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Nahan
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Nahan is a town located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Sirmaur district. It was formerly the capital of the princely state of Sirmur. Nahan is also known as the "Town of Ponds".
Key Information
Geography
[edit]Nahan is located at 30°33′N 77°18′E / 30.55°N 77.3°E.[3] The town has an average elevation of 932 metres (3,058 feet) above sea level.
Demographics
[edit]According to the 2001 Census of India,[4] Nahan tehsil had a population of approximately 35,000. Males constituted 54% of the population, while females accounted for 46%. The average literacy rate was 85%, which was higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy stood at 86%, and female literacy at 79%. Children below the age of six comprised about 11% of the population.
As per the 2011 Census of India, Nahan had a population of approximately 56,000.[1] The sex ratio was 916 females per 1,000 males. The overall literacy rate was 83.4%, with male literacy at 87.01% and female literacy at 76.71%.[1]
Nahan City
[edit]
Nahan is situated atop a hill in the Shiwalik Hills, offering views of the surrounding green landscape. The town is traditionally associated with both saints and royalty. It was founded in 1621 by Raja Karam Prakash. According to another account, a saint named Baba Banwari Das lived at the site along with a companion named Nahar. The word "Nahar" is said to mean "do not kill," and the name Nahan is believed to have originated from an incident in which a saint stopped a king from killing a lion by uttering the word "Nahar." An alternative interpretation suggests that "Nahar" means lion in Sanskrit, and the presence of lions in the area may have influenced the name, which eventually evolved into "Nahan."
Located at an altitude of 932 metres (3,058 feet), Nahan serves as a base for visiting nearby attractions such as Renuka Lake, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur, and the Suketi Fossil Park.[citation needed] The town features a man-made lake, along with several temples and gardens. Nahan is known for establishing the second Municipal Corporation in India, after Kolkata.[citation needed]
The town is reputed for its well-maintained underground sewerage system and is often regarded as a clean and orderly settlement.[citation needed] Its well-planned streets contribute to smooth traffic flow, and narrow pedestrian pathways are commonly used for quicker movement on foot.[original research?]
The Municipal Corporation office is located near the Pakka Tank. Sirmaur district, in which Nahan is situated, is intersected by numerous rivers and streams, most of which have a perennial flow. As a result, fishing has been a longstanding activity in the region. Common fish species include mulle, mahseer, gid, and mirror carp, which contribute to the local economy.
Sirmaur district was not historically industrially advanced. The first industrial unit in the area was established in 1875 and was later taken over by the government in 1964. The main products of this foundry included cane crushers, cast iron and black sheet panels, flour mills, centrifugal pumps, monoblock pump sets, and other agricultural implements. During British rule, the foundry, located near the Kalisthan Temple, was taken over by the British administration. A building opposite the Nahan Foundry, constructed in 1945 to serve as the residence of the foundry’s general manager, is currently used as the Sessions House and serves as the official residence of the District and Sessions Judge of Nahan.
Places of interest
[edit]Nahan offers several attractions that reflect its cultural and historical heritage. The gentle level walks of Villa Round and Hospital Round (locally known as Chakkar ke Sadak) are reminiscent of the town's colonial past. The main hub of activity in Nahan is Chaugan, while Mall Road is a popular evening promenade, especially among college students and residents who enjoy evening walks. Social interaction is an integral part of local life, with people regularly meeting in the market or visiting friends' homes during their evening strolls.
Notable attractions include local gift shops, the Rosin and Turpentine Factory, and various temples. Points of interest in the surrounding areas include Markanda (8 km), Jamta, and Renuka Ji Lake (35 km from Nahan).
Located in the heart of the town is Rani Tal, which features a large temple and a historical water pond associated with the erstwhile rulers of the Sirmaur State. Ducks and cranes can often be seen in the pond, and the adjacent Rani Tal Garden enhances the location's charm. Another notable site is Pakka Talab, a renovated pond with garden seating. It serves as the venue for two major local festivals — the Baman Dwadshi Fair and the Gugga Peer Fair. Pakka Tank also hosts the town's wholesale vegetable market, which was recently shifted to Kanshiwalla.[citation needed] The only railway reservation centre in Nahan is located at the Panchayat Ghar near Pakka Tank.
Gunnu Ghat is considered the central point of Nahan, with several shortcut pathways connecting to various parts of the town. The historical Miyan Ka Mandir is especially popular during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.
