Profile of Mirzapur District
History
The history of Mirzapur dates back to Mughal times when,
at the time of the Mughal king Akbar, carpet weaving began in
the Jaunpur and Allahabad districts of Uttar Pradesh. During the
course of time, these weavers migrated to Mirzapur. Even today
carpets are a big industry in the region.
There are many lovely structures that still exist in Mirzapur
today, albeit in a dilapidated state.
Havelis, colonial structures and natural beauty combine to make
Mirzapur an interesting place to visit.
Location
Mirzapur is located between latitude 23.52º to 23.32º
and longitude 82.72º to 83.33º. It is spread over an
area of 4952.5 sq. km. It is surrounded by Varanasi and Sant Ravidas
Nagar on the north, Allahabad on the west, and towards south east
its boundaries are contiguous with Varanasi district, Sonebhadra
and the state of Madhya Pradesh. The district measures 64 km from
east to west and 32 km. from north to south.
Topography
The land in the district is mostly uneven. The landscape is dotted
with hills, mountains, plateaus, waterfalls and rivers. The Vindhya
mountains range rises in Mirzapur district and extends to the
south west. And the most beautiful waterfalls in the district
are at Tanda, Windham. Ganga and Belan are the two major rivers
flowing through the district.
The soil is generally red and the terrain generally rocky in the
district. The district has 4,50,169 hectares reported area. The
forest coverage is 98,353 hectares (28.1% of total reported).
Climate/Natural Resources
Mirzapur’s climate is subtropical. Average rainfall is
11 cm/year.
The Vindhya range has a dense forest cover. The most important
forest produce is Tendu leaves.
Stone mines are found in many blocks of the district. This is
a major industry.
Chunar is famous for its potteries.
Demographic Features
According to 2011 census, the total population of the district
is 24,96,970 (13,12,302 males and 11,84,668 females).
The urban population is 3,47,567 and rural population is 21,49,403.
The sex ratio is 902 females for every 1,000 males.
The density of population per square km is 552. The scheduled
caste population is 6,61,129. The district has a very negligible
population of scheduled tribes.
Literacy
The total number of literates in the district is 14,28,683
which is 68.47% of the total population. Male literacy rate
is 78.96% as compared 56.85% for females. Literacy rate amongst
scheduled castes is well below the district average. A concerted
effort is required in the field of girl child education and
extension of primary education to weaker sections of the society,
particularly scheduled caste population.
Socio-Economic Structure
Due to its hard rocky terrain, low soil fertility and
poor industrial investment, Mirzapur has not broken away from
its feudal past. There still exists a very strong caste system
effecting socio-economic structure.
The reorganization of the district has seen most of the active
industrial sector go to Sonebhadra. Present day Mirzapur is
left with extremely low level of state and central government
public investment. The carpet industry of the district is flourishing
and is world famous.
How to reach Mirzapur...
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About Mirzapur
