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Sojat
Sojat
from Wikipedia

Sojat is a city, a municipality and Tehsil headquarters in Pali district of Rajasthan state. It is situated on the left bank of the Sukri River. It is famous for its mehendi farms and production.

Key Information

History

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There is also a large and famous fort situated on top of one of the hillock. The fort has a big reservoir and several temples.[2]

Geography

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Sojat is located at 25°55′N 73°40′E / 25.92°N 73.67°E / 25.92; 73.67.[3] It has an average elevation of 257 metres (843 feet). The whole region lies on the way of "Aravali hills range" which is the oldest hill range in India.

Demographics

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As of the 2001 census, Sojat had a population of 50,061 in 9,205 households.[1] The municipality had a sex ratio of 927 females per 1,000 males.[1] Sojat has an average literacy rate of 66.7%, lower than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 77.7%, and female literacy is 55.5%. In Sojat, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. Pin Code of Sojat is 306104 which comes under pali postal division (Jodhpur Region)[4]

Economy

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Sojat is a hub of Mehndi (Henna) cultivation. Due to its favourable climatic conditions and soil, Sojat is the only region in India where henna is grown and are exported worldwide.

Sojat mehndi has now received the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate. [5]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sojat is a and municipality in , , , serving as the administrative headquarters of its . Located on the left bank of the Sukri River in the region, it spans an area of approximately 21.56 square kilometers and is renowned as India's largest producer and exporter of (), with 90% of the country's output originating from its farms. This agricultural hub, often called the "Henna City," benefits from ideal soil and climate conditions that support natural cultivation, primarily through rains. Sojat received a tag in 2021. The city is also notable for its traditional production of handmade and historic landmarks, including the hilltop Sojat Fort, a 15th-century structure built by the Rathore Rajputs that offers panoramic views and houses ancient temples and reservoirs. As per the 2011 Indian census, Sojat had a of 43,023, with a of 932 females per 1,000 males. Historically, Sojat formed part of the empire and traces its origins to ancient times, when it was known as Tamravati Nagri, reflecting its early significance in the region. The Sojat Fort, perched on a , served as a strategic stronghold for local rulers and has endured for over 550 years, symbolizing the area's heritage amid periods of conflict, including resistance against Mughal incursions. The city's economy revolves around farming and processing in local mills, where skilled laborers harvest and grind the leaves to produce high-quality powder used globally for dyes and . Artisanal crafts, such as scissor-making using traditional techniques, complement and attract visitors to bustling markets. Sojat's includes Jain and Hindu temples, reflecting its diverse religious fabric, while its connectivity via rail (Sojat Road station) and road links it to major centers like (102 km away) and (48 km away).

Geography

Location and Topography

Sojat is a municipal town serving as the tehsil headquarters in , , , located in the central-western part of the state. The town is positioned at approximately 25°55′N and 73°40′E . It lies about 40 kilometers northwest of city, the district headquarters, within the broader coordinates of , which spans 24°45′ to 26°29′N and 72°47′ to 74°18′E . The topography of Sojat features undulating terrain characteristic of the semi-arid landscapes in western , with the Sojat block covering an area of 1,732.3 square kilometers and elevations ranging from 206 meters to 612 meters above mean sea level. The average elevation of the town itself is 257 meters. exhibits diverse terrain, including flat and gently undulating plains in its central and western portions, transitioning to more rugged, hilly areas in the east influenced by the , the oldest fold mountain system in that extends across . Sojat is part of the basin, which dominates the hydrological and geomorphological features of the region, contributing to its hard rock systems composed of and formations. The overall district supports a mix of agricultural plains and scattered hillocks, with the lowest elevations around 149 meters near Rohat and higher points reaching up to 1,068 meters in the area.

