Taranagar
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Taranagar is a city and a municipality in Churu district in the Indian state of Rajasthan, situated at 28° 41'N 75° 3'E, about 28 miles south of Churu City. Taranagar was earlier known as Reni, named for the lady Rinkali who came here to live from Vishalnagar Koyalapatan, currently Foga in Sardarshar (Rajasthan). Reni was the headquarters of the nizamat and the tehsil of the same name in the state of Bikaner in Rajputana. The nizamat consisted of five eastern tehsils of Bhadra, Churu, Nohar, Rajgarh and Reni. In 1948, the town was renamed for King Tara Singh, who ruled it in the mid-18th century.
Key Information
Places of interest and importance
[edit]Taranagar is well known for its antiquity. It has a famous Jain temple built-in 942. It has very old statues of Jain Tirthankars. The Chhatri of Anand Singhji and Tara Singhji, or saints' homes, are quite popular. These are 2 km distant from the town.
A temple, a little away from the town, is known as Shyam Pandia. It is said to be as old as Dvapara Yuga. As the legend goes, it is believed that Bhima of The Mahabharata fame was sent here to call for the services or blessings of the then pujari of the temple, Saint Shyam Pandia, for the Tilak ceremony of Yudhishthira after the Battle of Kurukshetra was won by Pandavas.
Apart from private hospitals and practicing doctors, Taranagar has a referral hospital set up by late Onkar Mal Mintri and run by the state government where health care facilities are available for the general public and for the people from nearby villages. There is another hospital building that has been converted into a veterinary hospital catering to cattle.
Though the town does not have a railway station, it is well connected by road. It is served by roadway organization of many states, private buses, and taxi operators. Gandhi Upwan, in the east of the town, close to the bus stand and police station, is a moderate garden maintained by the municipality. There is a rest-house used by visiting officials that is run by Rajasthan state PWD. The same locality houses the famous Govt. Higher Secondary School, Taranagar.
A public library is almost in the middle of the Taranagar that also houses a free reading room, that over the decades has helped the growth of local intellect even if the facilities have been meager and maintenance falls short of needs; nonetheless, it has been providing a space for developing minds.
Since last decade or so Taranagar has been emerging as a place counted in its vicinity of its surrounding villages — for providing facilities for children's education, selling their produce, shopping, trade, institutional interaction, etc. Besides the Main Bazar that is in the center of town, there are a number of shop-clusters or markets specializing in merchandise like footwear, vegetables and fruits, medicines etc. There are some trading firms, bank branches, organizations, government offices. Almost a dozen institutions impart graduate courses including an upcoming veterinary medical college providing the feel of a self-sufficient town. Taranagar boasts an industrial estate promoted by RIICO primarily for the manufacture of plaster of Paris.
Nearby cities and villages
[edit]Sadulpur (also known as Rajgarh, its connecting railway station), a junction on the Northern Zone of Indian Railways is on east side at a distance of about 36 km and Churu, the district city is on its south side at a distance of about 60 km while Sardarsahar is on its south-west side. Apart from these cities, the town is surrounded by a large number of villages (124 )on all sides that are populated by mostly by small to medium-sized land holders, farmers and artisans. The town of Taranagar is used by them as a Mandi for selling their agricultural product as also a center for education, health services and connectivity. The nearby villages include Dhani- kumharan, Satyu, Rajpura, Lunas, Gajuwas, Chalkoi, Kharatwas, Nethawa, Togawas, Bhaleri, Bhanin, Kalwas, Dabri Chhoti, Dheerwas Bara, Sahwa, Bain, Buchawas, Dadrewa, Jigsana, Nyangli, Hadiyal, Dudhwa Khara, Bhamara etc. Brahmanwasi is an agricultural locality situated on the western side of the town. The main crops raised in the area are millets, bajra, guar, gram and lately even mustard.
Geography
[edit]Taranagar is located at 28°41′N 75°02′E / 28.68°N 75.03°E.[3] It has an average elevation of 232 meters (761 feet). A part of Thar desert, it experiences extremities of climate both in summer and in the winter, that are however considered good for build-up of immunities, for general health.
