Behror
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Behror (IPA: [bɛɦɾoːɽ] ⓘ) is a city in the Kotpulti-Behror district of Rajasthan[8] of the Jaipur division. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the eponymous Behror Tehsil and shares headquarters for Kotputli-Behror district with Kotputli. It is equidistant from both state capital Jaipur and national capital New Delhi.[9] Located 120 km south-west of New Delhi and as a part of National Capital Region, it is regulated under National Capital Region Planning Board which is a federal authority for urban planning purposes in NCR.[10] Along with Shahjahanpur and Neemrana it is grouped as SNB Complex (Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror) of NCR- which includes 137 revenue villages, in which Behror municipality is the largest urban conglomeration.[11] This region is also known as 'Ahirwal region' or simply as Raath[1] and is an important industrial hub for the state of Rajasthan.[12] Behror municipality spreads out in an area of 15 km2 is divided into four revenue villages namely Behror tarf Gangabishan, Behror tarf Doongrasi, Behror tarf Nainsukh, Behror tarf Balram.[13]
Key Information
Toponym
[edit]According to most commonly accepted legend, the name "Behror" is thought to be derived form corruption of word 'Bhairun' in the name "Mohalla Bhairunpura". Mohalla Bhairunpura was named after Bhairun temple in the city established by King Shalivahan.[4]
History
[edit]In and around Sahibi River Basin which flows near to Behror city several late harappan period pottery and archaeological artefacts have been found.[14][15]
Behror and surrounding region formed the southern fringe of the Bhramvrat described in Manusmriti, though due to varied interpretations the precise location and size of the Brahmvrata region has been the subject of academic uncertainty. Dhosi hill in nearby city of Narnaul is an extinct volcano of the Aravali Range and has been referred to be abode of many rishis in ancient Indian texts chief among them Maharishi Chyawan. Khetri is a copper age settlement around 60 km away. Matsya-Bairath region of which it is part has been numerously referenced in Mahabharata and Manusmriti.
Around 9th century AD, regions north-west of Sahibi River were ruled by King Mauradhwaj and was succeeded by King Shaliwahan who established two new cities, Kot and Shaliwahapur. Kot whose remains are found in present Singhali village of Mundawar tehsil.[3] While, Mohalla Bhairunpura in Shaliwahpur later came to be known as Behror city.[2]
During later part of Mughal rule over Delhi Sultanate, this region rapidly underwent change of rulers due to wars between Mughal and Maratha armies, in such fights around late 18 and early 19th century the main fort of the city called "Mitti Ka Qila" in Garh Mohalla was permanently destroyed and the businesses suffered heavy losses from which town took a long time to recover subsequently.
Rao Mitra Sen an Ahir fromed Behror was minister under Rao Bhawani singh and Rao Dilel singh of Rewari. He became the ruler of Ahirwal in 18th century with capital at Rewari. He also fought Battle of Mandan and annexed Mandan, Jhunjhunu etc. In 1785, a Maratha expedition to Rewari was repelled by Rao Mitra Sen of Rewari.[16][17]

With the establishment of Alwar princely state by Naruka Clan descendant Rao Raja Pratap Singh, the areas surrounding Alwar were consolidated either by War or treaty after the waning of Mughal Power, loss of Maratha in North and ascendancy of British Power. During the reign of Rao Pratap Singh (Ruler of Alwar), Behror and surrounding Bansur area were incorporated in Alwar Princely state.
After the battle of Laalsevadi in 1803 against Marathas by British, Behror was given back to Ahmed Bakshkhan of Alwar Princely state as a gift of service rendered by Alwar princely state in help of British against Marathas. This battle of Laalsevadi is important as Marathas' defeat in this battle rendered their hold on North India weak while Britishers subsequently strengthened their hold on Delhi.[3]
Before Independence Behror was a Tehsil and urban center under Alwar Princely state.
