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Sheopur
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Sheopur is a city in Madhya Pradesh state of central India. It is the administrative headquarters of Sheopur District. The City is situated on the right bank of the Seep River, a tributary of the Chambal. Thus the city derives its name from "Seep-pur" meaning "town on the Seep". Later, colloquially it came to be known as Sheopur. Sheopur is linked by narrow gauge rail to Gwalior (No longer in operation). Chambal River is just 25 km, which forms the boundary between Rajasthan and MP states.[1][citation needed]
Key Information
Sheopur is located at northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the main locations are Vijaipur, Karahal and Badoda. Major tourist attraction is Palpur (kuno) wildlife sanctuary. The well-known Kaketo reservoir is located in this district. The art of woodcarving has flourished in district Sheopur and the beautifully embellished wooden ceilings, doors and lintels with finely carved designs are silent testimonials of its glory. The wood carvers of Sheopur, with great sensitivity and skill transform different varieties of wood. The crafts persons of Sheopur make pipes, masks, toys, doors, stands, windows, wooden memorials, flower vases, bedposts and cradle posts etc.
The important rivers like Chambal, Seep and Kuno drain the district. The Chambal, which originates in the Indore district's janapav hills, forms the northwestern boundary of Madhya Pradesh with Rajasthan.
History
[edit]Early mentions
[edit]There is no conclusive documented source available that traces the historical origin of Sheopur Fort. However a Jain pillar edict dated 1026 A.D. refers to the existence of the Sheopur fort. The 17th century poet Khadag Rai of Gwalior, in his renowned work Gopanchala Akhyana mentions Sheopur. According to his account the king of Nareshar Ajay Pal (1194–1219) had declared Sheopur as his capital.
Islamic Era
[edit]In 1301 A.D. Alauddin Khalji after capturing the Ranthambhor fort, captured the Sheopur fort as well, which was under king Hammir Dev at that time. In 1489, Sultan Mahmood Khalji of Malwa captured and established it as an integrated part of the Malwa Sultanate.
In 1542, Sher Shah Suri captured the Sheopur fort. A prayer ground (idgah) built in his time and a grand mausoleum built by his son, Islam Shah, in memory of his commander Munabber Khan are examples of the architecture of that time. After that, Surjan Singh Hada, the King of Princely state of Bundi captured Sheopur fort.
Gaur Rule
[edit]According to tradition the city of Sheopur and its fort in present-day Madhya Pradesh were founded by the Gaur Rajputs' chief, Indra Singh, in 1537.The first historical reference to the city dates to 1570.[2]Sarwar fort of sarwar district Rajasthan was also built by gaur dynasty kings.
The 225 years history of the Sipahad kingdom is called a saga of untold valor and forcefully independent cultural identity[clarification needed]. This is reflected in architectural remains, which are individual thriving traditions of performing art, paintings, sculpture and highly artistic style of living. The individual palace of Narsingh Gaur, Rani mahal or Gorji mahal are striking examples of Gaur architecture. The chhatris built as a mark of respect for the kings Indar Singh Gaur & and Kishor Das Gaur after their demise are silent and solemn examples of symmetrically well-crafted architecture.The Gaurs continued to rule from it until they succumbed to the Scindias.
Scindia Rule
[edit]Scindias remained in control of the fort till India acquired independence. They contributed to the grandeur of the fort by adding new dimensions to its resplendent remarks. The late Maharaja Madavrao Scindia built a Diwan-e-Aam, The Darbar Hall, and a state guesthouse presently the Diwan-e-Aam.
Conservation
[edit]On the site is a Sahariya Museum, which is a window on the world of Saharia life partners, who rank as one of few existing primitive tribes of India. A few portion of the fort have been taken over by the M.P. Archeological Department for protections and conservation.
Education
[edit]The following colleges offer graduate and post-graduate level certifications:
Institutions affiliated to Jiwaji University:
- Government Madhavrao Scindia P.G. College
- Adarsh Mahavidhyalaya
- Sheopur Institute of Professional Studies
- Shri Ganesh Mahavidhyalaya Vijaipur
- Vinayak College
- Shri Ram Institute (College) Sheopur
- Government Polytechnic College Sheopur
- Government P.G. college Sheopur
- Government Adarsh Girls College Sheopur
There are several schools offering both C.B.S.E. and state-board syllabus.
