Balapur

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Balapur | type = city | latd = 19.53 | longd = 77.4
locator_position = right | state_name = Maharashtra
district = Akola
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altitude = 425
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 39,493| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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Balapur is a city and a municipal council in Akola district in the state of Maharashtra, India.

Geography

Balapur is located at coord|19.53|N|77.4|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Balapur.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Balapur] ] It has an average elevation of 425 metres (1394 feet).

The town in an important junction for traffic on National Highway No 6 which carries the Calcutta traffic to the Port City of Bombay. Transport destined for south takes a southward turn following a wide State Highway crossing the NH 6 here. The nearest Rail head is at Paras, 7 km from the town. The MSEB is expanding its thermal power station with two 250 MW units to augment the falling generating capacity of the state power corporation. There is further potential to expand it to 1000 MW making it a Super Thermal Power Station. One of the popular and traditional profession of people here is manufacturing "DARI" (cotton rugs/carpets) using handlooms. Other major business of people here is manufacturing Briks, which is exported to surrounding districts. Surprisingly there are no suicide by the farmers here as the majority of them are Muslims and do not go for high yield crops which are not suitable to Balapur area. If developed, if can be a good tourist place after Nagpur.

History

Balapur was a important military station after Ellichpur during the Mughal period. [ [http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V06_240.gifImperial Gazetteer2 of India, Volume 6, page 234 - Imperial Gazetteer of India - Digital South Asia Library ] ] It becomes seat of Provincial governor of Berar instead of Ellichpur [ [http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V12_026.gifImperial Gazetteer2 of India, Volume 12, page 20 - Imperial Gazetteer of India - Digital South Asia Library ] ] and Prince Shah Murad, son of Akbar settled in Berar with Balapur as his headquarters in 1596. Near Balapur he founded a new city named Shahapur and constructed a beautiful palace for himself and now in ruins. As his relationship was deteriorating with Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, the commander of the army, Akbar recalled Khan-i-Khanan and sent his trusted friend Abul Fazl to help him. Balapur was one of the richest Pargana in Berar Subah.

Muhammad Azam Shah, Son of Aurangzeb has resided here and build a Mud fort here. A chhatri or Pavilion was erected by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, Commander of Shah Jahan and general of Aurangzeb. In 1720 Asaf Jah defeated the Mughal forces dispatched against him. The present Balapur fort was completed in 1757 by Ismail Khan Nawab of Ellichpur and is second largest fort in Berar after Gawilgarh hill fort.

The local Municipality was established in 1934. It provides services in the field of education (primary) and a rural hospital with hardly any facilities to be shared by the town people. Many private practitioners are avaialble.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Balapur had a population of 39,493. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Balapur has an average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 55% of the males and 45% of females literate. 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Recently the southern part of the outer ring of the fort has collapsed. The ASI is doing every bid to restore temples in Cambodia and Pakistan and appreciates the conservation done by Pakistan, but is failing to do so for the upkeep of the home sites.

This Historical Town is systametically being neglected due the criminal policies which are being played at National, State and Regional Level. The notion of population being illiterate gets negated when you read the data above. The criminal anti-national forces are playing havoc with this town too....

The Jama Masjid of Balapur was constructed on the instructions of the then emperor Aurangzeb. However, the centre of the religious activities has shifted to 'Shahi Masjid' at the Anjuman Square which is called 'Shahi Masjid'. it is a two storied mosque with a tall minaret. The height of this minaret has been restricted. Balapur deserves a bigger mosque with a tall 'meenar'.

References