Datia, India

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Datia, India

Region: Madhya Pradesh

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Geographic Coordinates: 25.670000, 78.470000

Population: 109236

Language: Hindi

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Datia is a city located in the northern part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It sits at an altitude of 210 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage with many historical monuments, Temples, And palaces that attract tourists from all over the world. One of Datia’s most famous attractions is the Datia Palace or Bir Singh Palace. Built in 1614 AD by King Bir Singh Deo, It is considered one of the finest examples of Bundela architecture.

The palace has beautiful courtyards, Pavilions, Halls, And gardens that reflect its grandeur. The Pitambara Peeth Temple is another important attraction in Datia that attracts devotees from all over India. This temple houses an idol of Goddess Pitambara who fulfills all wishes of her devotees. The temple also has other deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha among others. The Sonagiri Jain Temple located near Datia town attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims every year who come here to pay their respects to Lord Chandraprabhu Swami who lived here for several years before attaining salvation (Moksha).

This temple complex consists of around 77 temples built on a hilltop with beautiful carvings depicting various Jain Tirthankaras. Datia Fort or Purana Mahal Fort was built during 1620-21 AD by King Bir Singh Deo as his residence but now it lies abandoned with only ruins remaining today due to lack of maintenance over centuries.

Datia also has many natural attractions such as Bhander Range Wildlife Sanctuary which covers an area around 189 sq km with dense forest cover consisting mainly Sal trees along with other species like Teakwood etc., Home for animals like Leopard, Wild Boar, Chital, Sambhar and many more. The city is also famous for its handicrafts and handloom products such as Chanderi sarees, Cotton fabrics, Handmade paper products and much more. The local bazaars are a must-visit for tourists looking to buy souvenirs or gifts for their loved ones.

Datia is a city with a rich cultural heritage that offers something for everyone. From historical monuments to natural attractions and traditional handicrafts to spiritual experiences, It has it all. It is definitely worth visiting this beautiful city if you want to experience the true essence of India’s diverse culture.

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1. The main industries and businesses in Datia, India include:
• Agriculture
• Handloom weaving
• Handicrafts
• Small-scale manufacturing units
2. The city is renowned for its:
• Cotton sarees and fabrics production
3. Other significant industries in Datia are:
• Vegetable oil production
• Bricks and tiles manufacturing
• Footwear production
• A few small-scale pharmaceutical companies
4. Datia’s historical significance as a former princely state and the location of several historic temples and monuments has led to an emerging tourism industry.

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1. The city was founded by King Bir Singh Deo in 1626.
2. Datia was home to many influential rulers, including the Bundela Rajputs who ruled from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
3. The city is famous for its historic palaces and temples, including the well-known Pitambara Peeth temple.
4. Maharaja Vir Singh of Datia played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle and was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
5. Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi took refuge in Datia before she went on to fight against British rule during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
6. In 1804, a treaty was signed between Maratha ruler Daulat Rao Scindia and British Governor General Lord Wellesley in Datia which ended years of conflict between them.
7. The city has also been associated with famous saints like Swami Haridas and Saint Narsingh Das Baba who have contributed significantly to Indian classical music and spiritualism respectively.
8. In recent times, Datia gained national attention when over one hundred people died due to a stampede at Ratangarh Temple during Navratri celebrations in October 2013.

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1. Datia Palace – a historic palace built in the 17th century.
2. Bir Singh Palace – another historic palace with beautiful architecture.
3. Pitambara Peeth Temple – a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
4. Sonagiri Jain Temple – a pilgrimage site for Jains, known for its beautiful sculptures and carvings.
5. Govind Palace Museum – a museum showcasing the history and culture of Datia.
6. Bhattrahari Caves – ancient caves believed to have been used by sage Bhattrahari for meditation.
7. Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple – an ancient Shiva temple with intricate carvings and architecture.
8. Chaturbhuj Temple – an old temple known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.
9. Rajgarh Palace – A magnificent palace located in the heart of the city.
10. Sidhapeeth Shri Peetambra Devi Mandir – A popular Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Peetambra Devi which is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

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Hindu Festivals

• Navratri Festival: A nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.
• Holi: The festival of colors celebrated in March every year.
• Diwali: The festival of lights celebrated in October or November every year.
• Shivratri: A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated in February or March every year.
• Dussehra: A ten-day festival that marks the victory of good over evil, celebrated in September or October every year.
• Janmashtami: The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, celebrated in August or September every year.
• Makar Sankranti: Celebrated on 14th January as a harvest festival.
• Teej: Celebrated by women for marital bliss and well-being.
• Basant Panchmi: Welcoming spring season and goddess Saraswati.
• Raksha Bandhan: Celebrating sibling love and bond.

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1. Poha Jalebi is a popular breakfast dish in Datia, consisting of flattened rice flakes (poha) and sweet fried dough (jalebi).
2. Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils or potatoes.
3. Samosa is a triangular pastry filled with spiced vegetables or meat.
4. Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, often flavored with fruit or spices.
5. Biryani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat, spices, and herbs.
6. Rajasthani Thali Restaurant serves a variety of traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and kadhi pakora.
7. Chawla’s Restaurant is known for its chicken dishes like butter chicken and tandoori chicken.
8. Shreeji Sweets & Snacks Center is famous for its sweets like rasgulla and gulab jamun as well as savory snacks like samosas and kachoris.
9. Hotel Surya Palace offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes including thalis, curries, and snacks like chaat and dahi vada.
10. Rajwada Restaurant is known for its delicious non-veg food such as mutton curry, chicken masala, etc.

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1. Bir Singh Palace Park
2. Datia Fort
3. Pancham Kavi Ki Baithak
4. Sonagiri Jain Temple
5. Pitambara Peeth Temple Complex
6. Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple
7. Datia Palace
8. Bhuteshwar Nath Mandir
9. Chhatris of Bir Singh Deo
10. Madhukar Shah’s Tomb

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