Agar, also spelt Agar Malwa, is a town and municipal council in the Malwa region of western Madhya Pradesh, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Agar Malwa district, which was carved out of the erstwhile Shajapur district in 2013, becoming the 51st district of the state.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Region | Malwa |
| District | Agar Malwa |
| Type of settlement | Town / Municipal council |
| District formed | 16 August 2013 |
| Languages | Hindi, Malvi |
Geography
Agar lies on the Malwa plateau in west-central Madhya Pradesh, on the road link between Ujjain and Jhalawar. The surrounding terrain is gently undulating black-soil country typical of the plateau, supporting rain-fed and irrigated agriculture. The town is connected by State Highway routes to Ujjain, Indore, Susner, Shajapur and Jhalawar in neighbouring Rajasthan.
Background and history
Agar was historically a cantonment and administrative centre during the colonial period, when it served as a station of the British Indian Army's Malwa Bhil Corps and later other units. The town gives its name to the present district. Until 2013, Agar was a tehsil within Shajapur district; following a long-standing local demand, the Government of Madhya Pradesh announced the creation of Agar Malwa district, with Agar as its headquarters.
Civic administration
Local civic administration is carried out by the Agar Nagar Palika (municipal council). The town also hosts district-level offices including the Collectorate, district court, and police superintendent's office that were established after the formation of Agar Malwa district.
Economy
The economy of Agar is primarily agrarian. Soybean, wheat, gram, coriander and oilseeds are among the principal crops cultivated in the surrounding district, and the town functions as a market and trading centre (mandi) for produce from nearby villages. Small-scale trade, retail, and government services form the bulk of urban employment.
Religion and culture
Agar is known for the Baijnath Mahadev temple, a Shiva shrine that is a significant local pilgrimage site. The town hosts annual fairs and festivals associated with the temple, drawing visitors from across the Malwa region. Malvi, a dialect of Hindi, is widely spoken alongside standard Hindi.
Transport
Agar is connected primarily by road. State highways link it to Ujjain, Indore, and Kota–Jhalawar in Rajasthan. The nearest major railway junctions are at Ujjain and Shajapur, and the nearest airport with scheduled services is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at Indore.
Significance
As the headquarters of Agar Malwa district, the town is the administrative, judicial and commercial focal point for the surrounding rural region. Its elevation to district headquarters in 2013 has accelerated urban growth and the establishment of public institutions in the town.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata entity: Q489236
- Government of Madhya Pradesh notifications on the formation of Agar Malwa district (2013).