C.B.S.E. schools:
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya
- Kendriya Vidhyalaya
- St. Pius School
- Modern Convent School
- Rajeev Gandhi Memorial Boarding School
State Board schools (public and private):
- Excellence School
- Govt. Girls School
- Hajareswar School
- Saraswati Shishu/Vidya Mandir
- Harihar School
- Gurunanak Public School
- Madhavrao Scindia School
- Nehru School
- Future Star Convent School
The following institutions offer pre-primary education:
- SR Kids - A Pre School
- SR International School
- Jeevan Academy
Transport
[edit]- By Air: The nearest airport to Sheopur is Gwalior. This airport is well connected with Jaipur, Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai.
- By Rail: Sheopur Kalan railway station lies on the Gwalior Light Railway of the former princely state of Gwalior (now part of the Central Railway in Madhya Pradesh) these 209 km of 610mm gauge lines were originally sponsored by the Maharaja of Gwalior, reaching Sheopur in 1909. This railway line has been nominated by Indian government for the World Heritage site.
- By Road: Sheopur is connected by regular bus services with Gwalior, Morena, Sawai Madhopur, Shivpuri, Baran, Kota and Bhopal. Sheopur is 211 km from Gwalior, 195 km from Morena, 139 km from Kota and 61 km from Sawai Madhopur.
Division
[edit]The district is divided into two sub divisions of Sheopur and Vijaypur. Five Tehsils (Sheopur, Karhal, Vijaypur, Baroda, Beerpur), three blocks (Sheopur, Karhal, Vijaypur, birpur) and three Nagarpalikas (Sheopur, Baroda, Vijaypur).
Geography
[edit]Sheopur is located at 25°40′N 76°42′E / 25.67°N 76.7°E.[3] It has an average elevation of 229 metres (751 feet).
Physiography
[edit]The general physiography of the terrain is hilly. It comes under the Vindhya series. The sanctuary falls in the semi-arid zone and has a typical terrain of Central Indian highlands, interspersed with woodlands and meadows. The soil is sandy and sandy-loam, showing a spatial variation in depth. River kuno, a tributary of the Chambal, vertically bisects the sanctuary from north to south. It occupies an area of 5.90 km2 in the sanctuary. A number of major nullahs like Lankahkhoh, Kudikheda, Durredi, Aamkhoh originate from the gorges located on the west, join river Kuno. Similarly, the Dabhona Nallah, Naharkunda Nallah, Gangoli Nallah etc. originating from the eastern Khohs, meet the Kuno river at various sites.
Climate
[edit]The average rainfall in the area is 750 mm per year. The maximum temperature can rise up to 49 degree C while the minimum temperature recorded has been 2 degree C.
| Climate data for Sheopur (1991–2020, extremes 1951–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 32.0 (89.6) |
37.2 (99.0) |
42.0 (107.6) |
46.0 (114.8) |
48.8 (119.8) |
48.0 (118.4) |
46.4 (115.5) |
41.8 (107.2) |
41.2 (106.2) |
40.8 (105.4) |
37.3 (99.1) |
32.6 (90.7) |
48.8 (119.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.1 (73.6) |
27.8 (82.0) |
33.8 (92.8) |
38.8 (101.8) |
42.7 (108.9) |
41.0 (105.8) |
34.8 (94.6) |
32.6 (90.7) |
34.0 (93.2) |
34.4 (93.9) |
29.8 (85.6) |
25.2 (77.4) |
33.2 (91.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 8.4 (47.1) |
10.9 (51.6) |
16.5 (61.7) |
22.0 (71.6) |
26.8 (80.2) |
27.7 (81.9) |
26.0 (78.8) |
24.7 (76.5) |
24.6 (76.3) |
19.5 (67.1) |
14.2 (57.6) |
9.6 (49.3) |
19.1 (66.4) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −2.2 (28.0) |
1.1 (34.0) |
4.6 (40.3) |
8.8 (47.8) |
16.2 (61.2) |
17.4 (63.3) |
15.8 (60.4) |
15.2 (59.4) |
15.1 (59.2) |
8.8 (47.8) |
4.4 (39.9) |
0.0 (32.0) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 5.3 (0.21) |
6.7 (0.26) |
3.3 (0.13) |
4.4 (0.17) |
4.9 (0.19) |
82.5 (3.25) |
268.5 (10.57) |
227.2 (8.94) |
86.0 (3.39) |
14.2 (0.56) |
8.3 (0.33) |
1.5 (0.06) |
712.6 (28.06) |
| Average rainy days | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 3.8 | 9.7 | 9.3 | 4.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 31.2 |
| Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) | 53 | 43 | 34 | 26 | 22 | 41 | 69 | 75 | 62 | 46 | 46 | 56 | 48 |
| Source: India Meteorological Department[4][5][6] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
[edit]As of 2001[update] India census,[7] Sheopur had a population of 105026. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Sheopur has an average literacy rate of 72%, lower than the national average of 76%: male literacy is 76%, and female literacy is 56%. In Sheopur, 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Main schools of Sheopur are Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Govt. Excellence School, St. Pius School, Modern School and Rajeev Gandhi Memorial Boarding School. World-famous lion project in Kuno palpur is situated 70 km from the city.
