Brief History of the District:

Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata refer Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy. District Agra is a part of the twelve groves of Brij Mandal. During ancient period  the  area  was  known  as Agarvan where Lord  Krishna  used  to play  with  his  companions.  There are number of sayings about giving the name to this place.  One  tale  is  that  the name  was  given  after  the  Brakish  nature  of  the soils  of  this  region.  It was saltpan known in Hindi as Agra.  The name of district is after the name of the town. 

The  district finds mention in the ancient  literature where district  occupied an almost central position in  the janapadas (states) of ancient  Madhyadesh  and  was  one  of  the most  celebrated regions  both  culturally  and historically. Agra has been a habited region since long before the advent of Muslims. The  present area  of  the  district  was  part  of  Gupta  era  (455-467 A.D.). About  the  beginning  of  sixth  century  after  having occupied  the  north  west  frontier  region  and  Punjab,  the  Hunas  under  their  chief  Toramana  penetrated  into  Madhyadesh. Towards  the  close  of  seventh  or  beginning of  eighth century, king Yashovarman of  Kannauj   rose power  and  became  the  lord  of  whole of northern India.During ninth  century  and  greater  part  of  tenth  century  probably  the  area  of  the  present district was  under  the  feudatories  of  Gujrar  Pratihars.  Towards the end of 1018 A.D.  Mahmud Ghazni  again  invaded  India  with  a  hundred    thousand  horses  raised  in  his  own  dominions  and twenty  thousand  foot  soldiers  of  fortune  from  several  Central  Asian  countries.  About  1196 A.D.Shihab-ud-din  and  Kutub-ud-din  Aibak  conquered  the  area  of  the  present  district.  It  was probably  during  the  time of  Alauddin  Khilji (1296-1316)  that  region  eventually  came  under  the rule  of  the  Sultans  of  Delhi.   

Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. The area was under the sway of Sikandar Lodi during (1489-1511).  He  established  his  military  Headquarters  at  Agra  and  founded  the  city  of  Agra  in  1505. A  fort was  built  during  his  reign  and  made  Agra  the  capital  of  his  kingdom  in  the  16th  and  early  17th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. 

Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached. Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The seventh wonder of the world.  Taj  Mahal famous  for  architectural  splendor  of   the  mausoleum  is  a  vivid  reminder of  the  opulence  of  the  legendary  Mughal  Empire.  Its  significance  as a  political  center  ended with  the  transfer of  the  capital  to  Delhi  in  1634  by  Shah Jahan. 

In his later years, Shahjahan shifted his capital to the new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi and ruled from there. Shahjahan was dethroned in 1658 by his son, Aurangzeb who imprisoned him in the Agra Fort. Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra till his death. After the death of Aurangzeb, Mughal Empire could not touch its peak and many regional kingdoms emerged.  After  the  Mughals, Marathas  and  Jats  ruled  the  area  and  they  also  made  changes  in  the administrative  units  which were constructed  by  Akbar and finally the British taking over the city.The  Marathas  were  defeated  by British  in  1803  and  Agra  was  made  a  revenue  division  in  1834.  The  boundaries  areas  and  internal  adjustments  of  the  district  underwent  several  changes  during  the  year  1874, 1878  and  1879  British  rule  ended  with  rest  of  the  country  in  1947 and  in  1989  a  new district–Firozabad was  formed  out  of  this  district. 

Administrative Setup: 

District Agra lies in the southern-west part of the state. The district is administratively divided  into 06 tahsils namely Etmadpur, Agra, Kiraoli, Kheragarh, Fatehabad and Bah. For development point of view there are 14 Development Blocks in the district namely Khandauli, Etmadpur, Bichpuri, Akola, Barauli Ahir, Fatehpur Sikri, Achhnera, Jagner, Kheragarh, Saiyan, Shamsabad, Fatehabad, Pinahat, Bah and Jaitpur Kalan. Total area of the district is 4041.0 Sq. Km. The rural area covers 3793.0 Sq. Km. and urban recorded 248.0 Sq. Km. There are 640 Gram Panchayats and 929 Revenue villages with 893 inhabited villages and 36 uninhabited villages in the district. In urban area there are 14 statutory Towns and 13 Census Towns. Statutory Towns comprises of 01 Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation), 01 Cantonment board, 5 Nagar Palika Parishad and 7 Nagar Panchayats. 

