CHAPTER-2

Historical and Cultural Development of Rohtak city

2.1 Introduction:

In order to assess the present functional structure of the city and to

come up with future strategies to make the city efficient to face the

challenges of urban system it is essential to have an in-sight over the past

growth pattern of it. In successive phases of human history and successive

scenes of urban development the town appears in new or different guise as

the mirror of its age and epitome of its region.1 It is the past, which have

everlasting imprints over the future developments of the city and will help

to come up with concrete decisions to maintain the aesthetic values of

urban life, while dealing with the urban problems. The present chapter is

similar effort in this direction to be familiar with the various stages of

growth of the Rohtak city, which will prepare a base of present study for

further analysis.

2.2 Historical Development

The town of Rohtak is situated 70 km. North-west of Delhi on

National Highway No. 10. Its geographical setting is 80° 51' North latitude

and 76° 38' East longitudes. It is situated in south-east part of Haryana.

According to a local tradition the town was founded and named Rohtasgarh

1 Smailes A. E.: The Analysis and Delimitation of Urban Field, Geography, 1947, Vol. 32, pp.151-161.

26
by a Panwar king Rohtas at the site of Khokrakot mound. The historical

development of the city is being in dealt in the stages namely-Ancient

Period, The Mugal Period and The British Period.

2.2.1 Ancient Period [up to 1526A.D.]

The earliest mention of Rohtak is found in the Mahabharta .The

Rohitika of Mahabharta has been identified with modern city of Rohtak.

According to Puranic literature, the foundation of Rohtak was laid by

Rohitashwa; the son of Harishchander, the 33rd descendent of Manu

vaivasta, and its name is derived from Rohitpura, Rohitika and Rohita. It is

also in record that Raja Rohtas, son of Raja Harishchander, founded

Rohtak.2 The name Rohtak which is said to be a corruption of Rohtasgarh a

name still applied to the ruined sites (also called Khokrakot) of two older

cities, one laying immediately north of the present town and the other

about 3 miles to the east. It is also recognized that Rohtak derived its name

from the Roherra (Tacoma undulate) tree called Rohitak in Sanskrit. It,

before the town came into existence, was the site of a forest of Rohitak trees

and hence its name Rohtak emerged out.3 It is also found in Buddhist

literature that Rohtak is an important town visited by lord Buddha. The

Buddhist physician, Jivek also visited the town. It was the capital town of

the Yaudheyas, who worshiped Kartikeya the generalissimos of the gods.

They were most powerful kashatriyas, ware acknowledged even by

: Haryana district Gazetteer Rohtak-1910

3 Haryana District Gazetteer Rohtak-1970

27
foreigners-the Sakas between 1st century B.C. to 3rd century A.D. The

Yaudheyas were proud of democratic setup of their government, polities,

velour, wealth and indomitable power.

Rohtak has become economic capital of surrounding region to as

Bahudhanyaka4. Its location on an important trade route called

uttarapatha5 helped in its development as a trading center. In the

12th.Century, it becomes a part of the empire of the Hindu King Prithviraja

III,6 who constructed a fort here. From the 7th Century A.D. to middle of the

12th Centuiy, Jainism becomes a dominating religion in Rohtak city. The

city was also visited by Jain missionaries around 1140 A.D.7 In 1194 A.D.

Mohammad Gori destroyed the town and after death of Mohammed Ghori,

Kutub-ud-din Aibak made the fort of Rohtak his military cantonment. In

February 1309 the Adina mosque, the oldest but now renovated building at

Rohtak was built under the guidance of Abul Muzaffar Mohammed Shah.

Ghiyassuddin Tuqhluq Shah also constructed a mosque near Delhi Gate.

Tuqhluq dug up a canal from Satluj to Jhajjar. Later, Ali Mardan Khan in

the reign of Shah Jahan diverted its water to Rohtak canal. Nusart Shah

grandson of Firoz Shah appointed as military commander of the Shiq of

Rohtak. In 1410, the governor of Multan, Khirz Khan, on his way to Delhi

besieged Rohtak.

4 Bahudhanyaka means an area of plentiful grains and immense riches, see Mohan, V.D.: The North-West
India of the 2ni1 Century B.C., Ludhiana, (1953), pp. 14-15.
5 Law, B.C. : India as Described in the Early texts of Jainism and Buddhism, London, (1941), p.14.

6 Sharma, D.: Early Chauhan Dynasties, New Delhi, 1959 pp. 135.
7 Ibid.

28
2.2.2. The Mughal Period [1526-1803 A.D.]

The Mughal period, in India started from the battle of PamjTaHnTApril

1526 A.D. Babar, the first Mughal King, garrisoned his military here. Feroz

Khan, a renowned official of Babar was generously rewarded and at his

death a tomb was built at Rohtak on 4th. December 1527 A.D. In 1538 A.D.

two mosques were constructed, one in Garhi mohalla of Pathens and the

other in Khiaban mohalla.