In first freedom movement Pran Sukh Yadav, who fought along with Rao Tula Ram against the British in 1857 Freedom Struggle at the battle of Naseebpur near Behror in Narnaul, hailed from Behror Tehsil and was important in raising local population of Aheers against British.[18][19]

After independence, and in the subsequent accession of Alwar state to Indian Union on 1 July 1947 it became part of newly formed Republic of India. In 1948, it became part of United States Of Matsya under Indian Union which was formed through a covenant with Union Government of India by states of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli with capital being Alwar. Then one year later in 1949, these were again merged with other princely states of Rajputana to form Rajasthan and through this Behror came to be part of Rajasthan state. In 1953, Behror along with Alwar were again considered to be included in to be formed Brij Pradesh or Greater Delhi by State Reorganisation Commission but those proposals were never implemented and subsequently dropped.[20]
Behror has remained important center in Ahirwal region and as a part of the larger Matsya Region, also due to proximity to Delhi.[21] The years in the late 20th century show rapid changes in the town with establishment of RIICO Industrial Zones new avenues of commercial activity were born and were reflected in the sharp variation in population figures after it.
Since independence Behror has been a part of Alwar district but in 2023, Behror along with Kotputli were declared as one of the 19 new districts of Rajasthan.[9] The governing body of the city was changed from Municipality to Municipal Council on 17 August 2023 by order of the Governor of Rajasthan.[5]
Geography
[edit]Located at co-ordinates 27°53′N 76°17′E / 27.88°N 76.28°E.[22] with an average elevation of 312 metres (1,024 ft) Behror sits amidst generally plain and very fertile agricultural land with Aravali Range mountains running north–south approximately 5 km to west of Behror.
According to CGWA, it has been identified as an area for regulating withdrawal of ground water (Dark Zone) since there are limited surface water resources and mostly ground water is used as main source of water.[23] Sahibi River, which is an ephemeral river flows 10 km south-east of Behror, flowing south-west to north-east. Usually these days it is dry. Sota river is 7 km to south- west[24] of Behror and drains in Sahibi river.[25] The main water bodies of the city are:
- Sesada
- Bhojada
- Govind Devji Pond
- Hanuman Mandir Pond
The climate is mostly dry, and mainly summer, winter and a short rainy season are the main seasons, winter starts from November and till March, summer remains till July.[26] January is the coldest month when it may get as cold as 2 °C. Around four-fifths of the average rainfall is received in July, August and September.[27]
The soil is highly fertile and agriculture is one of the main occupation in the region. Mattiyar, a type of loamy soil, is most commonly found in Behror.[28]
The city falls under Seismic Activity Zones 4 with some area of Tahsil under Zone 3 and another under Zone 4.
Forests are mainly of deciduous hilly type found along tracts of Aravalli hills with dominant trees being kikar, neem and dhak.[29] Main mineral found is quartz. There has been rapid changes in the environment surrounding city due to rapid urbanisation and increased pollution.[30]
Administration
[edit]Behror City is a Municipal Council administered city according to Rajasthan Government classification system and is proposed to become a Regional Centre city.[31]
Eponymous Behror Tehsil is an administrative unit comprising Behror city and surrounding gram panchayats/villages. Behror Legislative constituency is the political constituency including Behror city and surrounding villages for election of representative to State legislature.[32]
Behror municipality
[edit]The Behror municipality – which is Behror city proper – is divided into 25 wards for which elections are held every five years.[citation needed]
Behror Legislative Constituency
[edit]Behror Legislative Constituency is categorised as rural seat in Legislative constituency classification. There are a total of 211,534 voters in the seat, which includes 110,515 male voters, and 101,019 female voters. In the 2018 Rajasthan elections, Behror recorded a voter turnout of 74.69%. In 2013 the turnout was 76%, and in 2008 it was 69%.[33]
Behror Tehsil
[edit]Behror Tehsil comprises 62 Gram panchayats and 64 Patwar circles with ILR Code - 5.[citation needed]
Economy
[edit]Agriculture, manufacturing and services are the major contributors to the GDP. Behror is a leading producer of mustard and wheat. Apart from this, it also plays an important role in the production of cotton.[34] Due to rapid development waste disposal has become a problem in the municipality and wider region with no proper waste disposal sites.[35]

Transportation
[edit]Behror municipality is well connected to major Urban conglomerations in the area.[36]
Roadways
[edit]The most important connecting road is six-lane NH-8 (NH - 48) which passes through the city connects it to Delhi to the North-East and Jaipur to the South-West. This important link is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral project of NHAI.[23] RTDC run Hotel Midway is situated on NH-8 in Behror.[37]
Behror is midway between Jaipur and Delhi, at a distance of 130 km from the State Capital and 120 km from the National Capital.