In last few years level of education has been improved surprisingly as many students have cracked in competitive examination like CAT, CLAT, AIMAT, IIT, AIEEE, PET and AIPMT, etc.
Economy
[edit]About 50 percent of the geographical area is available for cultivation. About 58.74 percent of the cultivable area in the district is irrigated. Canal is the major source of irrigation. Wheat is the most important food grain grown in the district. Mustard is the most important oil seed grown in the district. In Sheopur District there are total 156 running small scale industries, based on pipes, masks, toys, doors, stands, windows, wooden memorials, flower vases, bedposts and cradle posts etc.
Government
[edit]The District Collector is the head of the Sheopur district, who is in charge of all the activities of Sheopur. municipal head of the sheopur town is the president of nagar Palika. while the M.L.A. and M.P. are the political heads of the district.
Culture
[edit]In Sheopur the major spoken language is Hindi and local dialect is Hadoti.
This dance is related to people who have traditionally been in the business of cattle herding. In different parts of the state these people are known by different castes such as Ahir, Baredi, Gwal, Rawat, Raut, Gwala etc.
Gadariya or Yadav dance of Bundelkhand:-
This dance has been associated with the biggest Hindu festival Diwali. On the night of Diwali people worship Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth (after all no body can live without money), and cattle. Next day on the occasion of "Padva" or "Parva" cattle are sent to jungles or ranches after being decorated with flowers and garlands. They are given special dishes as food. Yadav dance is performed on the same occasion. Dancers dance in a circular path while singing songs. Sometimes they sit or lie down on earth and suddenly they restart their dance. Rhythm of the song is very low in starting and increases with time. Music instruments are started only when two lines of the song are finished. Primarily these are two line couplets. Sometimes these are in form of questions and answers. This dance continues till Kartik Purnima.
Dress:-
Dancers, instrument beaters and their associates wear a clean turban on head. Some people like to put on Dhoti up to knees (long cloth wore by men enwrapping their waist). Some people specially dancers wear colorful shorts. Dancers also keep bunch of peacock feathers.
Saharia Dances:-
Saharias are tribal people who live in jungles. They work in farms and also collect medicinal plants from jungles. There are several dances of Saharias. Some of the important ones are: Lur Dance, Lanhgi Dance, Dul-Dul Ghodi Dance, Raya Dance, Ada-Khada Dance.
Lur dance of Saharias:-
This dance is performed on the occasion of marriage starting from the day of ritual of "Haldi" (In this ritual whole body is pasted with turmeric and after sometime it is removed so the body is cleaned) till the arrival of Barat (Bridegroom comes to the house of the bride with his relatives and friends for marriage ceremony).
Lanhgi dance of Saharias:-
This dance is also known as Danda (baton) dance because Saharias dance with small batons in their hands with which they strike at each other and perform Lanhgi dance. Only men are allowed in it. This dance is performed on the occasion of Bhujarias, Teja ji puja and Aekadashi etc.
Dul-Dul Ghori dance:-
This dance is performed on the occasion of marriage by males. In this dance a hollow case of ghori (a mare) is prepared of bamboo sticks. The dancer stands in the hollow place and dances. (Depicts various movements of mare.) There is also a joker in women clothing. People sing folk songs during the dance.
Musical instruments:-
Mradang, Dholak, Ramtula, Dhapli, Manzira, Jhanz etc. are used in this dance. Famous Celeb : - Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh who was one of the most prominent Hindi poets, essayist, literary and political critic, and fiction writers, was born in sheopur. Every year Muktibodh festival is celebrated in the city.