Rohtak enjoyed the status of Parganah headquarter during the

Mughal period.8 In 1718 A.D., Farukh Siyar gave Rohtak to his minister

Rukndin and again in 1732 A.D. it was given to the Nawab of Farukhnagar.

In the disintegration of Mughal Empire, in 1782 A.D., Rohtak came under

the influence of Raja of Jind. Ismail beg, in 1792 A.D., a military officer of

Mahadeoji Sindhia, conquered Rohtak town. After the death of Ismail Beg,

Rohtak was included in Sarkar of Hissar. Between 1785 A.D. and 1303

A.D., several parties possessed the area of Rohtak.9 In 1803 A.D., Daulet

Rao Sindhia lost Haryana territory to East India Company.

2.2.3. The British Period [1803 A.D.-1947A.D.]

The British period begins in 1803 A.D. In this year the Rohtak, with

other possession of Sindhia, west of Yamuna passed on to the British East

India Company by the treaty of Surji Aujungaon.

8 Saran, P.P., Provincial Government of mughals, New Delhi, 1973 pp.425.

9 Haryana District Gazetteer Rohtak-1970

29
 The District of Rohtak was created in 1824 A.D. and city was made

its headquarters and the political agent governed it. But in 1833 A.D., it

came under the commissioner and remained a part of Delhi division up to

1857. The District was abolished in A.D. 1841 and was created again in

1842. In February 1858, Campbell was appointed deputy commissioner of

Rohtak and the region of Haryana was detached from the north-western

province and was merged with Punjab state. After 1858, some signs of

development in the history of town appeared. In 1885, the municipal

committee was established. Railway Station was established in 1896. The

Rohtak experienced the outbreak Of Malaria epidemic in 1892.10 The

resources crippled, due to long period of drought and famine, after 1895.

The Arya Samaj accelerated the desire for reform of its own way. In 1890

building a man dir in Rohtak the Arya Samaj movement was spread in the

area. It laid great stress to start educational institutions. On October 12,

1888 a congress meeting was also held at Chopal dehri in Rohtak, under

the presidentship of Torabaz Khan, where Lala Lajpat Rai also gave his

speech. On the eve of the new century, there started the development of

new buildings, means of transport and communication, market and small-

scale industries etc.

10 Christopher, Maj, S.R.: Malaria in the Punjab, Calcutta: Scientific memories, 1911, No-46, P. 25.

30
 Fig-2A

ROHTAK CITY
DURING 1803-1900 A.D.

Reference:
A DISTRICT COURT
B DEPUTY COMMISSONER’S OFFICE
C POLICE STATION
D TAHSIL OFFICE •
E DAK BUNGALOW
F POST OFFICE
G CHURCH
H STATION GARDEN
S SCHOOL
..... WALLED CITY
CITY IN 1900 A.D.

SOURCE: DISTRICT GAZETTEER, 1910

31
2.3 GROWTH OF THE CITY

Though, the city was growing continuously, but the significant growth of

the city can be traced back right from the beginning of the 20th century. Since

then, unprecedented development has taken place in every aspect of the city.

These developments have significantly transformed the internal structure of the

city. This growth pattern of the city, through the decades, can be analysed as

follow.

i) Pre-independence Period (1900-1947)

ii) After Independence (1947-1970)

iii) Growth After 1970

I) Pre-Independence Period (1900 to 1947)

The growth of the town has recorded some basic development activities

during this period, which took place in each and every field. These were the

developments that proved to be the foundation for future growth of the city and

proved as magnet to attract more activities from the surrounding regions adding

up to the city growth. The Delhi-Bhatinda railway line and the railway station

were constructed in 1896, which increased the commercial activity in the city. A

wholesale grain market was established in 1910. Its location to the north of the

railway station was influenced by the availability of a large open space and

proximity to the railway station. Another whole scale market was established, in

1910, on Jhajjar road near the railway station, with specialization in the

wholesale trade in timber.

32
 In 1905, the Jain community established a primaiy school in the city. The

industrial training institute was established in 1907, an inter college for boys

was started in 1927 and raised to a degree college in 1941 and a girl’s high

school come up in 1933, were located to the south of the walled city (Fig.lA)

These institutions were located to the south of the walled city because outside

the walled city enough open space was available to construct them. A

dispensary, established by municipal committee rose to the status of a hospital

in 1910, which at present is known as civil hospital in Rohtak city. A town hall

was also constructed near the hospital. Piped drinking water facility was

introduced in 1932. In the same year the sewage system was also provided

through the construction of the disposal tank. Electricity was provided in 1936.

