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Lalsot is a prominent municipality city and the largest urban hub within the Dausa district of Rajasthan, India.[2] Serving as a key commercial and administrative center, the Lalsot Municipality provides essential services like water and sewerage management to its expanding population, currently administering to over 5,756 households. The city's strategic location has contributed to its growth as a significant agricultural trading point, particularly renowned for its bustling grain market. Beyond its economic importance, Lalsot is also recognized for its rich cultural heritage, notably exemplified by the annual Hella Khyal Sangit Dangal festival, a vibrant celebration of local traditions.
In May 1787, Lalsot was the site of a significant battle between Rajput forces and the Maratha Empire, known as the Battle of Lalsot. The engagement lasted three days, ultimately resulting in a Rajput victory and the retreat of the badly defated Maratha army, which suffered substantial losses.[3]
Lalsot is located at 26°34′N 76°20′E / 26.57°N 76.33°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 298 metres (978 ft).
According to the 2011 Indian census,[4] Lalsot is a municipality city in the Dausa district of Rajasthan. The city is divided into 25 wards, each electing representatives every five years. The population of Lalsot Municipality was recorded as 34,363, comprising 17,816 males and 16,547 females.
Children aged 0-6 constitute 14.51% of Lalsot's population, totaling 4,986 individuals. The female sex ratio in Lalsot is 929 females per 1,000 males, slightly above the Rajasthan state average of 928. The child sex ratio is 870 girls per 1,000 boys, compared to the state average of 888. Lalsot's overall literacy rate is 77.04%, exceeding the Rajasthan state average of 66.11%. Male literacy stands at 88.43%, while female literacy is 64.91%.
Hindi is the official language, but Dhoondhari is the predominant local dialect used for communication.
The population of Lalsot reflects the following distribution of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: 18.59% Scheduled Caste (SC) and 39.60% Scheduled Tribe (ST), as per the 2011 census.
According to the 2011 Indian census, 10,906 individuals in Lalsot were classified as workers, engaging in various forms of economic activity. This figure includes 8,448 males and 2,458 females. The census defines a worker as a person involved in business, employment, service, cultivation, or labor.
Of the total working population, 85.71% were categorized as engaged in "main work," while 14.29% were involved in "marginal work."
The Lalsot city is divided into 35 wards for which elections are held every five years.
Lalsot is renowned for its annual Hela Khayal Sangeet Dangal, a traditional musical performance held during the Gangaur festival. This event, with a history spanning approximately 265 years, features Dangal parties performing continuously for 48 hours.[5]
The performances consist of "Tukka" songs, which blend musical artistry with social commentary. These songs often address current affairs, local issues, and political or economic concerns, providing a platform for community expression. While historical performances frequently centered on religious and folk themes, contemporary renditions incorporate a wider range of subjects.
The Hela Khayal Sangeet Dangal attracts a large audience, establishing itself as a significant cultural event within the Dausa district and Rajasthan. The initial segment of the performance is traditionally dedicated to Hindu deities, beginning with Ganesha.
The event is organized annually by the Nagar Palika of Lalsot and takes place in the Purani Anaj Mandi.
Lalsot is home to several temples and religious sites that hold cultural and historical significance. Some of the prominent ones include: