Harda District, Madhya Pradesh :

Harda district is one such district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which is situated in the central part of India. This Harda district forms an integral part of the Bhopal Division. Harda District was created in 6th July 1998, when it was divided from Hoshangabad District.

History :

Harda District has an old history. Its history dates back to the time of the rule of Mughal dynasty. Harda was one of the larger places in the old 'Madhya Prant' and includes area of 'Siwni Malwa". Later during British regime, the freedom fighters of Harda fought against British. In the ‘Mugal’ History  a prosperous village Handiya was situated on the  west of Harda. After some years the area of Harda and Mahemudabad get increased .In the time of British rule , British tried to bring Harda in the progressive frame work. Harda got situated by combining Kul Harda and Mehmudabad Villages. After getting the Railway line Harda gets developed rapidly. In 1857 British officers worked here as Judge and Administrative Officers. Harda was one of the larger place in the old ‘Madhya Prant’ and includes area of ‘SiwniMalwa.’ In the ascept of language ,Harda language and culture is having effect of ‘Malwa’ and ‘Nimad’.

Mainly the language which is used in Harda is known as Bhuani and  the region is called as the Bhuana area. Bhuana stands for the more fertilized land .In the south hill region of Harda we can find the Tribal ,’Gond’ and ‘Korku’ peoples. Previously in the south region of Harda there was ‘Makdai’ rule and the ‘Gond’ king was the ruler . The ‘Bihola’ village of harda was the developed ‘Rajaswa’  center in ‘Mugal’ .In the struggle for the freedom of India, Harda freedom fighters were in the first row. In 1916 Lokamanya Tilak visited Harda which had given more power to congress in Harda. On 08-12-1933 Mahatma Gandhi visited Harda for the Harijan welfare . Bapuji traveled  Harda for 4 hours. Bapuji admired  the work of  officials and volunteers of Harda

Geography : 

The district is situated 302m higher from the sea level. Its geographical position is in between 21 degrees 53 minutes and 22 degrees 36 minutes east longitude and between 76 degrees 47 minutes and 77 degrees 20 minutes north latitude. The district of Harda covers an area of more than 900 sq. km .On all sides, Harda District is covered by the boundaries. On the northern side, it is surrounded by the districts of Sehore; on the northeastern sides Hoshangabad, Betul District to the southeastern part, Khandwa (East Nimar) District to the southern and western parts, and Dewas District to the northwestern sides cover it. Harda is situated in the 'Narmada Rive valleyr ', and the Narmada creates the northern boundary of the Harda district. The land ascends to the Satpura Mountain Range to the south. In Harda district, there are three main rivers namely the Narmada River, Ganjaal River and the Maachak River. The climate of Harda district is normal. All the seasons come in the district. An average height from the sea level is 302 metres. The district feels maximum temperature up to 47 degrees centigrade and minimum up to 12 degrees centigrade. The district has an average rainfall of 916 millimetres. The tropical dry deciduous forest with teak (Tectona grandis) as a dominant tree species occupies 50 per cent of the area of the Harda Forest Division.

Demography  :

According to the Population Census 2011, Harda District had a population of 570,302. Out of which the males and females were 295,208 and 275,094 respectively. Harda District population constituted 0.79 percent of total population of Madhya Pradesh. The average literacy rate of Harda was 74.04. If things are looked out at gender wise, male and female literacy rate were 83.12 and 64.30 percent respectively.

Tourism in Harda District :

Riddhnath Temple Handia : The Riddnath Temple of Handia and Sidhnath Temple of Nemavar are famous for artistic beauty and Vastu Shastra. The Handia-based Riddnath Mahadev Temple is very ancient Shiv Mandir and is declared protected by the state government. Temple is 21 km from Harda district headquarters on Indore road. This temple is situated on the banks of river Narmada in village Handia. It is believed that this temple was built by Kuber himself.

Gupteshwar Temple Charua : Charuva – Located on the old highway between Delhi and Burhanpur, was important because of commercial and strategic location. According to historians, a inscription of the Mohali script available in four Babari shows that this village was formerly known as Chanarwa, which was later known as Charuva. The Gupteeshwar Mahadev Temple built in the 10-11th century AD in village Haripura Mala near Charuva is the center of great faith in Nimad and Bhuhana region.

Makdai River : Makrai stands on a hill near the Sayani River and is noted for its dense forests. One well-known location is Nagjhiri and Devjhiri, a small natural well in the bank of the river through which water flows throughout the year.

Makdai Temple : Makdai is the main area of the former monastic kingdom. 24 km from Bhirangi Railway Station and about 37 Kms away from Harda Headquarters. Forested area is spread over the lower slopes of Satpura. An ancient fort is built on the hill situated in Makadi village. Its royal house is said to be the descendant of the Rajgond family. The palace of Raj Bhavan is special in itself in the fort of Makdai.