Climate

Sojat, located in the of , , features a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen classification BSh) marked by extreme seasonal temperature variations, low humidity outside the , and predominantly dry conditions throughout the year. The region experiences intense heat in summer, chilly winters, and a short but significant rainy driven by the southwest , with clear skies dominating most of the cycle. Annual rainfall in the Sojat area averages around 500–600 mm, with the Sojat block recording an average of 593.4 mm based on meteorological data, though it can vary widely from as low as 398 mm to over 800 mm in exceptional years. Approximately 86–95% of this falls during the season from to , with and being the wettest months; pre-monsoon (–May) and post-monsoon (October–December) periods contribute minimally, often less than 5% each. Winter rainfall (January–February) is negligible, typically under 5 mm. The district's normal annual rainfall is about 485–499 mm, influenced by erratic patterns that can lead to deficits or excesses, such as 32% below normal in years or up to 219% above in years. Temperatures exhibit stark seasonality, with summer (April–June) bringing sweltering heat where daily maximums often exceed 40°C, peaking at an average of 41.1°C in May alongside minimums of 28.3°C, and occasional extremes reaching 48°C. Winters (December–February) are cooler and drier, with January averages of 25.6°C maximum and 10.5°C minimum, though lows can drop to -3°C in rare cold waves. The monsoon months (July–September) see moderated highs around 35.4°C in with minimums near 27°C, accompanied by increased . Annual averages hover at a maximum of 34.24°C and minimum of 19.01°C, reflecting the arid continental influence with large diurnal ranges. Winds are generally moderate but strengthen during the pre-monsoon period, aiding dust storms (loo) in summer, while the of Sojat—ranging from 200–600 m —contributes to microclimatic variations, with slightly higher rainfall in elevated northeastern parts of the block compared to lower plains. Sunshine is abundant year-round, averaging 7–12 hours daily, supporting the dry, clear weather outside the rainy season.

History

Early and Medieval Periods

Sojat, situated in the Godwar region of present-day , , traces its ancient origins to the name Tamravati, derived from the extensive copper mines in the area that supported early metallurgical activities. Archaeological evidence from nearby sites, such as Tilwara, indicates prehistoric microlithic settlements in the Sojat basin dating back to the period, suggesting human habitation and resource exploitation in the region for millennia. By the early medieval period, around the CE, Sojat fell under the influence of the Chauhan rulers of , who controlled the Godwar tract and protected it from invasions by groups like the Meds during the reign of Lakha (c. 967–982 CE). The town was reoccupied in 1054 CE and renamed after the local deity Sejal Mata, marking a period of revival amid regional power struggles, including conflicts involving the , which captured nearby around 1150 CE. During the medieval period, Sojat emerged as a strategic stronghold and trade hub along ancient routes connecting Buddhist-era networks to later Mughal pathways from to via . The Rathor dynasty of asserted control in the ; Viramdeva initially held Sojat but lost it to his brother Ganga after internal strife, while Rao Maldeo (r. 1532–1562 CE) constructed the prominent Sojat Fort to bolster defenses and expand Rathor influence. The fort, perched on hillocks overlooking the Sukri River, included a large reservoir and temples dedicated to Sejal Mata and other deities, underscoring Sojat's role as a cultural and administrative center. Mughal interventions intensified in the early , with resuming the Sojat in 1608 CE, though it was recovered by Rathor ruler ; by 1680 CE, Mughal prince used Sojat as a base to campaign against territories like . Control of Sojat oscillated between the Rathors of and the Sisodias of throughout the medieval era, with temporary Mughal occupations before its return to Rathor hands, reflecting the town's geopolitical significance in regional conflicts. Economically, Sojat thrived as a with a mint established under rule, producing coins during the reigns of Mughal emperor in the late and Rathor ruler in the 1840s, facilitating trade in goods like , spices, and textiles along routes to . By the late medieval period, the town had developed specialized crafts, including saddle-making and , and hosted fairs that blended religious observances with commerce, solidifying its position within the kingdom.

