Overview
Mau district is an administrative district in the eastern part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The town of Mau, also called Maunath Bhanjan, serves as its headquarters. The district is part of the Azamgarh division and is known for its handloom and powerloom textile industry, particularly the weaving of saris.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Division | Azamgarh |
| Headquarters | Maunath Bhanjan (Mau) |
| Type | District |
| Region | Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh) |
Background
Mau district was carved out of the erstwhile Azamgarh district and constituted as a separate district in 1988. The town of Mau has a long association with weaving traditions, with communities of weavers historically producing cotton and silk textiles. The settlement's older name, Maunath Bhanjan, continues to be used in official and railway records.
Geography
The district lies in the alluvial plain of the middle Ganges basin. It is bounded by Ballia district to the east, Ghazipur district to the south, Azamgarh district to the west, and Gorakhpur and Deoria districts to the north. The river Ghaghara forms part of its northern boundary, and the Tons (Tamsa) flows through the district.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Magistrate. For revenue purposes, Mau is divided into tehsils including Sadar (Mau), Ghosi, Muhammadabad Gohna and Madhuban. It contains several development blocks and nagar palikas, with Maunath Bhanjan being the principal urban centre.
Constituencies
Mau forms part of the Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency. The district has multiple Vidhan Sabha (state assembly) constituencies, including Mau Sadar, Ghosi, Muhammadabad Gohna and Madhuban.
Economy
The economy of Mau is dominated by the textile sector. Maunath Bhanjan is one of the major weaving centres of Uttar Pradesh, with thousands of powerlooms and handlooms producing saris, lungis and dress materials. Agriculture remains the principal occupation in rural areas, with paddy, wheat, sugarcane and pulses being the main crops.
Transport
Mau is served by Mau Junction railway station on the North Eastern Railway. National Highway 31 (formerly NH 29) and other state highways connect the district with Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Azamgarh and Gorakhpur. The nearest major airports are at Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Mau district had a population of approximately 2.21 million. Hindi is the principal language, with Urdu and Bhojpuri also widely spoken. The district has a notable Muslim population, particularly in the weaving quarters of Mau town.
Culture and notable places
Mau is associated with several places of religious and historical interest, including temples, mosques, and the dargah associated with local Sufi traditions. The town has a long tradition of Urdu literature and qawwali. Ghosi, in the district, is historically significant and gives its name to the parliamentary constituency.
Related topics
- Uttar Pradesh
- Azamgarh division
- Azamgarh district
- Ballia district
- Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency
- Purvanchal
- Handloom industry in India
References
- Wikidata: Q1518847
- Census of India, 2011 — District Census Handbook, Mau
- Government of Uttar Pradesh — Official district portal