View source for Sohna

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Sohna
| native_name        = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name_lang   = Haryanvi language
| other_name         = 
| nickname           = 
| settlement_type    = [[Town]]
| image_skyline      = 
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = 
| pushpin_map        = India Haryana#India3
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Haryana, India
| coordinates        = {{coord|28.25|N|77.07|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Haryana]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Gurgaon district|Gurugram]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| named_for          = 
| government_type    = Municipal Council
| governing_body     = Municipal Council of Sohna (Gurugram)
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_rank          = 
| area_total_km2     = 7.2
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 212
| population_total   = 53962
| population_as_of   = 2019
| population_rank    = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = 
| population_footnotes = 
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Haryanvi language|Haryanvi]], [[Ahirwati]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = [http://www.citypincode.in/PinCodeOf.jsp?area=Sohna%20&district=Gurgaon 122103]
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#HR.E2.80.94Haryana|HR72]]
| website            = {{URL|haryana.gov.in}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Sohna''' is a [[town]] and a [[Municipal council (India)|municipal council]] in the [[Gurgaon district|Gurugram district]] of [[Haryana]], [[India]]. A popular tourist weekend and conference retreat, it is on the highway from [[Gurgaon|Gurugram]] to [[Alwar]] near a vertical rock. Sohna is known for its [[geothermal springs|hot springs]] and [[Shiva]] temple. Major communities in Sohna are Gurjars, Meo, Ahir, Rajput and Jaat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/golden-only-in-name-sohna-torn-between-caste-and-issues/story-Gq3lEdWKK4cTzJ0WfXfXeP.html|title='Golden' only in name, Sohna torn between caste and issues|date=1 April 2014|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> [[Gurgaon district|Gurugram district]] is divided into 4 sub-divisions each headed by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM): [[Gurgaon|Gurugram]], Sohna, [[Pataudi]] and [[Badshahpur]].

==History==

=== Founding of the city ===
Sohna, which, according to historical records, traces its origin from 11th century onward, was occupied by three races in succession: namely the [[Iran|Iranian]] Kambhos, the Khanzadas and the Rajputs. Gazetteers mention that Nawab Qutb Khan Khanzada defeated the Kambhos and took over the town in 1570. The Khanzadas were expelled in 1620 by the Sisodia Rajputs. The Rajputs migrated to Sohna, who according to [[myths]], obeyed the orders their patron saint who appeared in their dream indicating Sohna as their place of settlement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/it-is-time-we-celebrate-the-rich-history-of-sohna/story-XfmUD9NoAXBJFB6zLb9BmJ.html|title=It is time we celebrate the rich history of Sohna|date=3 September 2018|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

===Monuments===
{{anchor| Tourism | Damdama Lake|Ancient Shiva Temple|Gurdwara|Gangasnan Fair|Teej Fair|Sohna Sulphur Hot Spring|Barbet Haryana Tourism Hot Spring Spa Resort|Sohna Hill Fort|Gora Barak Mosque|Quto Khan ki Masjid|Shah Nazam al Haq's Tomb|Lal Gumbaz and Kala Gumbaz|Kamboj ruins of Sohna|Sohna Vintage Car Rally|Sohna Hill Scenic Outlook|Lala Kherli Temples}}

==== Sohna hotspring ====
{{anchor | Sohna hotsprin }}
Sohna hotsprings, in the foothills of the [[Aravali]]s, also has an ancient [[Shiva]] temple. The temple was built by the Baba lakhi shah Banjara [[Banjara]]. A Gangasnan ''mela'' (fair) is held each November at the temple, and a fair is held each July and August to celebrate [[Teej]].
The hot springs in the temple are strongly sulphurous, and their temperature varies from {{convert|46|to|51.7|°C}}. According to legend, [[Arjuna|Arjun]] (one of the five&nbsp;[[Pandava|Pandav]] brothers) dug the wells when he was thirsty. Sohna is believed to have been the abode of hermits and the main ''kund'' (tank), Shiva Kund, is said to have medicinal properties. Devotees consider it sacred, and during eclipses and [[Amavasya#Amavasya Somavati|Somavati Amavasya]] they gather here to bathe in the water.<ref name=trib200>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000218/haryana.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Haryana|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref> The hilltop Barbet Resort, operated by [[Haryana Tourism]], has sauna and steam-bath facilities, a small swimming pool, a park, lodging and a restaurant overlooking the town.<ref name=HT1>[http://haryanatourism.gov.in/showpage.aspx?contentid=5617&serviceid=39 Haryana Tourism - Barbet Resort]</ref>