Modern Developments

Following India's independence in 1947, Sojat, a historic town within the former , underwent significant administrative integration into the Indian Union. In March 1949, State merged into the United State of (later renamed Greater ), and Sojat was designated as a in the newly formed , encompassing areas previously under Jodhpur's hukumats. This transition abolished feudal jagirdari systems through land reforms enacted in 1955, redistributing land to tillers and fostering a more equitable agrarian structure. Local governance advanced with the establishment of a municipal board in 1915, whose first democratic elections occurred in 1953 under the Rajasthan Town Municipalities Act, 1951, followed by the formation of the Sojat in 1959 to oversee . Economically, the post-independence era shifted Sojat from reliance on traditional crafts like cutlery and saddlery—many of which declined due to mechanization—to diversified agriculture and nascent industries. The Community Development Programme, launched in the Sojat block in 1957–58, and the Intensive Agriculture District Programme starting in 1961, boosted crop yields; for example, bajra production in Pali district rose from 12,827 tonnes in 1958–59 to 154,735 tonnes by 1970–71, supported by improved irrigation covering 18% of sown land by 1971. Sojat emerged as India's premier henna (mehndi) hub, leveraging its arid soil and climate for high-lawsone-content leaves; the region's mehndi received Geographical Indication status in 2021, enhancing export value and protecting its premium organic quality against adulteration. Granite mining gained momentum in the 1960s onward, with leases and processing units like those of Ashapura Granite and Ceramics proliferating, contributing to Rajasthan's mineral output amid state policies promoting minor mineral extraction. Small-scale industries, numbering 506 registered units by 1971, focused on items like plastic bangles and leather footwear, employing hundreds and signaling industrial diversification despite periodic droughts, such as those in 1963–64 and 1968–69. Infrastructure and social services modernized rapidly, integrating Sojat into broader state networks. Road lengths in expanded from 1,028 km in 1956 to 1,658 km by 1971, including state highways linking Sojat to and , while extensions via the Delhi–Ahmedabad line improved connectivity. Electrification began post-1947, covering the town fully and reaching 112 rural areas by 1970–71; the Chambal hydro-electric scheme supplied power from 1967. A piped scheme, completed in 1969 with a 125,000-gallon capacity and 792 connections, addressed chronic scarcity. proliferated with 80 primary schools and one higher secondary school by 1971, while health initiatives eradicated through a 1963–71 vaccination drive and established facilities like the 1897 dispensary, upgraded post-independence. These changes, amid population growth from 16,548 in 1961 to 16,628 in 1971, transformed Sojat from a feudal outpost into a resilient sub-regional center.

Demographics

Population and Growth

As per the , the municipality of Sojat had a total of 43,023, comprising 22,268 males and 20,755 females, resulting in a of 932 females per 1,000 males. The rate was 75.58%, with male at 87.55% and female at 62.84%. This marked an increase from the 2001 Census figure of 38,883 residents. The decadal growth rate between 2001 and 2011 was 10.7%, which was below the state average of 21.3% for but aligned closely with the Pali district's rate of 11.9%. The Sojat tehsil, encompassing the city and surrounding rural areas, recorded a of 220,854 in , up from 205,950 in , yielding a decadal growth rate of 7.2%. This slower growth in the tehsil reflects a predominantly rural composition, with urban areas accounting for about 25% of the total in . The 2011 Census remains the most recent comprehensive dataset available, as the subsequent national census scheduled for 2021 was postponed.

