Nuh district, formerly known as Mewat district, is an administrative district in the southern part of the Indian state of Haryana. It is part of the Mewat region, a culturally distinct area extending across parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and is largely inhabited by the Meo community. The district headquarters is located at the town of Nuh.
Key facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Haryana |
| Headquarters | Nuh |
| Region | Mewat |
| Former name | Mewat district |
| Division | Gurugram division |
Geography
Nuh district lies in the southern stretch of Haryana, bordering the National Capital Region. It is bounded by Gurugram district to the north, Palwal district to the east, and the state of Rajasthan to the south and west, with parts of Alwar and Bharatpur districts adjoining its boundaries. The terrain features the low Aravalli ridges interspersed with agricultural plains, and the area is generally semi-arid with limited groundwater resources.
Administration
The district is divided into several tehsils and sub-tehsils, including Nuh, Ferozepur Jhirka, Punhana, Taoru and Nagina. Major towns within the district include Nuh, Taoru, Punhana and Ferozepur Jhirka. Administratively, the district falls under the Gurugram division.
History
The district was created on 4 April 2005 by carving out areas from Gurgaon (now Gurugram) and Faridabad districts, and was originally named Mewat district. It was later renamed Nuh district by the Government of Haryana, with the district headquarters retaining the same town. The Mewat region has a long history associated with the Meo community, whose social and cultural identity has shaped the area over several centuries.
Demographics
The population of Nuh is predominantly rural and agrarian. The Meo Muslim community forms the largest demographic group, giving the district a distinct cultural profile within Haryana. The district has historically reported lower literacy rates and human development indicators compared with most other districts in the state, and has been the focus of various government development schemes including those identified under the central government's Aspirational Districts Programme.
Economy
Agriculture is the principal source of livelihood, with crops such as bajra, mustard, wheat and pulses cultivated in the district. Animal husbandry, particularly dairying, is also significant. Proximity to the Delhi–Mumbai industrial corridor and the Kundli–Manesar–Palwal Expressway has brought industrial and infrastructural development to parts of the district, especially around Taoru and the IMT Sohna belt nearby.
Culture
Nuh is the cultural heartland of Mewat. Folk traditions of the Meo community, including the oral epic narratives known as pahelis and the genealogical bardic tradition of the Mirasis, are notable cultural features. Local fairs, shrines and dargahs draw visitors, and the district is known for sites such as the historic stepwell and tomb complexes around Nuh town and the hills of Ferozepur Jhirka.
Transport
The district is connected by National Highway 248A and other state highways, linking it with Gurugram, Alwar and Faridabad. The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway passes through parts of the district, improving connectivity to major economic centres.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata entry: Q2216696
- Government of Haryana, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management.
- Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.