Bhokardan

Bhokardan is a metropolis in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is one the oldest and historical cities in India. Bhokardn was a part of the Hyderabad state until it joined the India union in 1948.in 1960,it became a part of the newly formed state of Maharashtra from the bilingual Bombay state the ruins of the old fortifications are still visible around the city the area of the old fort now houses tehsil offices Bhokardn hasbeen identified by modern historians as the capitel of an ancient district raja Bhogavardhan

Etymology

According to legends, the name Bhokardan is derived from the name of king Bhogvardhan or Bhagdnath, who ruled this city in ancient time. Local legends consider this to be a capital city of Bhoumasura, a mythological demon, who was killed by Hindu god

During the excavations, traces of foundations, brick walls, floors, post-holes, fallen roofs and a ring well were discovered. The artifacts found from the site included punch-marked coins, copper coins of the Satavahanas and the Kshatrapas; a few terracotta bullae with legends in Greek; coin moulds and seals. About 2000 beads made of terracotta, glass, shell and semi-precious stones were also found. A large number of terracotta, iron, copper and ivory objects were found from the site.^[5] The other important items found at site compromised: scores of human and animal figurines; ivory and shell bangles; terracotta ear ornaments; saddle querns with Buddhist symbols and burnt grains which compromised wheat, Jowar, gram, ber and rice.

However, the most exquisite of all the find was the lower half of an ivory female figurine, carved in the round with two female attendants. It is reminiscent of the ivory statue of Hindu goddess found at ancient Roman town-city

During Satavahanas' period Bhokardan was a center for ivory artifacts, which were traded for other items. After the decline of the Satavahanas, Bhokardan lost its importance as a major trade center, leading to its downfall.[2] It seems to have been re-occupied only in medieval period.

The ivory female statue and number of other artifacts which were found during excavation are now preserved and displayed at the history museum, of department of History & Ancient Indian Culture, of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

Geography

Bhokardan is located at 20°16′N 75°46′E / 20.27°N 75.77°E / 20.27; 75.77.^[8] It has an average elevation of 587 metres (1925 feet). The old city lies on small hills on the south bank of Kelana river. Over the last few decades, city has expanded and continue to grow southwards, towards the road to Jalna.

Demographics

As of 2018^[update] India census,^[9] Bhokardan had a population of 70,416. Males constitute 35751 of the population and females 34665. Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 3767 which is 15.43% of total population of Bhokardan (M Cl). Female Sex Ratio is of 915 against state average of 929. Moreover, Child Sex Ratio in Bhokardan is around 859 compared to Maharashtra state average of 894. Literacy rate of Bhokardan city is 81.96% lower than state average of 82.34%. In Bhokardan, Male literacy is around 88.66% while female literacy rate is 74.72%.

Government

Bhokardan (constituency number 103) is one of the five

• 
  Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue in Bhokardan
• 
  Technology seminar for students in Bhokardan

See also

• Bhokardan (Vidhan Sabha constituency)

References