==== Lake ====
[[Damdama Lake]], known for its boating and picturesque surroundings,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-27/gurgaon/28247433_1_water-level-camping-site-water-table|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103135419/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-27/gurgaon/28247433_1_water-level-camping-site-water-table|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Monsoon brings drying Damdama Lake back to life|date=27 September 2010}}</ref> was created by building a [[weir]] on the [[Delhi Ridge|South Delhi Ridge]] between Gurugram and Sohna. It lies in the [[Aravalli Range#Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor|Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor]].

==== Mosque ====
{{anchor | Gora Barak Mosque | Gora barak mosque | Gora Barak mosque}}
'''Gora Barak Mosque''' has a [[minaret]] (''khamba'' in Hindi).<ref name=MS/> The Quto Khan ki Masjid, built from local red sandstone, is in ruins.<ref name=MS/> The Shah Nazam al haq Tomb is claimed to be built over a [[Hindu]] temple.{{better source needed|date=August 2023}}<ref name=HK/><ref>[http://www.dhpc.in/photowalks/9 Mewat heritage walk]</ref> The tomb has an inscription dating it to 1461,<ref name=MS>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vdMNBxOsvrUC&dq=sohna+fort&pg=PA98|title=Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India|first=Manohar|last=Sajnani|date=30 April 2001|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=9788178350172|via=Google Books}}</ref> during the reign of [[Bahlul Khan Lodi]] of the [[Lodi dynasty]] of the [[Delhi Sultanate]]. Material from the [[Hindu]] temple was used to build the tomb.<ref name=HK>{{Cite web|url=https://harekrsna.com/sun/features/09-10/features1841.htm|title=Hindu Temples: What Happened to Them|author1=Shourie, Narain |author2=Dubashi, Swarup |author3=Ram Goel |date=September 2010|website=harekrsna.com}}</ref> It stands on a high platform with stone steps on one side leading to the entrance, inside which is a pillared hall. Decorative features include inscriptions in Arabic, pointed Islamic arches and floral patterns.<ref name=TOI1>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/-and-decay/articleshow/41942.cms Times of India: decaying Shah Nazam al Haq tomb]</ref> Educator [[Syed Ahmad Khan]]'s grandfather is buried here, and notable Muslims were buried in the tomb complex of their favorite [[Pir (Sufism)|Sufi ''pirs'']].<ref name=TOI1/>

==== Gumbaz ====
{{anchor | Lal Gumbaz of Sohna | Lal Gumbaz of Sohna | Kala Gumbaz of Sohna}}
'''Lal Gumbaz of Sohna''' (Red Dome) and '''Kala Gumbaz of Sohna''' (Black dome) are west of the town.<ref name=MS/> The 400-year-old tomb called Lal Gumbad is located in the vicinity of Ansal's Orchid Estate. It is made entirely of stone, the structure has a 12-pillared (barakhamba) hall in the entrance arcade that is made of red sandstone crowned with a dome. Attached behind this is the main tomb in stone masonry with a larger dome, exhibiting hybrid architectural styles from [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughlaq]] and [[Lodi dynasty|Lodhi]] periods.

==== Dargah ====
'''Nazam-ul-Haq dargah''' was built in 1461 during [[Lodi dynasty]] rule of [[Bahlul Lodi]],<ref name=friher1>[http://www.fridaygurgaon.com/news/2516-gurgaon-heritage.html Gurugram heritage], fridaygurgaon.com.</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2019}} likely by [[Khanzada Rajputs]].

==Demographics==
{{anchor|Geography}}
[[File:Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) at Sultanpur I Picture 151.jpg|thumb|alt=Two slender, grey wading birds with red heads|Sarus cranes at [[Sultanpur National Park]].]]

