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{{About|the Municipal Corporation in Madhya Pradesh, India|its namesake district|Harda District}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Harda
| native_name_lang       = 
| nickname               = 
| other_name             = Hardah
| settlement_type        = City
| image_skyline          = {{Photomontage
| photo1a      = Remains of 'Raj Mahal MAKRAI '.jpg
| photo2a      = Ridhanath Riddheshwar mandir, Handia Madhya Pradesh 019.jpg| spacing = 6
| position     = 
| color_border = Pink
| color        = white
| size         = 240
| foot_montage = }}
| image_alt              = 
| image_caption          = Top: Makrai Fort <br> Bottom: Riddheshwar Mandir
| pushpin_map            = India Madhya Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt        = 
| pushpin_map_caption    = 
| coordinates            = {{coord|22.33|N|77.1|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1      = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1      = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2      = [[Harda district|Harda]]
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_date       = 
| founder                = 
| named_for              = 
| government_type        = Mayor-Council Government
| governing_body         = Mayor, Harda Municipal Corporation
| unit_pref              = Metric
| area_footnotes         = 
| area_rank              = 11
| area_total_km2         = 200
| elevation_footnotes    = 
| elevation_m            = 296
| population_total       = 1,66,625<!-- This is of Harda Municipal Corporation please dont confuse with harda district -->
| population_as_of       = 2021
| population_rank        = 15
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym     = 
| population_footnotes   = <ref name="Census2011Gov"/>
| demographics_type1     = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| demographics1_info1    = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=21 June 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| area_code              = +91-07577
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code            = 461331-461228
| registration_plate     = MP-47
| website                = {{URL|https://harda.nic.in}}
| footnotes              = 
}}
'''Harda''' is a city and a [[municipality]] in [[Harda district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Madhya Pradesh]]. Harda is the administrative headquarters of Harda.

==History==
===Mughal period===
During the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] period, Harda was a [[mahallah|mahal]] in the [[Handia, Madhya Pradesh|Handia]] [[sarkar (administrative division)|sarkar]]. In 1742, [[Maratha confederacy|Marathas]] led by [[Peshwa]] [[Balaji Baji Rao]] captured the area, and displaced the Muslim governor of the Handia sarkar. Subsequently, Harda replaced Handia as the most important town in the area, as the local Maratha ''amil'' (chief) resided at Harda. Harda was a part of the [[Scindia]]'s territories. In 1801, [[Yashwantrao Holkar]] sacked Harda. Later, Harda also faced attacks from the [[Pindari]]s and the [[Korku people|Korku]] tribals.<ref name="2011_census">{{cite book |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2331_PART_B_DCHB_HARDA.pdf |title=District Census Book: Harda |publisher=Directorate of Census Operation, Madhya Pradesh |access-date=21 December 2015 }}</ref>

===British period===
In 1817, during the [[Third Anglo-Maratha War]], Harda became the headquarters of [[John Malcolm]]'s division. Even after the Maratha defeat in the war, the Scindias retained control of the Harda-Handia tract. The area was ceded to the British in 1844, but the cession was completed only in 1860. The town saw disturbances during the [[1857 uprising]]. The Deputy Magistrate, Maulvi Mazhar-ul-Jamil, helped curb the rebellion, and was rewarded with a [[jagir]] in the [[Damoh district]]. The Harda Nagar Palika was established on 18 May 1867, and the Harda [[tehsil]] was created in 1913.<ref name="2011_census"/>

The British tried to bring a progressive frame work to Harda during its rule. Harda was formed by combining Kul Harda and Mehmudabad Villages. After the railway lines were laid the conditions improved, and the area developed. In 1857 British officers worked here as judges and administrative Officers. Harda was one of the largest places in the old 'Madhya [[Prant]]' and includes area of '[[Seoni Malwa]].' The Harda language and culture is influenced by '[[Malwa]]' and '[[Nimar]]'. The main dialect spoken in Harda is known as Bhuani, and the region is known as the Bhuana area which loosely translates to more fertilized land.