Religious places
[edit]


- Shri Digambar, Jain Mandir
- Shiv Ji Temple, Saltevni
- Kalisthan Temple
- Jagannath Temple
- Rani Tal Shiv Temple
- Shiva Parvati Temple, Kumhar Gali (300 years old)
- Gurudwara Dashmesh Asthaan, Nahan
- Gurudwara Jhanda Ji, Shimla Road, Nahan
- Shri Krishna Temple, Nahan Cantt.
- Miyan Ka Mandir
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Upper Street
- Shudh Dhaar Shiv Mandir
- Nainidhar Shiv Mandir
- Bhagnari Shiv Mandir
- Sanatan Dharam Mandir
- Mata Balasundari Temple, Hospital Round
- Masjid Shamsher Ganj, Police Line
- Lakhdata peer ji, Kacha Tank
- Jamia Masjid
Nearby places
[edit]Nahan is well connected to several nearby towns and tourist destinations. The following are approximate distances from Nahan to nearby locations:
- Paonta Sahib – 45 km
- Rajban – 55 km
- Rama Dhaun – 14 km
- Kala Amb – 17 km
- Suketi – 21 km
- Trilokpur – 23 km
- Dhaulakuan – 24 km
- Giri Nagar – 28 km
- Renuka – 35 km
- Kotla-Molar – 55 km
- Palnoo – 50 km
- Yamunanagar – 65 km
- Ambala – 65 km
- Chandigarh – 85 km
- Dehradun – 92 km
- Mussorie – 125 km
- Sarahan – 43 km
- Sadhaura – 31 km
- Mandhana – 35 km
- Jamta – 13 km
- Jaitak Fort – 18 km
- Shimla – 135 km
Climate
[edit]| Climate data for Nahan (1991–2020, extremes 1953–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 27.4 (81.3) |
31.4 (88.5) |
37.6 (99.7) |
43.1 (109.6) |
46.2 (115.2) |
46.0 (114.8) |
42.7 (108.9) |
39.4 (102.9) |
37.5 (99.5) |
36.0 (96.8) |
32.6 (90.7) |
30.4 (86.7) |
46.2 (115.2) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 17.1 (62.8) |
19.9 (67.8) |
25.4 (77.7) |
31.2 (88.2) |
33.6 (92.5) |
32.4 (90.3) |
28.6 (83.5) |
27.8 (82.0) |
27.7 (81.9) |
27.4 (81.3) |
23.0 (73.4) |
19.0 (66.2) |
26.2 (79.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 7.6 (45.7) |
10.2 (50.4) |
15.1 (59.2) |
21.0 (69.8) |
23.2 (73.8) |
22.7 (72.9) |
21.6 (70.9) |
21.2 (70.2) |
20.4 (68.7) |
18.2 (64.8) |
13.6 (56.5) |
9.8 (49.6) |
17.1 (62.8) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −2.6 (27.3) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
2.2 (36.0) |
6.1 (43.0) |
10.0 (50.0) |
10.5 (50.9) |
13.7 (56.7) |
12.8 (55.0) |
11.5 (52.7) |
6.4 (43.5) |
0.6 (33.1) |
−1.3 (29.7) |
−2.6 (27.3) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 46.1 (1.81) |
64.5 (2.54) |
40.3 (1.59) |
22.9 (0.90) |
39.9 (1.57) |
234.4 (9.23) |
479.8 (18.89) |
504.5 (19.86) |
232.7 (9.16) |
40.7 (1.60) |
5.8 (0.23) |
21.7 (0.85) |
1,733.1 (68.23) |
| Average rainy days | 2.3 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 3.2 | 8.4 | 15.7 | 15.1 | 8.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 64.7 |
| Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) | 63 | 57 | 44 | 30 | 34 | 56 | 82 | 86 | 79 | 58 | 54 | 59 | 58 |
| Source: India Meteorological Department[5][6][7] | |||||||||||||
Suketi Fossil Park
[edit]Suketi Fossil Park, also known as Shivalik Fossil Park, is located approximately 21 km from Nahan. The park displays life-size fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) models of prehistoric animals whose fossilised skeletons were discovered at the site. It is the first park of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual location where fossils were found.
The park is situated on the left bank of the Markanda River and can be reached via a 4 km link road from the highway in Haryana. Located in the upper and middle Shiwaliks Hills, which consist mainly of soft sandstone and clay rocks, the park currently features six sets of life-size models representing species such as Stegodon ganesa, Sivatherium, Hexaprotodon sivalensis, Colossochelys atlas, Paramachaerodus, and Crocodilia. These Mesozoic animals once inhabited the region.
