Harda is a city and a municipality in Harda district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Harda is the administrative headquarters of Harda District.
History
During the Mughal period, Harda was a mahal in the Handia sarkar. In 1742, Marathas led by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao captured the area, and displaced the Muslim governor of the Handia sarkar. Subsequently, Harda replaced Handia as the most important town in the area, as the local Maratha amil (chief) resided at Harda. Harda was a part of the Scindia's territories. In 1801, Yashwantrao Holkar sacked Harda. Later, Harda also faced attacks from the Pindaris and the Korku tribals.
In 1817, during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Harda became the headquarters of John Malcolm's division. Even after the Maratha defeat ini the war, the Scindias retained control of the Harda-Handia tract. The area was ceded to the British in 1844, but the cession was completed only in 1860. The town saw disturbances during the 1857 uprising. The Deputy Magistrate, Maulvi Mazhar-ul-Jamil, helped curb the rebellion, and was rewarded with a jagir in the Damoh district. The Harda Nagar Palika was established on 18 May 1867, and the Harda tehsil was created in 1913.
The British tried to bring a progressive frame work to Harda during its rule. Harda was formed by combining Kul Harda and Mehmudabad Villages. After the railway lines were laid the conditions improved, and the area developed. In 1857 British officers worked here as judges and administrative Officers. Harda was one of the largest places in the old 'Madhya Prant' and includes area of 'Seoni Malwa.' The Harda language and culture is influenced by 'Malwa' and 'Nimar'. The main dialect spoken in Harda is known as Bhuani, and the region is known as the Bhuana area which loosely translates to more fertilized land.
Harda was the headquarters of a tehsil in the Hoshangabad district. The Harda district was created in 1998.
Government and Politics
Harda has as an assembly seat in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly with the same name i.e. Harda and the current MLA is Kamal Patel from the BJP Madhya Pradesh.
Flora and fauna
In the southern hill regions of Harda we can find the Tribal, 'Gond' and 'Korku' people. The south region of Harda was under 'Makdae' rule and the 'Gond' king was the ruler. The 'Bihola' village of harda was the developed 'Rajaswa' center in the Mughal empire. The area which was called as 'Gondwana' became non-tribal(it is still tribal because there is a vast tribal population) during the British rule, as the workers, administration officials, farmers and business community was in touch with the states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for a 150 years the area got influenced by the culture of these states.
Administration
On 18 May 1867 British established the 'Nagar Palika' in Harda and from 1920 the work was done as per the republic manner. The under ground drainage in Harda is best example of the British architect. For administration purposes Tahsil Harda was established in the year 1913.
Indian independence movement
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Harda" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (December 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Guru Radha Kishan was born in 1925 in Bid village of Harda district. On 15 August 1947, S.D.O Shri Beretha hosted the Indian flag at the police station of Harda. Eminent personalities from Harda include Narayanrao Raghunathrao Kekre]], the President of the Hindu Mahasabha of Madhya Pradesh.
Geography
Harda is located at 22.33°N 77.1°E. It has an average elevation of 296 metres (971 feet).coor title dm|22|20|N|77|06|E|region:IN_type:city
Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Harda had a population of 1,61,712. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 49%. Harda has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 67%. In Harda, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Nearby Attractions
Handia : It is a famous pilgrimage spot and a sacred place situated around 20 km from Harda. The Narmada River flows and consists nabhi kund (centre of river Narmada ). There are also many temples dedicated to lord Shiva, out of which the famous temple built by Pandavas is also situated here. According to myths it was built during the Mahabharat era in a single night (6 months).
Teli Ki Sarai - About 16 km from Harda in Handia, this structure was created in the 16-17th century by a banker for his customers to rest overnight. Historic records show that this was also used as a military cantonment.
Education
St. Mary's School Harda
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harda