The expansion of the city towards east largely may be contributed to the

establishment of the civil lines. To the south of the walled city the expansion

took place under the influence of the establishment of the railway station. As a

result of these continuous expansions of the city, the municipal boundary of the

city was also revised twice during this period, first in 1897 and secondly in

1922.

II) After Independence (1947 to 1970)

After independence, in 1947 the displaced persons influenced the

expansion of the city because some new residential areas were developed for

those who migrated from Pakistan and settled here. Government and non­

government agencies constructed these new areas.

33
 Fig-2B

ROHTAK CITY
DURING 1950-1960

REFERENCE:
MC MODEL TOWN
TC T.B. CLINIC
MC MEDICAL COLLEGE
LC LAL CHAND COLONY
SC SHIVAJI COLONY
GW GOVT. COLLEGE FOR WOMEN
GM GOVT. COLLEGE FOR MEN
CR CHOTU RAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

SOURCE: DISTRICT GAZETTEER. 1950

34
 The government established a colony, named Model Town, to fulfill the

requirement of different income group people. The construction of model town

was started in 1953. Another residential area Lai Chand colony was established

by the private agencies in the same year.

Shivaji colony was established for law and middle-income groups. Apart

from these residential colonies some other developments in the field of medical,

education etc. have also took place to fulfill the increasing requirements of the

city. Women College was set up in 1959. T.B. clinic was established in 1960. In

the same year construction of medical college and hospital was also started in

the eastern part of the city, which started functioning in 1963. To provide

professional training in education a co-educational college was started in 1957.

It was named after, Sir Chhotu Ram, a freedom fighter.

Near the railway station, a new wholesale grain market was constructed

in 1962. In 1966, the city attained the status of the highest-level educational

center in state with the establishment of Punjab University Regional Center for

Postgraduate Studies, .which was later, converted in to Rohtak University.

Meanwhile, several other new residential areas also kept emerging in various

parts of the city.

Ill) Growth After - 1970

Since 1970 Rohtak developed significantly due to development of the

facilities like health care, transport etc. During this period, Haryana Urban

Development Authority (HUDA) developed residential sectors no.l, 2,4,3 and 14

with planned manner and modern facilities. In 1974, private market was

35
 Fig. 2B(I)

35A
constructed near Bhiwani stand, named Chameli market dealing with hosiery,

in wholesale and retail. In 1976, a radio station started functioning in the city.

The Rohtak University renamed as Maharshi Dayanand University in 1976.In

1986 municipal committee constructed a market in front of civil hospital with

100 shops, named as Palika bazzar. In opposite of Palika bazzar, HUDA also

constructed a market with 58 shops. In 2001, HUDA constructed another

market with 148 shops in the campus of Boys Senior Secondary School. In the

same year, 2001, Maharishi Dayanand University constructed 35 shops on the

main road near boys hostel no.l.

2.4 Growth of Population

A study of the townscape evolution of Rohtak reveals that the number of

persons and the size of this urban concentration have greatly increased with in

the last 120 years. It has become one of the largest city of Haryana and its

demographic structure has greatly been modified.

The first census of the town was conducted in 1881 when its population

was 15,699 persons. In 2001, Rohtak had a population of 286773. It had

experienced an increase of 271074 persons in its population since 1881.The city

experienced continuous increase during 1881-2001, but the intensity varied,

from one decade to another. The growth was related to the varying amount of

natural increase and migration. Out of the total period of 1891-2001 out

migration was experienced in the population of the city only in the decades of

1901-1911 and 1951-61.

36
 Fig-2C

ROHTAK CITY
Growth of Population (1881-2001)

Years

Source: -Rohtak District Gazetteer (1883-84), District Census Handbook, District Rohtak

In 1891, the population increased by 1003 persons from 15,699 to 16,702

persons (table 2.1). The increase was small in the other towns also of the district

as well, except Bahadurgarh, which suffered a decrease. In Rohtak, the increase

was entirely due to natural increase.

The population of Rohtak increased by 21.6% in the next decade.

Immigration and natural increase contributed about 70% and 30% respectively

to the growth. This was due to the outbreak of malaria epidemic in the district,

in 1892, which forced the villagers to move in to the town for medical facilities.

Traders also migrated to the town to take advantage of new regional linkages

37
created by construction of the railway line from Rohtak to Delhi and Bhatinda

in 1896.

Table -2.1
Rohtak: Growth of the 3opulation (1881-2001)
Increase in
Census Years Population Population % Increase
1881 15699 - -

1891 16702 1003 6.38

1901 20323 3621 21.68
1911 20361 38 0.18
1921 25240 4879 23.96
1931 35235 9995 39.59
1941 48148 12913 36.64
1951 71902 23754 49.33
1961 88193 16291 22.65
1971 124755 36562 41.45
1981 166767 42012 33.67
1991 216096 49329 29.57
2001 286773 70677 32.70
Source: -Rohtak District Gazetteer (1883-84), District Census
Handbook, District Rohtak

In the decade of 1901 -1911 population of Rohtak experienced a marginal

increase of 0.18 percent. (Table 2.1) During the decade 1911-21 the city

population increased by 23.9 percent. Natural and migrationai increase

contributed almost an equal amount (Table 2.1) to the increase in the city

population. During the next decade (1921-31), the city population increased

39.5 percent. In this decade the increase in the population was more due to

immigration (7760 persons) than due to natural increase (2235 persons).

38
 During the subsequent decade the city population increased by the

12,913 persons (36.6%). The increase was due to natural increase (7991

persons) than immigration (4922 persons) (Table 2.2).

During 1941-51 the city population increased by 49.3 percent, which was

highest since 1891. In this increase of the population natural increase

contributed less (8071 persons) than the increase due to migration of 15,737

persons. (Table 2.2)

Table-2.2
Net In and Out Migration (19 01-2001)
Actual Net in (+)/out(-)
Decades Increase Natural Increase Migration
1901-1911 38 1971 -1933
1911-1921 4879 2138 2741
1921-1931 9995 2235 7760
1931-1941 12913 7991 4922
1941-1951 23574 8017 15557
1951-1961 16291 22195 -5904
1961-1971 36526 24407 12119
1971-1981 42012 30565 11447
1981-1991 49329 39023 10306
1991-2001 70677 47541 23136
Total 266234 186083 80151
Source: Calculated from Table 1 and Table2

During 1951-61, the increase in the city population was 22.6 percent.

Thus, increase of population was less than half of the previous decade because

during 1951-61 the population moved out from the city to adjacent towns,

which have developed in to industrial centre such as Sonipat. Also due to

extensive flooding of the city, in August 1960, a large number of its inhabitants

39
out migrated temporarily. They had not returned to the city, till early 1961,

when the census was conducted.

Rohtak crossed the population more than one lakh (124,755) in the 1971

census. And had recorded an increase by 41.4%. The city’s population has

increased more due to natural increase (24407 persons) than migration (12,155

persons). (Table 2.2)

In 1971-81 the city population increased by 33.67 per cent which was

lower than, 41.45 % of previous decade. During this decade, natural increase of

30565 persons was more than double of immigration 11447 persons. During

1981-91, the population of Rohtak city increased by 49329 persons (29.57 per

cent). The population in the city had increased more due to natural increase of

39023 persons than immigration of 10306 persons (Table 2.2).

In decade 1991-2001, the city population increased by 32.70 percent. In

the increase of the city population during this decade natural increase

contributed 47541 persons, which was double of the immigrant people 23136.

(Table 2.2).

2.5 Distribution of Population within the city

Rohtak is not an exception of general rule of the distributional

pattern. The real distribution is not uniform. The general distribution of

population over the city of Rohtak can be best understood by at (Fig-2D).

Central part of the city is very densely populated and outer area around

the city is sparsely populated. The densely populated wards are no. 5, 6, 7,

40
8, 9 and 16. It is the oldest part of the city where the population pressure

on a smaller land is felt. Municipal ward no.3, 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24,

28 and 34 have balanced population. Rest of the wards are sparsely

populated.

Fig-2D shows concentration of population is heavy in the central

business district (in the Older part of the city) and outer areas, especially,

south and southeastern part of the city, are sparsely populated. To some

extent, the newer tendency of decentralization has also been observed at

the city heart is expanding towards the residential areas and trade,

commerce and office are compelling the citizens to reside in the outer area.

Sector no. 1,2,3 and 14, developed by Haryana Urban Development

Authority are such developments.

As per ward-wise distribution of Population, 8676 persons out of

216096 are concentrated in ward no. 21, that is the maximum population

in any ward of the city and ward no.7 have the lowest population in any

ward i.e. 4833 persons.

2.4.1. Land/population Ratio

Land/population Ratio of each ward has been calculated to employ

the land / population ratio, as a tool to range the degree of population

concentration in different wards

41
 Fig. 2D

ROHTAK CITY
Population Distribution,1991

200 Persons
“It has been theoretically convinced that optimum population distribution

in any urban community should be uniform through out the city and 1% of

land should accommodate 1% of the population of the town. And thus the

ideal ratio of 1/p is 1:1. However, this optimum condition seldom occurs

and when the ratio is distributed it is either low or high population

concentration in the ward or region in question”.11 (Sinha B.N.) According

to the above concept, the spatial distribution of population in Rohtak city

has been measured and found to be too far from being ideal. Some of the

wards have a high concentration, while others show a low concentration.

The maximum L/P ratio has been shown in Municipal ward no. 16 i.e.