On 31 October 2010, a senior lecturer with the Department of Geological Survey discovered an approximately two-and-a-half-foot-long piece of ivory buried in sandy soil at the site. Based on previous carbon dating conducted in the region, the ivory is estimated to be around 150,000 years old.
Trilokpur Temple
[edit]Trilokpur Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundari, was built in 1573 by Raja Dip Prakash. It is located approximately 23 km from Nahan and 6 km from Kala Amb, which serves as the gateway to Nahan from Haryana.
Trilokpur holds significant religious importance and attracts lakhs of devotees from across northern India, particularly from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. A major fair is organised at the temple twice a year during the Navaratri festivals in April and October, during which large numbers of devotees visit to offer their prayers to the goddess.
Dhaula Kuan
[edit]Dhaula Kuan is located approximately 20 km from Nahan on the road to Paonta Sahib. It is known for its expansive orchards of citrus fruits and mangoes, as well as a fruit canning factory that produces various kinds of juices, jams, pickles, and canned fruits.
Near Dhaula Kuan is the Katasan Devi Temple, associated with a historical battle in which Raja Jagat Singh defeated the advancing army of Rustam Qadir Rohilla. The temple was constructed by the Raja in gratitude for the victory and remains a site of local religious importance.
The area also hosts a research station under the jurisdiction of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (HPKVV), where research on tropical fruits is conducted.
Giri Nagar
[edit]Giri Nagar is located approximately 5 km from Dhaula Kuan, along the Nahan–Paonta Sahib highway. The town derives its name from the Giri River, on whose banks it is situated.
Giri Nagar is notable for its hydroelectric power house with a capacity of 60 MW, which was constructed by diverting the Giri River through a 6 km long tunnel. The power generated here is supplied to the states of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Transport infrastructure
[edit]Air
[edit]The nearest airport to Nahan is Chandigarh Airport. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport also serves as an alternative. Shimla Airport is another nearby option.
Rail
[edit]The nearest railway stations to Nahan are Barara, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Kalka, all of which are connected by regular bus services. Yamunanagar is another nearby railway station providing access to the town.
Road
[edit]Nahan is well connected to the rest of Himachal Pradesh and other parts of India via National Highway 7 and National Highway 907A.[8] The town is accessible from multiple directions: via Baila from Rajban; via Dehradun through Paonta Sahib; via Panchkula–Naraingarh–Kala Amb from Chandigarh; via Yamunanagar–Hathnikund from Haryana; and via Solan–Kumarhatti from Shimla.
Regular bus services operate between Nahan and major cities such as Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, and Haridwar. The most convenient route from Delhi is via Saha, which can be reached by taking a right exit from NH1 after crossing Shahbad and the bridge over the River Markanda.
Direct bus services to Nahan are available from several cities, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Ambala, Shimla, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jammu, Katra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Vikasnagar, Chopal, Nerwa, and Haldwani. These services are operated by various state transport corporations such as HRTC, PRTC, CTU, Haryana Roadways, and Punbus. The main bus stand is located in the centre of the city. Buses can also be boarded from Do Sarka (Shaktinagar), which serves as a bypass point for Nahan.
Fairs and festivals
[edit]Vaaman Dwadshi
[edit]Vaaman Dwadshi is celebrated in Nahan towards the end of the monsoon season. During this festival, fifty-two cult images of local deities are carried in a ceremonial procession to the Jagannath Temple. These images are then floated in a ritualistic manner in a sacred pond and are returned to their respective niches at midnight.
Gugga Veer Fair
[edit]The Gugga Veer Fair is held in honour of Gogaji, also known as Gugga, a revered folk deity of Rajasthan. He is celebrated as a warrior-hero and is venerated by both Hindus and Muslims. Among Hindus, he is known as Goga, while Muslims refer to him as Jahar Peer. He is also considered a snake deity. The Kaimkhani Muslim community claims descent from him and honours him as a saint (peer).
Jamta Fair
[edit]The Ashtami Fair is organised annually in the village of Jamta, two days prior to the Dussehra festival. The event is conducted by the local Gram Panchayat and attracts participation from nearby areas.
Education facilities
[edit]A residential school operated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD), Government of India, is located at Judda Ka Johar, approximately 5 km from the main town. Students from various distant regions enrol in this institution for quality education.
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College, Nahan, was established in 2016 as the third medical college in Himachal Pradesh. Initially set up with an intake of 100 students, the capacity was later increased to 120. Named after Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, the college aims to provide quality medical education and healthcare services. The institution offers both undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses and is equipped with modern facilities such as laboratories, libraries, and advanced medical technologies. It also plays a significant role in regional healthcare and medical research.