References
[edit]- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 14 April 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Sheopur history, District Sheopur, Government of Madhya Pradesh, India". Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Sheopur
- ^ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ "Station: Sheopur Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 699–700. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M131. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "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.
External links
[edit]Sheopur
View on GrokipediaGeography
Physiography
Sheopur is situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, India, at approximately 25°40′N 76°42′E and an elevation of 229 meters above sea level.[12] It lies within the Chambal division and is bordered by the districts of Morena, Gwalior, Bhind, and Shivpuri to the east and south, as well as the state of Rajasthan to the west and Uttar Pradesh to the north. The town is positioned on the right bank of the Seep River, a small tributary of the Chambal River, which contributes to its plateau-like regional setting.[6] The physiography of Sheopur and its surroundings features hilly terrain associated with the Vindhya geological series, interspersed with plateaus and forested areas. Prominent natural features include the deep ravines carved by the Chambal River, which mark much of the district's landscape and create a rugged, semi-arid topography.[13] The Kuno River, another key tributary of the Chambal, bisects nearby areas, including the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing the region's undulating and riverine character.[14] The district's physiographic divisions encompass hilly and forested zones alongside cultivable plateaus, supporting varied land use. Soil types primarily consist of alluvial soils along riverine areas, black soils in central parts, and red soils formed from erosion in upland regions, all of which are suitable for agriculture such as wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.[15] These soils, derived from the underlying Vindhyan rock formations, provide fertile grounds in the plateau and valley areas despite challenges from ravine erosion.[16]Climate
Sheopur district experiences a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and moderate monsoons, with dry conditions prevailing outside the rainy season. The region's proximity to the Rajasthan desert contributes to lower rainfall and higher temperature variability, resulting in a semi-arid influence that amplifies aridity in non-monsoon periods.[17] The average annual rainfall is approximately 724 mm, with over 90% occurring during the southwest monsoon from June to September, peaking in July and August. Pre-monsoon (March-May) and post-monsoon (October-December) periods receive minimal precipitation, typically under 15 mm and 35 mm respectively, while winter months (January-February) see even less. Temperature extremes are pronounced, with historical maxima reaching 48.8°C in May and minima dropping to -2.2°C in January, though mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures hover around 33.2°C and 19.1°C.[17][17] Recent meteorological data indicate erratic rainfall patterns in Sheopur, with a statistically significant decline in the number of rainy days leading to increased intensity and occurrences of dry spells or floods during monsoons. State-wide trends, applicable to Sheopur, show positive increases in both maximum and minimum temperatures across many districts, contributing to more frequent extreme heat events. These changes, observed up to 2021, align with broader climate change impacts in Madhya Pradesh, including a non-significant negative annual rainfall trend and rising thermal extremes.[18][18][18]History
Early mentions
The earliest documented reference to Sheopur appears in a Jain pillar edict dated 1026 A.D., which indicates the existence of a fort in the region and points to established settlements during the medieval period.[19] This inscription, associated with Jain religious activities, underscores the area's significance as a hub for early Jain communities in the Gopadri region of northern Madhya Pradesh.[19] Further historical accounts from the 12th century highlight Sheopur's role as a political center. According to the 11th-century poet Khadag Rai of Gwalior, the ruler Ajay Pal of Nareshar declared Sheopur his capital between 1194 and 1219 A.D., marking a period of regional governance and fortification that solidified its strategic importance.[19] This era reflects Sheopur's integration into broader Rajput administrative networks prior to later conquests. Archaeological evidence supports these textual references, revealing pre-Islamic structures unique to the region. Excavations at the Dhanayacha site in Sheopur district have uncovered ruins of multiple Jain temples, along with sculptures and inscriptions dating to the early fourteenth century (early medieval period), indicating a vibrant center of Jain worship and craftsmanship in the medieval era.[20] These findings, including fragmented pillars and iconographic elements, provide material evidence of Sheopur's foundational role as a cultural and religious site in ancient Indian history.[20] Collectively, these early mentions establish Sheopur as a pre-medieval settlement with deep ties to Jain traditions and local rulership, laying the groundwork for its evolution amid subsequent dynastic changes, including the onset of Islamic influences in the region.[19]Islamic Era