Behror has direct connectivity to Alwar city which is 60 km away. Behror Tehsil borders Haryana's Narnaul district and is connected to Narnaul City by State Highway - 14.[35]
MDR (Major District Road) - 78 road connects Behror to Rewari and Inland Container Depot at Kathuwas to North and Nangal Chaudhary to South.[38]
Railways
[edit]Nearest major Railway station is Narnaul railway station 25 km away on Phulera-Rewari-Delhi Railway Line.[39] Inland Container Depot is located in Kathuwas 25 km away on Western Dedicated Freight Corridor DMRC project.[11] Integrated Multimodal Logistics hub at Nangal Chaudhary is 20 km away.[40]
Airways
[edit]The nearest airport is Indra Gandhi International Airport which is 110 km towards Delhi on Jaipur- Delhi Highway.[41] Nearest Airstrip is Bacchod Airstrip of 3000 feet at Bachhod Village of Mahendragarh District around 25 km away. Another international airport is proposed at Kotkasim of Khairthal district which is only 50 km away.[42]
Landmarks and monuments
[edit]Forts
[edit]
Neemrana Fort Complex located 10 km away is the most important Landmark. The famous Neemrana fort was built in the 16th century and was occupied by Chouhan Rajputs till 1947.[43]
Taseeng Fort located in Aravali hills 5 km away is another place of attraction but now in poor condition due to neglect. It was last occupied by Badgurjar Clan. Before them Chouhans from Machedi were its inhabitants.[44]

Temples
[edit]Mansa Devi Temple in Dahmi is thronged by devotees far and wide during Navratris.[45] It is a 637-year-old temple.[46]

Jeelani Mata Mandir built 500 years ago located behind Kutchery is another historical temple.[47]
Demographics
[edit]According to 2011 Indian Census, Behror Municipality had population of 29,531 of which 15,570 were males and 13,961 were females. Children between the age of 0 to 6 years were 3770 which is 12.77% of total population. Female sex ratio was of 897. The total number of literates Behror was 21,656, which constituted 73.33% of the total population with male literacy of 80.04% and female literacy of 65.85%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Behror was 84.1%, of which male literacy rate was 92.4% and female literacy rate was 75.1%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have a population of 4,466 and 940 respectively. Behror municipality has total administration over 5,484 houses.[48] The population of Behror fell in the first decades of 20th century attributable to the reasons of Influenza outbreaks in 1918, Plague outbreak in 1907, and deaths of enlisted soldiers in Rajputana units in the battlefields of World War 1 and China War in 1900, indeed this was true of most of Alwar state and Rajputana.[49]
| Decade | Population | Growth rate ( in % ) |
|---|---|---|
| 1801 | 5,710 | - |
| 1881 |
5,533 | - |
| 1901 |
5,540 | - |
| 1911 |
5,253 | -0.05 |
| 1921 |
4,108 | -0.22 |
| 1941 | ||
| 1951 |
4,465 | - |
| 1961 |
5,462 | 22.32 |
| 1971 |
6,868 | 40.55 |
| 1981 |
9,653 | 40.05 |
| 1991 |
16,238 | 68.21 |
| 2001 |
22,856 | 40.76 |
| 2011 |
29,531 | 29.20 |
This graph was using the legacy Graph extension, which is no longer supported. It needs to be converted to the new Chart extension. |
Languages
[edit]Hindi is being the official language of city. Rajasthani is the most spoken language of the city. But in this border area most common vernacular language - Raathi/Ahirwati - has influences of administrative Hindi, Haryanvi / Bangru, Mewati.[52] It is influenced by Bangru the most, and seems rough to people not used to it.[7]
Culture and festivals
[edit]The Rath cattle fair is organised in the month of May for the improvement of the Rath breed in Kotputli-Behror district.[45]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "अलवर की भौगोलिक एवं इतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि" [Alwar Ki Bhogolik evam Ithesik Prishtbhoomi] (PDF). Shodhganga (in Hindi). Shodhganga INFLIBNET. p. 3. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Rajasthan - Alwar - Bhogolik, Etihasik Pristhbhumi: Sthapana". ignca.nic.in. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
- ^ a b c Meena, Girdhari. "अलवर रियासत का एक संक्षिप्त परिचय" [A brief description of Alwar princely state.] (PDF). History. AJIRA (in Hindi). 2 (2): 77. ISSN 2455-5967.
