Kasganj
City in Uttar Pradesh, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kasganj is a city, or nagar, and the district headquarters of Kasganj district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The district was formally established on 17 April 2008 by grouping three tehsils.[3]
Kasganj | |
|---|---|
City | |
| Nickname: Kasganj | |
  Kasganj Location in Uttar Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates: 27°48′30″N 78°38′45″E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| District | Kasganj |
| Government | |
| • Chairman | Meena Maheshwari, (BJP) [1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 22.18 km2 (8.56 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 177 m (581 ft) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
• Total | 101,241 |
| • Density | 4,565/km2 (11,820/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 207123 |
| Telephone code | 05744 |
| Vehicle registration | UP-87 |
| Website | kasganj |
History
Kasganj, which lies in the historical region of Braj, was also known as "Khasganj" during Mughal and British periods. According to Imperial Gazetteer of India Vol. XV (1908), Kasganj was originally founded as Yaqoot Ganj in the 16th century by Nawab Yaqoot Ali Khan, a descendant of the Nawabs of Farrukhabad.[4] Later, it came into the hands of James V. Gardner, who was employed by the Marathas and later by the British service. Gardner later died in Chhaoni, Kasganj.[5]
William and James Gardner belonged to the lineage of Baron Gardner of Uttoxeter, England. Famous writer and historian William Dalrymple came to Kasganj in search of Julian Gardner, heir to the English Barony, while researching for his book White Mughals.[6]
The town was constituted a municipality in 1868. Kasganj's position in the strategic Indo-Gangetic plain figured in military and political vicissitudes of ancient kingdoms, from the Mahabharata onwards. It formed part of the grand empire of Harshavardhana, and it finds mention in the accounts of the 7th century Chinese pilgrim Hsien Tsang (Xuanzang), who passed this way in 647 AD.[7]
Near Kasganj is a village called Atranjikhera, a holy pilgrim place for Buddhists. Excavations began in 1962 and revealed that site was occupied from 1200 BCE to 300 BCE.[8] Another village near Kasganj, Jakhera, is also a major archaeological excavation site. Iron tools dating back from 1000 BCE to 600 BCE have been found in Jakhera, suggesting it was part of the Painted Grey Ware culture.[9]
Geography
Kasganj is located at 27.82°N 78.65°E. It has an average elevation of 177 metres (580 feet) above sea level. The Kasganj block was established on 26 January 1956.
Climate
Kasganj features a humid subtropical climate. Winters are moderate, with temperatures reaching 5 °C. Summers are hot and dry, exceeding 40 °C. The monsoon season runs from the end of June to September.
Demographics
As per the 2011 census, Kasganj had a population of 101,241, composed of 53,507 males and 47,734 females. The literacy rate was 77.36%.[2]
Education
The Kasganj district has 107 inter-colleges, 27 I.T.I colleges, 39 degree colleges, 7 post-graduation colleges, and 1 engineering college.
Transport
Kasganj is well connected by road and railway networks. It is situated on State Highway 33 Agra-Budaun-Bareilly.
Railways
Kasganj has a well established railway network since British rule. It lies on a trijunction connected to Mathura, Kanpur, and Bareilly.