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Tosham
Tosham
from Wikipedia

Tosham is a town and a Gram Panchayat on the foot of Tosham Hill range in Bhiwani district in the Indian state of Haryana. It is in the foothills of Tosham hill range of Aravali Mountain Range.[citation needed]

Key Information

History

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Early and medieval history

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Tosham was under Gupta rule in the 4th Century as per the inscription. The history of Tosham dates back to at least the 4th century, as evident by the Sanskrit language Tosham rock inscription at Tosham hill. Later it came under Tomar during the rule of Anangpal Tomar and then Chauhan Rajput rulers during the rule of Prithviraj Chauhan who built the Baradari, before falling into the hands of Delhi Sultanates, Mughal Empire, Shekhawati and British Raj. Pre-Indus Valley Civilization mine, smelt and houses have been found at Khanak hills of Tosham Hill range[1]

Demographics

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As of 2001 India census,[2] Tosham had a population of 11,271. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Tosham has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 72%, and female literacy is 54%. In Tosham, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Geography

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Tosham is located at 28°53′N 75°55′E / 28.88°N 75.92°E / 28.88; 75.92. It has an average elevation of 207 metres (679 feet).

There are ruins of a medieval fort wall on top of Tosham hill, said to be from the times of Prithviraj Chauhan major part of which was destroyed in 1982 when an aircraft crashed on the fort.[3][4]

Tosham rock inscription

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Tosham rock

Tosham rock inscription, dating from 4th to 5th century, is an epigraph documenting the establishment of a monastery.[5] The Toshām rock inscription is an epigraphic record documenting the establishment of a monastery and the building of water tanks for followers of the Sātvata religion. Found in Tosham, Haryana (India), It is not dated but can be assigned to the early fifth century CE. The inscription records the lineage and building activities of a line of Sātvata religious preceptors (ācārya) dating to the 4th and 5th centuries CE. This is an important record for the history of the Vaiṣṇava faith. The kinship and clan position of the Sātvatas is described in the article on the Yadavas. It does not appear to have been as yet satisfactorily translated. It seems to refer to a Scythian king Tushara who appears to have conquered the Gupta Galotkacha who reigned from about A. D. 50 to A. D. 79 and is referred to in the inscription. There appears to be evidence to show that the Tosham hill was a monastery of Buddhist monks or Bhikshus. The date of the inscription is said to be A. D. 162–224.[5]

Tosham rock paintings

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In 2013, rudimentary rock paintings (supposedly circa 5th century CE) at the site of Tosham rock inscription were discovered. These rock painting included several figures, such as a royal family, a saint, and dinosaur-like creature.[6]

Vaman statue

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Tosham Vaman statue, a 1,000 years old 60 kg carved red stone statue dating back to 8th to 10 century, of Vaman incarnation of Hindu deity Vishnu was found atop Tosham hill in January 2018 while policemen protecting the Haryana Police wireless repeater antennae system were clearing the rubble to clean the water tank there.[3] [7] In March 2018, this statue was relocated to the Jahaj Kothi Zonal Museum at Hisar.[4]

Male statue

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In October 2021, another late-Medieval era male stone statue was also found, suggesting continuous cultural layering and usage of the hill for centuries.[8]

Scepture statue

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A fragment of intriguing carved stone with amalka/kalash motifs was found, which could either be temple pinnacle, or possibly the top of a deity’s sceptre—maybe of Vishnu—given its structural form.

Sacred Sulphur Ponds of Tosham Hill

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There are several ponds on Tosham Hill inside the caves, namely Pandu Teerth Kund, Surya Kund, Kukkar Kund, Gyarasia/Vyas Kund, and a reservoir or a small tank on the summit of the hill to store rainwater. Water in these kunds (ponds) in various caverns contain sulfur which is considered sacred by the devotees and pilgrimages as it heals skin diseases.[9]

