Rohtak

The district derives its name from its headquarter town Rohtak, which is said to be a correction of Rohtashgarh, a name still applied to the ruined sites (also called khokhrakot) of two older sites, one lying immediately north of the present town and other about 5 kms. towards the east. Traditionally, it was named after Raja Rohtash, during whose reign, the city is said to have been built. It is also claimed that the town derives its name from the Roherra (Tacoma Undulate) tree called Rohitaka in Sanskrit. It is said that before the town came into existence, it was the site of a forest of Rohitaka trees and hence its name became Rohtak. Another version connects Rohtak with Rohitaka, which is mentioned in Mahabharta and bears a connection with the campaign of Nakula, the Pandva warrior.

The areas of Rohtak district under went many changes, extending over hundreds of years before the administrative unit emerged in its present form. Under the Mughal Emperor Akbar, when his Minister Todar Mal divided North India into administrative circles, the areas of Rohtak (as a part of Suba of Delhi) fell within the Sarkars of Delhi and Hisar firuqa. Lying close to the imperial city of Delhi, the tract which now comprises the Rohtak district, was often granted in military jagir by the Sultan and Mughal emperors to the nobles of the court. For this reason, Rajput, Brahman, Afghan and Baluch chiefs have at different times enjoyed its revenues. The district has an agrarian economy with 51.89% of the working population are engaged in growing crops like wheat, gram, sugarcane and bajra. Rohtak district is a historical place with many historical sites, sculptures and buildings. No wonder, the tourists will love the area.

It is also home to the highest number of dairies in India. The calm and pleasant beauty of the region naturally attracts many visitors round the year. Bird watchers can visit the Bhindawas Lake, which has been declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985, has thousands of birds residing nearby. There is an ancient and mythical structure called Gaokaran tank which hosts temples of Shiva and Parvati and Lord Hanuman. Another famous temple of Rohtak is the Durga Bhawan Mandir which celebrates the sacre