>EMinex RAjat VErma ji at 05:04, 4 May 2021

2021-05-04T05:04:48Z

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{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Arki
| native_name = अर्की
| native_name_lang = Hindi
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Town
| image_skyline = Arki town , Himachal Prades,India.jpg|
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Arki town (October 2016)
| pushpin_map = India Himachal Pradesh#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
| coordinates = {{coord|31.15|N|76.97|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Solan district|Solan]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = [[Nagar Panchayat]]
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 1045
| population_total = 3040
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Pahari language|Pahadi]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code = 173208
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 01796
| registration_plate = HP-11
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
'''Arki''' is a''''' ''[[town]]''', tehsil and''' [[Nagar panchayat]]''' in''' [[Solan district]]''' of''' [[Himachal Pradesh]]''',''' [[India]]'''. The town is famous for its fort built in the late 18th century when Arki was the capital of the erstwhile''' [[Hill States|hill state]]''' of''' [[Baghal]]'''. The Postal Code of Arki is 173208.''' <u>Arkians</u> '''(the people of Arki) are also known as ''''HP 11 Waale'.'''

==History==
{{main article|Baghal State}}
Arki was the capital of the princely [[Hill state]] of [[Baghal]], which was founded by Rana [[Ajai Dev]], a Panwar [[Rajput]] from [[Dhar state]] in [[Central India]]. The state was founded 11th century and Arki was declared its capital by Rana [[Sabha Chand]] in 1643. Its main attraction, [[Arki Fort]] is a now a heritage hotel managed by the ruling family and a lovely place to visit.

The fort was captured by the [[Gurkha]]s in 1806. Rana Jagat Singh, the ruler of [[Baghal]], had to take refuge in [[Nalagarh]]. From 1806 to 1815, the Gurkha General [[Amar Singh Thapa]] holds Arki as his headquarters to make further advances into [[Himachal Pradesh]] as far as [[Kangra district|Kangra]].<ref name="himachaltourism">{{cite web |title=Mention in Himachal Tourism official site |url=http://himachaltourism.nic.in/heritag.htm |accessdate=9 September 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823005835/http://himachaltourism.nic.in/heritag.htm |archivedate=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="palaceretreat">{{cite web | title = Website of Arki Fort converted to a hotel | url = http://www.hotelpalaceretreat.com/aboutarki.html | accessdate = 9 September 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061030174922/http://www.hotelpalaceretreat.com/aboutarki.html | archive-date = 30 October 2006 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The [[Gurkha]]s were, however, driven out by Rana Jagat Singh assisted by Sir [[David Ochterlony]] and the [[United Kingdom|British]] forces during the [[Gurkha War]] in 1815–1816. Thereafter Rana Jagat Singh regained control of Arki.<ref name="genealogy">{{cite web | title = Genealogy of Rulers of Baghal | url = http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/b/baghal.html | accessdate = 9 September 2006 }}</ref>

Rana [[Kishan Singh (ruler)|Kishan Singh]], who ruled the state from 1840 to 1867, developed the town of Arki in a planned manner. The Rana was a far-sighted ruler and built horse and mule tracks to connect Arki with [[Shimla]] and [[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]]. Many artisans, scholars and businessman from other parts of India settled in Arki during his reign as he provided them with tax free land free of cost.

The Rana was a patron of arts and had muralled interiors installed in the [[Arki Fort]] in 1850. These murals are prime attraction among tourists even today.<ref name="palaceretreat"/>

The Last ruler of [[Baghal]] was Shri Raja [[Rajander Singh]] (1928–2010) who overhauled the administration and introduced radical constitutional reforms. After Indian independence he was an M.L.A., 1st Commandant General of Home Guards, Director of Civil Defence.
During the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]], Rana [[Kishan Singh (ruler)|Kishan Singh]] assisted the British forces and for which he was presented the title of ''Raja''. Another revolt was suppressed in 1905 with the help of the superintendent of [[Hill States|Shimla Hill States]]. This was as payback for the support he had received earlier to drive Gurkha out.

==Geography==
Arki is located at {{coord|31.15|N|76.97|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/11/Arki.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Arki]</ref> It has an average elevation of 1045 metres (3428 feet).