Jurisdictional Changes (2001-2011):

Neither any statutory town/ villages have been created nor declassified after 2001 Census. The state Government administration has reported following jurisdictional changes have been taken place during the decade:- 

District Administration: 

District administration comprises of Revenue, Development, Police (Law and Order), Judiciary, and Local self-government. District Magistrate is In-charge of revenue & administration. He is assisted by Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) i.e., ADM (F&R). At the tahsil level Sub Divisional Magistrate is In-charge, who is now redesignated as Up-Jila Adhikari. He is assisted by Tahsildars in each tahsil and for revenue collection each tahsil is further entrusted to Naib Tahsildars and Kanongos's circles respectively. For each revenue village, Lekhpal is In-charge. 

Chief Development Officer (C.D.O) and District Development Officer (D.D.O) are In-charge for development activities in the district. They also assist District Magistrate for implementation and monitoring of various development schemes in the district.  Project Director is also deployed to assist D.M and C.D.O. in formations & supervision of different development programmes in the district. For development of rural area, district is further divided into Development Block well known as Vikas Khand (also known as Office of Kshetra Panchayats). Block Development Officers (B.D.O) look after development works at Blocks level. For his assistance Assistant Development Officer and at village level Village Development Officers have been deployed.  

Under the police set-up Senior Superintendent of Police (S.S.P) and Superintendent of Police (S.P) are In-charge of their respective district. Additional Superintendent of Police (A.S.P) is also deployed to assist S.S.P/S.P in their respective area. Deputy Superintendent of Police (D.S.P)/ Circle Officer (C.O) look-after the law and order of the area allotted to them. Police Inspectors and Sub Inspectors are In-charges of their respective Thanas/Police stations depending upon the population and area.  

The Judicial administration of the District is headed by District and Session Judge. In  addition to him there  are  several  Additional  District  Judge,  Civil Judge, Chief Judicial  Magistrate  and  Munsif  Magistrate and others judiciary officer are also posted to look after legal matters.  

Besides these administrative officers a number of other district level officers are also posted at District headquarters. Other District Level of Offices are District Informatics Officer (NIC), Field Publicity Officer and Income Tax Officer, Sr. Treasury Officer, District Supply Officer, District Agriculture Officer, District Economics & Statistical Officer, District Savings Officer, District Sports Officer, District Employment Officer, Trade tax Officer, Entertainment Tax Officer, District Prosecution Officer, District Excise Officer, General Manager District Industry Centre, Plant Protection Officer, District Panchayat Raj Officer, District Programme Officer, Basic Shiksha Adhikari, District Inspector of Schools, Sp. Land acquisition Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Minority Welfare Officer, Project Manager (U.P.L.D.C.), Asstt. Regional Transport Officer, Asstt. District Election Officer, and District Soldier welfare Officer are also deployed for monitoring and execution of various development activities in there district. 

The Nucleus of the district body for self government is consisted of Mayor & Nagar Ayukat at Nagar Nigam level and Executive Officer (E.O) & Chairman of their respective Nagar Palika Parishad/ Nagar Panchayats. Similarly at Jila Parishad level Jila Panchayats Chairman & Apar Mukhya Adhikari (AMA) work as a public representative. Pramukh of Kshetra Samiti/Panchayat & B.D.O in Vikas Khand level, Gram Pradhan & Panchayat secretary in his Gram Panchayats comes under Local self government. Other members of different local bodies also represent their respective area at ward and village level. 

Physical Features:

Location and Size : 

Agra district is situated in the extreme  south west corner of the state. It is part of the southern upper Ganga plain according to the scheme of regional division, the district lies between latitude 26 degree 44’ and 27 degree 24’ North and longitude 77 degree 28’ and 78 degree 54’ East. It is bounded in the north by district Mathura, north east is bounded by Etah, Firozabad lies in the east and Etawah in the south east. On the west and south west is district Bharatpur and Dhaulpur of Rajasthan state and Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh from central south to south east. The area of the district is 4041 sq. km. which is 1.36 percent of the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Physiography:

The most striking part of the topographical feature of the district is the presence of Yamuna river with its tributaries the Chambal and the Utangan, which after entering the district on the west from Mathura flows towards south east. The river courses present dissected land or ravines on their banks. On the basis of geology, soils, topography climate and natural vegetation, the district is divided into following divisions. 

