Study Area: Aligarh District

The district is named after its headquarters town Aligarh which was called Kol or Koil till
18th century. "According to the Copper Plate Grant, dated 1144 A.D., Kaila {Koil) was the name
of a village {grama). Later on under the Sultans of Delhi, it gained the status of the headquarters
of a shiqq (District) and still later, under the Mughals that of a sarkar within the suba or province
of Agra,
BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
It was known till the 18th century by the earlier name of Kol or Koil. After the British
occupation of Aligarh in 4 September 1803, the present Aligarh district was formed in 1804, the
British Government rule over Aligarh District. As in form of District; Aligarh Developed in 1804
and C. Rasal was appointed as the first collector of this District.
LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES
Aligarh is one of the important district of Uttar Pradesh. It is located in the northwestern
part of the Uttar Pradesh's fertile region of Ganga and Yamuna, known as Doab. In the world map
the geographical location of Aligarh district is in North Eastern Hemisphere. It extends from 27°
29' N latitude to 28° 11' N latitude and 77° 29' E longitudes to 78° 38' E longitudes. Its height
from mean sea level is 190 meters or 611.62 feet. Between Ganga Yamuna Doab this district
spread over 3700.4 sq.kms.
Aligarh District is bounded, in the north by the boundary of the district of Bulandshahar;
the extreme north-eastern boundary is formed by the river Ganga which separates Aligarh from
Badaun district whereas the extreme north-western boundary is formed by the river Yamuna
which separates Aligarh from Gurgaon district of Haryana state. On the east and the south-east,
lies the district of Hathras and Etah.
RELIEF FEATURES
The Topographical features of Aligarh District are similar to those found in other parts of
the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. Viewed as a whole, the district is a plain of remarkable fertile plain,
sloping gently from the north to the south east. Longitinally the level surface is varied by several
depressions formed by the river valley and natural drainage lines. The elevations consist merely of
slight ridges of sand.
From the low Khandar of the Ganga River in the east, the level of the district rises sharply
to the high uplands through the centre of the district a broad belt of low lying land runs from
North West to south east. It is believed to be a part of a very extensive low lying tract which runs
through the centre of Doab, parallel the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. This tract is characterized by
imperfect drainage and numerous jhils in which the surface rises again into a level plain known as
western uplands. In the north-west, the general characteristic of the Doab are maintained. While
the south west of the district is a sandy tracts with practically no depression are formed.
Topographically, the district represents a shallow trough like appearance. Geologically,
Aligarh District forms a part of the Indo-Genetic plain which came into existence in the
Pleistocene period.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
Aligarh had undergone various administrative changes since its inception in 1804. At
present the form the administrative point of view, it comprises northernmost portion of Agra
Division and the district is divided into five Tehsils namely: Koil, Khair, Gabhana, Artily and
Iglas for the purpose of land record keeping land revenue collection, judicial administration etc.
These Tehsils are further sub-divided into 12 Development block namely: Atrauli, Gangiri,
Bijauli, Jawan, Chandus, Khair, Tappal, Dhanipur, Lodha, Akrabad, Iglas and Gonda, is the grass
root level state agency for the formulation of various programmes of the development and for the
implementation of various developmental schemes of central and state. Tehsil wise names of these
blocks are given below.

Table 3.1
List of Tehsils and the Respective Blocks in Aligarh District
Name of Tehsil Name of Block
1 Koil Lodha, Jawan Akrabad and Dhanipur
2 Khair Khair and Tappal
3 Gabhana Chandaus, Jawan
4 Atrauli Atrauli, Bijoli and Gangiri
5 Iglas Iglas and Gonda
Source: Census of India 2001
Three-tier system of local self-governance is introduced in post Independence India on the
recommendation of Balwant Rai Mehta committee in 1959 for the purpose of decentralizing
democracy and promoting political participation of people. Panchayats has been given more
powers by the constitutions 73rd and 74th amendment. In every district of Uttar Pradesh this system
exists. Thus district Aligarh has the position of Zilla Panchayat Adayaksha at district level, Block
Pramukh at block level and Gram Pradhan at village level. At present Aligarh district has 853
Gram Panchayat. In urban areas of the district Aligarh City has the status of Municipal
Corporation; there are two municipalities in the district namely Khair and Atrauli and nine town
areas or Nagar Panchayat in the district.