1:9.47. This ward accommodate 7 times more population compared tc its

area, as it is oldest settled residential area and core part of the town. (Table-

3.3) Ward no. 6, 7, 8, 9, 26, 27 are the other highly concentrated areas

which accommodates 7.75, 6.01, 8.01, 8.01, 6.70, and 6.83 times

respectively, more population than their areas. Ward no. 15, 33and 17

accommodate proportionally 4.36, 4.31 and 3.9 times population than their

areas.

Ward no. 2, 3, 13, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25 and 32 are the areas where the

population concentration is 2.1 to 3.5 times more compared to their areas.

Ward no. 10, 14, 19, 28 and 34 can be recognized as nearly optimum

conditional areas where the concentration is in between 1.07 to 1.84.

Wards having lower L/P ratio, are 4, 5, 11, 12, 21, 22, 29, 30, 31and 35,

" Sinha, B.N.: An urban study in application of research models, Kamatka University, Dharwar, 1970.

43
 Table No.-2.3
Land-Population Ratio, 1991
% Of Population
Ward No. % Of Area to total To Total L/P ratio
1 0.456 3.52 7.72
2 0.707 2.67 3.78
3 1.86 3.9 2.10
4 10.26 2.81 0.27
5 0.707 2.64 3.73
6 0.289 2.24 7.75
7 0.373 2.24 6.01
8 0.302 2.42 8.01
9 0.296 2.37 8.01
10 2.02 2.89 1.43
11 6.32 3.96 0.63
12 4.31 2.93 0.68
13 1.874 2.86 1.53
14 1.71 3.15 1.84
15 0.571 2.49 4.36
16 0.263 2.49 9.47
17 0.61 2.38 3.90
18 1.43 3.22 2.25
19 2.32 2.49 1.07
20 1.54 3.24 2.10
21 6.47 4.01 0,62
22 3.16 2.57 0.81
23 1.1 2.38 2.16
24 1.37 3.19 2.33
25 0.83 2.59 3.12
26 0.385 2.58 6.70
27 0.366 2.5 6.83
28 2.62 2.95 1.13
29 13.68 3.14 0.23
30 20.24. 3,23 0.16
31 6.58 3.86 0.59
32 0.707 2.43 3.44
33 0.575 2.48 4.31
34 2.38 3.03 1.27
35 3.61 2.96 0.82
Source: District Census Handbook Rohtak District, 1991.

44
where it is 0.27, 0.34, 0.63, 0.68, 0.62, 0.81, 0.23, 0.16, 0.59and 8.2 times

respectively. (Table-2.3) All these wards form the outer-ring of the

concentric zone.

2.6. Density of Population

Density of the population is one of the most important attributes of

population. The density of Rohtak district in 1991 was 410 persons per

square km. But it was 7614 persons per square km. in Rohtak city. “Urban

population densities decline in a negative exponential manner with

increasing distance from the city center”12. Fig.2E shows that the density of

the population is highest in the inner zone but gradually decreases in the

middle and outer zone and reaches the lowest figure in the suburban zone.

Municipal ward no. 6, 8, 9 and 16 are the densest areas where the density

is 268, 278, 278 and 327 persons/acre respectively. It is the central part of

the city, situated near the civil hospital and consists of the older parts of

the city. Here density is ten times more than the average density i.e. 35

persons /acre. Ward no.6, 8, 9and 16 may be considered as the core. Ward

no. 2, 3, 5, 7, 13, 15, 17, 25, 32,and 33 form the inner zone where the

density is between 100 to 250 per/acre. Ward no. 26 and 27 also has the

density 232 and 237 respectively. Ward no. 14, 18, 20, 23, 24, form a

middle zone with a density of 50 to 100 P/A, while ward no.l, 4, 10, 11, 12,

19, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34and 35 form the outer zone with a density

below 50 Persons/Acre.

12 Clark, C.: Urban Population Densities Town, Royal Statistical society, ser. A, vol.144, pp 496-96 quoted
by Berry, B.J.L. 1951.

45
 Fig. 2E

ROHTAK CITY
POPULATION DENSITY -1991
N

ulation Density
Si^bove200
150 - 200
100-150
5 0 -1 0 0
Below 50

0 .25 .5 .75 1

46
2.7. Working Population and Its Distribution

The growth of the population is directly related to the character of the

occupation or profession adopted by the city people. Table-3.4 reveals the

temporal distribution of total workers as well as proportion of males and

females participation rate.

Table-2.4
1Workforce Participation Rate, 1971-91
Years % of workers to % of Male % of Female
total pop. workers to total workers to total
workers workers
1971 24.06 94.16 5.84
1981 26.68 92.24 7.76
1991 27.47 90.45 9.55
Source: - District Census Handbook, Rohta c District, 1971-91.