- ^ a b c Ram, Maya (1967). Gazetteer of Rajasthan - Alwar (PDF). Jaipur: Government of Rajasthan. pp. 713–714.
- ^ a b c "बहरोड़ नगपालिका से नगर परिषद में क्रमोन्नत". Dainik Bhaskar. Dainik Bhaskar. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ^ "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
- ^ a b "Alwar Ki Bhogolik evam Ithehasik Prishthbhoomi" (PDF). Sodhganga. Adhyaya 1: 9. 11 July 2020 – via Sodhganga/INFLIBNET.
- ^ "Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot announces formation of 19 new districts, 3 new divisions". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
- ^ a b "कोटपूतली-बहरोड़ होगा नया जिला:क्षेत्र के लोगों को मिलेगी सुविधा, 17 सालों से चली आ रही थी मांग". Dainik Bhaskar. Dainik Bhaskar. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b "SNB Master Plan" (PDF). Master Plan Report. Govt. Of Rajasthan: 15.
- ^ "तेजी से आगे बढ़ रहा है बहरोड क्षेत्र, हो रहा है यह बदलाव | DEVELOPMENT IN BEHROR OF ALWAR". Patrika News (in Hindi). 11 April 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
- ^ Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror Complex (PDF). Jaipur: UDH, Govt. of Rajasthan. p. 13.
- ^ "( Sahibi River Basin ) 4 Chapter 1" [This phenomenon of settlement migration towards east between the Ghaggar and Yamuna divide was thoroughly studied by Manmohan Kumar (2009: 1-27) who foundthat the Late Harappan sites were increased in number towards the river Yamuna] (PDF): 2. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India : From stone age to 12th century. Pearson. 2009. p. 116. ISBN 9788131716779.
- ^ Man Singh, Abhirkuladipika (Urdu), 1900, Delhi p. 123
- ^ Vithal Krishnaji Khedkar (1924) The Divine Heritage of the Yadavas, p. 193
- ^ "Shodhganga" (PDF).
- ^ Freedom Struggle of 1857 - Renu Saran. Diamond Books. 1900. ISBN 9789350830659.
{{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help) - ^ Ram, Maya (1968). Gazetteer of Rajasthan - Alwar. Jaipur: Government Press, Jaipur. pp. 97–98.
- ^ "History OF ALWAR". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Behror
- ^ a b Sub-Regional Plan for Rajasthan Sub-Region - 2021 Report. Jaipur: State Press, Govt. Of Rajasthan.
- ^ Master Plan for Behror, 1989-2001. Chief Town Planner, Govt. Of Rajasthan.
- ^ Rajasthan State Gazetteer: History and culture. p. 6.
- ^ "Master Plan 2041SNB" (PDF). UDH Rajasthan. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1908 (Volume 5 ). Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1909. p. 255.
- ^ The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1908. Vol. 5. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1909. p. 261. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Lenin, Janaki (6 July 2020). "Dhok, the purple-heart tree warrior of the Aravallis". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- ^ Sub-Regional Plan for Rajasthan Sub-Region - 2021 Report (PDF). Jaipur: State Press, Govt. Of Rajasthan. pp. 153, 228, 249.
- ^ Sub Regional Plan 2021 (PDF). Jaipur: Govt. Of Rajasthan. pp. Final Report - PAGE 35.
- ^ "Administration". Alwar District.
- ^ "Behror Elections 2018". News18. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ Tomozawa, K. "The Frontier of the Expanding Industrial Agglomeration in the NCR of Delhi" (PDF). Journal of Urban and Regional Studies on Contemporary India. 2 (1): 15–25.
