Happy TravellerWelcome to Behat, an ancient town located in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated on the banks of the Eastern Yamuna Canal, Behat is known for its production of fruits such as mangoes, guavas, and moorhas, as well as brass bells and wrought iron handicrafts. The town is also home to the Mata Shakumbari Devi Temple, a popular pilgrimage site. Let’s dive into the rich history, geography, demographics, and economy of Behat.
== History ==
Behat has a long and fascinating history, with archaeological evidence tracing human habitation in the area back to 2000 BCE. During the Mauryan Dynasty, Behat was an important Buddhist center, and Xuanzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk, visited the town in the 7th century CE. In the 15th century, a Muslim colony was founded in Behat, and the town remained an important center during the time of Akbar. In the 19th century, Behat was the site of a buried town from pre-Indo Scythian times, and after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a police station was established in the town.
== Geography ==
Behat is located on NH-709B, about 30 km north of Saharanpur, 190 km from New Delhi, and 77 km from Haridwar. The town sits on the same latitude as Jagadhri and Rishikesh and has an average elevation of 345 m above sea level. The Western Yamuna Canal irrigates most of the arable land in Behat, and the town is surrounded by the cities of Paonta Sahib, Badshahibagh, and Kalesar.
== Demographics ==
According to the 2011 India census, Behat had a population of 20,474, with 53.16% males and 46.83% females. The town has an average literacy rate of 70.03%, with 75.95% of males and 63.28% of females literate. The economy of Behat has been focused on agriculture for the last 200 years, with the Western Yamuna Canal irrigating most of the arable land in the town. Mango orchards have slowly taken over as the mainstay of the economy.
== Economy ==
Behat’s economy has been focused on agriculture for the last 200 years. The Western Yamuna Canal irrigates most of the arable land in Behat, and crops have been good due to rich soils. Behat is also one of the most suitable areas for growing fruits, and mango orchards have slowly taken over as the mainstay of the economy. The town is also known for its production of brass bells and wrought iron handicrafts.
Behat is a town with a rich history and a vibrant economy. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient Buddhist sites or sampling delicious mangoes, Behat has something for everyone. Come visit this hidden gem in Uttar Pradesh and discover all that it has to offer.
