Khargone is a city in Madhya Pradesh state of in India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Khargone district (formerly known as West Nimar). Several major administrative offices of the Khargone District, including the collectorate, police, telecom and various other government organizations are located in the city. The city is situated at the bank of Kunda river and is known for its cotton and chilly (chili pepper) production. It is also known for Navgraha Mandir, a temple devoted to the nav grahas (nine planets). Khargone topped the nation in municipality and received a national award for ‘India’s Fastest Moving City’ under a population of two lakh. Khargone ranked 10th Cleanest city in India in Swachh Survekshan 2020 City ranked the 15th cleanest city in India in Swachh Survekshan 2018 and ranked 17th cleanest city in India in Swachh Survekshan 2017.
History
According to mythology, the name “Nimar” was derived from the word “Nimarya” (निमार्य), which signifies that the land had belonged to both the Aryas and the non-Arya. However, according to another myth, the word “Nimar” has been associated with the place due to the presence of many Neem trees.
At different times in history, the area was ruled by the Kingdoms of Haihayas (हैहय) of Maheshwar, Parmar of Malwa, Ahirs of Asirgarh, Muslims of Mandav, Mughals and Marathas. After the formation of the state of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 1956, the district came into existence as West Nimar (पश्चिम निमाड़). Later (on 25 May 1998) due to certain administrative needs, the district was divided between Khargone and Barwani.
The old fort entrance.
Near 17 Kilometer, “OON” is a very old village and here 99 Bhumija Style Temples; made by emperor Ballaleshwar. OON has a MahaLakshmi and Jain Temple.
The population of the district was estimated to be about 1,872,413, according to the census of India 2011.
Geography
Khargone is located in the south-west border of Madhya Pradesh, 258 metres (846 ft) above sea level. It is spread over an area of 8,030 square kilometres (3,100 sq mi). Towards the north it borders Dhar, Indore and Dewas districts. Towards the south, it borders Maharashtra, in the east, Khandwa&Mundi and Burhanpur and Barwani in the west. Khargone is in the middle of the Narmada River valley with the Vindhyachal mountain range situated in the north and Satpura in the south. The River Narmada flows along a path of 50 kilometres (31 mi) inside the district. Veda and Kunda are the other two main rivers in the district.
Demographics
Khargone is growing fast as a city, and it now includes many villages, such as Jetapur. As of 2011 India census, Khargone had a population of 1,16,150. While males constitute 51.44% of the population, females average 49.46%. Khargone has an average literacy rate of 80.9%. This is higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 87.84%, and female literacy is 75.73%. About 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.