- ^ a b Sub Regional Plan 2021 (PDF). Jaipur: Govt. Of Rajasthan. pp. Final Report - Page 148.
- ^ David, Rohit E. (6 October 2018). "Rapid rail to be linked with metro, work on Delhi-Behror track may start in March 2019". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- ^ "RTDC Midway in Bad Condition". Patrika. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ Sub Regional Plan (PDF). Jaipur: Govt. Of Rajasthan. pp. Annex 6.3 - Page 6.
- ^ Sub-Regional Plan 2021 (PDF). Jaipur: Govt. Of Rajasthan. pp. Executive Summary - Page 1.
- ^ "Integrated Multi-Modal logistics hub and IMC Hisar would immensely benefit Hry: CM". Daily Pioneer. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ "Airport Near Behror, Rajasthan, India, Nearest Airports". airport.globefeed.com. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- ^ "राजस्थान में यहां हवाई अड्डे की फिर चर्चा, सरकार ने एयरपोर्ट की ओर बढ़ाया कदम, मुख्यमंत्री ने की थी यह घोषणा". Patrika News (in Hindi). October 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- ^ "Alwar Tourist Places". Alwar District. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ "विरासत के झरोखे से: कभी अभेद्य रहा, पर अब तिल-तिल कर मर रहा हूं". Patrika News (in Hindi). 5 February 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
- ^ a b Census 2011 District Handbook - Alwar (PDF). Jaipur: Directorate of Census Operatioins. 2014. pp. 30, 31.
- ^ "Mansa Devi Bell from 1437 still Ringing". Dainik Bhaskar. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "सिसोदिया वंशजों ने बनाया जिलाणी माता मंदिर". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 9 December 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Census of India: Behror (M)". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
- ^ Maya, Ram (1968). Gazetteer of Rajasthan - Alwar. Jaipur: Government Press, Jaipur. pp. 110–111.
- ^ Jiwanlal, Brij (1922). Census of India 1921. Vol. XXIV. Kolkata: Government Printing, Calcutta. p. 12.
- ^ Census of India 1911. London: Superintendent Government Printing. 1911. p. 16.
- ^ "Mewati". Ethnologue. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
Behror
View on GrokipediaEtymology
Origin of the Name
The precise etymology of "Behror" remains undocumented in primary historical records or inscriptions. Local traditions, as recorded in regional accounts, associate the town's establishment with the Ror community, who purportedly built a significant fort there around the 2nd century BC, but provide no explicit link to the name's linguistic origins, which may stem from Prakrit or local dialects without further substantiation.[7] Claims of derivation from specific words or places, such as corruptions involving deity names like Bhairun, appear in anecdotal narratives but lack corroboration from archaeological or textual evidence, highlighting the challenges in tracing pre-medieval toponymy in the region.History
Pre-Colonial and Medieval Periods
The region surrounding Behror formed part of the ancient Matsya kingdom, referenced in texts like the Mahabharata, with settlements dating to around 1500 BC and Viratnagar serving as a prominent center in the broader Alwar area.[8] Archaeological evidence from the Alwar district includes prehistoric sites, though direct artifacts specific to Behror are limited to sporadic Chalcolithic remains surveyed in the 19th century.[9] In the medieval period, Behror lay within the Rath region, controlled by Chauhan Rajput lineages claiming descent from earlier rulers like Prithviraj Chauhan, amid the fragmentation of larger Rajput kingdoms following invasions by Turkic forces in the 12th-13th centuries.[10] Taseeng Fort, situated 5 km from Behror in the Aravalli hills, exemplifies this era's defensive architecture and was successively held by Chauhan rulers from the Machedi area before transitioning to Badgurjar (Bargujar) clan control, a Suryavanshi Rajput group prominent in northeastern Rajasthan during the late medieval centuries.[11] Nearby, Neemrana Fort, constructed in 1464 AD by Chauhan chieftain Rao Rajdeo, reinforced regional fortifications against potential threats, highlighting the enduring Chauhan influence until the rise of Mughal suzerainty.[12] These structures underscore Behror's strategic role in medieval trade routes and clan rivalries, with the Badgurjars later asserting local authority in fortified outposts like Taseeng.[13]Colonial and Early Modern Era