Arki is located in the [[Siwalik]] range of [[Himalaya]] mountains. Due to its high altitude, Arki enjoys a pleasant weather in the summers with the temperatures hovering between 26 °C and 32 °C. The winters are chilly and the temperature ranges between 4 °C and 8 °C. The rainfall is moderate and occurs mainly during July and August.

Arki is known for its caves and cave temples among which Lutru Mahadev and Mutru Mahadev are very famous.<ref name="hpsolan">{{cite web|title=Solan district. official website |url=http://hpsolan.gov.in/arki.html |accessdate=9 September 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717102103/http://hpsolan.gov.in/arki.html |archivedate=17 July 2006 }}</ref>

==Sair Fair==
The Sair Fair is an annual two-day event held at Arki on sakranti of Ashwin (16/17 September). The fair was famous for [[buffalo fight]]s . Local people used to train their buffaloes for the event but since 2015 the event is not taking place. The fair is attended by millions of people every year. Night programs in this fair are always different and people of Arki enjoy the day a lot.<ref name="tribune">{{cite web | title = Article in The Tribune | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050917/sports.htm#7 | accessdate = 9 September 2006 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20060831075828/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050917/sports.htm| archivedate= 31 August 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{As of|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archivedate=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|accessdate=2008-11-01|work= |publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Arki had a population of 3040. Males constitute 50.52% of the population and females 49.48%. Arki has an average literacy rate of 94%, higher than the national average of 74.04% (census 2011). 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

==Places of interest==
* Lutru Mahadev Temple[[File:Lutru Mahadev temple ,Arki,Himachal Prades,India 01.jpg|thumb|Lutru Mahadev temple, Arki, Himachal Pradesh, India]] was built in 1621 by king of [[Baghal]]. Shiva appeared in his dream and ordered him to make his temple. There is a Shivalinga here. It is 4 km from Arki. Shivratri is also very popular in Lutru Mahadev Temple.
* [[Jakholi Devi Temple]] (Badhra Kali Temple) was made around 1650. This temple is 7 km from Arki. It is built by king of Baghal for Bhadra Kali.
* [[Dhundan]] famous for its scenic beauty and temples. This is also famous for its Guru Matth and ''Cheenj''.
* [[Bakhalag]] is a place of interest which is around 9 km from Arki. This small village is known for its scenic beauty.
* [[Baniya Devi]] is a place in dense forest where a temple dedicated to Goddess Van Durga is present since ancient times.
* The only private hospital in Arki is K. Vardaan Health Care Centre, run by Dr. Vimal Pankaj Katoch, ex. EMO Ajit Neuro hospital Amritsar.
* [[Arki Fort]] was built between 1695 and 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh is in the town.
* [[Mutru Mahaved Temple]] is a temple in the town.
* Folklore say that the four temples on the sides of the village save them from any difficult situation from nature: Lutru Mahadev Temple, Kali Mata Temple, Devdhar Temple and Shakni Temple.
* "Shiv Guffa" Kunihar
* Temple of "Dev Dhar Wala" Isht Dev Of Baghal State At "Sairi Ghat". Where fair held in "Jaieshth month" (may month) every year.
* ''Chamyawal Village'' - A beautiful place to visit, place of waterfalls, 4 KM away from Arki.
*''Manjhu Khad'' - known for beautiful views.
*''Batal Village'' - Beautiful place, 4 KM away from Arki and the most populated village of tehsil Arki.
*''Darlaghat'' - Industrial area, known for Ambuja factory, 'Truckon aur Traalo ka Sehar' and is a beautiful place.
*''Kooni Khad'' - 9 KM away from Arki.
*''Batal College'' - 4 KM away from Arki. About 1500 students get quality education from this college every year.
*

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Lutru Mahadev temple ,Arki,Himachal Prades,India 02.jpg|Lutru Mahadev temple, Arki
File:Lutru Mahadev cave temple, Arki, Himachal Prades,India.jpg|Lutru Mahadev cave temple, Arki, Himachal Pradesh, India
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Cities and towns in Solan district]]
[[Category:1643 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:Tehsils of Himachal Pradesh]]

Arki India - Revision history

>EMinex RAjat VErma ji at 05:04, 4 May 2021