Interesting infrastructure

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Police Telecomm Tower

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Haryana Police has wireless repeater antennae in three locations, at Tosham Hill range in Bhiwani district, Takdi hill in Rewari district, and at Sarahan hill in Himachal Pradesh. Police HQ uses Sarahan tower to transmit signals to Tosham Hill. Tosham Hill tower boosts and sends the signal to Takdi Hill. Tosham Hill tower covers the area of the signal of Bhiwani, Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Rohtak, and Jhajjhar District Police Headquarters. Take Hill tower covers the Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, Nuh, Rewari, Narnaul and Haryana Bhawan Delhi.[3]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tosham is a town, tehsil, and sub-division in of , , located at the foothills of the Tosham Hill range, which rises to about 207 meters (679 feet) and features archaeological sites dating back to the period around 2400 BCE. The area is historically significant for its Indus Valley Civilization remnants, including ancient mines, sites, and houses discovered at Khanak hills within the Tosham range through archaeological surveys and excavations, including at nearby (1968–1973 and 1980–1986) and Khanak (2014–2016). Its ancient heritage is further evidenced by a rock inscription on Tosham Hill from the 4th–5th century CE during the , attesting to early rule and religious practices such as Satvata and , with remnants of a . The Tosham Hill is a prominent and cultural site, hosting rock-cut temples like the Panch Teerth complex dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, the Baba Mungipa Mandir, and sacred sulphur ponds including Pandu Tirath, Surya Kund, and Kukkar Kund, which attract devotees for their purported healing properties. Medieval includes the ruins of a fort attributed to , underscoring Tosham's strategic importance along ancient trade and invasion routes. As of the 2011 census, with a of approximately 15,559, the town remains predominantly agrarian, while its historical and natural features draw tourists and researchers interested in Haryana's archaeological legacy.

History

Ancient history

The Tosham Hill range, part of the Aravalli , represents a volcanic remnant dating to approximately 732 Ma BP, characterized by a structure formed during the Malani Igneous Suite event. This , comprising acid volcano-plutonic rocks across isolated hills like Tosham, Khanak, and Riwasa, provided mineral resources that likely attracted early due to its prominent and exploitable deposits. The ring complex's sub-volcanic features, including rhyolites and granites, created a natural hub for prehistoric activities in the region. Archaeological evidence from the Khanak site in the Tosham mining area indicates human activity predating the Indus Valley Civilization, with traces of metallurgical operations linked to the nearby Ganeshwar-Jodhpura complex of the 4th-3rd millennium BCE. Excavations have uncovered tin slag, furnaces, crucibles, and poly-metallic ores, suggesting ancient extraction of tin (as ), copper, and associated in the Tosham Hill range. Artifacts such as copper hoards from nearby and , containing up to 2.68% tin, point to local sourcing and processing of these minerals for production during pre-Harappan phases. These findings, spanning from at least 3000 BCE, highlight Tosham's role as an early center in northwest . During the 4th-5th century CE, under Gupta Empire rule, the region saw the establishment of religious and infrastructural developments as recorded in the Tosham rock inscription. This Sanskrit epigraph, engraved on a rock face atop Tosham Hill, details the dedication of a pond and residence for a Sātvata (Vishnu-worshipping) monastic community, along with water tanks to support devotees in the arid landscape. The inscription, dedicated by the teacher Somatrāta of a Vaishnava lineage, reflects patronage for Vaishnava institutions and hydraulic works. Remnants of a Buddhist monastery have also been identified on Tosham Hill, indicating coexisting religious practices during this period. Associated with the inscription site are 5th-century rock paintings discovered in 2013, depicting royal figures, saints, and distinctive motifs including a dinosaur-like creature. These rudimentary artworks, executed in natural pigments on the hill's rock surfaces, provide insights into early medieval artistic expressions and possibly mythological or observational themes in the local cultural milieu.

Medieval and modern history

During the medieval period, Tosham came under the influence of the Tomar dynasty, particularly during the rule of in the , as part of the broader control over and regions. This was followed by the Chauhan dynasty, with exerting authority over the area in the , during which a fort was established on Tosham Hill to serve as a strategic outpost. The fort's ruins, dating to this early medieval era, provided defensive capabilities amid regional conflicts. Subsequent control shifted to the in the 13th century, when Tosham was incorporated into the Hisar Sarkar under Firoz Shah Tughlaq, forming one of 27 in the . This structure persisted through the reigns of and into the , where under (1556–1605), Hisar became a key revenue headquarters, and Tosham functioned as a with local focused on taxation and . By the , the region saw the rise of , with Tosham granted as a thikana (estate) under their confederacy, linking it to the semi-autonomous principalities bordering and . Under from the early , Tosham was integrated into the Punjab province after the defeat of local warlords like George Thomas in 1801, and later divided into parganas including Tosham for revenue collection. Local resistance peaked during the 1857 uprising, when revolutionaries from nearby Jamalpur attacked the Tosham on September 25, killing officials such as Nand Lal, thanedar Piyare Lal, and kanungo Khazan Singh, while looting the in a broader regional revolt against colonial rule. The fort ruins on Tosham Hill sustained significant damage in 1982 due to an aircraft crash, which impacted much of the remaining structure. Post-independence, Tosham was part of the newly formed state in 1966, carved from , and administratively placed within . It initially served as a sub-division before being elevated to status, enhancing local governance and development in areas like agriculture and infrastructure. Recent administrative expansions have solidified its role as one of Bhiwani's five , supporting regional connectivity and economic growth.

