Ratlām, India
Region: Madhya Pradesh
Geographic Coordinates: 23.334000, 75.037000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 45.0°C (50°F to 113°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 273892
Language: Hindi
Ratlām is a city located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of the Chambal River and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city has a population of over 2 lakh people and is considered to be one of the most important commercial centers in Madhya Pradesh. The history of Ratlām dates back to ancient times when it was ruled by various dynasties including the Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, Marathas, And British.
The city was an important center for trade during these times due to its strategic location on major trade routes connecting Northern India with Gujarat and Rajasthan. One of the most significant landmarks in Ratlām is its famous clock tower which stands tall at 100 feet high. This tower was built during British rule in India and serves as a symbol of Ratlām’s rich heritage. Another popular attraction in Ratlām is its Jain temples which are known for their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
Ratlām is also famous for its food culture which includes various street foods such as Poha-Jalebi, Samosa-Kachori, Sev-Bhajiya etc., That are enjoyed by locals as well as tourists alike. In addition to this, Ratlām has a thriving textile industry with several small-scale industries producing cotton fabrics that are exported all over India. The city also has many educational institutions including colleges offering courses in engineering, Medicine, Law etc., Making it an important education hub in Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, There are several hospitals providing quality healthcare services to residents here.
Overall, Ratlāmis a vibrant city with a rich history, Cultural heritage, And economic significance. Its strategic location makes it an important center for trade while its beautiful architecture, Lush green landscapes, And vibrant food culture make it an attractive tourist destination. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s history or simply enjoying its delicious street food, Ratlām has something to offer for everyone.
Important Landmarks
- Kedareshwar Temple
- Shri Nageshwar Mahadev Temple
- Cactus Garden
- Kalika Mata Temple
- Gommat Giri Jain Temples and Shrines
- Ratlam Fort (Ratlam Garh)
- Sailana Palace and Museum
- Shri Chaubis Khamba Mata Mandir
Primary Industries
- Agriculture – Ratlām is renowned for its production of wheat, soybean, cotton and other crops.
- Textile industry – The city has many textile mills that manufacture fabrics and garments.
- Chemical industry – There are several chemical factories producing chemicals like dyes, pigments and pharmaceuticals.
- Dairy products – The city has a large number of dairy farms that produce milk products such as ghee (clarified butter), buttermilk and cheese.
- Mineral processing – Ratlām is rich in minerals such as limestone and quartz which are processed into cement and other construction materials.
- Retail trade – The city also has a thriving retail sector with many shops selling clothing items to household goods.
- Education – There are several educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities providing education to students from all over the country.
- Banking – Several banks have their branches in the city providing financial services to individuals as well as businesses.
Noteable History
- Ratlam was a princely state ruled by the Rathore Rajputs from the 15th century until Indian independence in 1947.
- The city played an important role in India’s struggle for independence, with prominent freedom fighters like Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan visiting Ratlam to mobilize support.
- In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt were arrested in Ratlam while on their way to Lahore to throw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly.
- The city is home to several ancient temples, including the Kalki Mata Temple and Shri Chaubis Khambha Jain Temple.
- Notable people from Ratlam include Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, cricketer Piyush Chawla, and politician Dilip Singh Bhuria.
- The region is also known for its traditional handicrafts such as handloom weaving, tie-dyeing (bandhani), block printing (dabu), pottery-making (kumhar), and metalwork (thaat).
Museums and Things To See
- Kedareshwar Temple
- Shri Kalika Mata Temple
- Cactus Garden Ratlam
- Banjara Market Ratlam
- Jain Temples, Ranapur
- Bajna Math
- Piploda Mataji Temple
- Dahod Museum
- Shree Ram Mandir
- Gommatgiri Jain Tirth
Cultural Events
- Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga, one of the most important festivals in Ratlam.
- Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Ratlam. People decorate their homes with lights and diyas, burst firecrackers, and exchange sweets and gifts.
- Holi is a colorful festival celebrated by people throwing colored powder at each other, dancing to music, and enjoying traditional delicacies.
- Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha over ten days, who symbolizes wisdom and prosperity.
- Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with great devotion and enthusiasm.
- Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring season in India during springtime.
- Teej Festival is a three-day-long festival where womenfolk fast for their husbands’ long lives followed by feasting on delicious food items on the third day to seek blessings for them.
- Urs Festival attracts thousands of devotees from all over India every year to pay homage to Hazrat Amir Khusro Dehlavi’s tomb during its four-day-long religious fair held annually at Dargah-e-Hakimi in Ratlam.
- Ratlam Utsav is an annual cultural event that showcases local talent through various competitions like dance performances, singing competitions etc., cultural shows etc.
- Ratlam Mahotsav is a 10 day long cultural extravaganza showcasing various art forms like classical music concerts, dance performances along with food fairs displaying local cuisine from different parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Cuisine
- Ratlami Sev – a spicy snack made with gram flour noodles, available at various street food stalls.
- Poha Jalebi – a breakfast dish consisting of flattened rice and sweet fried jalebis, available at many local eateries.
- Kachori Sabzi – deep-fried bread filled with spiced lentil or potato mixture served with vegetable curry, found in most local restaurants.
- Rajasthani Thali – a traditional meal served on a platter consisting of dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, kadhi and other regional delicacies.
- Shri Radhe Sweets & Namkeen – famous for its variety of sweets and namkeens including Ratlami Sev, Gathiya, Chakli etc.
- Hotel Ajanta Palace – known for its delicious vegetarian thalis and Rajasthani delicacies like Dal Bati Churma.
- Kesar Kulfi Faluda Centre- famous for its kulfi faluda made from pure milk topped with syrupy falooda noodles.
- Bhagwati Chat Bhandar- A popular street food stall known for serving chaat items like pani puri,golgappe,dahi bhalla etc.
- Ramji Bhujia Wale- Famous shop selling different varieties of bhujia including ratlami sev.
- Kasturba Park
- Nehru Park
- Shri Ramakrishna Mission Ashram
- Jai Vilas Palace Garden
- Mhow Gaon Lake
- Mahi Dam Reservoir
- Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sajjan Mill Grounds for cricket and football
- Ratlam Golf Course for golf enthusiasts