Rohtak

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Rohtak (Hindi: रोहतक) is located in Rohtak District, Haryana, India. The city can feel proud for having -

One of the highest number of dairies in India, a reputable Medical College, a university where students come from different parts of India and some students also come from African countries.

Unfortunately, in recent years the law and order situation in the city has been worsening, the roads are getting more and more crowded and the city that was always unplanned seems worse. The people of Rohtak like the rest of population of Haryana belong to the Indo Aryan type and in parts to the Indo-Dravidian type. Harayan's population, are divided into a number of castes (jatis). The main classes of people in Haryana are the Brahmins, the Rajputs, the Jats, the Ahirs and the allied agricultural communities.

Rohtak : A Cultural And Historical Background The region surrounding Rohtak occupies the central place in the Bangru speaking zone of the state of Haryana. The town (28°.54'W & 35'E) lies 75 km West of Delhi on the Ferozepur railway line. The tract is a part of the Ghaggar-Yamuna Divide and has no stream to water it. It has a brackish subsoil water, poor rainfall and an extreme temperature in summer and winter. The region would have remained almost dry and arid but for the canal irrigation by Firozshah Tughluq, Mughals, the British and more recently in the post-independence period.

The antiquity of the region goes back to the pre-Vedic Chalcolithic/Bronze age. The ancient remains of the villages and towns related to the last phase of Indus Civilisation, going back to at least 4000 years, can still be seen around the region, particularly at Farmana near Mahem and Lahot (near Dhansa border). After the fall of the Indus towns, the village settlements of the Late Harappa Tradition survived until the middle of the second millennium B.C. in its decadent phase.

The advent of a new cultural tradition around 1500 B.C. most probably from the North-West of the subcontinent and beyond displaced the preceding Chalcolihthic/lndus survivors from the Gandhara region of Pakistan to Bihar. It manifested into at least three related regional cultures, the Gandhara Grave culture (C. 1500-500 B.C.), the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture (C.1100- 500 B.C.) and the Black Slipped Ware (BSW) culture (C.800-600 B.C.). The peasant-pastoral PGW culture was distinguished by the use of iron, horse and cattle and a thin grey coloured and painted pottery. It spread from Sutlej to the Ganga and particularly along the Saraswati valley in northern plains. Its discovery from Hastinapur, Panipat, Pehova, Kurukshetra, Mathura. Indraprastha or Delhi excited the imagination of the traditional archaeologists to associate the culture with the Mahabharat heroes. However, the geographical distribution, chronology and the cultural millieu of the PGW culture can be well compared with the culture of the Vedic (later phase) literature or Aryans. The discovery of the PGW culture from the lowest levels of Khokhrakot at Rohtak attests the intrusion of the Vedic people at Rohtak in the later Vedic period. The semi-agricultural and pastoral Aryans'uf the Rig Veda had by now taken to settled Janapadas and developed agrarian economy assisted by relevant iron technology and social organisation comprising the Varna System. It is about this period that the Gana Rajyas (tribal republics) or chiefdoms came into existence. The political struggle for domination ensued and the more successful established city states or the Mahajanapadas in the 7th century B.C. It is from now onwards that the history of India growingly becomes the history of the struggle of centripetal and centrifugal forces. Magadhan empire emerged successful in establishing almost a pan-Indian hegemony under the Nandas and the Mauryas and gave impetus to the rise of regional cities.

The Rohtak tract saw the growth of Second Urbanisation in the early historic times in the 4th century B.C. as evidenced by the excavations at Khokhra Kot mound near the town. The discovery of Ashokan pillars at Topra in North Haryana and at Hissar and Fatehabad attests the expansion of the Mauryan Empire in our region. The period was marked by the popularity of Prakrit language, the spread of Buddhism, the beginning of brick architecture, coinage and the Brahmi alphabets (a new script). After the collapse of the Mauryan empire the region saw the resurgence of the Tribal republic of the Yaudheyas to be subdued again by the invading Indo- Greeks, Sakas and Kushanas before the beginning of the Christian era. The Kushana rule integrated Northern India with Central Asia. The period saw the growth of urbanisation to higher peaks by boosting trade with Central and Western Asia and Europe. The assimilation of a variety of foreign elements enriched the Indian culture. The early historical period was also distinguished by the prevalence of slavery, caste system, decline in the status of women and untouchables under the sanction of the state and the Dharma Shastras.

