Kulpahar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
type = subdistrict
native_name=Kulpahar
latd = 25.19|longd = 79.38| state_name=Uttar Pradesh
district=Mahoba
leader_title = Chairman | leader_name = Babulal Ahirvar
altitude = 198
population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 17437| population_density = 6341
area_magnitude = 7
area_total = 2.75
area_telephone = 91-5283
postal_code = 210 426 | vehicle_code_range= UP-95

Kulpahar (Hindi: कुलपहाड़) is a city in Mahoba district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a historical town in the Bundelkhand region. Before 11 Feb 1995 Kulpahar was a Tehsil of Hamirpur District [ [http://hamirpur.nic.in/admin.htm Hamirpur Dist. website] ] . On 11 Feb 1995 Mahoba District [ [http://mahoba.nic.in Mahoba Dist. Website] ] carved out of Hamirpur and Kulpahar is now a part of the Mahoba District. Kulpahar is the largest Subdivision of Uttar Pradesh. Kulpahar is known for its closeness to Khajuraho and other historic places like Mahoba, Charkhari, Kalinjar, Orchha, and Jhansi. This town holds relics of temples and man-made water bodies of the Chandela Dynasty.

Origin of the name

Historians have different theories about the origin of its name, primarily there are two opinions about the name.

"i. Two village theory -" According to the "Imperial gazetteer of United Province of Agra and Oudh -1909" there were two different villages "Kulhua" and "paharia" which later jointly became the town of Kulpahar; even the folklore says the same. It doesn't have any supporting evidence for the theory; it seems that the British writer of the gazetteer went by the folklore.

"ii. Second theory" [ [http://www.cambridge.org/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=0521851688 Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires ] ] is based on some historical facts dating back early 17th century. There was a cult "gossain" [ [http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ZrkEGOOxvecC&pg=PA206&dq=Kulpahar&lr=&sig=ACfU3U1HzOKZrfWucCicINL2_Sy3JLVjoA#PPA272,M1 Gazzetteer] ] in the central India and one of the descendant of the followers of this cult "Himmat Bahadur Gossain" who actively took part in Indian freedom struggle was born in Kulpahar and Kulpahar had connection with this cult since the origin of the cult. Gossain cult is believed to be originated/started from Kulpahar. Historians who relate Kulpahar with the "gossain cult" gave the theory that Kulpahar word is composed of two words "Kula" and "pahar" means "Clan mountain". Some relates it with a "tantrik rite Kaula Tantra". Kulpahar was a site to perform secret tantrik rituals of gossain cult on a hill near "Gahra lake"; hence the town got its name "Kaula pahar" which as the time passed became "Kulpahar".

History

Kulpahar was the capital of a princely state of the same name in British India. Kulpahar was founded in 1700 by Raja Jagat Raj [ [http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V16_021.gifImperial Gazetteer of India] ] of Jaitpur son of Maharaja Chhatrasal, and was reorganized by Senapati, a Bundela Rajput who was the son of Raja Jagat Raj of Jaitpur grandson of Maharaja Chhatrasal. Kulpahar was captured by the British in 1804, and became a princely state in the Bundelkhand Agency of the Central India Agency. The chief resided at the town of Nowgong in Madhya Pradesh. The fort of Kulpahar, situated on a steep hill, towers more than 800 ft (244 m) above the sea level, and contains the ruins of elaborately carved sculptures.

Archaeological sites

There are quite a few Archaeological sites in and near Kulpahar of period 10th century. [ [http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_uttarpradesh_lucknow.asp ASI website] ]

