Bhadohi is a city ,Lok Sabha constituency and a municipal board in Sant Ravidas Nagar district in the state of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...

, India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

. Also known as the "Carpet City", as it is home to the largest hand-knotted carpet weaving industry hubs in South Asia

South Asia

South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...

. The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, the only Institute of its kind in Asia

Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...

, was established in the city, by the Ministry of Textiles

Ministry of Textiles

The Ministry of Textiles is responsible for the formulation of policy, planning, development, export promotion and regulation of the textile sector in India. This includes all natural, artificial, and cellulosic fibres that go into the making of textiles, clothing and handicrafts. As of May 2009,...

 in 2001, with B.Tech. courses in carpet and textiles technology.

Bhadohi is also one of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha

Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha

The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is the lower house of the bicameral legislature of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It has a total of 404 members including one Anglo-Indian member who is nominated by the Governor. Till 1967, it had a strength of 431 members including one nominated Anglo-Indian...

 (State Legislative Assembly) constituency as Bhadohi

Bhadohi (Lok Sabha constituency)

Bhadohi Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. This constituency came into existence in 2008 as a part of the implementation of delimitation of parliamentary constituencies based on the recommendations of the Delimitation...

 Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha or House of the People is the lower house of the Parliament of India. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election under universal adult suffrage. As of 2009, there have been fifteen Lok Sabhas elected by the people of India...

 constituency.

Geography

Bhadohi is located at 25.42°N 82.57°E. It has an average elevation of 85 metres (278 feet).

History

Bhadohi gets its name supposedly from Bhar Raj of the region which had Bhadohi as its capital, whose traces can be found in the names of ruined mounds and old tanks named after the Bhar rulers, a tributary of Kannauj

Kannauj

Kannauj , also spelt Kanauj, is a city, administrative headquarters and a municipal board or Nagar Palika Parishad in Kannauj district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city's name is traditionally derived from the term Kanyakubja . Kannauj is an ancient city, in earlier times the capital...

 kingdom, which in the early medieval period was included in the Kingdom of Jaunpur

Jaunpur Sultanate

The Jaunpur sultanate was an independent kingdom of northern India between 1394 to 1479, whose rulers ruled from Jaunpur in the present day state of Uttar Pradesh. The Jaunpur sultanate was ruled by the Sharqi dynasty. The Khwajah-i-Jahan Malik Sarwar, the first ruler of the dynasty was a wazir ...

. During the reign of Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Bhadohi was made a dastur and included in the sarkar

Sarkar (country subdivision)

Sarkar is an historic administrative unit, used mostly in the Muslim states of the South Asia. It was a territorial division of a Suba or province. A Sarkar was further divided into territorial divisions for the administrative purpose which were called Mahallas or Parganas. The Mahallas or...

of Allahabad

Allahabad

Allahabad , or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughals from the ancient name of Prayaga , and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,...

. By the fifteenth century the Bhar were overpowered by Maunas Rajputs with Sagar Rai as the first head of the clan, and his grandson, Jodh Rai received it as a zamindari sanad (deed) from Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan Shah Jahan (also spelled Shah Jehan, Shahjehan, , Persian: شاه جهان) (January 5, 1592 – January 22, 1666) Shah Jahan (also spelled Shah Jehan, Shahjehan, , Persian: شاه جهان) (January 5, 1592 – January 22, 1666) (Full title: His Imperial Majesty Al-Sultan al-'Azam wal Khaqan...

. However around 1750 AD due to non payment of land revenue arrears, Raja Pratap Singh of Pratapgarh

Pratapgarh

Pratapgarh may refer to the following places in India:Cities and towns:* Pratapgarh, Rajasthan* Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh* Pratapgarh, TripuraDistricts:* Pratapgarh district * Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh...

, in lieu of his paying the arrears gave the entire pargana

Pargana

A pargana is a former administrative unit of the Indian subcontinent, used primarily, but not exclusively, by the Muslim kingdoms.Parganas were introduced by the Delhi Sultanate, and the word is of Persian origin. As a revenue unit, a pargana consists of several mouzas, which are the smallest...

 to Balwant Singh of Benaras, subsequently he received it directly under a sanad from Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula

Shuja-ud-Daula

Shuja-ud-Daula was the Subedar Nawab of Oudh from 5 October 1754 to 26 January 1775, and the son of Muhammad Nasir.Though a minor royal, he is best known for his key roles in two definitive battles in Indian history - the Third Battle of Panipat which ended Maratha domination of India, and the...

 of Awadh

Awadh

Awadh , also known in various British historical texts as Oudh or Oude derived from Ayodhya, is a region in the centre of the modern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, which was before independence known as the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh...

 under British influence in 1770 AD, and it remained with Benaras till 1947.

