Ratlam district General information
Ratlam is one of the important Districts of Madhya Pradesh Which is situated in theImage North West part of the State "The MALWA" Region. The New Town of Ratlam was founded by Captain Borthwick in 1829 with regular and broadened streets and well built houses. Ratlam was once one of the first Commercial Towns in Central India being the centre of an extensive trade in opium, tobacco and salt. It was also famous in Malwa for its bargains called Sattas. Before the opening of the Railway Line to Kahndwa in 1872, there was no better mart than Ratlam.
History
The District of Ratlam was created in June 1948 and was reorganised in January 1949. It covers the area of the former princely State of Ratlam, Jaora, Sailana, Piploda. Ringnod Tehsil of Dewas Senior, Alot Tehsil of Dewas Junior and parts of Mandsaur Tehsil of Gwalior State, a few villages of Dhar State and Chief Commissioners provinces of Pant Piploda.
The District is known after the Headquarters town, Ratlam which was also the headquarter of Princely State of Ratlam.
Geography
Ratlam is situated in North-West region of Madhya Pradesh from 23 05' North to 23 52' North Longitude and 74 31' East to 75 41' East Latitude. It is bounded by Mandsaur District in North, Jhabua and Dhar on the South, Ujjain on the East, Chhitorgarh and Banswara District of Rajasthan on the West, Shajapur District of Madhya Pradesh and Jhalawar District of Rajasthan on the North.
Area
Total Area of Ratlam District is s 4861 Sq.km. which is 1.11% of Total Area of Madhya Pradesh.
Climate
The Average temperature of Ratlam is 55 F. The average rainfall of the District is 90 cm. Most of the rain occur in the month of July and August.
Access
Ratlam is well connected both by Rails and Roads. Ratlam junction is Divisional head quarters of Western Railways. It has both Broad Gauge and Meter Gauge Railway Lines.
Ratlam is situated on State Highway number 31 and 22. Ratlam is well connected by road to Madhya Pradesh and other states namely Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Business
Ratlam has several chemical factories namely JVL, Hightech, IPCA, Shaba Chemicals, Bordiya Chemicals, Sujjan Chemicals etc. There are a number of manufacturing units of Copper wires and plastic rope etc. Ratlam is also famous for its gold and ornaments for its purity and designs. Ratlami Namkin (sev) is famous through out the country.
Tourist Place
BILPAKESHWARA TEMPLE AT BILPANK: The Bilpakeshwara temple is located at a distance of 18 kms, South-West direction from Ratlam. It is approached through a deviation fare-weather Road about 3 kms from Mhow-Neemach Highway. This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and is built in Pachayatana variety. It was constructed in circa 10-11th Century A.D., over low Jagati consisting of plain mouldings. It is easterly oriented Nirandhara Mulaprasada and this Mulaprasada includes Sapta-Ratha-Garbhagriha. The temple is recta in plan and consists of a Garbhagriha, Antarala and a Mahamandapa, all in axis facing East. This temple is built in Gurjara-Chalukyan style of architecture, a contemporary style of the Paramara temple architecture. Such type of temples are noticed at Atree and Krishnavilas, Kota, Rajasthan.
SIVA TEMPLE, JHAR: Jhar is located 12 kms, East of Bhatpachalana in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh. It is connected with Kachhalana Road with Laptiya - Sandala. Jhar means a 'water spring'. The name Jhar probably has been assigned to this place due to a Jharana on the site. Jhar possesses the ruins of a Siva temple of Bhumija style which are assignable to the Paramara period i.e., 11th century A.D. The sculptures of this temple are lying scattered around it.