A college in Nahan offers a dual-degree programme, awarding both Shastri and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. The college has its own dedicated building and provides hostel facilities for male students.
The Government Post Graduate College, Nahan, affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University, is the primary institution for undergraduate and postgraduate education in the region. Students from nearby and remote areas come here for higher education. The college also provides hostel facilities for female students.
Nearby, two engineering colleges are located: Himalayan Group of Professional Institutions[9] in Kala Amb (20 km away) and Green Hills Engineering College in Kumarhatti (approximately 60 km away).
Despite Himachal Pradesh being ranked among the leading states in health and education, the Sirmaur district has faced challenges in these sectors.
Sirmaur also hosts several computer education centres.
Prominent schools in and around Nahan include:
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nahan
- Career Academy Senior Secondary School[10]
- Carmel Convent School
- Army Public School Nahan
- A.V.N public school
- D.A.V Public School
- Sirmaur Hills Public School
- Holy Heart Public School
- Silver Bells Public School Nahan (Primary and Middle School)
- S.V.N Public School
- Model Primary School
- Shamsher Senior Secondary School
- Cantt Primary School
- Mandir Primary School
- Parangat Primary School
- Aastha Special School (for special children)[11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Nahan Population Census 2011". Census2011. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
- ^ "Nahan Pin code". pin-code.net. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Nahan
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- ^ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ "Station: Nahan Climatological Table 1971–2000" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1971–2000. India Meteorological Department. October 2011. pp. 547–548. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ^ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M70. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ^ "National Highways in Himachal Pradesh" (PDF). Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ "Himalayan Group of Professional Institutions | Empowering Futures". www.hgpi.in. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
- ^ "Career Academy Senior Secondary School – Academic Excellence is our watchword". Retrieved 9 June 2025.
- ^ "Mission Aastha Special School, Nahan |". Mission Aastha Special School, Nahan. Archived from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
External links
[edit]- Yellow pages on nahan Archived 9 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- Official web page
Nahan
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and early history
Nahan was founded in 1621 AD by Raja Karam Prakash, who established it as the new capital of the Sirmur state, shifting from the previous seat at Kalsi. As a descendant of the Rajput rulers of Sirmur, Karam Prakash constructed the initial fort and palace in the town, laying the foundation for its role as a political and administrative center. This move was influenced by strategic considerations, including the site's defensibility amid the Shivalik hills, and marked a pivotal shift in the state's governance.[5][6][7] The etymology of "Nahan" traces to the local dialect, where it signifies "a place of perpetual snow," derived from "Nahana," connoting bathing and symbolizing purity and refreshment. Alternative traditions link the name to a legendary incident involving a saint who uttered "Nahar" (meaning "don't kill") to prevent a king from slaying a lion at the site, with the term evolving into Nahan over time. These accounts highlight the spiritual dimensions of the town's origins, intertwining royal initiative with sacred narratives.[8][2] Early development was shaped by influences from saints and princes, particularly through Karam Prakash's discipleship under Baba Banwari Das, a revered spiritual figure whose presence at the site guided the capital's selection. Legends associate the location with such holy men, portraying Nahan as a divinely favored settlement blessed by ascetic guidance. The initial urban layout emphasized water management and defensibility, contributing to the town's self-sufficiency in its nascent phase.[5][9][10]Sirmur princely state era
Nahan, established as the capital of the Sirmur princely state by Raja Karam Prakash in 1621, became the political and administrative center of the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. Under rulers such as Raja Bhup Prakash (r. 1709–1713), the state received formal recognition from the Mughal emperor, including the title of Raja and a khillat (robe of honor), which solidified its status amid regional power dynamics.[11][6] The state's evolution continued through alliances and conflicts, notably the Gurkha conquest in 1803, which displaced the ruling prince until the conclusion of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1815 restored Raja Fateh Prakash to the throne under British protection.[12][13] The establishment of a British residency in Nahan in 1815 marked a pivotal shift, placing Sirmur under British suzerainty as one of the Cis-Sutlej hill states while allowing the raja to retain internal autonomy.[11][13] This period saw architectural advancements reflecting the state's growing ties with British India, including the construction of the old palace complex expansions and the Lytton Memorial clock tower in 1877 by Raja Shamsher Prakash to honor Viceroy Lord Lytton's visit, with clocks added in 1902 under Raja Surendra Vikram Prakash.