Morena

About:

Morena District is a district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.Morena Name is derived from the mor + raina means the place where peacock is enormously found. The district is part of Chambal Division. The town of Morena is the district and divisional headquarters. The district has a widely dispersed population of about 1,500,000 as of 2001. The town is mostly farmland, and trains are a popular form of transportation, although they connect only about 15% of the villages within Morena. Morena is famous for its mustard production.

Morena is an administrative district of Madhya Pradesh, located in the northern part of the state. It forms a part of Chambal division. The district and divisional headquarters are located at Morena town. Chambal which originates in Indore forms the north-western boundary of Madhya Pradesh with Rajasthan.Agriculture is the main source of occupation with mustard and wheat being the most important agricultural products.

Morena has great potential as a tourist destination and one can find many places of interest to visit. The National Chambal Sanctuary, the Fort of Sabalgarh and Kutwar are few examples of such exciting spots. Morena is one of the northern most districts of Madhya Pradesh and part of the great Chambal area. With Morena town as the headquarters, the district has a total area of 4998.78 square kilometers and a population of 1279.09 thousands.

Location info:

History of Morena

Most of present-day Morena District formed Tonwarghar District of the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior. After India's independence in 1947, the princely states acceded to the Government of India, and Morena District acquired its present boundaries with the addition of the princely state of Pahargarh in the south of the district. Morena District became part of the new state of Madhya Bharat, which was merged into Madhya Pradesh in 1956.

Educational Institutions in Morena:

Under Graduate Degree Colleges in Morena, Madhya Pradesh:

Narendra Dev College, Morena

Ganesh College, Morena

Shivshankar College, Morena

Government Nehru College, Morena

Government College, Seopurkalan, Morena

Rishigalav College, Morena

Government Girls College, Morena

Government College, Morena

Law Collegesin Morena, Madhya Pradeshoffering Legal Education including Civil Law, Criminal Law, Business Law, Forensic Law etc. and courses such as Bachelor of Law (BL), Master of Law (ML) etc:

Government PG College, Morena

Post Graduate Colleges in Morena offering Post Graduate Degree coures such as MA/MSc/MCom/MBA/MCA etc. in the region. Generally, post graduate colleges in this region will be affiliated with the regional University:

Government PG College, Morena

Ambha PG College, Morena

Langauges:

Culture:

The district is drained by the important rivers like Chambal, Kunwari, Asan and Sank. The Chambal which originates in the Indore district forms the north-western boundary of Madhya Pradesh with Rajasthan.

A wild river, broken hills , deep ravines and to top it all the violent legends of man and beast. Welcome to the Chambal. A rugged, raw, untamed, wilderness right in the heart of India.

Flowing through the length of 435 kms. National Chambal Sanctuary is in three states of M.P. , U.P., and Rajasthan. The river Chambal is one of the country's most beautiful and least polluted river systems.

About 50 percent of the total geographical area is available for cultivation. About 58.74 percent of the cultivable area in the district is irrigated. Canal is the major source of irrigation which accounts for 42.94 percent of the total irrigated area. Wheat is the most important food grain grown in the district. Mustard is the most important oil seed grown in the district. Major kharif crop is Bazra.

On the whole Morena district with rich agricultural tract, is in the stage of development. The topography is also gradually changing with the reclamation of ravines for agricultural purpose, through the Chambal Ayacut Development Project. The dubious diction of Morena being region of dacoits, since dacoits have been part of the life in the district, is gradually fading. It is hoped that with the pace of agricultural and Irrigation are taking place Morena will be one of the highly proific , developed & prosperous district of the State in due course of time.

In Morena district there is a District hospital which has all the major medical facilty , 1 civil hospital in Ambah, 1 civil dispensary in Morena, 4 Samudayic Swastha Kendra, 18 Primary Health Centre,s, 196 sub health centre, 12 private nursing Home and 1 civil dispensary. The total number of doctors working in various hospitals in Morena district are 90 and the total no. of beds in various hospitals are 464.

67 small scale working industries are operational in the Industrial development Centre Banmore of Morena district. 23 small scale working industries are operational elsewhere in the district. 8 medium & 3 large scale industries are also operational in Industrial development Centre Banmore. There are 2 exports units.

How to reach Morena?

Nearest Railway Station:

Morena is located on the main trunk broad gauge railway route of central railway joining Delhi-Madras, Delhi-Bombay via Bhopal.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest Aerodrome from Morena headquarters of the Chambal division is Gwalior which is at a distance of 46 kms. from Morena. Morena, the headquarters of the Chambal division stands at the Agra-Bombay National Highway between Gwalior and Agra.