CLIMATE
Climate is an important component of physical environment which influence human life
and culture in any geographical area. The study of the factors of the climate and the rhythm of
seasons in the district, therefore assumes great significance in understanding, the climate of
Aligarh district is a typical monsoon type of climate characterized by semi-arid condition.
Generally there are four distinct seasons.
 The cold weather season (mid November to February)
 The hot weather season (March to Mid June).
 The season of General rains (Mid June to Mid September).
 The season of retreating monsoon (Mid September to Mid November).
The Cold Weather Season
This season starts from Mid November and the whole district comes under the influence of
the high pressure belt which develops over north India owing to owing temperature, the cold
waves coming from Himalayas are also bring a fall in the temperature for a short period. At that
season, the winds are dry and light and generally below at an average speed of about 3.2 Km. Per
hour. The rainfall is very scanty, irregular and is caused due to the western depressions, the mean
monthly temperature falls from 20^ in November to 16.rC in December. The temperature shows a
further fall in January, when the average is 15°C. In this season the nights are cold while the days
are relatively warm.
The Hot Weather Season
The hot weather season is characterized by rising temperature and falling pressure. This
season started in March and continues to Mid June. The mean maximum and minimum
temperature is 41.7°C and 14.9°C respectively. A relatively high temperature is recorded in the
month of May and June. The days are characterized by intensive heat dry air and low humidity. A
regular phenomenon of this season is the blowing of hot and dry winds which are locally called
too, the velocity of these winds are 5 - 10 km per hour and humidity decreases in these months.
A peculiar phenomenon of the hot weather is the occurrence of dust and thunderstorms
which are caused by the convective currents, which are locally called Andhis they are usually,
occur in the afternoon when the air movement is strong.
The Season of General Rains
This season started in the Mid of June, a change occurs in the weather which is called the
burst of monsoon, the temperature in this month is slightly fall and humidity increases, the sky is
generally overcast in the rainy season, the rain generally sets in the middle of June and continues
till the end of the September. The average annual rainfall of the entire district is about 65 cms.
The Season of Retreating Monsoon
The season of retreating monsoon is characterized by the hot and sticky weather and rise in
temperature which starts falling by the end of October. The skies are clear and relative humidity
falls to 47 per cent.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
In Aligarh District, there are several rivers and these constitute important features of the
landscape. All these rivers flow from north to southwest direction. Rivers Ganga and Yamuna
form the eastern and western boundaries of the district for small distances. Tributaries of Yamuna
river run through the central and the western parts of the district and cover considerably large area
while tributaries of river Ganga run through the eastern parts. Like these there are many other
small rivers which flow in the district. These are Sengar, Rind, Karon, Kali and Neem. The Ganga
and the Yamuna have their source in the show covered peaks of Himalaya that's why they are
perennial in nature while the other rivers are reduced in volume in summer seasons. Besides, these
rivers, there are artificial drains, which facilities the drainage system of the district. These drain
linked with the main streams of the district, the drains known as Aligarh drain as Ganga Nala is
one of the important drains of the district.
All the rivers of district pass through or by the side of villages, affects these villages to a
considerable extent and almost 70 villages which are situated in close vicinity of the rivers of the
district are directly affected by the rivers.
SOIL AND MINERAL PRODUCTS
Soil is the base for plant growth and is one of the most important natural resource. The soil
found in this district are much the same in composition and appearance as those of the Doab as a
whole. The soil in district is alluvial both old and new alluvium. These soils differ considerably in
their texture and consistency, ranging from sands through loams and silts to heavy clay that are ill
drained, and sometimes charged with injurious salts known as Reh. Good soil tracts are usually
parallel to the river area.
