Rohtak: An Ancient Indian City Once Considered the Prime Meridian of the World
In short: Located in the heart of Haryana, Rohtak is a city with deep historical roots and a surprising astronomical legacy. Once known as Rohtasgarh, this central Indian hub has evolved from an ancient center of coin production and celestial mapping into a modern, rapidly growing commercial and industrial powerhouse.
Rohtak, situated about 40 miles northwest of Delhi, is a central city in the state of Haryana. Historically referred to as Rohtasgarh, or the Fort of Rohtas, the city is traditionally attributed to the founding efforts of Raja Rohtas, a Panwar Rajput. Its administrative significance was formally cemented in 1867 when it was constituted as a municipality. Today, it stands as one of the state's largest urban centers, serving as a vital commercial and industrial hub within the broader regional economy.
The city's historical importance extends far beyond its modern municipal status. Ancient texts, such as the 4th-century CE astronomical work Surya Siddhanta, identified Rohtak as a critical geographical reference point, describing a prime meridian that passed directly through the city. Archaeological findings at the nearby site of Khokhrakot have further illuminated its past, revealing evidence of ancient coin casting and terracotta artifacts that date back to the 3rd or 4th century CE. These discoveries highlight Rohtak's role as a significant center of activity in ancient India.
In the contemporary era, Rohtak remains a prominent feature of Haryana's landscape. As part of the state's agricultural and industrial framework, it benefits from the region's broader economic shifts, including the advancements brought by the Green Revolution of the 1960s. While the state of Haryana itself was only constituted on November 1, 1966, following the partition of Punjab, cities like Rohtak have continued to grow as essential marketing and administrative centers. With a population that is predominantly Hindu, the city reflects the diverse cultural and social fabric that defines the state of Haryana today.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rohtak | Haryana, Ancient History, Forts | Britannica
- Also: Rohtak
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