Road Transport:

Morena, stands at the Agra-Mumbai National Highway between Gwalior and Agra.

Tourist Attraction of Morena:

Morena is situated in the Chambal valley. Distt. Morena has a few archeological spots with some monuments from the Mahabharat era to the medieval age. These monuments are the part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the places are as follows :

Sihoniya (The capital of the Kachwahas), Pahadgarh (Cave paintings in the cave shelters), Kutwar Likhichha, Padawali (Gupta Period), Nareshwar-Norar, Mitawali Nurabad (The Monuments of Mughal Period), The Fort of Sabalgarh, National Chambal Sanctuary.

Kakan Math Temple, Sihoniya, Kuntalpur Kutwar, Padawali (Gupta Period), Bateshwar (Pratihar Period), Mitawali Chausath Yogini Temple, Nareshwar (Pratihar Period), Nurabad Mughal Monuments, Dubkund Kacchap Ghat.

Sihonia (the capital of the Kachwahas)

Sas-Bahu Abhilekh reflects that Suhoniya known as Sihoniya today was the capital of Kushwahas. The Kachwaha kingdom was established in the 11th century between 1015 to 1035 A.D. The Kachwaha king Kirtiraj got a "Shiv Temple erected at Sihoniya. This temple is known as the "Kakan Math" It stand on a spot two miles away from Sihoniya in the north west of Distt. Morena. It is said that Kakanmath was built by king KirtiRaj to fulfill the will of Queen Kakanwati. It is 115 ft. high and is built in the Kajurho style.

Jain Temples :

Sihoniya is a holy place of the Jains. In the east of the village, there are the ruins of the Jain temples of the 11th century A.D. In these temples there are statues of the Tirthankars such as Shantinath, Kunthnath, Arahanath, Adinath, Parshvnath and others. The main temple has three statues : Shantinath, Kunthnath and Arhanath of 10 to 15 ft. in height. They are of 11th century A.D.

Kutwar

Kuntalpur known as Kutwar is the biggest ancient village of the Chambal valley. It is just like Hastinapur, Rajgraha and Chadi of the Mahabharat period. The ancient Amba or 'Harrisiddhi Devi' temple and a crescent shaped Dam erected on the river Asan are the beautiful visiting spots of Kutwar.

Padawali (Gupta Period)

After Naga period, the Gupta empire was established in this area. The 'Gotra' of the emperors of the Gupta dynasty was 'Charan'. 'Gharon' village was inhabited near modern Padawali. Around Gharon there are the ruins of several temples, houses and colonies. This new area of population is known as Padawali because it is surrounded by several hills. Here was a magnificent ancient Vishnu Temple which was later converted into a big 'Garhi'. The terrace, the courtyard and the assembly hall of this temple are the 'epitome' of ancient culture. The standing statue of a Lion on the ruined gate seems to say that there was a time when he used to watch the temple with his companion at its gate. More than fifty monuments of different kinds can be seen at Padawali up to the valley of Bhuteshwar.

Mitawali

In the north of Naresar, there is a sixty four Yogini temple situated on the hundred feet high mountain. It is a wonderful circular construction of 170 feet radius on the style of Delhi's parliament house. Attached to circular verandah there are sixty four rooms and a big courtyard in the temple. In the centre of the temple there is the circular temple of Lord Shiva.

Pahargarh (Cave Paintings in the cave Shelters)

Twelve miles away from Pahargarh in the south east there is a chain of 86 caves and cave shelters. They are said to be contemporary of cave shelters of 'Bhim Baitka' of Bhopal. In the beginning of civilisation people got shelter in these caves. Seeing the scene of men and women, birds and animals, hunting and dancing in the cave paintings it appears as if human art flourished in the valley of Chambal in the pre historic period and it searched undiminishing colours for its expression.

Likhichhaj

Amongst many cave shelters on the banks of river Asan there is Likhichhaj which has remained a centre of attraction for a very long period. Likhichhaj means a hill bending onward like a balcony. In its natural pillarless verandah there are many pictures drawn in the mixed colours of geru and khariya. Neechta, Kundighat, Baradeh, Ranideh, Khajura, Keetya, Siddhawali and Hawamahal are other worth visiting caves or cave shelters.