Total ratio of workers to total population in Rohtak town was 24.26

per cent during the 1971 census. In the over all workforce structure males

are dominant, which contribute about 95 percent. The work participation

rate in the city increased marginally from 26.68 per cent in 1981 to 27.47

percent in 1991. But females have 2.2 percent growth and males decreased

their percentage by 2.21 during 1981-91 decade. During this decade, the

total number of workers has increased slightly. It can be further noted that

the share of female workers had increased due to improvement of literacy

and awareness about better life among the females.

47
 Fig-2F

ROHTAK CITY
TOTAL MAIN WORKERS,1991
TOTAL MAIN WORKERS

hj M
N O
O)
M
(IN %)

U1
M
N>
A
N>
U
NJ
M

1971 1981 1991

YEARS

Fif?-2G

ROHTAK CITY
TOTAL MAIN MALE WORKERS,1991
TOTAL MAIN MALE WORKERS (IN%

•X'XXv:-:-:*
3

Vi'.VAV.W
S
fS

§||§|
2
8

*1
8

^wm
8

1981
YEARS

Fig-2H

ROHTAK CITY
TOTAL MAIN FEMALE WORKERS,1991

12 1
TOTAL MAIN FEMALE

10
WORKERS(IN%)

8 -

6 -

2
0 H1971 1981
YEARS
1991

48
Fig. 21

49
 The further interpretation is based on three categories of workers. These

categories are as follows: -

i. Percentage of primary workers to total workers.

ii. Percentage of secondary workers to total workers

iii. Percentage of tertiary workers to total workers

2.7.1 Primary Workers: -

Primary activity takes into account all those activities

where the workers are engaged in primary production i.e. production and

collection of primary commodities, such as production of agriculture and

animal husbandry, livestock, fishing etc. (Fig. 2J) indicates a ward wise

picture of primary workers in the city on the basis of five categories as very

high, high, moderate, low, and very low. There are only one ward no. 10,

which has very high percentage of primary workers. This ward has 34 per

cent of primary workers. Ward no. 11 and 2 has also fallen in high category

with 25 and 24 per cent of primary workers. The area of Sabji Mandi

(vegetable market), Ram Lila ground new grain market, Sugar Mill and

Circular road etc. of wards no.21, 4and 3 comes under the moderate

category of primary workers. Out of 35 wards of the city 6 wards comes in

low category and 21 wards come in the very low group with 1 to 7 per cent

of primary workers. Model Town, Durga Colony, Bhart colony, and Gandhi

Nagar exist in these areas.

50
Fig. 2J
2.7.2 Secondary Worker: -

Secondary activities are characterized by those

activities where the form of commodity is changed and its value is

increased. It takes into account the activities dealing with construction,

household industry, and manufacturing. Fig. 2K shows that there are only

two wards, no.33 and 34 where secondary workers constitute above 35 per

cent share in total work force structure. Ram Nagar, Hari Singh Colony,

Hakikat Nagar, Vijay Nagar, some part of Circular road and spinning Mill

areas comes under these areas. There are nine wards nos.l, 8, 11, 13, 16,

18, 20, 25 and 35 coming under moderate category of secondary workers.

Fifteen wards come under low category and five wards come under very low

category of secondary workers. Model Town, Ram Gopal colony, Northern

By Pass, I.T.I., Partap Mohalla, Babra Mohalla, D.L.F. colony and Subash

Nagar are coming under low and very low category.

52
Fig. 2K

53
2.7.3 Tertiary Workers-. -

Tertiaiy activity takes into account all those activities,

which deal with .the collection, transport and storage of goods and

miscellaneous type of services. Fig 2L reveal the ward-wise distribution of

tertiary workers in Rohtak city. Tertiary activities share about % part of the

total work force structure. All wards of the city have about 60 per cent

tertiary workers. The very high category (above 77 percent) which exists in

the area of old grain market, Partap Mohalla, Kalalan Mohalla, Para

Mohalla, Babra Mohalla housing Board, Verma Colony, Water Works,

Gandhi Nagar, Bhart Nagar Colony and Model Town. These areas, which

have been mentioned above comes in ward no.5, 6, 7, 9, 17, 28, and 30.

High Category exists in thirteen wards (3, 8, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29,

31, 32, and 35), which are contributed the 70 to 77 percent tertiary

workers to total workers. The area of Police Line, Wofhen College, Rest

House, Amer Colony, Patel Nagar, Khokhrakot etc falls in Moderate

Category (between 63-77 per cent). There are four wards, which have 55 to

63 percent tertiaiy workers of their total workers and exist in Low category.

Below 55 percent tertiary workers (Very Low category) are engaged in only

three wards nos. 34, 11, and 10. Low percentage of tertiaiy workers exists

in these wards due to the existence of primary activities.