The disintegration of the Kushana empire in the 3rd century A.D. again led to the rise of the Yaudheyas (tribal republic) at Rohtak as attested by the discovery of their seals and coin mounds. They were, however, subjugated by another Magadhan empire of the Guptas in the 4th century A.D. Soon after the urban centres decayed gradually giving way to the rise of feudal society and culture, agrarian economy, decentralisation of power and a new hierarchical social order. The town of Rohtak also decayed. The invasion by the Hunas, indicated anarchic conditions of the times.

The early centuries of the Christian era saw.the rise of the cults of Kartikeya. Shiva and Vishnu. This was a great era of cultural fusion when the foreign invaders like the Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas and the Hunas were assimilated. Stupas, pillars and sculptures, decorated bricks of temples and seals bear testimony to the beautiful art tradition of the region- Wrestling and lute playing with drums were the popular past-time of the people.

The later half of the 6th century A.D. saw the rise of the Puspabhutis or Vardhanas as the rulers of Shrikanth kingdom of Thanesar. Prabhakar Vardhan was a powerful king and ousted the Huna power from the region. Rohtak formed part of the Thanesar kingdom and later of the Kanauj empire of Harsha Vardhana, the Pushpabhuti prince of Thanesar. Anarchic conditions again set in the region with the death of Harsha. Peace was established by Gurjar Pratiharas of Ujjain (who are believed to be foreigners). They conquered North India in the 9th century and ruled from Kanauj. The Tomaras of Delhi, the Samantas of the Pratiharas, asserted their independence in the 10th century and ruled over Haryana including Rohtak.

Area & Population:

The district is having an area of 1668.47 km². Population of the district as per 1991 census is 776966. The density of population is 466 per sq. Kilometer. There are 146 villages and 151 Panchayats on the district. The rural population is 531263 and urban population is 245703.

As per 1991 census, rural population constitutes 68.38% of the total population of the district. It is the main hub of JATS.Politics of haryana revolve around rohtak. It is the native place of present chief minster mt bhupinder singh hooda.50% population here is jats. The SC population is 145435(18.72%) while rural SC population is 107131(20.10%).

The economy of the district is primarily agriculture i.e. agrarian economy. About 51.89% of the total workers are engaged in agriculture and allied activities, 7.68% in cottage & household industries and the rest are engaged in other activities.

Out of total geographical area of the district, 83% is under cultivation. The main crops are wheat, gram, sugarcane & bajra. There is no perennial river in the district. Underground water level is relatively high. The district is faced with the problem of brackish water and water logging in may partts of the district. The sub soil water depth various from 4 to 40 feet.

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGES

Maharshi Dayanand University

Maharshi Dayanand University is Situated at a distance of 70 km Northwest of Delhi on the National Highway No. 10, It is spread over a sprawling 740 acres of land on the outskirts of the historic city of Rohtak. Named after the great social reformer and founder of Arya Samaj, Maharshi Dayanand University was established in 1976 as a residential University with the objective of promoting higher studies in the fields of environmental, ecological and life sciences and inter-disciplinary education and research. But in 1978, the unitary and residential character of the University was changed when all colleges in five districts of Haryana were affiliated with this University, and, thus, turning it into a teaching-cum-affiliating University. The University during this span, has grown to 27 Post-Graduate departments under 12 Faculties with more than 350 faculty members; one Post-Graduate Regional Centre at Rewari; one maintained University College; one Directorate of Distance Education and one Computer Centre. Besides, 110 affiliated colleges offering courses in humanities, science, commerce and management; Post-Graduate Medical Research Institute and Dental College, Rohtak; Medical College, Agroha; State College of Engineering, Murthal; Technological Institute of Textiles, Bhiwani are among the premier affiliated institution which form the nucleus of University's diverse academic programmers.

The standard of schools in Rohtak is quite impressive there are many famous schools which have given bright students to the nation. Famous schools like MODEL, D.A.V CENTENARY PUBLIC SCHOOL, Pathania public School has a special contribution in giving some bright and talented students to the nation. We have a brilliant example of Mr. Kushal Khosla who is a brilliant sportsperson and represented his house various times in different sports like cricket, base ball, basket ball etc at street levels. Currently he is living in Delhi n pursuing his career in journalism and mass communication from Amity University and working with IBM Daksh.