On the basis of profile, texture, colour etc. the soil survey department (1985) classified the
soil of Aligarh district into eight types. Recent alluvium which occurs over a narrow belt along the
river beds of the Ganga, Yamuna and Koli.
• Ganga loaming sands, this soil spread over north eastern part of Atrauli tehsil.
• Ganga sandy loam covers a sizable portion of the direct.
• Ganga clayey loam is found in the Jawan, Lodha, Dhanipur, Gangiri and Atrauli Blocks.
• Yamuna Sandy loam covers the entire part of tehsil Iglas, Khair, Chandus, and east part of
Tappal Block.
• Yamuna Khadar soil runs from north to south almost parallel to the course of the river
Ganga.
• Trans-Yamuna Khadar type of soil covers the central and eastern part of Tappal Block.
• Usar soil is found in the western part of the district mainly khair and Iglas.
Mineral
The Geology of the district exposes noting beyond the ordinary Gangetic alluvium, and
consequently the mineral products are few. In almost all parts of the district the limestone
conglomerate known as "Kankar". Lime of good quality is obtained by burning "Kankar" is
ordinary country kilns, which are to be seen in the vicinity of all the principal quarries.
Carbonate of Soda or Sajji is found in abundance in the usar tracts and goes by the generic
term of reh. These are used as basis of Kach or crude native glass and substitute for soap. The only
other mineral, calling for mention is the heavy clay used for making bricks.
NATURAL VEGETATION
When Aligarh first came into the hands of the British the face of the District was covered
in many places with dhak jungles; but after the lapse of fifty years the greater part had given way
to the spread of cultivation and the scanty remains were fast disappearing. At the present time the
jungle area is extremely small and is limited to a few patches. As per records of the district
statistical office forest cover in Aligarh is about 808 hectare.
A certain amount of dhak jungle is to be found in scattered patches in the clay and usar
tracts, particularly in Atrauli tehsil.
The highest area under forest is found in tehsil koil followed by others. It is also find out
that the district cannot be described as well wooded, through the eastern tehsils present a very
different appearance to the west in this respect. The commonest tree is the babul, which is usually
neem, papal, ber, faras, gular, jamun and mango.
Under present conditions no great further increase can be expected, owing to the growing
value of land for agriculture purposes and the pressure of the population on the soil, but some
steps have been taken by the canal authorities for plantation of valuable species along the canals
and their distributaries.
LAND USE
Land use of an area is determined by the nature and general layout of physical element.
Table 3.2 shows the classification of land use in Aligarh District. About 80.54 per cent land
occupied by Net sown area, 9.19 for use by non-agricultural uses. While the less percentage of
land use by pastures, forests, groves and cultivable waste land.
Table 3.2
Land use Pattern of Aligarh District (2001-2002)
Land use Area (Lakh hect.) Percentage
Land put to non-agricultural uses 0.34 9.19
Barren and uncultivated 0.11 3.24
Cultivable waste land 0.07 1.90
Other follow 0.09 2.43
Permanent pastures and grazing land 0.02 0.54
Forest/groves, trees, crops 0.03 0.81
Current follow 0.04 1.35
Net sown area 3.00 80.54
District total area 7.4 100.00
Source: Sankhiyaki Patrika, 2002, Page 30-31
CROPPING PATTER AND INTENSITY
The economy of Aligarh District is agricultural based. Crops are grown in three
agricultural reasons that are Rabi, Kharif and Zaid, Rabi crops are the winter crops, Kharif are
summer crops and Zaid are monsoonal crops.
Table 3.3
Cropping Intensity in Aligarh District, 2001
Blocks Area in Hectare Cropping
Net sown Area Total cropped Area Intensity (%)
Tappal 31888 43268 135.68
Chandus 28017 45712 163.15
Khair 28924 48192 166.61
Jawan 23036 41816 181.52
Lodha 21912 37867 172.81
Dhanipur 23314 41479 177.91
Gonda 25022 40628 162.36
Iglas 22166 36463 164.36
Atrauli 24149 43463 179.17
Bijauli 17954 43270 173.17
Gangiri 29372 31091 182.75
Akrabad 21129 53679 180.15
District 296883 38064 168.93
Total
Source: Sankhiyaki Patrika, 2002, page 31.