The Islamic era in Sheopur began with the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khalji, who captured the Sheopur Fort in 1301 A.D. following his conquest of the nearby Ranthambore Fort; at the time, Sheopur was under the control of King Hammir Dev of Ranthambore.[19] This marked the initial incorporation of the region into the sultanate's domain, transitioning it from local Rajput governance to centralized Muslim rule amid broader campaigns against Rajput strongholds in northern India. By 1489 A.D., Sheopur was annexed by Sultan Mahmud Khalji of the Malwa Sultanate, which integrated the fort and surrounding areas into its administrative framework as a unified territory.[19] This period saw administrative reorganization under Malwa's governance, with Sheopur functioning as a strategic outpost in the sultanate's network of parganas and military stations, facilitating control over trade routes and border regions in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The Malwa rulers emphasized fortification and revenue collection, aligning local administration with the sultanate's iqta system to ensure loyalty and resource extraction. In 1542 A.D., Sher Shah Suri, founder of the short-lived Suri Empire, captured Sheopur Fort during his campaigns to consolidate power in northern and central India after defeating the Malwa forces.[19] Under his brief control, architectural developments included the construction of an Eidgah prayer ground, reflecting Suri patronage of Islamic structures, while his son Islam Shah later built a mausoleum for the commander Munabbar Khan, highlighting the era's emphasis on commemorative monuments. Sheopur's mention appears in historical records from 1570 A.D., as noted in the writings of the Persian historian Nimat-Ullah, describing military activities in the region.[6] This period culminated in the handover of Sheopur Fort—along with Ranthambore—to Mughal Emperor Akbar by Rai Surjan Hada during the 1568 siege of Ranthambore, integrating the area into the expanding Mughal Empire as part of the subah of Ajmer, where it served as a palace headquarters under Mughal administration.[6]Gaur Rule
The town of Sheopur and its central fort were established in 1537 AD by Indra Singh, the chief of the Gaur Rajputs, who served as a feudatory of the Jaipur royal house.[6] This founding marked the beginning of Gaur Rajput dominance in the region, transforming Sheopur from a strategic outpost into a fortified settlement at the confluence of the Sep and Kalval rivers.[21] Indra Singh's initiative capitalized on the area's preexisting defensive structures, originally associated with Rai Surjan of Ranthambore, to consolidate control amid shifting regional powers following Mughal incursions.[6] Under Gaur Rajput governance, Sheopur functioned as a semi-autonomous princely state, with local administration centered on the Sheopur Fort, which served as the administrative headquarters for the surrounding territories.[6] The rulers maintained a feudal system, overseeing agriculture, trade routes, and defense through a network of forts, including the acquisition of Baroda Fort—initially built by Duchi Rajo—and control over Manpur Fort, constructed by Raja Mansingh.[22][23] This administrative framework emphasized fortifications for protection against invasions, fostering Sheopur's growth as a regional center for commerce and governance during the period of Rajput ascendancy. Key developments included the expansion of influence through military campaigns and the temporary handover of the fort to Akbar during his 1568 march to Chittor, after which it reverted to local Rajput oversight under the Ajmer subah.[6] The Gaur Rajputs left a lasting architectural legacy, particularly as devout Shiva worshippers who constructed numerous Shiva temples across the region to affirm their cultural and religious authority.[6] Within Sheopur Fort, structures attributed to Indra Singh and subsequent rulers like King Kishredas include the Gujari Mahal, Narasimha Mahal, and Darbar Hall, showcasing intricate stone craftsmanship that blended defensive utility with palatial elegance.[21] The Baroda Fort, integrated into the principality by Indra Singh, features notable additions such as the Shish Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Shankar Mahal, exemplifying Rajput architectural motifs of ventilated halls and ornate chambers.[22] Other legacies encompass Ganesha temples, including the prominent Tori ka Ganesha, and the Hasendran Vora garden, which incorporates a mosque alongside a Ganesha temple, reflecting syncretic influences in the area's built heritage.[6]Scindia Rule
