Hodal

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Hodal | type = city | latd = 27.9 | longd = 77.37
locator_position = right | state_name = Haryana
district = Faridabad
leader_title =
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altitude = 190
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 38,306| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
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Hodal is a city and a municipal committee in Faridabad district in the Indian state of Haryana, near the border of Uttar Pradesh in India.

Geography

Hodal is located at coord|27.9|N|77.37|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/10/Hodal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Hodal] ] It has an average elevation of 190 metres (623 feet). It is situated at a distance of 88 km from Delhi and 105 km from Agra on NH-2. The town is not far away from Mathura and Bharatpur, with which it was traditionally associated.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Hodal had a population of 38,306. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Hodal has an average literacy rate of 57%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 67%, and female literacy is 46%. In Hodal, 18% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

It was occupied by the Sorot [Jats] around 1500 A.D. It is said that three brothers of Sorot Jat clan had arrived in this area before from Manak Jartauli village in U.P. The eldest among them was Ojhoo who settled at Hodal , the second settled at Banchari, north of Hodal, and the youngest settled at Sondh, towards the northwest of Hodal.

Local attractions

Hodal is known for three reasons: firstly, Maharani Kishori, the first wife of Jat Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur, belonged to this place; secondly, it is the head village of a group of 24 villages inhabited by the Sorot Jat clan; and thirdly, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated here.

'Chameli Van' is another attraction being a sacred place with an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Lord of the Monkeys), where devotees throng in large numbers from nearby areas, particularly on Tuesdays (Mangal-var) with large offerings of Bananas, Chanas (Roasted Grams) etc. for hundreds of monkeys, who stay around the temple in a large area dominated by 'Pelu' bushes. It is being approached from Hodal Railway Station. It is also a good hot-spot for birding with the Ujjina drain near by & having varied habitats like ponds, agricultural fields, canal, shrubby areas etc. Large number of migratory birds also come here from far-off places like Siberia, Northern & Central Asia etc. More than 125 species of birds have been recorded here by Sh. J.M.Garg.

It is also known for the place of Sadhus. There is a good temple of "TYGI BABA MANDIR". It is situated near the "Dabchick" on NH-2. The old age person says that there is lord 'HANUMAN JI' are living his own soul in this temple. The MEHANT of this temple is 'BABA UDDHO DAS MAHARAJ' it is famous for the fest of 'guru purnima' there is a big LANGAR for this temple where long distances saint are come for this fest.

The other most attractive place in Hodal is "DABCHIK" (A landscaped area, named after a bird called Dabchick as given in the picture, with a Restaurant, Motel accommodation & other attaractions) placed at NH-2. This is a place of dreams where a large no. of tourist came every day. At this place you can see every thing. What a place this is! If you come here, you can't decide to leave this place. There is a beautiful lake.

Another most attraction in Hodal is "BAGICHI" at about 0.50km far on Hodal- Gorota road after croassing the railway fatak. This is also a memorable place. Every Saturday people go for parikrma to this place.This BAGICHI is on the land of Tihab Patti Hodal. So this is also called 'Tihab Bagichi'. The most intelligent person in this bagichi is "Shri Baba Mohandas".
Fifty years ago, Hodal was like a big, self-sufficient village with a bazaar run entirely by local baniyas. At that time there were nearly 200 families of Mahajans. Most of them settled here after the British took over the territory and ensured peace and stability. They had migrated to Hodal from far off places, and built their shops-cum-residences in the mandi and old bazaar area, now within the old town.Some family of Agrawal’s are living in Hodal since Mugal Kal. One of Oldest families is from Lal Hawali, all are very devolped now. Many of boys and girls are working in very good industries

by
Pawan Gupta Gurgaon

References

*http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021109/windows/main1.htm