In 1911, Bhadohi became under first Maharaja of the newly created princely state of Benares

Royal House of Benares

The Royal House of Benares , was the ruling Bhumihar Brahmin family of Benares from 1770 to 1835 as Rajas of Benares, Maharajas of Benares from 1835 to 1910 and rulers of the princely state of Benares from 1910 until Indian independence in 1947...

 ruled by Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh.

Bhadohi carpets

The Bhadohi district is biggest carpet manufacturing centres in India, most known for its hand-knotted carpet. Bhadohi is known as "Carpet City". While the Mirzapur-Bhadohi region is the largest handmade carpet weaving cluster, engaging around 3.2 million people in the industry, Bhadohi alone employs 22 lakh rural artisans in its 100 percent export-oriented industry, which accounts for about 75 per cent of the Rs 4,400 Crore total carpet exports from India, exporting carpets worth Rs 2,500 crore (approx) in 2010. Carpet weaving in the region date back to the 16th century, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Akbarand is believed to have established when centuries ago, some Iran

Iran

Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...

ian master weavers stopped at Madhosingh village, near Khamaria

Khamaria

Khamaria is a town and a nagar panchayat in Sant Ravidas Nagar District in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.-Demographics: India census, Khamaria had a population of 27,581. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Khamaria has an average literacy rate of 36%, well below the...

, in Bhadohi while travelling in India, and subsequently set up looms here.

In 2010, the carpets of the region received the Geographical Indication

Geographical indication

A geographical indication is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin...

 (GI) tag, which means carpets manufactured in nine districts of the region, Bhadohi, Mirzapur

Mirzapur

Mirzapur is a city in the heart of North India, nearly 650 km between Delhi and Kolkata and also equidistant from Allahabad and Varanasi. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mirzapur has a population of a little over 205,264 and is renowned for its famous carpet and brassware industry...

, Varanasi

Varanasi

-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...

, Ghazipur

Ghazipur

Ghazipur , or Ghazipur City, previously spelt Ghazeepore, is a city/town and a municipal corporation and headquarter of Ghazipur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the administrative headquarters of Ghazipur Division and Sub-division...

, Sonebhadra, Kaushambi, Allahabad

Allahabad

Allahabad , or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughals from the ancient name of Prayaga , and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,...

, Jaunpur

Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh

Jaunpur is a city and a municipal board in Jaunpur district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.Jaunpur district is located to the northwest of the district of Varanasi in the eastern part of the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. According to the 2001 census, Jaunpur district had a population...

 and Chandauli

Chandauli

Chandauli , also known as Chandoli, is a town and a nagar panchayat in Chandauli district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the administrative headquarters of Chandauli District.-Geography:...

 would be tagged with 'handmade carpet of Bhadohi'. Most of the production is aimed at foreign countries.

Well known carpet types from Bhadohi include cotton Dhurry|Dhurries, Chhapra Mir carpets, Loribaft, Indo Gabbeh but also Nepalese carpets and more recent shaggy type carpets. They are manufactured in various qualities.

Demographics

India census

Census

A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...

, Bhadohi had a population of 74,439. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bhadohi has an average literacy rate of 90%,higher than the national average of 69.5%; with 94% of the males and 86% of females are literate. 18% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Overview

The distance from Bhadohi to Varanasi

Varanasi

-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...

 is approximately 45 km and takes about sixty minutes by car. Bhadohi is 80 km from Allahabad

Allahabad

Allahabad , or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughals from the ancient name of Prayaga , and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,...

. It is close to the holy river Ganges (which is about 29 km from the city area). There are quite a few good temples in Bhadohi like the famous Hariharnath temple and Sitamadhy Temple.

Prior to receiving the Geographical Indication

Geographical indication

A geographical indication is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin...

 (GI) rights for its carpets in 2010, Bhadohi was named amongst the six districts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...

, wherein weavers of the traditional Banarasi

Banarasi

Banarasi saris are saris made in Varanasi, a city which is also called "Benares." These saris are historically considered to be among the finest saris in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade, fine silk and opulent embroidery, and being highly sought after...

 sarees were allowed to sell under the ‘Banaras Brocades and Sarees’ tag, after it received GI tag in 2009. The region is also known for its traditional basketry, wherein handwoven baskets and other utility products made exclusively by the women.

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh is a left-handed baseball pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.-Early Life in Bhadoni:...

, who along with Danesh kaneria became the first Indians to sign a major league baseball

Baseball

Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...

 contract, is a native of Bhadohi.

Geographic location

Bhadohi's Persian carpets & rugs

Carpet dealers have developed a classification for Persian carpets based on design, type of fabric, and weaving technique.

