co.in/ Maihar Cement, a BK Birla Group of Companies]</ref>). The factory complex and the township are situated at [[Sarlanagar]] about 8&nbsp;km away from Maihar town on the Maihar-Vijayraghavgarh Road. KJS Cement is also one of the major cement industry at Rewa Road.
Reliance opened its first Cement Plant near Maihar in 2014, but due to its financial and industrial issues, M.P. Birla Group took it in 2016.
Majority of the population of Maihar is agricultural based and many rely on farming as their primary source of income.


==Culture==
Maihar is noted in [[Indian classical music]] as the birthplace of the [[Maihar gharana]], a ''[[gharana]]'' (school or style) of [[Hindustani music]]. [[Allauddin Khan]] (d. 1972) lived in Maihar for many years and was the court musician in Maihar Raja's palace. His students popularised the ''gharana'' during the 20th century, and included [[Ravi Shankar]] and [[Nikhil Banerjee]]. The first Ustad Allauddin Khan music conference was hosted by Shri Deep Chand Jain in 1962.
Maihar has a prominent place in [[Indian classical music]] as the birthplace of the [[Maihar Gharana]], a ''[[gharana]]'' (school or style) of [[Hindustani music]]. One of the doyen of Indian classical music, [[Ustad]] [[Allauddin Khan]] (died 1972) lived here for a long time and was the court musician of Maihar Raja's palace. His students popularised the style in the 20th century and some of his renowned disciples are Pandit Ravi Shankar and Nikhil Banerjee. The first Ustad Allauddin Khan music conference was held by Shri Deep Chand Jain in 1962. Every year, Maihar organizes a 2/3 days Cultural Event in the memory of Ustad Allauddin Khan in month of February.


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


==External links==
==External links==
*
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Maihar}}


{{Rewa Division}}
{{Rewa Division}}

Latest revision as of 20:57, 12 March 2026

Maihar
Mai Ka Har
City
Maa Sharda Mandir, Maihar
Maihar on a map of Madhya Pradesh
Maihar on a map of Madhya Pradesh
Maihar
Maihar on a map of Madhya Pradesh
Maihar on a map of Madhya Pradesh
Maihar
Coordinates: 24°15′43″N 80°45′40″E / 24.262°N 80.761°E / 24.262; 80.761
Country India
StateMadhya Pradesh
RegionBaghelkhand
DistrictMaihar
Government
 • MLAShri Shrikant Chaturvedi ((BJP))
 • MPGanesh Singh (BJP)
 • Municipal CorporationGeeta Soni (BJP)
Elevation
367 m (1,204 ft)
Population
 (2023)
 • Total54,000
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
 • LocalBagheli
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Pin Code
485771
Telephone07674
Vehicle registrationMP-19
Websitemaihar.nic.in/en/

Maihar is a city in Maihar district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the district's administrative headquarters. Maihar is noted for the Maa Sharda Temple,[1] one of the Shakti Peeth.

Origin of the name[edit | edit source]

According to legend, when Shiva carried the body of the mother goddess (Mai in Hindi) Sati, her necklace (har ) fell at this place.[2][better source needed] Local residents believe that the warriors Alha and Udal, under the Chandel king Paramardideva, fought Prithvi Raj Chauhan and were the first to visit the goddess in the forest. They called her "Sharda Mai", and she became known as "Mata Sharda Mai". Alha worshiped her for 12 years and reached immortality with Saraswati's blessing.

History[edit | edit source]

Maihar's history dates back to the Paleolithic. It was the former capital of the princely state of Maihar. The state was founded in 1778 by Jogis who were granted land by the ruler of the nearby state of Orchha. It became a princely state of British India during the early 19th century, and was administered as part of Bundelkhand in the Central India Agency. Bundelkhand's eastern states (including Maihar) were separated to form the new agency of Bagelkhand in 1871. In 1933, Maihar and ten other states in western Bagelkhand were returned to Bundelkhand. The state had an area of 407 square miles (1,050 km2) and a population of 63,702 in 1901. Watered by the Tamsa River, it consists primarily of alluvial soil covering sandstone and is fertile except for the southern hills. A large area was forested, and the city experienced a severe famine in 1896–1897. Maihar became a station on the East Indian Railway (the present-day West Central Railway) line between Satna and Jabalpur, 97 miles (156 km) north of Jabalpur. Extensive ruins of shrines and other buildings surround Maihar.[3] Maihar is part of the Satna Lok Sabha constituency with six other Vidhan Sabha constituencies: Chitrakoot, Raigaon, Satna, Amarpatan, Nagod and Rampur-Baghelan. Shrikant Chaturvedi is the MLA for the Maihar Assembly constituency.

Attractions[edit | edit source]

The Maa Sharda Mandir, built around 502 CE, is at the top of Trikut hill. The hill has 1,064 steps and a ropeway. Other temples in Maihar are the Golamath, Oila, Badi Mai, Bada Akhada and Icchapurti temples. The home of musician Allauddin Khan has been restored in his memory.

Elevation and rainfall[edit | edit source]

Maihar is located at 24°16′N 80°45′E / 24.27°N 80.75°E / 24.27; 80.75.[4] It has an average elevation of 367 metres (1204 ft). The area receives moderate rainfall, primarily in July and August.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Maihar town is divided into 18 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Maihar Municipality has population of 40,192 of which 21,031 are males while 19,161 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.[5]

The population of children aged 0-6 is 5238 which is 13.03% of total population of Maihar (M). In Maihar Municipality, the female sex ratio is 911 against state average of 931. Moreover, the child sex ratio in Maihar is around 875 compared to Madhya Pradesh state average of 918. literacy rate of Maihar city is 81.99% higher than the state average of 69.32%. In Maihar, male literacy is around 87.82% while the female literacy rate is 75.62%

Religion[edit | edit source]

Hinduism is the majority religion in Maihar, accounting for about 81%. Jainism accounts for 17%, and there are also a small number of Others (approximately 0.23%).

Transport[edit | edit source]

An outdoor railway station, seen from above
The Maihar railway station in 2009

Maihar is connected to National Highway 7. The Mahakoshal Express provides a direct connection from Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station. Maihar railway station is between the West Central Railway's Katni and Satna stations. Many pilgrims attend the Nav Ratra festivals. The nearest airport is Satna Airport and bus service is available in the city.

Music[edit | edit source]

Maihar is noted in Indian classical music as the birthplace of the Maihar gharana, a gharana (school or style) of Hindustani music. Allauddin Khan (d. 1972) lived in Maihar for many years and was the court musician in Maihar Raja's palace. His students popularised the gharana during the 20th century, and included Ravi Shankar and Nikhil Banerjee. The first Ustad Allauddin Khan music conference was hosted by Shri Deep Chand Jain in 1962.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "About Maihar Temple by Maihartemple.com". Maihar temple. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018.
  2. Maihar Darshan Guide (Ed. Laxmi Prasad Soni), Vidyasagar Book Stall, Satna, p. 5
  3. Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Maihar" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 429.
  4. Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Maihar
  5. "Maihar Tehsil Population Satna, Madhya Pradesh, List of Villages & Towns in Maihar Tehsil".

External links[edit | edit source]

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