Sawai Madhopur district is a district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Known for its historical and ecological significance, the district serves as an important cultural and tourism hub, featuring the renowned Ranthambore National Park and other heritage sites. The district headquarters is located in the city of Sawai Madhopur. Sawai Madhopur district falls under the Bharatpur Division.[4]
Geography and climate
Sawai Madhopur District spans an area of 4,498 square kilometers. It is bordered by Dausa district to the north, Karauli district to the northeast, Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, and Kota and Bundi districts to the south. To the west lies Tonk district. Geographically, it is situated between 25°-45’ to 26°-41’ northern latitude and 75°-59’ to 77°-0’ eastern longitude.
The district features a mix of plains and undulating hills, with significant portions characterized by the Aravalli ranges. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, part of the Aravalli Hills, is a globally recognized wildlife sanctuary and heritage site. The Chambal River forms the southeastern boundary of the district, separating it from Madhya Pradesh. Other important rivers include the Banas and Morel, which contribute to the district’s riverine system.
The district’s elevation ranges between 450 and 600 meters above sea level, with the highest peak in the northwestern Aravalli range in Bamanwas Tehsil reaching 527 meters. The southern and southeastern regions of the district are marked by rugged terrain and ravines along the Chambal Valley, while the Gangapur subdivision is primarily flat, interspersed with isolated hills. The district is not classified as a desert area, and it lacks perennial natural springs. However, seasonal waterfalls like Amreshwar Mahadev, Sitamata, and Jhojheshwar flow during the rainy season.
Sawai Madhopur experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. Temperatures range from a maximum of 45°C in summer to a minimum of 4°C in winter. The average annual rainfall ranges between 600 to 800 mm, with the monsoon months of June to September accounting for most precipitation.
Division
Sawai Madhopur district has 5 revenue subdivisions and 6 tehsils:[5]
The Sawai Madhopur judgeship was established as an independent entity in 1977, having separated from the Bharatpur judgeship. Shri O.P. Jain was the inaugural District & Sessions Judge of this newly formed judgeship. Currently, Sawai Madhopur judgeship comprises a total of 22 courts. Of these, 11 courts, including the District & Sessions Court, operate at the district headquarters. Additionally, there are 7 courts at the Gangapur City headquarters, and one court each at Bonli, Khandar, and Chauth ka Barwara.
Previously, all courts located at the district headquarters were housed in the collectorate building. However, on November 10, 2011, they were relocated to a new building.
At present, Shri Justice Atul Kumar Saxena serves as the District & Sessions Judge of Sawai Madhopur.
Economy
In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Sawai Madhopur one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640).[6] It is one of the 12 districts in Rajasthan currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).[6]
According to the 2011 census Sawai Madhopur district has a population of 1,335,551,[3] roughly equal to the nation of Mauritius[9] or the US state of Maine.[10] This gives it a ranking of 362nd in India (out of a total of 640).[3] The district has a population density of 297 inhabitants per square kilometre (770/sq mi) .[3] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 19.79%.[3] Sawai Madhopur has a sex ratio of 894 females for every 1000 males,[3] and a literacy rate of 66.19%. 19.95% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 20.87% and 21.40% of the population respectively.[3]
After reorganisation, the residual district has a population of 817,289. The residual district has a sex ratio of 908 females per 1000 males. 136,406 (16.69%) lived in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 173,831 (21.27%) and 175,113 (21.43%) of the population respectively.[3]
Languages of residual Sawai Madhopur district (2011)[11]
Ganesh Chaturthi Fair is the largest fair of Sawai Madhopur. It is organised on Bhadav Shukla Chaturthi at Ganesh Temple, Ranthambhore Fort. People of Rajasthan and outside Rajasthan visit for this fair. Every year 3-4 lacs devotees participates in this fair. This fair is organised for three days.
Chauth Mata Fair
Chauth Mata Temple is about 25 km from the Sawai Madhopur city in Chauth Ka Barwara town. This fair is organised on Magh Krishna Chaturthi. Lacs of people around Rajasthan and other states visit here for this Fair.
The Rameshwaram Temple is 60 km from Sawai Madhopur on the confluence of Banas and Chambal River. It has a Shiva temple where a fair is held annually on Shiv Ratri. Lakhs of people Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh visit here for this Fair.
Kalyan Ji Fair
Every year the Besakh Shukla Puranmasi fair is organised at Gangapur City for seven days. Thousands of people join this fair.
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