Geography

Location and environment

Tosham is situated in the of , , at the foothills of the , with geographic coordinates approximately 28°53′N 75°55′E and an elevation of 207 meters above sea level. The region experiences a characterized by hot summers reaching up to 45°C and cold winters dropping to as low as 2°C, with average annual rainfall of about 483 mm, primarily occurring during the months of and . Tosham is surrounded by nearby villages such as Khanak and Riwasa, within the Tosham , and features predominantly arid brown and tropical arid brown soils, interspersed with loamy and sandy types that support local . The area forms part of the Northern Aravalli , a vital 200 km link facilitating movement and habitat connectivity across . Water scarcity poses a significant environmental challenge in Tosham, exacerbated by over-extraction of groundwater and limited rainfall, prompting conservation efforts such as community-led pond rejuvenation and rainwater harvesting initiatives in villages like Bajina.

Tosham Hill range

The Tosham Hill range comprises a series of isolated hills and outcrops, including prominent features at Tosham, Khanak, Riwasa, Nigana, Dulehri, Dadam, Mundhal, and Beri, collectively forming part of the ancient Tusham Ring Complex in northwestern India. This range represents remnants of an extinct volcano, characterized by ring structures and cauldron subsidences resulting from explosive volcanic activity. The geological composition primarily consists of acid volcanics such as rhyolite, welded tuff, felsite, ash beds, and quartz porphyry, intruded by comagmatic high-level granite porphyries and muscovite-biotite granites. These rocks form an elliptical quartz porphyry ring dyke with sharp contacts, marking the ring fracture of the volcanic system. The entire formation belongs to the Neoproterozoic Malani igneous suite, dated to approximately 750 million years before present, and reflects anorogenic, A-type magmatism within the Trans-Aravalli Block. The range exhibits an average elevation of 207 meters, with the highest point located at Khanak hill. Ecologically, the Tosham Hill range functions as a key habitat within the Northern Aravalli , a 200 km-long pathway connecting forested areas from Sariska to and supporting wildlife movement across and . This corridor is vital for the conservation of Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca), which inhabit the rocky and scrub-dominated landscapes of the range. Native flora includes drought-resistant such as dhok trees (Anogeissus pendula), which dominate the dry forests and provide essential cover and forage, alongside and neem. The extends to various bird adapted to the arid , contributing to the region's overall avian diversity within the Aravalli ecosystem. Conservation efforts in the area emphasize protecting this corridor from fragmentation to maintain connectivity for leopards and other , underscoring the range's role in broader Aravalli preservation.

Demographics and society

Population and demographics

As of the , the of Tosham town stood at 15,559, consisting of 8,207 males and 7,352 females, yielding a of 896 females per 1,000 males. The overall rate was 79.03%, with males at 85.97% and females at 71.35%. aged 0-6 years made up 13.03% of the town's , totaling 2,027 individuals, with a of 855. Scheduled Castes comprised 27.23% of the (4,237 persons), while Scheduled Tribes were absent. At the tehsil level, recorded a total population of 191,466 in , including 101,355 males and 90,111 females, for a of 889 females per 1,000 males. Of this, 8.1% (15,559) resided in urban areas like Tosham town, while 91.9% (175,907) lived in rural settings. Between 2001 and , Tosham town's population increased from 11,272 to 15,559, reflecting a decadal growth rate of 38%. The tehsil as a whole grew from 162,484 to 191,466, a decadal increase of 17.9%. These rates outpaced the district average of 14.70% for during the same period. (Data as per the 2011 Census, the latest available; the 2021 Census is delayed until 2027.) Population trends indicate sustained growth, with projections estimating 1,863,267 residents by 2025, suggesting Tosham could reach approximately 218,000 based on its 2011 proportional share. Rural youth from Tosham commonly migrate to nearby urban hubs like for better employment prospects in industry and services.
Demographic IndicatorTosham Town (2011)Tosham Tehsil (2011)
Total Population15,559191,466
Males8,207101,355
Females7,35290,111
(per 1,000 males)896889
Rate (%)79.0371.7*
Children (0-6) %13.0313.6*
Scheduled Castes %27.2324.1*
*Tehsil-level aggregates derived from district census handbook data.