In the 2001 India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Sohna had a population of 27,571. Males were 53 percent of the population, and females 47 percent. Sohna has a literacy rate of 63 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent. Male literacy is 70 percent, and female literacy 54 percent. Seventeen percent of the population is under age six. Kunwar Sanjay Singh of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|(BJP) Bharatiya Janata Party]] is the [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] for Sohna.<ref>[http://haryanaassembly.gov.in/MLADetails.aspx?MLAID=768 MLA Details]. [[Haryana Legislative Assembly|Haryana Assembly]].</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ ''Religion in Sohna City
|-
! Religion
! Population<br>(1911)<ref name="Census1911">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/site/SAOA/SouthAsiaOpenArchivesSAOA/CensusReports-1911-26575903/|title=Census of India 1911. Vol. 14, Punjab. Pt. 2, Tables.|access-date=21 August 2022}}</ref>{{rp|20}}
! Percentage<br>(1911)
|-
| [[Hinduism]] [[File:Om.svg|15px]]
| 2,942
|{{Percentage | 2942 | 5138 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Islam]] [[File:Star and Crescent.svg|15px]] 
| 2,179
|{{Percentage | 2179 | 5138 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Christianity]] [[File:Christian cross.svg|15px]]
| 15
|{{Percentage | 15 | 5138 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Sikhism]] [[File:Khanda.svg|15px]]
| 1
|{{Percentage | 1 | 5138 | 2 }}
|-
| Others{{efn|Including [[Jainism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Zoroastrianism]], [[Judaism]], others, or not stated}}
| 1
|{{Percentage | 1 | 5138 | 2 }}
|-
| '''Total Population'''
| '''5,138'''
|'''{{Percentage | 5138 | 5138 | 2 }}'''
|}

==Economy==
=== {{anchor|Roz-ka-Meo Industrial estate | Roz-ka-Meo industrial area}} Rojka Meo industrial estate ===
{{see also | Economy of Haryana | Economy of India | Railway in Haryana | label 3 = Railway development in Haryana}}
The Rojka Meo industrial area in Raisika village to the south of Sohna, is a {{cvt|400|acre|adj=on}} industrial area with 379 plots.<ref name=mewat1>{{Cite web|url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/mewat.pdf|title=Industrial profile of Mewat}}</ref><ref name=hsiidc2>2000, [https://books.google.com/books?id=EVXaAAAAMAAJ&q=Haryana+state+industrial+and+infrastructure+development+corporation National Capital Region Directory], Page 472.</ref> It falls on NH-248A in the influence zone of, [[Western Dedicated Freight Corridor]] and [[Delhi Western Peripheral Expressway|Western Peripheral Expressway]] and also lies in NCR region.

===Infrastructure===
The Haryana government has drawn up a South Gurgaon Master Plan 2031, which will regulate housing.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20211017192937/https://www.affordablehousinggurugram.in/huda-begins-drain-work-ahead-of-rainy-days/ Huda Begins Drain Work Ahead of Rainy Days]</ref> [[Western Dedicated Freight Corridor]] Passes through Sohna in [[Nuh District]].

===Real estate development===
A master plan for the town<ref>[http://www.newprojectssohna.com/sohna-master-plan.html Sohna Master Plan]. newprojectssohna.com.</ref> was introduced in 2012. Divided into 38 sectors, the plan covers residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, transport, communications, utilities, public and semi-public use, open spaces and agricultural and conservation zones.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sohnamasterplan.com/ |title=Sohna Master Plan |access-date=2013-04-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422070752/http://sohnamasterplan.com/ |archive-date=22 April 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Delhi Ridge]]
* [[Forests Department, Haryana#Leopards|Leopards of Haryana]]
* [[List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Haryana]]
* [[Taoru]]
* [[Faridabad]]

==References==
{{Reflist|20em}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
{{notelist}}

{{Gurgaon district topics}}
{{Hydrography of Haryana}}
{{Haryana}}
{{Hindu temples in Haryana}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Gurgaon district]]
[[Category:Forts in Haryana]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Haryana]]
[[Category:Tourism in Haryana]]
[[Category:Tehsils in Haryana]]