Social Composition

Sojat's social composition reflects the broader demographic patterns of , characterized by a predominantly with significant Scheduled Caste (SC) presence and a notable minority. According to the , constitute approximately 85.13% of the town's , numbering around 36,627 individuals, forming the core social fabric through various and groups. Jains account for 1.48%, or 638 residents. account for 13.01%, or about 5,597 residents, primarily engaged in trade and artisan activities, while make up 0.22% (94 people) and a negligible 0% (2 individuals), highlighting the town's religious diversity within a Hindu-majority context. In terms of caste structure, Scheduled Castes represent 14.86% of Sojat's population, totaling roughly 6,393 people, with Meghwals emerging as the dominant SC community, particularly influential in local politics as the Sojat assembly constituency is reserved for SC candidates. This group, traditionally associated with leatherwork and , holds substantial presence in pockets of the town, contributing to social dynamics around reservation and representation. Scheduled Tribes (ST) are minimal at 0.37%, or about 159 individuals, with limited impact on the overall composition. Among the general category Hindus, Rajputs and Brahmins (including sub-groups like Rajpurohits) are prominent landowners and community leaders, shaping the town's traditional social hierarchy in Pali district, where they dominate rural and urban elites. Other communities, such as Jats and smaller OBC groups like Balais (another SC subset), add to the agrarian and trading base, fostering a stratified yet interdependent social order influenced by historical feudal structures and modern electoral politics. The Muslim community, often from artisan castes, integrates through economic ties, though inter-community relations occasionally reflect regional caste tensions. Overall, Sojat's demographics underscore a blend of caste-based occupations and religious coexistence, with SCs playing a pivotal role in contemporary social mobilization.

Economy

Agriculture and Primary Sectors

Agriculture in Sojat, located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, primarily revolves around rainfed and semi-arid farming practices suited to the region's arid climate and loamy soils. The main crops include kharif season staples such as bajra (pearl millet), maize, guar (cluster bean), and pulses, while rabi crops feature wheat, barley, oilseeds like mustard, and additional pulses. Henna (Lawsonia inermis), known locally as mehndi, is a standout cash crop, with Sojat renowned for producing high-quality leaves used in dyes and cosmetics; Pali district accounts for approximately 95% of Rajasthan's henna cultivation area, spanning over 30,000 hectares as of 2004. As of 2024, Pali district's henna cultivation area has expanded to 39,248 hectares. contributing significantly to export revenues estimated at Rs 91 crores from 10,500 tonnes in 2003-04. Production in the rainfed areas of Pali district for kharif crops reached 26,24,417 quintals with a yield of 499 kg/ha in 2014-15, while rabi output was 2,16,700 quintals at 908 kg/ha, underscoring the sector's role in sustaining local food security despite water scarcity challenges. Livestock rearing forms a critical component of Sojat's primary , particularly through the indigenous Sojat goat breed, which is well-adapted to the semi-arid environment and prized for , , and skins. Originating from the Sojat area, this breed supports the livelihoods of landless and smallholder farmers, with contributing to Rajasthan's substantial share in India's population of 148.88 million as per the 2019 . In 2021-22 surveys of Sojat goat rearers, 58% reported annual incomes of Rs 40,000-80,000 from the activity, highlighting its income-generating potential alongside crop farming; nationally, comprised 14.47% of total production in recent years. The integration of and systems further bolsters primary production, enhancing and availability in this drought-prone zone. Overall, these sectors employ the majority of Sojat's population, driving rural economies through both subsistence and commercial outputs, though constraints like erratic rainfall and limited irrigation—relying heavily on wells and tanks—pose ongoing challenges to productivity and sustainability.

