Pokhran
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Pokhran
Rajasthan • India |
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| District(s) | Jaisalmer |
| Coordinates | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 233 m (764 ft) |
| Population | 19,186 (2001) |
Pokhran (also spelt Pokaran) is a city and a municipality in Jaisalmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a remote location in Thar Desert region, the test site for India's first underground nuclear weapon detonation.
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[edit] Nuclear test site
Pokhran is the test site for India's nuclear program. The Atomic Energy Commission of India detonated its first underground nuclear weapon there on May 18, 1974. The Indian government, however, declared that it was not going to make nuclear weapons even though it had acquired the capacity to do so. It claimed that the Pokhran explosion was an effort to harness atomic energy for peaceful purposes and to make India self-reliant in nuclear technology, but subsequently, India conducted five nuclear tests on May 11 and May 13, 1998. Since then, India has declared a moratorium on the testing
Fort Pokaran; the 14th century citadel also known as “Balagarh” stands as a paragon amidst the Thar Desert. This monument is the premier fort of The Chief of Mighty Champawats (the clan of Rathores) has to its erstwhile aristocratic title attached the prestigious honour ‘Pradhan’ ( The Premier Noble ) to recognize every Thakur of Pokaran as of the first honour in The Darbar (the court) of the state Marwar- Jodhpur.
Surrounded with rocky, sandy and five salt ranges, POKARAN means “the place of five mirages”.Fort Pokaran stands on ancient trade route that carried salt, silk and spices to Persia and beyond. Instead of winding caravans of the past, it now has trains, buses and cars. The fort now attracts travellers to stay betwixt the glorious history where each stone speaks out volumes of the past.
It is en route both from Jodhpur to Jaislamer and Bikaner to Jaislamer. It indeed makes an ideal break and offers extended traditional hospitality, which was once offered to Humayun; the Mughal Emperor in the 16th century and later to his great grandson Akbar `II; son of the last Mughal Emperor; Aurangzeb.
The present Thakur Nagendra Singh Pokaran and his wife Thakurani Yashwant Kumari Pokaran have opened the imperial gates of the stately fort to proffer the traveller a feel of royalty. The well restored building hands out a view of the ornamentally carved, red sandstone Mahals, the traditional Jharokas and the grand turrets, parapets depicting Rajput and Mughal architecture. The impressive hall;”Mangal Mahal” with four octangular Jharokas protruding out is where our guests are served with traditional aromatic cuisines by the family Chef.
There is an in-house “Museum” of the family collection of armoury, garments, miniature paintings, handicrafts and the local artistry. A feather in the cap of the Fort is “The Grand Library” consisting of classic books dedicated to the great Rao Bhadur Rajshree Thakur Chain Singhji Pokaran. He being the most learned Rajput noble of those times, holds a prestigious place in the book known as "Who’s Who Of India 1946-47 edition pg.1428-29."
[edit] Geography
Pokhran is located at [1]. It has an average elevation of 233 metres (764 feet).
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Pokhran had a population of 19,186. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Pokhran has an average literacy rate of 56%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 68%, and female literacy is 41%. In Pokhran, 19% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] See also
- List of India energy articles
- Pokaran sight seeing venues are skillfully engraved family cenotaphs. A walk through the old bazaar where the potters make the famous terracotta pottery which floods the Delhi markets and weavers weave shawls, blankets and durries (carpets).
This exclusive stay includes tea at the turrets while the sunsets, traditional gala evenings on the ramparts, twinkling view of the town, folk dancing, cultural programs with sound and light show organized especially by the family. The jeep and camel-cart safaris can be customized to the tourist’s choice, which can be a safari to the mud huts interacting with the villagers or the wild life spots around Pokaran.
Pokaran is the abode of hundreds of Damsel Cranes, Houbara Bustard, a rare bird; The Great Indian Bustard, Migratory Bird the Imperial Sand Grouse which takes flight right from Siberia to the desert for food, water and to sun bathe. It is a buzz to watch and photograph the Indian Gazelle; the “Chinkara” (deer) that is the highlight of the jeep safari in dried salt ranges of Pokaran.
The place also homes the shrine of the deity Ramdeoji who is considered the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. The fair Ramdeora is named after him, held for ten days according to the lunar calendar in the month of September is a vibrant occasion. People visit it from all religions, caste and creed from all over India who come in colourful outfits to offer prayers.
Fort Pokaran is a commemoration to those great souls who thought of a life larger than life!