Culture and language

The residents of Tosham predominantly follow , with over 98% of the population in the Tosham adhering to the faith according to the 2011 data. Local religious practices center around devotion at sites like the Baba Mungipa Temple, a revered shrine situated on the Tosham Hill, drawing devotees for its spiritual significance in the community's daily life and rituals. The linguistic landscape of Tosham reflects its position in western , where the Bagri dialect—a variant of Rajasthani spoken in the Bagar region—prevails among locals, alongside the broader Haryanvi dialect of . serves as the of the state, with English used in administrative and educational contexts. Cultural life in Tosham is enriched by traditional Haryanvi and dances, such as energetic performances accompanied by instruments like the and algoza, often featured during community gatherings. Local fairs at religious sites, including those honoring deities like Baba Mungipa, serve as key events for social bonding and cultural expression. emphasizes rustic, millet-based preparations, with bajra () forming the staple in dishes like bajra khichdi and rotis, reflecting the agrarian heritage of the area. Socially, Tosham's structure is dominated by the Jat community, which forms the majority and influences local customs, land ownership, and political dynamics, with cultural ties extending to neighboring through shared dialects and traditions.

Economy

Agriculture and industry

forms the backbone of Tosham's economy, with approximately 70% of the local engaged in farming and allied activities, reflecting the broader pattern in and state. The primary crops include and mustard during the rabi season, alongside bajra and pulses in the kharif season, suited to the semi-arid conditions of the . relies on a combination of canal networks, such as the Western and Bhakra systems, and local kunds (traditional ponds), supplemented by tubewells amid persistent water constraints. The soils in Tosham are predominantly sandy and loamy, adapted to arid farming practices that emphasize , including techniques like drip and sprinkler systems to combat low rainfall and issues prevalent in the Tosham block. Farmers employ methods such as zero-tillage and land leveling to enhance retention and reduce , promoting sustainable yields in this drought-prone area. Industrial activity in Tosham remains limited to small-scale operations, with stone quarrying and crushing dominating due to the abundance of resources in the Tosham Hill range; numerous units operate in the vicinity, supplying construction materials regionally. Agro-processing is nascent, focusing on basic handling of local produce like extraction, while the absence of large factories underscores reliance on . Proximity to the industrial area provides some spillover opportunities in ancillary services. Economically, Tosham aligns with Haryana's per capita income of approximately ₹3.53 lakh as of 2024-25 (advance estimates), though rural challenges like acute water scarcity—exacerbated by overexploitation of groundwater and declining water tables—constrain productivity and farmer incomes.

Infrastructure and transport

Tosham is well-connected by road to nearby cities, with the Major District Road 108 (MDR 108) linking it directly to Bhiwani, approximately 25 km to the east, and Hisar, about 55 km to the north. The National Highway 152 (NH-152) runs nearby through the Hisar region, facilitating broader access to Rajasthan and other parts of Haryana. Local transportation is supported by Haryana Roadways bus services, which operate regular routes from Tosham Bus Stand to Bhiwani, Hisar, and Delhi, with departures starting as early as 4:20 AM for long-distance travel. Electricity supply in Tosham is managed by the (DHBVN), drawing from the state grid and supplemented by local generation, such as a 24 MW grid-connected plant that feeds into the Haryana Power Purchase Centre. Water supply faces challenges due to depletion and high levels in rural areas of the Tosham subdivision, leading to reliance on canal systems that often experience shortages, particularly in during dry seasons. has seen statewide improvements under initiatives like , with rural achieving 100% access to improved facilities as of 2023, though Tosham-specific data aligns with this trend through government efforts in toilet construction and . Communication infrastructure benefits from the Haryana Police's wireless repeater antenna on Tosham Hill, which enhances signal transmission across multiple districts including , , Hisar, Fatehabad, , , , and . Mobile coverage is provided by major telecom operators, with services available through local providers offering plans and , supported by the state's policy on telecom infrastructure. Healthcare facilities include the Community Health Centre (CHC) Tosham, a unit offering general medical services, maternity care, and emergency treatment, staffed under the Health Department. Additional private options, such as multispecialty hospitals and nursing homes, provide specialized care like trauma and pediatric services. Education infrastructure encompasses government and private institutions up to the senior secondary level, including the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, and higher education at Government College for Women Tosham and Banwari Lal Jindal Suiwala College, focusing on , , , and vocational programs.