Some of the sites are:
*Senapati Mahal - This beautiful small palace was built by Raja Jagatraj of Jaitpur in early 18th century A.D. for his son Senapati. It is a tripple storied tall beautiful building situated on Kulpahar-Nowgong road near KM 1 milestone just opposite to collectorate. Archaeological Survey of India has started renovation work, it has been declared a monument of national importance in 1996 A.D.
*Chandela period Yajna Mandap near village Akona - It is a large hindu yajna mandap situated on Jaitpur-Srinagar road. This mandap dates back 10th century A.D. It is 20x20x20 cubic feet area. On the southern side of this mandap is a granite Shivalingam. This area was built by chandela rulers to carryout most auspicious hindu rituals.
*Senapati fortress - This is a small fortification around Senapati palace built by Senapati in mid 18th century when he was managing the security of Kulpahar area during his father Raja Jagatraj's reign.
* Raja Ka Tal lake - It is a large lake built by Jagatraj in the early 18th century A.D. Total area of this covers over 2 square km. It was the main source of irrigation and drinking water supply during his reign.
* Belasagar lake - It is situated alongside the Kulpahar-Nowgong road 10 km from Kulpahar bus station. It is one of the largest lakes of the area. It was built by Raja Parikshit of Jaitpur in the loving memory of his wife Bela during last decade of 19th century. It covers an area of over 8 square km. This lake is bounded by Kulpahar-Nowgong road on one side and Jaitur-Srinagar road on other side. It is the major source for irrigation and drinking water for Kulpahar area. On the embankment of this lake ruins of forts of Raja Jagatraj and Raja Parikshit exists on a hillock.
*Chandela period temples near village Rawatpura, Salat and Akona - These temples resembles the famous architecture of Khajuraho temples. These were built during 9th-10th century A.D. by chandela rulers who built the famous Kamasutra temples of Khajuraho.
*Four Chandela temples and small masonry tank - These temples and tank dates back 9th century A.D.
*Ruins of granite temple in charnwa - This temple was built even before the chandela period.
*Small mound locally known as Bhainsa sur with a ruined temple on the summit and old statue inside it
*Ruins of a palace on a hill - This massive palace is situated on NH-76. Archaelogical Survey of India is carrying out renovation work in the area. This palace has been declared a monument of national importance. It dates back 16th century A.D.
*Old well with an inscription of Samvat 755
*Large tank in Pathari Kadin
*Large Chandela tank on the embankment on which stands a large ruined temple of the earliest Chandela type
*Small temple of which the dome has fallen

Geography

Kulpahar is situated on National Highway No. 76 at a distance of 135 km from Jhansi and 278 km from Allahabad at an altitude of 795 feet at Latitude 25° 19' N, Longitude 79° 39' E. [ [http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=25.32&lon=79.65&z=13&l=0&m=a&v=2 Satellite image] ]

Administration

Local self government

Kulpahar is governed by a municipality under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Act. It has 15 member council and the council is chaired by a chairperson who is directly elected by more than 15,000 electorates. The council is called nagar panchayat

ub district administration

Kulpahar is the headquarter of a subdistrict which is headed by a Deputy District Magistrate. The same officer holds the court of Town Megistrate of Kulpahar. Deputy district Magistrate is assisted by four officers one Tehsil Magistrate and three Nayab Tehsil Magistrates. Tehsildar looks into all the revenue matter of whole of sub district and is assisted by three nayabs who look after the three divisions of kulpahar namely Jaitpur, Panwari, and Kulpahar city.

Police administration

Kulpahar city's security is maintained by Kulpahar Kotwali. An officer of the cadre of Deputy Superintendent of Police heads the police administration of Kulpahar. Kulpahar Kotwali is headed by Kotwal an officer of Inspector cadre. Kulpahar police circle consists of 5 police stations namely
* Kulpahar Kotwali
* Belatal (Recently upgraded to a police station from police outpost)
* Ajnar
* Panwari
* Mahobkanth

Water supply

Drinking water supply of the city is managed by Chitrakoot Jalkal Sansthaan's Jaitpur subdivision under Banda division. Water is supplied from a big reservoir Belasagar through lift irrigation to Raja Ka Tal where the Chitrakoot Jalkal Sansthaan has a water filter plant with a capacity of 15,000,000 litre per day.

Fairs and festivals

All the major Indian festivals are celebrated here. The longest of them is festival of navratra and Dussera. Its a 10 days long festival and idols of goddess Durga are placed in many places and day-night long celebrations continues. The festival ends with the immersion of the idols in bara tal lake. Other major festivals are Holi, Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Raksha bandhan.In the month of august and september famous fair of Jalvihar is organized in the city. It is month long celebration. during the opening day of fair idols of all the temples of town are taken out of the temple and a procession takes place.