Trade and Industry

Sojat's economy is predominantly driven by the henna (mehndi) industry, which positions the town as India's largest producer and exporter of this natural dye plant, often referred to as the "Henna Capital of India." Approximately 90% of the country's henna output originates from Sojat and its surrounding areas in the Pali district, cultivated on around 24,466 hectares in Sojat tehsil alone during 2022-23, yielding about 14,612 metric tonnes. The fertile, arid soils and rainfed conditions contribute to the high lawsone content (over 2.5%) in Sojat henna, making it superior for hair dyes, cosmetics, and medicinal uses. Processing occurs in over 160 factories across the Pali district, including numerous small- and large-scale units in Sojat, where leaves are cleaned, dried, ground into powder, and packaged, employing more than 20,000 people regionally. The industry, valued at around ₹1,000 crore as of 2022, relies on the Krishi Upaj Mandi for daily sales of 140-150 tonnes of leaves, with 90% of production destined for export to over 130 countries, primarily in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Sojat Mehndi in 2022 has further protected its brand, boosting global trade by curbing adulterated substitutes and enhancing farmer incomes, with net returns averaging ₹12,450 per hectare under typical rainfed cultivation. Beyond , Sojat serves as a key trading hub for agricultural commodities and spices, facilitated by its strategic location along major transit routes connecting northern and western . Local markets, including the vibrant Sojat City Sub-Mandi and weekly bazaars, handle in grains, oilseeds, , and spices like and neem powder, with numerous commission agents and exporters operating from the town. This commerce supports surrounding rural economies, drawing traders from nearby villages for auctions and bulk dealings, though challenges like price fluctuations due to rainfall variability and limited storage facilities persist. Henna-related exports dominate, but ancillary in processed products, such as henna cones and natural powders, adds to the sector's diversity, with shipments routed through ports in and . The town's industrial landscape includes small-scale manufacturing clusters focused on and handicrafts, complementing its agro-based trade. The Sojat City Industrial Area (Phases I, II, and III, spanning over 70 acres) hosts around 32 operational units, primarily in handloom and textile processing, producing dyed fabrics, sarees, woolen garments, and silk items. Leather crafts, such as embroidered juttis (traditional ), also thrive in smaller units along Sojat Road, leveraging local skills. These industries benefit from government support via the District Industries Centre, emphasizing low-investment, labor-intensive operations that integrate with the broader trading network, though expansion is constrained by and infrastructure limitations. Overall, while remains the economic backbone, these sectors underscore Sojat's role as a balanced commercial in semi-arid .

Culture and Heritage

Traditions and Festivals

Sojat, often called the " Nagri" or City of , features traditions deeply intertwined with the cultivation and application of high-quality (), grown in the region's arid soil and climate that yield leaves with up to 4% content for superior staining. application is a central , used in rituals for weddings, births, and festivals to symbolize , , and fertility; women adorn hands and feet with intricate designs during events like and [Karva Chauth](/page/Karva Chauth), fostering community gatherings and artistic expression. This heritage has earned Sojat a tag in , ensuring authenticity and boosting its global recognition for cosmetic and medicinal uses, such as cooling the skin and treating ailments. The Sheetla Mata Fair stands as Sojat's prominent annual festival, observed on Sheetala Saptami (typically March or April) to venerate Goddess Sheetla, the deity associated with warding off epidemics like . Devotees fast, offer cold foods prepared the previous day (such as millet rotis and curd), and participate in processions, bhajans, and folk dances at local temples, with the event drawing thousands for worship, livestock trading, and cultural stalls showcasing and handicrafts. Sojat residents also celebrate pan-Rajasthani festivals like with vibrant colors and dances, Diwali through -adorned and feasts, and with processions honoring , integrating local henna artistry to enhance festive aesthetics. An annual Henna Festival further highlights this tradition, featuring demonstrations by skilled artists and attracting visitors to experience authentic applications.

Landmarks and Tourism

Sojat, located in the of , is renowned for its historical landmarks that blend with spiritual sites, drawing tourists interested in heritage and culture. The prominent Sojat Fort, constructed in the 16th century by the Rathore Rajputs, stands atop a hill overlooking the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli ranges and Sukri River valley. This fortification, once a strategic defense point, features a large water reservoir and several ancient temples within its premises, including the Sejal Mata Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple, which showcase intricate stone carvings and serve as sites for local worship. Beyond the fort, Sojat's temple circuit highlights its Jain and Hindu heritage, with the standing out for its detailed architecture and serene ambiance, attracting pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts. The town is also dotted with smaller shrines like the Mata Temple, dedicated to the fierce form of the goddess , which hosts vibrant festivals drawing devotees from nearby regions. These religious sites not only preserve medieval devotional practices but also contribute to the town's spiritual tourism, often integrated with guided walks through historic lanes. As India's "Mehandi City," Sojat's tourism extends to its agricultural landmarks, where visitors can tour farms and mills to witness the traditional harvesting and processing of plants, which thrive in the local black cotton soil and climate. These experiential tours, available year-round but peaking during the harvest season from to , allow tourists to purchase authentic henna powder and learn about its cultural uses in rituals and . Additionally, the bustling Sojat Market offers handmade —a traditional craft of the region—and rural village excursions provide insights into pastoral life, enhancing the town's appeal for eco-tourism and cultural immersion. Natural attractions like the nearby Banjara, Dadda, and Kudiya waterfalls add adventure elements, especially during the rainy season, making Sojat a multifaceted destination for offbeat travel.