54
Fig. 2L
2.8. Civic Amenities

Water supply, electric power, education, health services, recreation,

communication, cultural institution and other amenities are the principle

utility services of a city. Geographers do not ordinarily deal with these

utilities per se but they are concerned with them as factor in urban land

use development (Mayer, H. M. & kohn, C.F.1959).13

2.8.1. Health Services

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being is a

fundamental right, which has remained an intrinsic part of over all

development. Development of a city is also directly related with the health

standard of the city people. To provide health services there are 8 hospitals

in Rohtak city, which constitutes, one medical college, dispensaries, one

health center, T.B. hospital and two family planning centers in Rohtak city.

These institutions employ 382 Doctors, 607 nurses and 2033 other

employees.

On an average there is one dispensary for population of 54024 persons and

one hospital for 27012 persons and 1638 beds in the hospital of the city

providing an average one bed for 132 persons.

Of the hospitals, the civil hospital, the women hospital, T.B. hospital

and the veterinary hospital were established during the British period. The

medical college hospital was established in 1962. The high level of medical

13 Mayer, H. M. & kohn, C.F.: Reading in Urban Geography ,The University of Chicago,1959.

56
institutions in Rohtak established a strong base as a regional medical

center.

2.8.2. Power Supply (Electrification)

The availability of power is one of the most important pre-requisite

for a towns development. In Rohtak electricity was first provided in 1936,

when a thermal power plant was established in the south-eastern part of

the city.

Presently Uttari Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam provides the electricity from

Panipat thermal power plant. The monthly consumption of electricity is

150.07 lakh unit of which 79.37 lakh units are consumed by domestics,

23.73 lakh by commercial, 14.13 lakh by Small scale industries 21.97 lakh

by heavy industries, 1.09 lakh by tube wells, 0.07 lakh by pump sets, 6.76

lakh by public water works, 1.87 by bulk and 0.97 lakh by street light.

Table - 2.5

Rohtak City
Connection and Consumption of Electricity
Purposes No. of Connections Units Consumed (in Lakh)
Domestic 56319 79.37
Commercial 15592 23.73
Small Scale Industry 1428 14.30
Large Scale Industry 51 21.97
Tube Wells 122 1.09
P.W.W. & Sewerage Pump Sets 12 6.83
Bulk 10 ,1.87
Street Lights 5 0.91
Total 73539 150.07
Source: Utri Haryana Bijli Vitren Nigam, Rohtak, 2001.

The total no. of connections with in the city are 73539 out of which

56319 domestic, 15592 commercial, 1428 Small scale industries, 51 heavy

57
industries, 122 tube wells ,12 pump sets ,10 bulk and remain 5 street

connections.(Table 3.5)

The electricity to the city is regulated through 7 power stations. One

220 KV feeder near Jind by-pass, 132 KV station at Khokrakot, 33XV

station in sector-1, 33KV station in model town, 33KV in Maharshi

Dayanand University, 33KV Jhajjar road and 33KV station in industrial

areas at Hissar Road.

2.8.3. Water Supply

Of particular importance to the growth of urban areas in the city is

water supply. In meeting their needs, urban places must consider

quantities of water required, quality desired, various sources of supply, the

treatment required for each source, and system to be developed for strong

and properly distributing the adequate water requirement.14

Before the establishment of water works by the British in 1932, the

main source of water supply was a number of tanks and wells located in

different parts of the city. These were fallen in to disuse soon after the

establishment of water works.

Drinking water used by the inhabitants of Rohtak town is supplied

from 2 nos. water works i.e. old water works at Sonipat road and second

water works, Jhajjar road. Both of these are canal based and receive water

from the Bhalout distributory of the Jamuna canal through 4 miles long

14 Mayer, H. M. & kohn, C.F.: Reading in Urban Geography ,The University of Chicago,1959.

58
open Channel. In addition of the above, there are separate water works for

HUDA sector and independent water works for medical college and

Maharshi Dayanand University.

The present status of potable water supply to the inhabitants of the

Rohtak town is 133 LPCD on present population. Total storage capacity of

water in the city is 18,589,650,300 liters. And about 70 km Water

distribution system exists in the town, which covers 70% of its population. .

2.8.4 Education

Education is a context for interaction, participation and sharpening

of the tools of understanding. It is a culture exposure.15 The Rohtak town is

enjoying a model location in the term of education in Haryana. Some

education institutions located in the city were established in the British

period and some after independence. The city has privilege of having only

post-graduate institution of medical sciences in the state besides Maharshi

Dayanand University.

The educational institutions of city may be categorized as follows:

1. Colleges and Universities

2. Specialized institutions

3. Under graduate colleges

4. Higher secondary and middle schools

5. Primary schools

13 Wilson, K.: Education and Development in India ‘ Bharatiya Samajik Chintan, Vol. 12th,No.4 December,
1989.pp.18-28.

59
1. Colleges and Universities: -

The Maharshi Dayanand University in the city was established in

1962 located in South-Eastern part. The city has 9 colleges offering

education in the streams of science, humanities, and commerce. Four of

them are managed by government, and 5 by private bodies. First Degree

College in Haryana State named as Government College was established in

Rohtak town in 1927.

