During the Mughal period, Harda was a mahal in the Handiasarkar. In 1742, Marathas led by PeshwaBalaji Baji Rao captured the area, and displaced the Muslim governor of the Handia sarkar. Subsequently, Harda replaced Handia as the most important town in the area, as the local Maratha amil resided at Harda. Harda was a part of the Scindia's territories. In 1801, Yashwantrao Holkar sacked Harda. Later, Harda also faced attacks from the Pindaris and the Korku tribals. In 1817, during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Harda became the headquarters of John Malcolm's division. Even after the Maratha defeat ini the war, the Scindias retained control of the Harda-Handia tract. The area was ceded to the British in 1844, but the cession was completed only in 1860. The town saw disturbances during the 1857 uprising. The Deputy Magistrate, Maulvi Mazhar-ul-Jamil, helped curb the rebellion, and was rewarded with a jagir in the Damoh district. The Harda Nagar Palika was established on 18 May 1867, and the Harda tehsil was created in 1913. The British tried to bring a progressive frame work to Harda during its rule. Harda was formed by combining Kul Harda and Mehmudabad Villages. After the railway lines were laid the conditions improved, and the area developed. In 1857 British officers worked here as judges and administrative Officers. Harda was one of the largest places in the old 'Madhya Prant' and includes area of 'Seoni Malwa.' The Harda language and culture is influenced by 'Malwa' and 'Nimar'. The main dialect spoken in Harda is known as Bhuani, and the region is known as the Bhuana area which loosely translates to more fertilized land. Harda was the headquarters of a tehsil in the Hoshangabad district. The Harda district was created in 1998.
In the southern hill regions of Harda we can find the Tribal, 'Gond' and 'Korku' people. The south region of Harda was under 'Makdae' rule and the 'Gond' king was the ruler. The 'Bichhola' village of harda was the developed 'Rajaswa' center in the Mughal empire. The area which was called as 'Gondwana' became non-tribal during the British rule, as the workers, administration officials, farmers and business community was in touch with the states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat for a 150 years the area got influenced by the culture of these states.
Administration
On 18 May 1867 British established the 'Nagar Palika' in Harda and from 1920 the work was done as per the republic manner. The under ground drainage in Harda is best example of the British architect. For administration purposes Tahsil Harda was established in the year 1913.
was born in 1925 in Bid village of Harda district. On 15 August 1947, S.D.O Shri Beretha hosted the Indian flag at the police station of Harda. Eminent personalities from Harda include Narayanrao Raghunathrao Kekre, the President of the Hindu Mahasabha of Madhya Pradesh. Freedom struggle at Harda was led by Atmaram Lokre shastri in 1905. After the division of Bengal in 1905 there were political movements in Harda led by Pro. Mahadev Shivram Gole, Pandit Chandragopal Gajadharprasad Mishra, Balwantrao Agnihotri,Bhikaji Vinayak Naik, Pandit Chandragopal Mishra, Ramdada Naik, Benimadhav Awasthi led the freedom movement. Later Thakur Guljarsingh, Sitacharan Dixit, Dadabhai Naik, Maheshdatt Mishra & Champlal Sokal led the freedom struggle and were subsequently sent to jail. Prof. Maheshdatt Mishra spent 4 years in British Jails. He was personal Assistant to Mahatma Gandhi during turmoil years of 1942 "Quit India" Movement.
Geography
Harda is located at. It has an average elevation of 296 metres.coor title dm|22|20|N|77|06|E|region:IN_type:city
Demographics
As of 2011 Indian Census, Harda had a total population of 68,162, of which 34,970 were males and 33,192 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 8,205. The total number of literates in Harda was 52,771, which constituted 77.4% of the population with male literacy of 80.9% and female literacy of 73.7%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Harda was 88.0%, with male literacy rate of 92.3% and female literacy rate of 83.5%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 8,758 and 2,390 respectively. Harda had 13493 households in 2011. Indiacensus, Harda had a population of 61,712. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 49%. Harda has an average literacy rate of 73.6%, male literacy is 79.7%, and female literacy is 66.7%. In Harda, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Nearby Attractions
Handia : It is a famous pilgrimage spot and a sacred place situated around 20 km from Harda. The Narmada River flows and consists nabhi kund. There are also many temples dedicated to lord Shiva, out of which the famous temple built by Pandavas is also situated here. According to myths it was built during the Mahabharat era in a single night.
Teli Ki Sarai - About 16 km from Harda in Handia, this structure was created in the 16-17th century by a banker for his customers to rest overnight. Historic records show that this was also used as a military cantonment.Near by airport Bhopal.