Cuisine

Typical north indian food is served and taken everywhere in the town. But a typical bundeli cuisine called "bhata aur gakariya" is very popular here. It is a curry of brinjal and a specially cooked bread. One must taste when s/he visits the place. After food it is must to have dessert so try the famous milk cake at Rahul Restaurant in the main market and Kalakand at Matadin aka Matti halwai's shop. And after you finish your meal don't forget to chew the famous betel leaf of Mahoba.

Education

Educational institutions

* Government Girls Degree College(Under Construction) - Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh recently announced the opening of Girls' degree college in Kulpahar. It will offer Bachelor of Arts degree in few subjects initially.
* Jantantra Intermediate College - is affiliated to Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education. It admits students from class 6th till 12th.
* Kulpahar Christian School - is affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It admits students from kindergarten till 12th.
* Government Girls High School - is affiliated to Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education. It admits girls students from class 6th till 10th.
* G.B. Islamia Inter College
* Rafique Memorial Junior High School

Hospitals

Government hospitals

* Community Health Center (Civil Hospital) Kulpahar - It is a 30 bed community hospital situated on eastern part of the city on NH-76. This hospital serves to a population of over 3lakh. [ [http://uphealth.up.nic.in/indicators/mahoba.htm Department of health UP govt.] ]

Private hospitals

* Janki Nursing Home - It is a 6 bed hospital situated at the centre of the city. It is one of the most prestigious hospital of the area serving people since 1975.
* Shiv Aushadhalaya - It is an ayurvedic hospital serving to the people of Kulpahar since pre-independence era.
* Kulpahar Christian Mission Hospital (Asha Arogya Chikitsalay) - It is a 20 bed hospital run by protestant christian missionaries situated on Kulpahar-Nowgong road in the southern part of the city.

Veterinary hospitals

* Government Veterinary Hospital Kulpahar

Banks and treasuries

National banks

* State Bank of India, Sarrafa Baazaar [http://www.sbi.co.in/branchlocator_moreinfo.jsp?1=1&radio_searchtype=partial&seltype=city&combooption=no&selection=city&txt_locname=Kulpahar&mode=next&regi=&selzone=&num_branchtype=42&num_service=-1&searchalpha=&branchid=2636&bgc=0 State Bank of India Website link] - This branch is on centralized banking system of State Bank of India.
* Allahabad Bank, Bus Station [http://www.allahabadbank.com/Branch_Details.asp?BranchCode=905 Allahabad Bank website link]

Other banks

* Chhatrasal Grameen Bank
* District Co-operative Bank

Treasuries

* State Treasury at State Bank of India

Climate

* Summer - Max. 43 °C, Min. 20 °C
* Winter - Max. 25 °C, Min. 2 °C
* Rainfall: 660 mm (June to September)
* Best Season: August to March

Passenger transportation

Air

Kulpahar is served by the Khajuraho airport (90 km) and is linked to Delhi, Varanasi and Agra by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines. Other airports in the vicinity are Kanpur (180 km) and Lucknow (250 km).

Road

National Highway 76 [ [http://www.nhai.org NHAI website] ] runs through the center of the city. Kulpahar is located in between Jhansi and Allahabad on this highway. Another highway that links Kulpahar is National Highway 74 starts at Kanpur and ends at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh. There are other highways that link Kulpahar to other parts of the state. Kulpahar also has one bus station and a railway station catering to different routes.

Tourist taxis, auto-rickshaws and tempos are available for local transport. But the cheapest and most efficient method of local transport is the Tonga. Rates are not fixed and one needs to bargain.

Rail

Kulpahar is a railway station [ [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways] ] of the North Central Railways Zone, and is well connected by trains with all major cities, namely, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Jhansi, Varanasi, Agra, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Gaya, Mathura and Allahabad.Major Trains connecting Kulpahar with rest of the country are 1107/1108 Bundelkhand Exp, 2175/2176 Gwalior-Howrah Chambal Exp, 2177/2178 Agra Cantonment-Howrah Chambal Exp, 2189/2190 Mahakoshal Exp, 1069/1070 Tulsi Exp and 2447/2448 Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti Exp.