Table-2.6

Educational Institutions in Rohtak City, 1991

Educational Institutions Numbers

University 1

Colleges 9

Medical Colleges 2

Specialized institution 12

Under Graduate Colleges 12

Higher Secondary Schools 31

Middle 6s Primary Schools 87

Source: - Field Survey

2. Specialized Institutions: -

Rohtak provides the facility of 12 specialized institutions in medical

sciences, engineering and vocational training. Out of these are two

engineering college, 3 polytechnics, 7 vocational institutes and 2 medical

60
 Educational Institutions,2001

College
A Medical Institutes
Polytechnic
IVocational Training Institutes
Under Graduate Colleges
Primary Schools
“I
Maharshi Payanand University -vy
colleges. The medical college is located near Maharshi Dayanand

University.

3. Under Graduate College: -

Rohtak accommodates 12 under-graduate colleges (senior secondary

schools). Out of these 4 senior secondary schools are managed by state

government and remaining 8 by local bodies and private bodies. These are

located in different parts of the city.

4. Higher Secondary and Middle School: -

Presently 31 higher secondary schools and 34 middle schools exist in

the town. Some of them are working in double shift.

5. Primary School: -

There are fifty-three primary schools in the city. These schools are

scattered all over the city, lying in each locality.

2.8.5 Sanitation

Sanitation and conservancy services are vital for the hygienic life of

any urban community. In Rohtak city, municipal committee looks after the

arrangement of sanitation .In Rohtak city, open and surfaced system exists.

The municipal committee introduced the sewerage system in the city in

1955. Earlier this waste was carried manually and dumped in to open

surface drains (Nallah). At present in Rohtak city there are 19867 water

62
 Fig-2N

63
borne latrines, 6741 services and 2927 other latrines.16 Night Disposal

system is by wheel borrows and sewerages. Presently, about sixty percent

population and city area is covered with sewerage facilities. There exist 1

permanent disposal works comprising of screening chambers, collecting

tanks and pump chambers. About 52 km intercepting/outfall sewers, 63

km branch sewer line & 14963 sewer connections exist. (FIG.2N) It is

currently under the Public Health Department.

2.9. Recreational Facilities

Availability of recreational facilities, such as cinema hall, drama hall,

play ground, libraries / reading rooms etc. not only cover to the needs of

the residents population of a town but also provide additional attraction to

the population living in hinterlands. Thus, the Town having such facilities

tends to attract more people.

Cinema Hall: - The cinema halls are the most convenient and cheap

recreation for city population. In Rohtak, there are 7 Cinema Halls with

total seats about 5068, located in different parts of the city. One near the

Sheila bypass, 2 at the police lines road and remaining are located on

Delhi- Hissar road.

Play Ground and swimming pool: - The city has one stadium named

Chhotu Ram lies in between Sonipat road and northern by-pass. The play

field is mainly attached to the educational institution. Presently there are

16 Town Directory, Haryana, Census of India, 1991, pp 156-57.

64
two swimming pools, one is located in HUDA sector no. 14 and other one is

constructed in Maharshi Dayanand University campus.

Libraries and Reading Rooms: - There is one public library with one

reading room in the city. It has 2562 members and 26381 numbers of

books. The different educational institutions like university and colleges

have their own libraries. One community Hall is also situated in the city.

Picnic Spots: - The picnic spots are totally absent with in the city

limits, though a mini zoo and Tilyar lake is situated at 1 km. away from the

city limits, on National Highway- 10.

City Parks: - The parks and play grounds are the breathing spaces of

the city.. In Rohtak city, there are fifty-two developed and Fifteen

undeveloped parks.17 These parks are scattered in all parts of the city.

There are some small parks situated in deferent colonies. Maansarover

Park near the city court, Bhagwan Mahavir Park on civil road, Double Park

in Model Town, and Gaukarn Park in Gaukarn colony are the major parks

in the city.

2.10. Conclusion

Thus, from above- study it is found that the present city of Rohtak

has developed a lot through the ages. Its transformation from a small town

to a district headquarters including the status of major medical and

educational centers has been much significant. But these developments

17 Udhyan vibhag, Municipal Committee, Rohtak.

65
also brought a lot of problems of urban system like congestion, scarcity of

resources, unequal distribution etc. The population of the city has also

multiplied many a times, which further has added up to the problems of

the city by putting the pressure over the available infrastructure and

resources etc. It is necessary to notice here that a major part of this growth

is contributed by the population in-migrating to city from its hinter and.

Therefore, while giving the developmental strategies for such city it becomes

necessary to be attentive towards dynamic status of it and it’s further

consequences.

66