Crops intensity is measured in terms of total cropped area divided by Net sown area then
multiplied by 100. The total average cropping intensity of Aligarh district is 168.93 per cent in
2001. It is not uniform in all the blocks of District.
Table 3.3 show that Jawan, Lodha, Dhanipur, Atrauli, Bijauli, Gangiri and Akrabad blocks
have more than the average cropping intensity of the district. While the lowest cropping intensive
is recorded in Tappal Block.
CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
Habitat and culture are closely inter-related phenomena. A culture is built with the
materials of the habitat and the habitat in turn is profoundly influenced by the cultural traits of its
inhabitants. Culture of a region is associated with man-environment relationship.
GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION
The total population of Aligarh district according to the latest census 2001 is 2990388 as
compared to the total population of whole of Uttar Pradesh which stands at 166, 052, 8. The
Decadal population growth rate of Aligarh district reveals that during the first two decades of 20"'
century the population actually decreased and the rate was negative. During 1901-1911 it was -3
and in the subsequent decade (1911-1921), further dropped and stood at -9. After 1921, the growth
rate has been increasing steadily except for the decade 1941-51 when the growth rate showed
down a little and in the last 1991-2001 it has again showed down. If the downward trend continues
in the coming decades, only then we can hope for a better population situation in the area.
Table3.4
Decadal Growth Rate of Population
Years Growth (%)
1901 --
1911 - 3.0
1921 - 9.0
1931 10.0
1941 17.0
1951 12.0
1961 14.0
1971 20.0
1981 22.0
1991 30.2
2001 22.8
Source: Statistical Bulletin, Aligarh District, 2002.
As per Census of India 2001, district Aligarh has a total population of 2,992,286.Tehsil
-wise distribution of population of the district is given as follows: Koil (1373814); Khair
(372970); Gabhana (78116); Atrauii (628087); and Iglas (339299). Thus Tehsil Koil is the largest
in terms of population.
Table 3.5
Tehsil wise Rural-Urban Distribution Population of Aligarh
Name of Population Rural Per cent Urban Per cent
Tehsil
1. Koil 1,373,814 649,439 47.27 724,37 52.73
5
2. Khair 372,970 328,330 88.03 44,640 11.97
3. Gabhana 278,116 264,364 95.06 13,752 4.94
4. Atrauii 628,087 563,512 89.72 64,575 10.28
5. Iglas 339,299 321,947 94.89 17,352 5.11
Total District 2,992,286 2127592 71.10 864694 28.90
Source: Uttar Pradesh, Census of India 2001.
When we look over the rural-urban break up of the population, as it is found that the
largest number of the population lived in the Aligarh district in Tehsil Kol but it is interesting to
note that the lowest in per cent of rural living population (47.27) as compromise to the district as a
whole the here the urban living people are as high as 52.73 per cent against only 28.90 per cent
district as a whole. It is mainly due to the large share of population of Aligarh city in Kol tehsil.
On the other hand the highest share of rural population in the district in the Gabhana tehsil 95.06
per cent follows by Iglas where only 5.11 per cent populations are living in urban areas. As a
whole district 71.10 pet cent populations are living in the rural areas.
Table 3.6 shows the distribution of rural population in Blocks of Aligarh District. It shows
an uneven pattern marked by considerable contrasts. The large size of population found in Gangiri
Block that is 1, 96,257 which lowest population in Akrabad and Iglas that is 1,22.466 and
1,27,126 respectively.
Table 3.6
Block wise Distribution and Density of Rural Population in Aligarh
Rural
Rural Density
Blocks Populatio
Area (Sq.km) (Persons/Sq.km)
n
1. Tappal 388.77 155646 400
2. Chandus 318.71 14806 465
3. Khair 321.30 44360 449
4. Jawan 286.58 176187 614
5. Lodha 280.44 160114 570
6. Dhanipur 253.39 144371 569
7. Gonda 280.69 138455 493
8. Iglas 251.07 127126 506
9. Atrauli 296.74 164313 553
10 Bijauli 244.17 132593 543
.