Town is located in the tehsil by the same name, under the Rajgarh subdivision of the Churu district. Historically, even the city of Churu used to be a part of Taranagar Tehsil. The town grew with its Mohallas (or localities) earmarked for different castes (that is to say known by caste names) that are even today referred to for the ease of practical identification but is officially now divided into different numerical wards for the postal, election or voting purposes.[4]
Demographics
[edit]As of 2011[update] India Census,[5] Taranagar had a population of 2,11,831[6] out of which the urban population is 32,640 while the rural population is 1,79,191. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Taranagar has an average literacy rate of 57.06%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 66.85%, and female literacy is 46.45%. 18% of the population is under 6 years of age. Despite its moderate size, the town boasts of the cosmopolitan nature of its populace that comprises a diversity of castes, creeds, religions and regional inhabitants as also its diaspora spread over the various nooks and corners of different states of the country as also abroad. The composition of this diaspora is also quite varied and comprises industrialists, traders, businessmen, professionals, social workers and others. One person from the town, Late Sri Ram Krishna Sarawagi (son of a reputed disciple of Mahatma Gandhi late Sri Tulsiram Sarawagi) rose to become a minister in the state of West Bengal in the 1970s.Shree Shivraj Singh Kavia's in laws house is located near Shree Karani ji temple in this city.
Language
[edit]Taranagar tehsil is well known for its Bagri language, a dialect of Rajasthani language which is spoken by the majority of the people.
While, Hindi and english are official language for government of Rajasthan.
Industry
[edit]Taranagar is known for its plaster of Paris industry, wooden items handicraft, jewelry, and education. Students of the nearby districts and tehsils are coming here to get a better and qualitative education from its educational institutions.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Census of India: Search Details". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
- ^ Taranagar Pincode
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Taranagar
- ^ "Administrative Setup:Districts At a glance". Official website of the Churu district. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2009.
- ^ The decennial Census of India has been conducted 15 times, as of 2011. While it has been undertaken every 10 years, beginning in 1872 under British Viceroy Lord Mayo, the first complete census was taken in 1881.
- ^ "Taranagar Tehsil Population - Churu, Rajasthan". www.censusindia2011.com. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Industry". Official website of the Churu district. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 1 March 2009.
External links
[edit]Taranagar
View on GrokipediaHistory
Etymology and Founding
Taranagar was originally known as Reni, a name derived from the lady Rinkali, who migrated to the area from Vishalnagar Koyalapatan, now identified as Foga in Sardarshar, Rajasthan. This migration forms the basis of local lore surrounding the initial founding of the settlement, which emerged as an early community in the Jangladesh region prior to its incorporation into the Bikaner State.[11] Historical records indicate that in 1752, during the reign of Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner, a local ruler named Tara Singh was sent to subdue forces from Bhadra who were plundering the area around Taranagar; Tara Singh was killed in the conflict, but Gaj Singh later expelled the invaders. The name "Taranagar" likely honors this Tara Singh, with "Tara" relating to the Sanskrit "Taran" meaning "crossing over" or "salvation," combined with "nagar" denoting a city or town.[12][13] Early settlement patterns were influenced by such migrations and the strategic location along trade routes, establishing Taranagar (as Reni) as part of the Reni Nizamat under Bikaner State governance by the 19th century.[14]Administrative and Political Development