The University over the years has been constantly improving the quality of education in the traditional areas of Arts, Commerce and pure Sciences. At the same time, we have not been obvious to the rapid changes that are taking place in the sphere of technical and professional education. We have introduced a number of job oriented courses in our University Teaching Departments and University College from the current academic session. Some of these are: -

Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Bachelor of Information Sciences (BIS) 2 Years Master's Programmer in Global Business One year P.G. Diploma in Advt. And Media Management One year P.G. Diploma in Pharmaceutical Marketing LL.M. through Distance Education P.G. Diploma in Labors law and Labors Welfare through Distance Education P.G. Diploma in Inland Aqua Culture P.G. Diploma in Physical Education Certificate Course in Physical Education Complete List of Courses Offered

COLLEGES AND INSTITUTIONS AFFILIATED TO/MAINTAINED BY MAHARSHI DAYANAND UNIVERSITY, ROHTAK 1. S.J.K. College, Kalanaur 2. M.K.J.K. College, Rohtak 3. G.B. Degree College, Rohtak 4. A.I.J.H.M. College, Rohtak 5. University College, Rohtak 6. Govt. College for Women, Rohtak 7. L.N. Hindu College, Rohtak 8. Vaish College, Rohtak 9. G.B. Ay. College, Rohtak 10. C.R. College of Education, Rohtak 11. Vaish College of Education, Rohtak 12. G.B. College of Education, Rohtak 13. Shri M.N. Ay. College, Asthal Bohar 14. Govt. College, Meham 15. Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak 16. Dental College, Rohtak 17. Vaish Mahila Mahavidyala, Rohtak 18. Shri Baba Mastnath Institute of Mgt. Studies & Research, Asthal Bohar 19. Haryana College, Rohtak 20. Shri Baba Mastnath Dental College, Asthal Bohar 21. Vaish College of Engineering, Rohtak 22. Shri Baba Mastnath College of Modern Sciences, Asthal Bohar 23. Shri Baba Mastnath Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Asthal Bohar 24. Shri Baba Mastnath Engg. College, Asthal Bohar 25. M.R. DAV Institute of Mgt. Studies, Hassangarh

A FACE LIFT FOR THE ROHTAK TOWN Ever since the new Chief Minister of Congress party Mr Bhupinder singh Hooda took over the reigns of the State, the much neglected town of Rohtak is slated to get a big facelift. With many over bridges, wide roads, manicured parks and state of the art street linghting, the town is sure to afford comfortable life for its rising population. It proximity to Delhi, the National Capital, makes it ever more important and provides substantial work force to Delhi.

ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Art and architectural Heritage of the town is of course in utter neglect. Till a decade ago the old city alleys and Railway road had about 50 havelis built in traditional architectural styles. Many stone facades with beautiful carvings and motifs were stripped from the walls and sold to heritage traders for paltry sums. In fact, the Muslim masons did all the decorative works in stone and fabricated woodcrafted door sets in these havelis (mansions). The rise of commerce and paucity of space forced the owners to demolish the fine old structures for building shopping complexes. There is no policy with the State Govt. or City Fathers to protect the heritage of the city. In spite of a local chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) functioning in the district, not much could be done because most heritage properties are in private ownership and INTCH's local chapter does not have funds or the infrastructure to carry out listing and conservation work. However, Mr. Ranbir Singh,55, a cultural historian functioning from Rohtak, in the last 25 years has documented extensively the art and architectural heritage not only of the Rohtak District but also entire Haryana on his own. He has a large collection of brilliant photographs of the heritage properties besides documenting history of the heritage value buildings, historical villages and towns of the district.

The famous 12th century Asthal Bohar Monastery has also been modernized by its Mahant Chand Nath. The oldest shrine at this place was built above the Smadh of Sidh Baba Chaurangi Nath (Bhagat Pooran Mall son of Raja Shalivan of Sialkot, now in Pakistan) under which also lies the grave of Sidh Baba Masth Nath who lived in the mid-eighteenth century AD. The shrine of Sidh Baba Tota Nath, in this campus, has beautiful frecoes painted in the early nineteenth century and done in Rajput style. Some of these, near the dome have their colors chipped off and are fading unless restored. The present Mahant is just indifferent to the preservation of these fine frescoes, very important for art historians. Sometime ago, the beautifully carved stone facade of the Digambar Jain Mandir in Barra Bazar was stripped off and sold just for Rs.1 lakh. It was a precious piece of art. Several havelis situated in the old city and Railway road are giving way to modern buildings thus depriving the city of its traditional and beautiful character.

Many large villages around Rohtak city could boast of many a fine buildings that had decorative elements and traditional architectural get up. Now, these are in bad condition and crumbling.