11 Gangiri 340.68 196257 576
.
12 Akrabad 283.67 122466 431
.
District Total 3546.24 1810294 510
Source: Statistical Bulletin, Aligarh District 2002)
DENSITY OF POPULATION
The average density of population in the district is 654 persons per sq. km. in 1991 this
increase to 798 in 2001. While the average density of rural population for the whole district is 510
in 1991. The highest rural density 614 persons per Sq. km were recorded for Jawan Block. While
the lowest rural density of 400 persons per sq. km was recorded for Tappal. Through Table it is
find out that central and eastern part of district having high density as compared with the western
parts of district.
The Density of rural population of Aligarh district is mainly influenced by soil fertility,
agricultural and Industrial development and the development of transport facility.
SEX RATIO
The sex ratio in the number of females per 1000 males. The sex structure of Aligarh
district shows a dominance of male population. The sex ratio of Aligarh district is 845 in 1991 and
now in 2001, it stands at 861. The disparity in population of the two sexes is higher in rural areas
as compared with the urban areas. According to 1991 census, after refresh boundaries of district in
1998 the sex ratio was 837 in rural and 868 in urban areas.
LANGUAGE
According to the Statistical Bulletin, (2002) the main languages spoken in the district is
Hindi and Urdu. According to 2001 census about 92.70 per cent of population spoken Hindi
because the Hindi is the mother tongue while Urdu is followed by 7.03 per cent of population.
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Economic development of an area is based on the literacy rate, occupation of peoples,
Agricultural, Industry and Transportation development.
RELIGION
The Census of India (2001) provides religion-wise population at the district level.
According to the religion, Aligarh District mainly having mainly the domination of Hindu and
Muslims. According to 2001 census, Hindu, constitute 81.49 per cent of the total population while
Muslims only 17.78 per cent and the rest 0.69 per cent is consist of Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists
and others.
Table 3.7
Religion wise population of the Aligarh District
Community Populatio Per cent
n
Hindu 2438496 81.49
Muslim 531956 17.78
Christian 4187 0.14
Sikh 8145 0.27
Buddhists 5093 0.17
Jain 3357 0.11
Others 34 0.00
Total 2991268 99.96
Source: Census of India 2001, "Report on Religion Data", SIO, 2005
LITERACY
Literacy of an area shows the level of development, if more population is literate it means
the development going on. In Aligarh District the literacy rate is continuously increasing since
1951. In year, 1971 the literacy rate is 24.9 per cent, 45 per cent in 1991 and according to 2001
census 58 per cent population of District Aligarh is literate. This literacy level of the district is one
per cent more than the average literacy level of Uttar Pradesh i.e. 57 per cent. There is a gap of 7
per cent between the literacy level of rural and urban areas. Rural areas of the district have literacy
level of 56 per cent whereas the literacy level of urban areas is 63 pet cent.
Table 3.8
Literacy level in Aligarh District, 2001
Area Total Rural Urban
Sex Person Per cent Person Per cent Person Per cent
Male 1420604 58.48 667517 72.19 270975 70.55
Female 938492 71.71 298491 38.04 183621 54.68
Total 482112 43.03 966008 56.51 454596 63.15
Source: Uttar Pradesh, Census of India 2001
The literacy rate of males is higher than the females. Gender gap in literacy level of the
district is quite significant 71 per cent males and only 43 per cent females are literate. Thus there
exists 28 per cent point gender gap in the level of literacy. This gap further increased to 34 per
cent in rural areas where only 38 per cent female are literate. This gap has narrowed down to 16-
per cent point in urban areas where 70 per cent males and 54 per cent females are literate.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
District Aligarh is well known for manufacturing the different types of locks used in
building doors, automobiles, V.I.P. suitcases, wooden and steel furniture etc. due to which Aligarh
possess an important position in the industrial map of India and Aligarh is known as "Tala Nagri
(City of Locks). Locks and hardware industries are the main industries of Aligarh. Recently
manufacturing of Glass beads has emerged as an important craft in the district. Manufacturing
units of lock, hardware, brassware and glass beads are mostly located in urban areas especially in
the city Aligarh. Despite the existence of these small scale industries/Home based industries, only
7 per cent workers of the district, as per Census of India 2001, are households industrial workers
(see table 3.9). Large numbers of workers are agricultural workers 20 per cent and cultivators
32per cent. This shows that agriculture is the most important sector of economy, providing
employment in the district. The category of other workers is deceptive as it includes white-collar
occupations on the one hand and blue-collar workers like rickshaw pullers and construction site
workers, daily wage earners on the other hand. Therefore the percentage of Other Workers 41 per
cent has increased in the district because large numbers of people are daily wage earners in
unorganized sector of economy.