Abadeh Abadeh rug An Abaadeh carpet is a type of Persian carpet made in the town of Abadeh in Iran.-History:Over the last 50 years Abadeh carpets have emerged as a recognizable group in the marketplace. Abadeh, a market town half way between Isfahan and Shiraz in Iran, is traditionally where the Qashqai in their... Afghan/Yomut (Turkmen) Yomut carpet The Yomut carpet is a type of Turkmen rug traditionally handwoven by the Yomut or Yomud, one of the major tribes of Turkmenistan. A Yomut design, along with designs of the four other major tribes, such as Ersari and Tekke, is featured on the coat of arms and the flag of Turkmenistan.-See... Ahar Ahar rug The Ahar carpet is a type of Azerbaijani carpet made in the town of Ahar in Ahar County near Mount Sabalan in Iran .-History:Over the last 30 years Ahar carpets have emerged as a recognizable group in the marketplace, and are sold in many parts of Iran outside its town of origin.-Characteristics:It... Afshar Afshar Afshar is a district of Kabul, Afghanistan. Most of its population are of the Shia-Hazara ethnic group.... Arak Arak rug Arak rugs are made in the province of Arak, Iran. Technically, all rugs from Arak can be considered Arak rugs but those termed Sarouk are marked as of the best quality, while the more general term Arak is used for rugs of lesser quality. Meshkabad used to be the term for the worst quality rugs,... Ardabil Ardabil rug Ardabil rugs originate from Ardabil located in the province of Ardabil Province in northwestern Iran, 639 kilometers from Tehran. Ardabil has a long and illustrious history of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. The reign of the Safavid Dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries represented the peak of... Ardestan Assadabad rug Bakhtiari Bakhtiari The Bakhtiari are a southwestern Persian tribe. They speak the Bakhtiari dialect, a southwestern Persian dialect, belonging to the Luri dialects.... Balouch Balouch rug Baluch rugs are woven near the South-Eastern border of Iran and in Western regions of Afghanistan. Being of tribal and often nomadic origin the Baluch rugs are generally small in size, typically limited to a length of 8 ft.... Bijar Bidjar rug Bijar Kurdish rugs are often called the Iron Rugs of Iran. The Bijar was a heavy durable rug that has been very popular in the United States. Now the Bijar rug tends to be a finer thinner more Sarouk like rug... Birjand Borujerd Chelaberd Chodor Dorokhsh Farahan Ferdos Ghayen Gonabad Gonbad Ghaboos Gorgan Herat Heriz Heriz rug Heriz rugs are Persian rugs from the area of Heris, East Azerbaijan in northwest Iran, northeast of Tabriz. Such rugs are produced in the village of the same name in the slopes of Mount Sabalan. Heriz carpets are extremely durable and hard-wearing and they can last for generations...  (Hariz) Isfahan Isfahan rug The Iranian city of Isfahan has long been one of the centres for production of the famous Persian Rug.Weaving in Isfahan flourished in the Safavid era. But when the Afghans invaded Iran, ending the Safavid dynasty, the craft also became stagnant.Not until 1920s, between two world wars, was weaving... Joshghan Jozan Jozan rug Jozan rugs are made in the surroundings of the village Jozan - also spelled Josan - in the Iranian Malayer area. Jozan rugs are quality rugs of the Sarouk type often with designs as early 20th century Sarouks. Jozan rugs are often called Jozan Sarouk or Malayer Sarouk in trade... Kashan Kashan rug A Kashan rug is a type of Persian rug from the area of Kashan. Kashan is a city in Isfahan Province in North Central Iran. There was production of Persian Carpet at Royal workshops in the 17th and early 18th century. Many authors attribute Persian Rugs and Carpet to Kashan in the 16th century... Kashmar Kashmar rug Kashmar is a city in Razavi Khorasan Province of Iran and is located south of Mashad city.-See also:*Kashmar By www.NasimSoftco.com*Persian rug... Kerman Lilian Mahan

Mahalat Maku Mamasani Marand Mashhad Mazlaghan Meshkin Shahr Moshk Abad Mood Nain Nain rug Nain rugs are constructed using the Persian knot and can be between 300 and 700 knots per inch. The pile is usually very high quality wool, clipped short and silk is most usually used as highlighting for parts of the detailing in the design. Some pieces are made entirely of silk. Nain rugs are... Nishaboor Rafsanjan Ravar Saraband Sarab Saraband Sarukh Semnan Sha Savan Shahre Kord Shiraz Shiraz rug A Shiraz carpet is a type of Persian rug made in the villages around the city of Shiraz. The designs tend to come from settled tribal weavers so they mimic Qashqai, Khamseh, Afshar, Abadeh and Luri designs. Since the weavers are using fixed looms the rugs tend to be larger and often coarser than... Shahr Reza Qazvin Qom Qom rug Qom rugs are made in the Qom Province of Iran, southwest of Tehran. The silk carpets of Qom are known for their high quality. The Qom carpets are the most small dotted carpets.... Tabriz Tabriz rug A Tabriz rug/carpet is a type in the general category of Persian carpets from the city of Tabriz, the capital city of East Azarbaijan Province in north west of Iran. It is one of the oldest rug weaving centers and makes a huge diversity of types of carpets... Tehran Torghabeh Varamin Yalameh Yazd Zanjan Zabol