During the early modern period, the Rath region encompassing Behror came under the expanding control of Pratap Singh Naruka, a Kachwaha Rajput chieftain who founded the Alwar state around 1770 by consolidating territories previously held under Macheri jagir and other local holdings.[14] Pratap Singh incorporated areas including Lachmangarh, Ramgarh, Bansur, Behror, and Mandawar into the state, shifting the capital from Rajgarh to Alwar in 1775 to centralize authority amid regional power struggles involving Marathas and Jats.[14] This integration marked Behror's transition from localized zamindari rule to a structured princely domain, with the area's strategic location along trade routes contributing to its administrative significance. The onset of colonial influence arrived with the Battle of Laswari on November 1, 1803, where Alwar's ruler Bakhtawar Singh provided critical support to British forces under Lord Lake against the Maratha confederacy led by Sindhia and Holkar. In recognition, Alwar signed India's first Rajputana treaty of offensive and defensive alliance with the East India Company later that year, establishing British paramountcy while preserving internal autonomy for the princely state. Behror, as a tehsil within Alwar, benefited from this arrangement, serving as an urban and administrative hub with relative stability under maharaja oversight, though direct British administrative intervention remained minimal beyond oversight of succession and foreign policy. Alwar's loyalty to the British extended to the 1857 revolt, during which the state suppressed rebel movements in its territories; however, localized resistance occurred nearby, including a battle at Naseebpur close to Behror involving forces aligned with Rao Tula Ram of Rewari.[15] Participants such as Pran Sukh Yadav, who fought alongside Tula Ram, later resettled with kin of fallen soldiers in Nihalpura village within Behror tehsil.[16] The period saw incremental infrastructure like roads and revenue systems influenced by British models, but Behror retained its role as a semi-autonomous tehsil until the princely state's accession to India in 1948.[17]Post-Independence Developments
Following India's independence on August 15, 1947, Behror, situated in the former Alwar princely state, acceded to the Union of India, with Alwar formally merging into the Matsya Union on March 18, 1948, before integration into Rajasthan on March 30, 1949.[16] The town continued as a tehsil headquarters within Alwar district, benefiting from Rajasthan's post-independence land reforms and agricultural modernization efforts initiated in the 1950s, which included the abolition of zamindari systems and promotion of irrigation projects.[18] Industrialization accelerated with the formation of the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) in 1969, which established industrial areas in Behror to leverage its proximity to Delhi and the National Capital Region.[19] Post-1991 economic liberalization, Behror emerged as a key node for manufacturing, particularly in sub-sectors like automobiles and electronics, with RIICO developing estates that attracted investments; by the 2000s, the region hosted over 500 industrial units, contributing to employment growth from agrarian bases.[20][21] The Neemrana-Behror corridor, including Japanese-exclusive zones established in the 1990s, further boosted foreign direct investment, with infrastructure upgrades like the widening of National Highway 48 in the 2010s enhancing connectivity.[22] Administrative evolution culminated in 2023, when the Rajasthan government, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, notified the creation of Kotputli-Behror as one of 17 new districts (later adjusted to 19), bifurcating territories from Alwar, Jaipur, and Dausa districts to improve governance and development focus.[11] Recent infrastructure initiatives include the Delhi-Alwar Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), with Phase 2 covering Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror, slated for construction starting August 2026, promising to reduce travel times to Delhi to under 90 minutes and spur urban complexes under the Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror Urban Complex master plan.[23][24] These developments have driven population influx and real estate growth, positioning Behror as an emerging satellite city to the national capital.[6]Notable Incidents and Controversies
