Sirohi district is an administrative district in the southwestern part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The district takes its name from its headquarters town, Sirohi, and lies on the slopes and southern edge of the Aravalli Range. It is best known for containing Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, and the celebrated Dilwara Jain temples.
Key facts
| State | Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sirohi |
| Region | Marwar / southwestern Rajasthan |
| Mountain range | Aravalli |
| Notable hill station | Mount Abu |
| Highest point in Rajasthan | Guru Shikhar (in Sirohi district) |
Geography
Sirohi district occupies the southwestern corner of Rajasthan and shares borders with the districts of Pali, Udaipur, Jalore and the state of Gujarat to the south. The terrain is dominated by the southern stretches of the Aravalli Range, including the Abu massif, which gives the district a more rugged and elevated profile than most other parts of Rajasthan. Guru Shikhar, situated within the district, is the highest peak of the Aravallis and of Rajasthan as a whole.
The district is drained by rivers such as the West Banas and the Sukri, which originate in the Aravalli hills. Climatic conditions vary noticeably between the plains and the higher elevations of Mount Abu, where summer temperatures are markedly cooler.
History
The region of Sirohi has a long history associated with the Deora Chauhan Rajputs, who established the princely state of Sirohi. The town of Sirohi was founded in the medieval period and served as the capital of the state. Through the colonial era, Sirohi was a princely state under the political agency of the British Raj in Rajputana.
After Indian independence in 1947, the princely state was integrated into the Indian Union. Following the formation of the United State of Rajasthan and subsequent reorganisations, Sirohi became one of the districts of the present-day state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu, which had been administered separately for some time, was eventually included within Sirohi district.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector and Magistrate, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service, supported by a Superintendent of Police for law and order. For revenue and development administration, Sirohi is divided into tehsils and panchayat samitis, with the town of Sirohi functioning as the district headquarters. Other important urban centres include Mount Abu, Pindwara, Sheoganj, Reodar and Abu Road.
Economy
The economy of Sirohi district is based on a mix of agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, small-scale industry and tourism. Wheat, maize, bajra and pulses are among the principal crops. The district is known for its indigenous goat breed, the Sirohi goat, valued for meat production and reared widely across western India. Mining of granite, marble and other building stones contributes significantly to local industry, particularly around Pindwara and Abu Road. Mount Abu attracts large numbers of domestic and international tourists, supporting hospitality and allied services.
Culture and religion
Sirohi is an important centre of Jain heritage. The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu, built between the 11th and 13th centuries by ministers of the Chaulukya rulers, are renowned for their intricate marble carvings and are among the most celebrated Jain pilgrimage sites in India. The district also contains numerous Hindu temples, including the Achaleshwar Mahadev temple near Mount Abu and the temple of Arbuda Devi. The annual summer festival at Mount Abu and various regional fairs are part of the local cultural calendar.
Transport
Abu Road is the principal railway junction serving the district and lies on the broad-gauge line between Delhi and Ahmedabad/Mumbai operated by Indian Railways. National Highway 27 (the east–west corridor) and other state highways connect Sirohi with neighbouring districts and with Gujarat. The nearest major airports are at Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
Significance
Sirohi district holds a distinct position in Rajasthan due to its hill terrain, the presence of Mount Abu and Guru Shikhar, its medieval Rajput and Jain heritage, and its role in stone mining and goat-rearing. It serves as a cultural and ecological transition zone between the Thar Desert region and the more humid landscapes of southern Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Related topics
- Mount Abu
- Dilwara Temples
- Guru Shikhar
- Aravalli Range
- Rajasthan
- Districts of Rajasthan
- Sirohi State
- Sirohi goat
References
- Wikidata entity: Q205719
- Government of Rajasthan, district administration portal for Sirohi.
- Census of India, district handbooks for Sirohi.