Tourist attractions

Archaeological sites

Tosham's archaeological significance is underscored by the Tosham rock inscription, a 4th- to 5th-century epigraph carved on a smooth rock face high above the town, documenting the establishment of a Vaishnava and the construction of water tanks by a devotee named Somatrata for the benefit of Satvata (Vaishnava) followers. The inscription, engraved in , begins with a to and details the donor's contributions to support religious practices, highlighting the early spread of in the region during the period. Its historical importance lies in providing evidence of organized monastic life and water management infrastructure in ancient , reflecting socio-religious developments under Gupta influence. In , archaeologists discovered a series of 5th-century rock paintings on the Tosham hills, depicting a rare dinosaur-like figure, royal processions, ascetic saints, and symbolic motifs such as animals and geometric patterns, executed in red ochre pigment on sheltered rock surfaces. These paintings, among the earliest known in the Aravalli region, offer insights into contemporary artistic traditions and possibly royal patronage, with one notable panel including an inscription that links it to the site's epigraphic history. Conservation efforts by the Archaeology Department involve documentation and protection from natural weathering, though the site's exposure to environmental factors continues to pose challenges for long-term preservation. Significant sculptural finds include an 8th- to 10th-century red sandstone of , Vishnu's dwarf avatar, weighing approximately 60 kg, unearthed in 2018 atop a hill in the Tosham area; the artifact, featuring detailed such as a conical headdress and ritual posture, was transferred to the Jahaj Kothi Zonal Museum in Hisar for safekeeping and study. In 2021, a late-medieval stone depicting a male figure, likely from the 12th to , was discovered on Tosham hill, characterized by stylized attire and posture suggestive of a local chieftain or deity attendant, now under examination by state archaeologists. Other notable sites encompass the ruins of a medieval fort on Tosham hill, attributed to the 12th-century era of , with remnants of defensive walls and gateways that were damaged in 1982 by an aircraft crash. Excavations at nearby Khanak integrate evidence of Indus Valley Civilization activities, including tin ore extraction and furnaces dating to around 2500 BCE, illustrating Tosham's role in prehistoric within the Aravalli ranges.

Religious and natural sites

The sacred sulphur ponds on Tosham Hill, including Teerth Kund and Kund, are revered for their mineral-rich waters, which contain high levels of sulphur believed to offer therapeutic benefits for ailments through bathing rituals. These natural pools attract pilgrims and visitors seeking both spiritual purification and health improvements, with the sulphur content derived from the underlying geological structure of the . The Panch Teerth complex consists of rock-cut Jain temples dedicated to various Tirthankaras, located on Tosham Hill and serving as an important pilgrimage site for Jains, featuring intricate carvings and serene caves that draw devotees and tourists alike. Prominent among the religious landmarks is the Baba Mungipa temple, situated at an elevation of approximately 200 feet on the 800-foot-high hill, serving as a central pilgrimage site steeped in local devotion and drawing crowds for its serene ambiance and spiritual legacy. Annual fairs at the temple enhance its importance, fostering community gatherings and reinforcing its role in regional religious traditions. Tosham Hill features accessible trails ideal for , offering panoramic views and opportunities to observe the area's within the Aravalli leopard , which supports diverse and adapted to the semi-arid . Plans for eco-tourism initiatives, including enhanced nature walks, aim to promote sustainable visitation while highlighting the hill's ecological value. Conservation measures, led by the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority, focus on rejuvenating the sulphur ponds through restoration, peripheral greening, and regulation of visitor access to prevent ecological degradation from overuse and . These efforts extend to broader hill ecology protection, aligning with state initiatives to preserve Aravalli amid anthropogenic pressures.

References

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