In 2017, dairy farmer Pehlu Khan was assaulted by a group of cow vigilantes on April 1 near Behror while transporting cattle along National Highway 48, succumbing to injuries two days later.[25][26] The incident involved Khan and companions lacking required permits for the cattle, which were later found to be intended for slaughter, complicating the prosecution's narrative of unprovoked violence.[27] A trial court convicted six individuals initially but acquitted them in August 2019, citing insufficient evidence, witness contradictions, and investigative lapses by Behror police, including reliance on a disputed dying declaration.[28][29] On September 6, 2019, over a dozen armed assailants, equipped with AK-47s and other weapons, stormed Behror police station to rescue Haryana-based gangster Vikram Gurjar alias Papla, held on extortion charges, firing indiscriminately and escaping with seized cash.[30][31] Police negligence—officers reportedly asleep or bathing—prompted the suspension of a deputy superintendent and termination of two constables, with the BJP labeling the breach a premeditated failure under the state government.[32][33] Following arrests, authorities paraded 13 suspects in underwear through public streets on September 22, sparking human rights concerns over dehumanizing tactics despite claims of deterring gangster networks.[34][35] A key orchestrator, Rajvir Gurjar alias Lara, evaded capture until his arrest in May 2025 by Rajasthan's anti-gangster task force.[36]Geography
Location and Topography
Behror is situated in the Kotputli-Behror district of northeastern Rajasthan, India, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of New Delhi and 60 kilometers northwest of Jaipur, serving as a key junction on National Highway 48 (NH48). The town's geographic coordinates are 27°53′N 76°17′E.[37] The topography of Behror features predominantly flat, fertile alluvial plains in the Sahibi River basin, ideal for agriculture in a semi-arid environment, with an average elevation of 312 meters (1,024 feet) above sea level.[38] Approximately 5 kilometers to the west lie the north-south trending Aravalli Range mountains, which rise to elevations of 250–375 meters in the vicinity and influence local drainage patterns through rivers like the Sota, a tributary of the Sahibi that merges near Behror.[38][39] This juxtaposition of plains and nearby hills results in undulating terrain transitioning from agricultural lowlands to rugged foothills, with the Aravalli formations providing a natural barrier and contributing to varied microclimates.Climate and Environment
Behror lies in a hot semi-arid climate zone classified as BSh under the Köppen system, marked by extreme temperature variations, low and erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry periods typical of Rajasthan's eastern semi-arid tracts.[40][41] Annual precipitation averages 557 mm, concentrated in the monsoon months of July to September, with July often recording the highest monthly rainfall around 165 mm; the dry season from October to June sees minimal precipitation, averaging less than 10 mm per month in winter.[42] Summer temperatures peak from March to June, with May highs averaging 41.9°C and occasional extremes surpassing 45°C, accompanied by low humidity and dust storms; winters from December to February bring cooler conditions, with January lows dipping to 9.9°C and occasional frost.[43][44] Diurnal ranges are significant, often exceeding 15°C, influenced by the region's continental location and proximity to the Aravalli hills, which provide minor orographic effects but do not substantially alter the arid regime.[44] The local environment reflects semi-arid ecology, with sparse xerophytic vegetation including acacia scrub and prosopis trees adapted to water scarcity, supporting limited biodiversity amid the Aravalli foothills; groundwater depletion and soil erosion pose challenges, exacerbated by agricultural and industrial demands. Rapid industrialization in areas like the RIICO Behror complex has raised concerns over air quality degradation from emissions and effluent discharge, prompting regulatory oversight by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board to mitigate impacts on nearby water bodies and land.[45] Mining activities in surrounding Alwar district zones have contributed to river siltation and habitat fragmentation, though Behror-specific data indicate ongoing monitoring for sustainable resource management.[46]Demographics
Population Statistics
According to the 2011 Indian census, the population of Behror municipality stood at 29,531, consisting of 15,570 males and 13,961 females, with a sex ratio of 897 females per 1,000 males.[47][48] This represented a decadal increase of 29.2% from 22,856 residents recorded in the 2001 census.[47] Behror tehsil recorded a total population of 359,248 in 2011, including 188,850 males and 170,398 females, for a sex ratio of 902 females per 1,000 males.[49] The tehsil's population grew by 17.6% over the previous decade, from 305,688 in 2001.[49][50] Covering an area of 742 square kilometers, the tehsil had a population density of 484 persons per square kilometer, with rural residents numbering 312,737 and urban dwellers 46,511.[49][51]| Census Year | Behror Municipality Population | Behror Tehsil Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 22,856 | 305,688 |
| 2011 | 29,531 | 359,248 |