Occupation Structure
Economic development is also based upon the Economic activity or occupation of the
peoples in an area. Table 3.9: show the occupation structure of population, according to 1991
census. This table indicates that
Table No. 3.9
Occupational Structure of Population in Aligarh District
Occupation Main Workers
1. Cultivators 41.73
2. Agricultural Labourers 21.64
3. Live stock, forestry, fishing etc. 1.04
4. Manufacturing, other hand household industries 9.20
5 . Mining 0.02
6. Household industry 2.41
7. Construction 1.66
8. Trade and commerce 7.79
9. Transport, storage and communication 2.35
10 Other services 12.16
.
District/Total 100.00
Source: Sankhiyaki Patrika, page 19, 20, 21, 2002.
Most of the peoples of District are engaged in agricultural activities, it is 41.73 per cent.
Some peoples don't have any land they work as an Agricultural laboures it is 21.64. It is also seen
in this data that only 0.02 per cent of worker are engaged in mining because they did not contain
heavy mineral resources. Less concentration is also found in construction, fishing, forestry and
live stocks work. Manufacturing other than household industry gives employment to about 9.20
per cent of workers and only 7.79 per cent employment, provided by Trade and Commerce.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELPOMENT
Aligarh District and the city have a tradition of Industrial activity from medieval times
when cotton, indigo, glass and Pottery industries had developed. At the time of Second World
War, industrial activity got a fillip and manufactured badges, buckles, monograms, whistler, lock
etc. for the army. After independence a spate of industries developed in the Aligarh city as well as
the district. Presently, there are more than 4000 industrial unit establishment in the district
employing over 25000 workers. Most of these establishments and work force is in the city.
Lock industry is the most important industry of the town. One of the largest concentrations
of the industry is in the upper kot area. Satha Sugar Mill, Central Dairy Farm, Heinz Laboratories
are running in the rural areas.
Aligarh is an important centre for building filling materials, electrical equipments, brass
hardware, light engineering and other metal products, Aligarh is also known for the manufacturing
of handloom garments and cotton, carpets, oil pottery and rope making, basket making, leather
training and carpentry. Agrobased industries like oil mills, dal mills, Khansare, vegetable and fruit
processing unit are also operating in the district.
TRANSPORTATION
Transport is of prime importance for agricultural and rural development. It plays an important role
in creating contact between city or market and its tributary area and helps in the movement of
goods and human beings. The transport linkage also influences the land use pattern and economic
activities. Aligarh district is well served by road and railways. The focal point of the district is
Aligarh city from where communication arteries radiate to every comer of the district the famous
ground Trunk road passes through the district of Aligarh. It has played an important role in the
progress and prosperity of Aligarh District.
REFERENCES
 District Census Handbook, 1991, Aligarh.
 District Census Handbook, Aligarh, Primary Census Abstract Part XIII, B, 1961 to 1981.
 District Census, Handbook, 1981.
 Jamal Mohammad Siddiqui (199) Aligarh District- A Historical Survey- From Ancient
Times To 1803 Ad, Publisher: Mrml ISBN: 8121504392
 Kendrew, W.G. (1961) Danish thesis.
 Nagar Nigam Office, Aligarh.
 Suchana and Jansampark Vibhag, Aligarh.
 Wadia from Danish thesis.