[5] These structures symbolized the blend of local Rajput heritage and colonial influences, enhancing Nahan's role as the princely headquarters. Nahan's political significance persisted as the seat of governance for Sirmur until the state's accession to independent India on 15 August 1947, formalized by Maharaja Rajendra Prakash Bahadur's instrument of merger signed on 13 March 1948.[14][15] The princely state was subsequently integrated into the province of Himachal Pradesh on 15 April 1948, alongside 29 other hill states.[16] In 1966, under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, Himachal Pradesh was reconstituted as a union territory, incorporating Sirmur and affirming Nahan's enduring administrative legacy within the new framework.[17]Geography and climate
Physical geography
Nahan is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, serving as the district's administrative headquarters, at coordinates 30°33′N 77°18′E.[18] The town sits at an elevation of 932 meters above sea level within the Shivalik Hills, the outermost range of the lower Himalayas.[18] Its urban zone spans approximately 8.78 square kilometers under the Nahan Municipal Council.[19] The topography of Nahan features rugged hilly terrain with surrounding elevations, valleys, and spurs characteristic of the Shivalik landscape, providing an undulating backdrop to the town.[20] Positioned about 45 kilometers from the Yamuna River—which marks the eastern boundary of Sirmaur district and flows through it for roughly 22 kilometers at Paonta Sahib—Nahan benefits from this proximity while nestled in the western foothills.[21][22] The region encompasses significant forested areas under the Nahan Forest Division, covering substantial portions of the Shivalik ranges and supporting rich biodiversity, including Shorea robusta-dominated woodlands that harbor diverse flora and fauna species.[23][24] Local water bodies, such as the man-made Rani Tal lake in the town center—spanning about 10 acres and surrounded by gardens—enhance the environmental features alongside scattered ponds in the forested environs.[10] Geologically, Nahan lies within the Siwalik Group's sedimentary formations, part of the lower Himalayan zone, which are renowned for their ecological diversity and fossil-bearing strata that underscore the area's evolutionary significance.[25]Climate
Nahan experiences a subtropical highland climate (Köppen: Cwb), influenced by its location in the Shivalik foothills, with moderate temperatures and distinct seasonal variations. Summers, spanning March to June, feature average high temperatures ranging from 25.1°C to 35.0°C and lows from 11.9°C to 22.6°C, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Winters from December to February are cooler, with highs between 17.5°C and 20.5°C and lows of 6.5°C to 8.4°C, often marked by dense fog that reduces visibility. Occasional snowfall graces the higher surrounding elevations during this period, enhancing the scenic winter landscape.[26][27] The monsoon season from July to September delivers heavy rainfall, averaging 436.4 mm in July, 461.7 mm in August, and 166.3 mm in September, for a seasonal total exceeding 1,000 mm. This contributes to an annual precipitation of approximately 1,546 mm, fostering lush vegetation across the region and supporting local agriculture through reliable water supply for crops like maize, wheat, and fruits. The Shivalik elevation creates microclimate effects, such as varied rainfall distribution that benefits terraced farming practices.[26] As of 2025, the region has observed climate trends including a 1.5°C rise in average temperatures since 1901 and an increase in extreme rainfall events, contributing to disasters such as the 2023 monsoon floods in Himachal Pradesh.[28]Demographics
Population and growth
As per the 2011 Census of India, Nahan, serving as the urban municipal council and district headquarters of Sirmaur, recorded a total population of 28,899, comprising entirely urban residents.[29] This figure reflects the town's role as the administrative center, drawing a concentrated urban populace within a district that totaled 529,855 inhabitants, of which only 57,165 (about 10.8%) lived in urban areas and the remaining 472,690 in rural settings.[30] Nahan thus accounted for roughly half of the district's urban population, underscoring its centrality in regional administration and services.[31] The town's population grew from 26,053 in the 2001 Census, marking a decadal increase of 10.89%, a rate lower than the district's overall 15.5% growth during the same period.[32] This expansion aligns with broader trends in Himachal Pradesh, where urban centers like Nahan experienced steady inflows due to its longstanding administrative prominence since becoming the Sirmaur district headquarters in 1948, fostering employment in government, education, and trade that supported modest migration from surrounding rural areas.[33] The population density stood at 2,654 persons per square kilometer in 2011, based on an area of 10.89 km², highlighting the compact urban layout amid hilly terrain.[31] Recent projections estimate Nahan's population at approximately 40,000 as of 2025, reflecting continued gradual urban growth tied to infrastructural development and regional connectivity, though the 2021 census was postponed.[4]| Census Year | Population | Decadal Growth Rate (%) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 26,053 | - | CEIC Data[32] |
| 2011 | 28,899 | 10.89 | Census of India[29] |