Etmadpur Plain:

This region is situated in the north eastern part of the district which is flat alluvial plain sloping towards  south.

Yamuna Khadar:

It lies parallel to Yamuna river on both sides. The average width of this tract is approximately 10 to 15  kms. The slope is according to flow direction of the Yamuna river Since it is major river, the imprints on the land surface are very prominent. The meanders and ravines are the main topographic feature. 

Agra Plain:

This region is situated in the central part of the district. Being situated in the heart of the district, the  infrastructures of the tract are fully developed. It has an advantage of both physical and cultural attributes. It is a flat plain sloping towards south east direction. Except a few rivulets, the area is completely devoid of any major stream. A few unswiveyed rocky knobs are located nearby Achhnera town. 

Kheragarh Uplands:

This region is situated in the western part of the district. The surface in dissected by numerous rivulets  which are flowing in the west of Jagner. The surface between Kheragarh and Jagner are comparatively higher. There are rocky knobs spread over in this belt. 

Chambal Ravines :

The region is situated in strip along the Chambal river. The general slope is towards east.It is a ravines  tract and not suitable for agriculture. The width of the ravines varies considerably at different places. Due to eroded topography, the area lags behind in agriculture. To check the further erosion, plantation of trees in abundance. The entire tract is covered with forests. Bah reserve forests are significant among them. 

Drainage :

The major rivers of the district are Yamuna, Chambal and Utangan. Yamuna enters from Mathura district  in the north east and divide district Firozabad and Etmadpur tahsil of Agra district flowing through northern boundary  enters into Etawah district. The tributaries ofthis river are Jhara, Sirsa and Sanger. Utangan  river enters in the district from western side towards Rajasthan and join river Yamuna after a span of 16 kms. River Kiwar Parvati and Khari are the tributaries of this river. Chambal river flows through southern boundary of Bah tahsil and enters into Etawah district. It seperates the district from Morena and Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. The flow of the river Yamuna is from north to south east and that of Chambal is from west to east. 

Climate :

The climate of the district is characterised by an intensely hot summer, a cold winter and general dryness  throughout the year except during the south west monsoon. The cold season from December to February is followed by summer which continues till about middle of June. The south west monsoon then ushers in the rainy season which continues till the end of September, October and November are post monsoon season. The geology of the neighbouring state of Rajasthan affects the climate of the district. The maximum temperature during hot touches 40-45 degree C while during winters it comes to 6-5 degree C. During the year the annual rainfall was recorded about 900-1000 m.m. The ground water level in the district. Except during the brief south west monsoon season when the relative humidity in generally between  60 to 70 percent, the all over the district is dry. The skies are generally clear or lightly clouded, become cloudy on some days in cold season when the district is affected by western disturbances. Winds blow generally from south-west to west direction or from east to south east. Occasional fog occurs in the winter. 

Natural and Economic Resources:

Forestry: 

The district in botanical sense has been  divided into three major divisions. First ravine land along the river Yamuna and Chambal. Second non ravines or doab land along river Yamuna and Chambal and third Kheragarh area.  The forests in the first division are of dry owing to low moisture. The ravines part comprises of dry and ushar land, the soil composition is Kankar prone. Plantation on both sides of Agra canal are included in protected forests. The main species of trees found in the forests are babul, neem, sheesham, jamun, mango, amaltas and tamarind. In the right bank of river Chambal dense and large size trees are in ample number. The forests in the district are divided into four categories– protected forests along canals, reserved forests, unclassified forests and road side forests under forest department.

Minerals & Mining :

Agra is one of the poorest districts so far as availability of minerals and mining is concerned. The  stone mines are there in community development tblock Jagner and Fathpur Sikri. Stone plates  ound in Tantpur is being used for roofings. Sandstone is extracted from river Yamuna and Chambal and being used as a raw material in the construction of houses. Clay, kankar, brick, and pottery clays are the useful materials found in district.