===Indian independence movement ===
{{More citations needed|date=December 2018}}
[[Guru Radha Kishan]] was born in 1925 in Bid village of [[Harda district]]. On 15 August 1947, S.D.O Shri Beretha hosted the Indian flag at the police station of Harda. Eminent personalities from Harda include Narayanrao Raghunathrao Kekre, the President of the Hindu Mahasabha of Madhya Pradesh.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mahasabha |first1=Hindu |title=Hindu Mahasabha Opens Study Centre On Nathuram Godse In Madhya Pradesh |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-hindu-mahasabha-opens-study-centre-on-nathuram-godse-in-gwalior-2350481 |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=NDTV.com |publisher=NDTV.com |date=10 January 2021}}</ref>

Freedom struggle at Harda was led by "Former Chief minister of Madhya pradesh Pandit Bhagwantrao Annabhau Mandloi Annapura V.V.Giri Ward 12 Harda" (He was a recipient of the civilian honour of Padma Bhushan.), Atmaram Lokre shastri in 1905. After the [[Partition of Bengal (1905)|division of Bengal in 1905]] there were political movements in Harda led by Pro. Mahadev Shivram Gole, Pandit Chandragopal Gajadharprasad Mishra (Vakil Saheb), Balwantrao Agnihotri, Bhikaji Vinayak Naik, 
Pandit Chandragopal Mishra, Ramdada Naik, Benimadhav Awasthi led the freedom movement. 
Later Thakur Guljarsingh, Sitacharan Dixit, Dadabhai Naik, Maheshdatt Mishra (son of Pt. Chandrgopal Mishra) & Champlal Sokal led the freedom struggle and were subsequently sent to jail. Prof. Maheshdatt Mishra spent 4 years in British Jails. He was personal Assistant to Mahatma Gandhi during turmoil years of 1942 "[[Quit India]]" Movement.

==Geography==
Harda is located at {{Coord|22.33|N|77.1|E}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/35/Harda.html |title=Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Harda |publisher=Fallingrain.com |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 296&nbsp;metres.

==Climate==
{{Weather box
| location = Harda, Madhya Pradesh (1981–2010, extremes 1948–2012) 
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 34.9
| Feb record high C = 37.8
| Mar record high C = 42.3
| Apr record high C = 43.7
| May record high C = 48.0
| Jun record high C = 44.5
| Jul record high C = 38.6
| Aug record high C = 33.6
| Sep record high C = 35.5
| Oct record high C = 36.8
| Nov record high C = 35.0
| Dec record high C = 32.7
| year record high C = 48.0
| Jan high C = 27.4
| Feb high C = 30.1
| Mar high C = 34.6
| Apr high C = 38.7
| May high C = 40.3
| Jun high C = 35.7
| Jul high C = 29.2
| Aug high C = 27.6
| Sep high C = 29.8
| Oct high C = 31.1
| Nov high C = 29.1
| Dec high C = 27.8
| year high C = 31.8
| Jan low C = 10.5
| Feb low C = 11.9
| Mar low C = 16.1
| Apr low C = 20.6
| May low C = 24.7
| Jun low C = 24.4
| Jul low C = 22.5
| Aug low C = 21.8
| Sep low C = 21.1
| Oct low C = 17.3
| Nov low C = 13.4
| Dec low C = 10.2
| year low C = 17.9
| Jan record low C = -0.2
| Feb record low C = 1.1
| Mar record low C = 2.3
| Apr record low C = 10.6
| May record low C = 16.6
| Jun record low C = 14.9
| Jul record low C = 14.5
| Aug record low C = 13.1
| Sep record low C = 10.5
| Oct record low C = 5.0
| Nov record low C = 2.6
| Dec record low C = 1.3
| year record low C = -0.2
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 13.8
| Feb rain mm = 14.2
| Mar rain mm = 19.7
| Apr rain mm = 6.9
| May rain mm = 13.3
| Jun rain mm = 144.5
| Jul rain mm = 330.1
| Aug rain mm = 371.7
| Sep rain mm = 189.8
| Oct rain mm = 57.8
| Nov rain mm = 20.6
| Dec rain mm = 8.6
| year rain mm = 1191.0
| Jan rain days = 1.1
| Feb rain days = 1.5
| Mar rain days = 1.4
| Apr rain days = 0.7
| May rain days = 0.9
| Jun rain days = 8.0
| Jul rain days = 15.2
| Aug rain days = 15.5
| Sep rain days = 8.8
| Oct rain days = 3.2
| Nov rain days = 1.7
| Dec rain days = 0.8
| year rain days = 58.7
| time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 44
| Feb humidity = 34
| Mar humidity = 25
| Apr humidity = 20
| May humidity = 24
| Jun humidity = 53
| Jul humidity = 77
| Aug humidity = 84
| Sep humidity = 74
| Oct humidity = 60
| Nov humidity = 52
| Dec humidity = 47
| year humidity = 50
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Harda Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 123–124
| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M115
| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref>
}}