Administration and Infrastructure

Governance and Civic Services

Sojat is administered by the Nagar Palika Sojat City, a municipal council under the Local Self Government Department of the , responsible for local urban governance in the town. The council operates within the framework of the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009, which defines its powers for planning, regulation, and service delivery in areas such as and . It is headed by an elected Chairman, with administrative functions led by an who oversees day-to-day operations. As of 2025, the Executive Officer is Som Prakash Mishra, contactable via the council's official channels. The Nagar Palika provides essential civic services focused on and welfare, including , systems, , and solid . These services aim to ensure clean water distribution, , and disease prevention, aligning with state-level urban development goals. Recent initiatives include preparations for detailed project reports on networks, , drainage, and enhanced , as part of ongoing urban efforts. The council also maintains local roads, street lighting, and public facilities to support community welfare. At the tehsil level, Sojat falls under the administration, which coordinates broader governance aspects like law and order, revenue collection, and emergency services through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office. Civic amenities are integrated with district-level support for initiatives such as and environmental conservation, contributing to sustainable urban management in the region.

Education and Transportation

Sojat features a diverse educational landscape encompassing primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, primarily serving the local population of the town and surrounding rural areas in . The town hosts numerous government and private schools affiliated with the Rajasthan Board of (RBSE), offering education from through senior secondary levels with a focus on holistic development, including academics, sports, and value-based learning. Notable institutions include the Birla International School, a co-educational English-medium school emphasizing , communication skills, and human values such as truth, peace, and alongside core subjects like , science, and . Similarly, Raj Public Senior Secondary School provides quality education with an emphasis on overall student growth in a supportive environment. Government model schools, such as Swami Vivekanand Government Model School, contribute to accessible public education, particularly for underprivileged students in the region. At the higher education level, the Government College, Sojat City, established in 2006 and affiliated with University, , serves as the primary institution for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Spanning 14 acres with facilities including laboratories for physics, chemistry, , and , a holding approximately 5,000 books, and amenities like a and indoor games, the college enrolls around 1,449 students annually. It offers bachelor's programs in arts (B.A.), (B.Sc.), and commerce (B.Com.), along with a in , fostering academic and extracurricular achievements through units like the (NSS). These institutions collectively support literacy and skill development in Sojat, though access to advanced technical or specialized higher education often requires travel to nearby cities like Pali or . Transportation in Sojat relies on a combination of rail and road networks, providing connectivity to major regional hubs in . The Sojat Road railway station, located approximately 5 km from Sojat City, features two platforms and serves as a key stop on the Ajmer-Marwar Junction line under North Western Railway. It handles 73 trains weekly, including passenger services like the Marwar-Ajmer DEMU and express trains such as the Ashram Express and , facilitating links to cities like (110 km away), (87 km), and (234 km). The station is slated for modernization under the , which aims to enhance passenger amenities and infrastructure at 86 stations, including Sojat Road, to improve overall travel experience. Road connectivity is robust, with Sojat City integrated into 's state and national highway systems. State Highway 58 (SH-58) runs through the region, linking Jodhpur to Sojat Road and extending toward Bheem via routes passing through Sojat City, Bhaisana, and Kantaliya, supporting local trade and commuter traffic. Additionally, National Highway 162 (NH-162) traverses Sojat City, connecting it northward to and southward to and beyond, enhancing access to district headquarters and economic centers. Local bus services operated by the (RSRTC) complement these highways, offering frequent routes to nearby towns, while the absence of a local airport directs air travel to , about 100 km away. This infrastructure underscores Sojat's role as a transit point in western .

References

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