Deesa is a charming city located in the Banaskantha district in the state of Gujarat, India. Situated on the east banks of the river Banas, Deesa was an estate and thana (faujdari/thanedari) ruled by the Mandori (Jhalori) dynasty. Today, original Deesa is known as Juna Deesa, while New Deesa was also recognized as Camp Deesa. Deesa expanded significantly in recent times due to growth in agricultural produce business of potatoes and other commodities. Here’s what you need to know about this hidden gem of a city.
If you’re visiting Deesa, do take a look at the fascinating history of the city. In 1820, the British military cantonment named Deesa Field Brigade was built in the middle of Rajasthan and Palanpur to maintain and protect the regions between Abu and Kutch from dacoits and the incursions of the desert and Parkar Khosas into Vagad and north-west Gujarat. The cantonment had a resident Catholic chaplain and a chapel. After Independence of India in 1947, Bombay Presidency was reorganized in Bombay State. When Gujarat state was formed in 1960 from Bombay State, it fell under Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
Deesa is home to many beautiful places of worship. The Swaminarayan temple, Jalaram temple, Vishveshvar Mahadev Temple, and two Jain temples are all worth a visit. There is also a mosque in the city. Don’t miss the Hawai Pillar, a tower constructed by the British in 1824 to measure air pressure. It was renovated in 2013 as a heritage monument.
The city of Deesa has a rich agricultural history. It is known for its potato plantations. A center of All India Co-ordinated Potato Improvement Project was initiated in 1971-72, with the financial help of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University runs a potato research station in Deesa. The town is also a major medical hub in the region, home to many doctors including Dr. Deepak Modi (B.A.M.S) and Dr. Prakash B. Sundesha (M.B.D.C.H).
If you’re looking to study in Deesa, there are many options for you. The Sir Charles Watson High School, established in 1853, is one of the oldest schools in Deesa and the state of Gujarat. It is run by Deesa Nagar Palika. There are also many other schools in the city, including St. Xaviers School, DNJ Adarsh School, St. Annes School, Sardar Patel School, Angels English School, and Vibrant School Of Science Model School Deesa. For higher education, there are several colleges in the city including DNP Arts and Commerce College, Smt. Chandanben S.S. Shah BCA College, Bets B.Sc., BCA, BBA, PGDCA, and Rasana Mota College.
Deesa has a warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 20-40 degrees Celsius. As of the provisional reports of Census of India, the population of Deesa in 2011 was 111,149, of which male and female are 58,724 and 52,425, respectively, with a sex ratio of 895 per 1000 males.
In conclusion, Deesa is a hidden gem of a city, waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, agriculture, or education, Deesa has something for everyone. Don’t miss this charming city on your next visit to Gujarat, India.