===Flora and fauna===
In the southern hill regions of Harda we can find the Tribal, '[[Gondi people|Gond]]' and '[[Korku people|Korku]]' people. The south region of Harda was under 'Makdae' rule and the 'Gond' king was the ruler. The 'Bichhola' village of harda was the developed 'Rajaswa' center in the Mughal empire.
The area which was called 'Gondwana' became non-tribal (it is still tribal because there is a vast tribal population) during the British rule, as the workers, administration officials, farmers and business community was in touch with the states like [[Maharashtra]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Gujarat]] for a 150 years the area got influenced by the culture of these states.

==Demographics==
As of [[2011 Indian Census]], Harda had a total population of 68,162, of which 34,970 were males and 33,192 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 8,205. The total number of literates in Harda was 52,771, which constituted 77.4% of the population with male literacy of 80.9% and female literacy of 73.7%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Harda was 88.0%, with male literacy rate of 92.3% and female literacy rate of 83.5%. The [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] population was 8,758 and 2,390 respectively. Harda had 13493 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Harda |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=546052 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=9 October 2019}}</ref>

{{As of|2001}} India [[census]], Harda had a population of 61,712. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 49%. Harda has an average literacy rate of 73.6%, male literacy is 79.7%, and female literacy is 66.7%. In Harda, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref>
, Harda had a total population of 1,66,625,

==Government and politics==
===Civic administration===
On 18 May 1867 British established the '[[Nagar Palika]]' in Harda and from 1920 the work was done as per the republic manner. The under ground drainage in Harda is best example of the British architect. For administration purposes Tahsil Harda was established in the year 1913. Harda was the headquarters of a [[tehsil]] in the [[Hoshangabad district]]. The [[Harda district]] was created in 1998.<ref name="2011_census"/>

===Politics===
Harda has as an assembly seat in the [[Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] with the same name, that is [[Harda (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Harda]] and the MLA was Dr. [[Ram Kishore Dogne]] from the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]].

==Transport==

===Roadways===

Harda city is well connected through road routes that connects various major cities of Madhya Pradesh and other states. Harda is located on [[Nagpur]] – Indore National Highway on [[National Highway 47 (India)]]. Political capital [[Bhopal]] and financial capital [[Indore]] are about 165&nbsp;km and 150&nbsp;km from Harda respectively.

The Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh recently{{when|date=December 2023}} laid foundation stone for the following Road widening project in Harda:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Road |first1=Project |title=Madhya Pradesh needs support also for Narmada Express-Way and Ram Van Gaman Path: CM Chouhan |url=https://orissadiary.com/madhya-pradesh-needs-support-also-for-narmada-express-way-and-ram-van-gaman-path-cm-chouhan/ |access-date=1 September 2021 |work=Odisha News {{!}} Odisha Breaking News {{!}} Latest Odisha News |publisher=Odisha News {{!}} Odisha Breaking News {{!}} Latest Odisha News |date=27 August 2020}}</ref>-
# 40&nbsp;km of road widening work from Harda to Betul as four lane route located in (Chicholi-Betul) highway route in Nh-47 with cost of Rs 620 crores.
# 30&nbsp;km of road widening work from Harda to Betul as four Lane route located in ( Harda - Temagaon) highway route in NH-47 with cost Rs 555 crores.
# 47&nbsp;km of road Widening Work from  Indore - Harda as four Lane route located in (Namasa - Pidgaon ) highway route in NH-47 with cost Rs 867 crores.

===Railways===

Harda railway station comes under the [[Western Central Railway]] is connected by major route from Mumbai to Delhi and Mumbai to Allahabad.  Station Code is HD. The station has three platforms with all amenities available. It also has connectivity with Nagpur and also with Indore via Khandwa . The nearest Railway Junction is [[Itarsi]] which is 76&nbsp;km from Harda.

===Airways===

Harda doesn't have airport. The nearest airport is [[Raja Bhoj Airport]] Bhopal which is 175&nbsp;km from Harda and [[Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport]] Indore which is 175&nbsp;km from Harda.

==Tourist attractions==
* ''[[Handia, Madhya Pradesh|Handia]]'' : It is a famous pilgrimage spot and a sacred place situated around 20&nbsp;km from Harda. The [[Narmada River]] flows and consists nabhi kund(centre of river Narmada ). There are also many temples dedicated to lord Shiva, out of which the famous temple built by Pandavas is also situated here. According to beliefs it was built during the Mahabharat era in a single night (6 months).
* ''Teli Ki Sarai'' - About 16&nbsp;km from Harda in Handia, this structure was created in the 16-17th century by a banker for his customers to rest overnight.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harda Archeology |url=http://archaeology.mp.gov.in/hi-in/Harda |website=Archeology Dept, Govt of MP |access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gaushala to be constructed near Teli Ki Saria in 2 acres of land for 22 lacs |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-OTH-MAT-latest-harda-news-031505-71547-NOR.html |access-date=8 December 2018 |agency=Dainik Bhaskar |date=17 September 2017 |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=101 plants planted for the beautification of Teli Ki Sarai |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/harda/news/MP-OTH-MAT-latest-harda-news-052003-629699-NOR.html |access-date=8 December 2018 |agency=DB |publisher=Dainik Bhaskar |date=25 July 2016 |location=Harda |language=hi}}</ref> Historic records show that this was also used as a military [[cantonment]].

==Education==
* [[holy faith school harda]]
* [[Harda Degree College]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet the MP Artist Who Uses Seed Grains to Paint Portraits of Prominent Personalities |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/meet-the-mp-artist-who-uses-seed-grains-to-paint-giant-portraits-of-prominent-personalities-3282314.html |access-date=12 March 2022 |work=News18 |date=13 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
* [https://swamisamarthcollege.com/]

==Krishi upaj Mandi Harda==
* Harda Mandi is one of the big mandis of [[Madhya Pradesh]], where mainly crops like moong, gram, tur, wheat, urad, maize, soybean, mustard etc. are auctioned, harda mandi is the biggest mandi of the district. From here the  daily prices<ref>{{cite web |title=Harda Mandi Bhav - हरदा मंडी भाव - kisaekta.in |url=
https://kisanekta.in/harda-mandi-bhav-today/ |website=kisaekta.in |date=12 December 2023}}</ref> of grains and vegetables being bought and sold in Harda Mandi can be seen. Special care is taken of cleanliness in Harda Mandi, so that the farmers who come daily do not face any kind of problem and they can get a clean mandi yard.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Narmadapuram Division}}

[[Category:Harda| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Harda district]]