Harda District

Harda

About:

Harda is a city and municipality within Harda district, Madhya Pradesh, officially formed on July 6, 1998, after its separation from Hoshangabad
District. This district spans an area of approximately 2,644 square kilometers, positioned in the agriculturally rich Narmada River valley, with the river marking its northern boundary. It also borders the districts of Sehore, Hoshangabad, Betul, Khandwa, and Dewas, with the Satpura Range to the south.

As of the last recorded census, Harda district has a total population of about 570,465, distributed across both urban and rural areas.
The urban population accounts for around 20.9% (119,364 people), while the rural area is home to approximately 451,101 people.
The district's literacy rate stands at 74.04%, with male literacy at 80% and female literacy at 67%, surpassing the national average.

The population density is relatively low, with about 171 inhabitants per square kilometer, reflective of the district's rural character.

Harda district, covering around 2,644 sq. km., lies in the Narmada River valley, which forms its northern boundary.
This agriculturally rich district has a population of approximately 570,465, as per recent estimates. Harda’s literacy rate is a notable 74%,
with male literacy at 80% and female literacy at 67%, both surpassing the national average​.Harda also has historical significance,
known for producing freedom fighters during India’s independence movement. Tourist sites include the Shri Siddi Vinayak Mandir
and Shri Laxmi Narayan Bada Mandir. Formed in 1998 from Hoshangabad, Harda is part of the Jabalpur Division and features
landscapes rising towards the Satpura Range in the south​.

Location info:
  • Location: Narmadapuram Division, Madhya Pradesh
  • Headquarters: Town of Harda
  • Area: 2,644 sq. km (updated)
  • Population: Approximately 570,465 (2011 Census)
  • Elevation: 302 meters above sea level
  • Tribal Population: Predominantly Korku and Gond tribes
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    Climate/Weather:
  • Summer: Hot and dry, 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F), peaking in May.
  • Monsoon: Heavy rain from July to September, with high humidity.
  • Winter: Mild, 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), coolest in January.
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    History of Harda
  • Founding Villages: Harda originally included KulHarda and Mehmudabad, growing under British railway expansion.
  • "Hridaynagari": Known as the "Heart City" for its fertile land, with cultural influences from Malwa and Nimad.
  • Tribal Heritage: The region is home to Gond and Korku tribes, key to its cultural identity.
  • Freedom Movement: Visited by Lokamanya Tilak in 1916 and Mahatma Gandhi in 1933, pivotal to the independence effort.
  • Independence Day: The national flag was raised in Harda by S.D.O Shri Beretha on August 15, 1947.
  • District Formation: Established as an independent district in 1998, under Narmadapuram Division.
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    Educational Institutions in Harda:
  • Government Adarsh College, Harda: Offers undergraduate courses in Arts, Commerce, and Science.
  • Harda Degree College: Provides a variety of degree programs, including Science and Arts.
  • Government Polytechnic College, Harda: Established in 1962, offers diploma courses in Computer Science, Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering.
  • St. Mary’s Co-Ed School, Harda: Established in 1986, follows the CBSE curriculum from primary to higher secondary levels.
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    Langauges:
  • Hindi
  • Korku
  • Gondi

    • How to reach Harda?
  • By Air:Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (150 km). Taxis and buses connect to Harda.
  • By Train:Harda Railway Station (HD) has direct trains like the Malwa and Narmada Express from Bhopal, Indore, and Mumbai.
  • By Road: Connected via NH-47 with bus services and taxis from nearby cities like Bhopal and Indore.
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    Tourist Attraction of Harda:
  • Riddeshwar Mandir (Handia Tehsil): A historic Shiva temple known for its artistry and spiritual significance.
  • Narmada Ghat (Handia & Cheepaner): Picturesque ghats along the Narmada River, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike.
  • Shiv Mandir (Charwa village): Features the unique “Chakraview” structure, inspired by Mahabharata lore.
  • Siddhi Vinayak Mandir (Harda Tehsil): A famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, popular among devotees.
  • Makdai Temple and Fort: A historical site with a fort and temple by the Sayani River, linked to the Rajgond dynasty.
  • Ram Janki Mandir (Bhadugaon): Dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, this temple is a notable pilgrimage site.
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