Nareshwar-Norar

Jaleshwar of 8 th to 12th century is Norar of today. Here many temples were built. Out of them twenty one temples are still standing on three sides of the mountain. In them Jhankies in the style of pratihar Nagar, and rapid have been exhibited. On the mountain there is a rare tank with stairs which supplies water to all of them. The tank has been made by cutting out the rocks of the mountain. There are some statues of different deities.

Nurabad (The Monuments of Mughal Period)

In 1527 A.D. this area came under the control of mughal emperor Babar. Noorabad was founded in the times of Jahangir, the grandson of Babar. The ‘Phizi Saraya‘ in the name of ‘Saraya Chhola‘ and the bridge over the river Kuwari near Piparsa were built by Motimad Khan the sardar of Aurangzeb in the mughal period. The fort like the saray of Noorabad the bridge over the Sank with minerates and the artistic tomb of Gona Begum, the widow of Gyasuddin, the wagir of Alamgir constructed behind the saray are worth visiting. They were famous for their beauty and poetic expression.

The Fort Of Sabalgarh

Amongst the monuments of the medieval age the fort of sabalgarh is worth visiting. The beautiful ‘Bandh’ built behind the fort in the Scindia period has made the whole scene most fascinating. The foundation of Sabalgarh was laid by a ‘Gujar’ named Sabla in the past. Construction of the fort on a somewhat high cliff was made by Gopal Singh, the Raja of Karoli. Sikandar Lodhi sent a big army to hold control over this strongly built fort. The Marathas in their campaign of northern India again won it and gave it back to the king of Karoli. But in the year 1795 A.D. it was again snatched away from him by Khande Rao whose big house still stands there. During the regime of Lord Vallejali Daulat Rao Scindia (1764-1837) lived in this fort of

Gwalior. It was seized by the English in the year 1804-5. In 1809 the area around this fort was added in the kingdom of Scindia.

National Chambal Sanctuary

The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem, complete with its varied flora and avifauna. With its headquarters at Morena, M.P., the Chambal river which is mainstay for the entire wildlife of the sanctuary harbours a variety of aquatic life like the elusive Ganges River Dolphin, Crocodile ( Muggar), Gharial ( Gavelia Gangeticus ), Freshwater Turtles, River Otters and a various species of fishes. All of which can quite easily be seen by tourists within the sanctuary area, especially in the middle reaches in the downside of Rajghat Bridge on National Highway No. 3.

The Crocodile Centre at Deori, Morena nearby is the only one of its kind in the entire state of Madhya Pradesh and has recently been opened to public. The centre helps breed and rehabilitate Crocodiles and Gharials in the Chambal. The river boasts of a population of over 200 Crocodiles and 1600 Gharials. Active efforts are now to protect the Ganges River Dolphins.

The rare Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica), the sole member of the Cetaceans group is one of the main attraction of the sanctuary. So called the queen of Chambal, the Dolphins inspite of being blind can be seen pursuing their playful antics in the water while coming out to breathe for air. The Chambal sanctuary is one of their safest breeding areas. And one has to really lucky to sight one while cruising in the Chambal.

The surrounding environs of the river are a true bird watchers delight. During the season (November-March) one can see thousands of migratory and resident birds flock at the shores of river. At least 150 species of birds have been identified. Species of birds in abundance are the Bar-headed Geese, Brahmini Duck, Common Teal, Pelicans, Flamingoes and Cormorants. One can have an easy sighting of the Indian Skimmer- the highest population of which in the world is found in Chambal.

Tourists to the sanctuary can enjoy its many sights by motor boats specially provided by the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. Complete safety within the peripheries of the sanctuary is ensured by the local authorities. And one can freely enjoy the natural wonders of the sanctuary which during the 50's and 60's was largely hidden due to the presence of dacoits.

Stringent measures to protect the fragile ecosystem of the sanctuary are followed by the authorities. The visitors are also advised not to disturb, spoil the serenity of the surrounding environs or help in poaching activities directly /indirectly.

The National Chambal sanctuary can be easily reached by road, rail and air.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Morena

Deori Eco Centre, Morena.

Hotel Radhika Palace, Near old Bus Stand, Morena.

Hotel Rajshri, Station Road, Morena

Sitaram Dharamshala, Near Bus Stand, Morena

Madanlal Mittal Dharamshala, M.S. Road, Morena

Panchayati Dharamshala, Opposite Bihariji Mandir, Morena

Mahor Vaishya Dharamshala, Near Railway Station, Morena