Granite mining in Kulpahar

Kulpahar region comprises areas which are essentially covered by grey, pink, red granitic rock and black dolerite. The rocks are generally medium to coarse to very coarse grained, having variegated colours with varying textural patterns. In geological nomenclature they can be classified on the basis of colour, grain size and texture. Over half of the areas identified so far appear suitable for extracting blocks of two cubic meters in size from the surface outcrops. The granite with red feldspar having presence of white and bluish quartz has caught the fancy of buyers and has become quite popular in national and international markets during the last 10 years, The remaining outcrops would be suited for blocks of smaller size. Ruby red granite is good in quality and is very popular in national and international markets, In granitic terrain the rocks may occur in the form of widespread sheets exposed above the ground level, in the form of hillocks, as high ground or below the ground under soil cover. They may also occur as boulders of different size and shapes spread over the sheet rock. They may be found as dykes, particularly of black and green types, as long narrow ridges often concealed beneath the surface. A major part of granite deposits in these regions are underground and have to be extracted by open cast mining. Underground granite block is more compact and require sophisticated and specialised machinery which adds to the cost of mining.

Excursions

Historical

*Ajaigarh: 100 km south-west of the city.
*Charkhari: 15 km north of the city.
*Jhansi: 135 km west of the city.
*Kalinjar: 150 km east-south of the city.
*Kalpi: 140 km north-west of the city.
*Khajuraho: 80 km south-east of the city.
*Mahoba: 25 km east of the city.
*Rath%2C_India 42 km north-west of the city
*Sugira: 4 km west of the city

Natural

*Panna: 120 km south-east of the city.
*Pandu fall: 80 km south-east of the city.
*Raneh fall: 85 km south-west of the city.
*Matatila dam: 135 km west-south of the city.
*Parichha dam: 135 km west of the city.
*Baruasagar dam: 115 km west of the city.

Religious

*Chitrakoot: 150 km east of the city.
*Orchha: 125 km west of the city.
* Deogarh: 145 km west-south of the city.

Museum

* Madhya Pradesh State museum Dhubela, Nowgong [ [http://chhatarpur.nic.in/govtoffices.htm Dhubela museum] ]
* Bundelkhand Chhatrasal Museum, Banda [ [http://www.india9.com/i9show/Bundelkhand-Chhatrasal-Museum-28356.htm Banda Museum] ]
* Rani Jhansi Museum, Jhansi [ [http://jhansi.nic.in/interest.htm Jhansi Museum] ]

Demographics

As of|2001 Update after|2011 India census, [ [http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999 Official census data of Indian cities as on 2001] ] Kulpahar had a population of 17,437. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Kulpahar has an average literacy rate of 65.50%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. In Kulpahar, 18% of the population is under 6 years of age. [ [http://upgov.up.nic.in/spatrika/tab632005.asp?formd=66+mahaobaa&formy=0405 Jila Sankhyaki Patrika] ]

* Total Population : 17,437
** Male : 9,108
** Female : 8,329
* Population 0-6 (Total) : 3,184
** Male : 1,681
** Female : 1,503

* Literates (Total) : 9,426
** Male : 5,893
** Female : 3,533

References

External links

* [http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=25.32&lon=79.65&z=13&l=0&m=a&v=2 Kulpahar at wikimapia]
* [http://mahoba.nic.in Administrative setup of Kulpahar]
* [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Kulpahar.html Weather information of Kulpahar]
* [http://sify.com/weather/sevendays_forecast.php?city=65074 7 days' weather forecast of Kulpahar]
* [http://www.uparchaeology.org/anx22lucknow6.htm Archaeological Sites in Kulpahar excavated and maintained by UP Archaeological Department]
* [http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_uttarpradesh_lucknow.asp Archaeological Sites in Kulpahar excavated and maintained by Archaeological Survey of India]