Jalna district is an administrative district in the Marathwada region of the state of Maharashtra in western India. The district headquarters is located in the town of Jalna. It forms part of the Aurangabad division and is known for its agricultural produce, seed industry, and steel re-rolling mills.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Region | Marathwada |
| Division | Aurangabad |
| Headquarters | Jalna |
| Formed | 1981 |
Overview
Jalna district lies in the north-central part of Maharashtra, surrounded by Aurangabad to the west, Buldhana to the north and north-east, Parbhani and Jalgaon to the east, and Beed to the south. The terrain is largely part of the Deccan plateau, with the Godavari river system influencing its drainage; the Dudhna and Purna are among the rivers that flow through parts of the district.
History
The area that constitutes present-day Jalna was historically part of the dominions of the Nizam of Hyderabad until the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948 following the police action known as Operation Polo. After the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, the Marathwada region became part of the bilingual Bombay State and, from 1 May 1960, of the newly formed state of Maharashtra.
Jalna district was carved out of Aurangabad district on 1 May 1981, when the erstwhile Jalna sub-division of Aurangabad was reconstituted as a separate district to improve administrative reach in the region.
Administration
The district is divided into several tehsils (talukas) for revenue administration, including Jalna, Badnapur, Bhokardan, Jafrabad, Partur, Mantha, Ambad, and Ghansawangi. Local self-government in rural areas is exercised through the Jalna Zilla Parishad, while the town of Jalna is administered by a municipal council.
Economy
The economy of Jalna district is predominantly agrarian. Major crops include cotton, jowar (sorghum), bajra, tur (pigeon pea), wheat, and oilseeds, with mosambi (sweet lime) cultivation being particularly associated with the district. Jalna town has emerged as one of the leading centres for hybrid seed production in India, hosting research and production operations of several seed companies. The town is also known for its steel re-rolling industry and is a notable trading hub for agricultural commodities.
Transport
Jalna is served by the Secunderabad–Manmad railway line of the South Central Railway, with Jalna Junction being the principal station. National Highway 753A and other state highways connect the district to Aurangabad, Nanded, and other major centres. A dry port has been developed in Jalna to facilitate cargo movement for the region's industries.
Demographics
Marathi is the principal language spoken in the district, with Urdu and Hindi also in use. The population is largely rural, although Jalna town and a few taluka headquarters have a significant urban presence.
Culture and places of interest
The district is dotted with forts, temples, and dargahs reflecting its layered history under the Yadavas, the Mughals, the Marathas, and the Nizams. Notable places include the shrines and old town of Jalna, the historical sites at Bhokardan (associated with ancient Satavahana-period remains), and various pilgrim centres in the rural talukas.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata entity: Q1804863