In 1808, Sheopur came under the control of the Maratha Scindia dynasty through its conquest by Daulat Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, marking the transition from prior Rajput rule to Maratha administration in the region.[24] This military action followed a siege led by Scindia's forces, including battalions under General Jean Baptiste Filose, which culminated in the Gaurs vacating the fort on October 13, 1809, after being starved out during the investment.[25] Following the conquest, Daulat Rao Scindia granted Sheopur and its adjoining territories as a jagir to Jean Baptiste Filose, a French military commander in his service, who established it as the headquarters for his palace and administrative operations.[24] Under Filose's governance, which lasted until his death in 1834, significant architectural enhancements were made to the existing structures, including the construction of the Diwan-e-Aam, a public audience hall used for administrative purposes. These additions built upon foundational elements from the earlier Gaur period, such as the 17th-18th century Parachute within the fort.[24] Filose also developed the Hushendan Vora garden, incorporating a mosque and a Ganesh temple, which contributed to the town's cultural and architectural landscape.[24] After Filose's death, direct control reverted to the Scindia rulers of Gwalior, with Sheopur integrated as part of the Gwalior princely state, where it remained under their governance until Indian independence in 1947.[24] During this period, the region benefited from the broader administrative framework of the Scindia dynasty, which maintained stability amid the shifting political dynamics of central India.[24]Conservation
Following India's independence, the Sheopur region, previously part of the princely state of Gwalior, was integrated into the newly formed Madhya Bharat in 1948 and then into the state of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act.[26] This merger incorporated Sheopur's territories from the former Madhya Bharat, marking the post-independence administrative realignment of the area. In 1998, Sheopur was carved out as a separate district from Morena on May 22, when the tahsils of Sheopur, Karahal, and Vijaypur were excluded to establish the new district headquarters.[27] Heritage preservation in Sheopur falls under the oversight of the Madhya Pradesh Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums, established in 1956 to protect the state's archaeological sites and cultural artifacts.[28] This includes efforts to safeguard historical structures from the Scindia era, such as portions of Sheopur Fort, which have been taken over by state authorities for maintenance. To preserve the indigenous Sahariya tribe's cultural heritage, the Sahariya Museum was established within Sheopur Fort under the Archeology and Culture Conservation Committee, serving as a research center for tribal artifacts, traditions, and history.[29] Conservation initiatives have targeted key sites, including Sheopur Fort, where a 1026 AD Jain pillar edict attests to its early existence, and the fort's structures have undergone structural assessments and repairs.[6] In partnership with the World Monuments Fund, the Madhya Pradesh Department of Culture has focused on restoring the fort's historic drainage systems and consolidating distressed buildings, such as the Moti Mahal, to prevent further subsidence and collapse.[30] Jain edicts and temple ruins, like those at nearby Dhanayacha, receive protection through archaeological surveys and documentation to mitigate ruin from environmental factors.[20] Up to 2025, modern conservation has emphasized both heritage and wildlife linkages, with Sheopur's proximity to Kuno National Park driving integrated efforts. The park, located in the district, has seen significant restoration through Project Cheetah, including the launch of a cheetah safari in October 2025 and successful breeding, with five cubs born in April 2025, enhancing biodiversity corridors in the region.[31]Demographics
Population statistics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Sheopur district had a total population of 687,861, comprising 361,784 males and 326,077 females.[32] The overall sex ratio stood at 901 females per 1,000 males, while the child sex ratio (ages 0-6 years) was 897, with 61,490 male children and 55,149 female children out of a total child population of 116,639.[32] Sheopur town, serving as the district's administrative hub, recorded a population of 71,951 in the 2011 Census, with 37,602 males and 34,349 females.[32] Its sex ratio was higher at 913 females per 1,000 males, and the child sex ratio was 916, reflecting 5,334 male and 4,887 female children in the 0-6 age group.[32] The district's population density was 104 persons per square kilometer, spread across an area of 6,606 square kilometers.[33] Of the total population, 84.4% (580,509 persons) resided in rural areas, while 15.6% (107,352 persons) lived in urban areas, underscoring the town's role as the primary urban center.[33] The decadal growth rate for the district between 2001 and 2011 was 22.9%, increasing from 559,495 to 687,861.[33] Sheopur town's growth rate over the same period was 23.33%.[33] The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 2025, the decennial census process has begun with pre-tests, but full enumeration is scheduled for 2027, leaving 2011 as the latest official data; however, United Nations Population Fund projections estimate the district's population at 821,554 in 2021, with a sex ratio of 907.[34][35]| Metric | District (2011) | Town (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 687,861 | 71,951 |
| Sex Ratio | 901 | 913 |
| Child Sex Ratio (0-6) | 897 | 916 |
| Population Density (per km²) | 104 | N/A |
| Decadal Growth (2001-2011) | 22.9% | 23.33% |
| Urban-Rural Split | 15.6% Urban | Urban |