Taranagar, originally known as Reni, served as the headquarters of the Reni Nizamat, an administrative division within the princely state of Bikaner during the British Raj.[12] The Reni Nizamat encompassed several eastern regions of the state, overseeing key towns such as Churu, Rajaldesar, Bidasar, Sri Dungargarh, and Reni itself.[15] A Nizamat Court was established in Reni in 1884–85, granting it first-class magisterial powers and civil jurisdiction up to ₹10,000, underscoring its role as a regional administrative and judicial center.[16] Following India's independence, significant administrative changes occurred in 1948 with the reorganization of Bikaner State after its merger into Rajasthan. Churu district was newly formed, incorporating Taranagar as one of its initial three tehsils, alongside Churu and Rajgarh, with elevation to tehsil status.[16] This restructuring separated the area from Bikaner's direct police and judicial oversight, establishing a dedicated district administration with Taranagar tehsil covering 1,825.6 square kilometers and 106 villages.[16] Settlement operations for its jagir lands were completed by 1956–57 for an initial 12-year term, later extended to 20 years until 1985, formalizing land revenue systems under the new state framework.[16] In its contemporary structure, Taranagar functions as the headquarters of Taranagar Tehsil within the Rajgarh subdivision of Churu district, Rajasthan, contributing to the district's seven tehsils overall.[1] A key political milestone was the establishment of the Taranagar Municipal Board in 1917 as a nominated body, transitioning to elected representation in 1952 before being placed under administrator control in 1967.[16] The tehsil also includes a Community Development Block since October 1962, supporting local governance across 106 villages.[16]Geography
Location and Topography
Taranagar is situated in Churu district, Rajasthan, India, at coordinates 28°40′8″N 75°2′26″E, approximately 28 miles south of Churu city.[3] It lies within the Thar Desert region, a vast arid expanse in northwestern India.[17] The town has an average elevation of 232 meters above sea level, contributing to its semi-arid character.[18] Topographically, Taranagar features flat arid plains typical of semi-arid Rajasthan, with sandy dunes and undulating terrain shaped by desert processes. The surrounding area includes 123 villages within the Taranagar tehsil, forming a dispersed rural landscape integrated with the desert ecosystem.[19]Climate and Environment
Taranagar experiences an extreme desert climate characteristic of the Thar Desert's influence, marked by significant temperature fluctuations and low precipitation. Summers, from April to June, are intensely hot, with average highs reaching 41°C (106°F) and occasionally exceeding 45°C, while winters from December to February bring cold conditions, with lows typically around 8°C (47°F) but dipping to near 0°C during cold waves.[20][21] Annual rainfall averages approximately 333 mm (13.1 inches), concentrated in the monsoon season from June to September, resulting in an arid to semi-arid regime that underscores the region's vulnerability to drought.[20] The local environment faces acute challenges from water scarcity, exacerbated by the low and erratic rainfall and high evaporation rates typical of the semi-arid zone. Groundwater depletion is a pressing issue, with overexploitation for agriculture and domestic use leading to declining water tables and saline intrusions in aquifers, prompting community reliance on rainwater harvesting initiatives.[22][23] Dust storms, known locally as "loo" winds, frequently occur during the pre-monsoon period, carrying fine sand and reducing visibility while contributing to soil erosion and respiratory health concerns.[24][25] Vegetation in Taranagar is predominantly semi-arid, dominated by drought-resistant xerophytes such as Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) and other scrub species adapted to the harsh conditions, with sparse herbaceous cover that supports limited biodiversity. The average elevation of 232 meters above sea level, combined with the flat topography, fosters a relatively uniform microclimate without significant altitudinal variations, allowing hot desert air masses to prevail across the area.[26][27]Demographics
Population Statistics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Taranagar tehsil had a total population of 211,831, comprising 179,191 residents in rural areas and 32,640 in the urban town of Taranagar.[28] Of this population, males accounted for 52% (110,098 individuals) and females 48% (101,733 individuals), yielding a sex ratio of 924 females per 1,000 males.[28] The age distribution indicated a relatively young demographic, with children under 6 years comprising approximately 14.6% of the total population (30,854 children, including 16,257 males and 14,597 females).[28] This child population reflected a child sex ratio of 896 females per 1,000 males in rural areas and 909 in urban areas.[28]| Demographic Indicator | Rural (179,191) | Urban (32,640) | Total (211,831) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males | 93,251 | 16,847 | 110,098 |
| Females | 85,940 | 15,793 | 101,733 |
| Sex Ratio (F/1000M) | 922 | 937 | 924 |
| Children (0-6) | 26,113 (14.6%) | 4,741 (14.5%) | 30,854 (14.6%) |