Soil:

The district abounds loam and domat soils.The variety land found of Pilia, Chiknot, Potani,  arwara possess major content of calcium and lacks phosphetic acid, Nitrogen, and bio-chemical elements. The soils along river belt is most fertile. The soil colour is yellowish in Agra  atehabad and Ftmadpur tahsils. Domat mixed with sand with light yellow brownish soil is found in the upper area of Agra,  Fatehabad and Kiraoli tahsil while in the lowerkhadar area sandy loam with light acidic mixture is found. In major portion of Etmadpur mostly kankar mixed with salt is found. In the south west corner of tahsil Kheragarh and nearby mountaineous area of Fatehpur Sikri, Sandy soil with light red brown is available. In the dry state it resembles red colour. In the northern part of Bah tahsil, on the river side of the Yamuna, the soil is like Bundelkhandi it is mostly clay in rainy seasons. On the south portion of it black soil is found which has maximum productivity for jowar and gram.

Land and Land Use Pattern:

The district lies in the basin of Yamuna and Chambal. The former flows from north west to south east and the later from west to east.  The river Yamuna covers almost entire district.The khadar area of the district is very fertile. The area along the river sides of the district is most important for agricultural purposes and it is put to intensive cultivation. The second track is middle upland area by means of intensive irrigation facilities, the productivity here is very high. 

Agriculture and Crop Pattern:

As elsewhere in the doab, the usual harvests of the districts are Kharif, Rabi and Zaid. The main Kharif
crops are bajra, pulses and till. The main crops of rabiare wheat, barley, gram, oilseeds, peas and  masoor. As regards rotation of crops, among Kharif paddy follows wheat bajra and then wheat follows kartike arhar and then follows  wheat. During Rabi crops sunflower follows lahi (oil seeds), moong follows peas lahi (oil seeds). There are sixteen pesticide centres, six in the rural and 10 in the urban areas of the district. 

Irrigation:

The uneven surface of the district hints that  there are no good prospects for canals. Private pumping sets  play vital role in this sphere and their coverage. In addition to this there are government tube wells which alternative source of Irrigation.  

Animal Husbandry:

Animal Husbandry supplements agriculture sector Cattle development has been receiving government  attention since the start of five year plans and the animal husbandry department has been improving the breed of the stock in the district. Since 1955, the slaughter of milk cattle have been prohibited statutorily. Stud bulls and cattle of good breed have been brought into the district mostly from Punjab. The number of bovines and buffaloes are much more than other animals. Recognizing the importance of developing the live stock wealth in the interest of the district economy and to meet growing demand for qualified veterinary and animal husbandry.  

Fishery:

Fishery is an important source of income in today’s economy. Fisheries development agency has been  established in the district and many facilities are being extended to private pisciculturists. Loans are also being given with subsidy. Fishery development agency distributes good quality of seeds (fingerlings) to piscicueturists. 

Industry:

Agra occupies one of the important places in respect of industrialisation. Leather industry, lron, Foundry  stone, potteries, carpets are significant to mention. From the environment point of view some of industrial units of the district have been shut down. 

Trade and Commerce:

The location of the district is favourable to trade and commercial activities. It is well connected to  national capital though national highway and through state highway from the state capital Lucknow.It has always been a trade centre and great mart since ancient times and goods from many parts of the world finding, there way to it. It is connected by rail also. Engineering, Chemicals, leather goods, handlooms, handicraft items, Dal, ghee, and oils are exported and sugar, wood, gas, cotton yarn, salt, medicines are main items of import. They also import raw materials used for printing  purposes. The district headquarters is the main trade centre, besides this Dayalbag, Fatehpur  Sikri, Kiraoli, Etmadpur, Fatehabad, Bah,Kheragarh, Jagner, Akola, Saiyan and Barauli  Ahir etc are the main sub trade centres which perform useful functions for these localities as collecting and distributing centres and supply the modest needs of the neighbouring villages.  Each tahsil also has its own trade centre. City of Agra is the main distributing centre for the mandies of the district. There are many trade associations in the district which are still functioning. 

Transport:

Transport is key to development. Agra is  one of the best cities which connects major cities of India,  Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai through  roads. Three national highways pass through this district. National Highway one connects the city With Bharatpur, Jaipur and Bikner. National Highway two starts from New Delhi and passing through district moves to Kanpur,  Allahabad and Varanasi to Calcutta. National Highway three starts from New Delhi (as N.H.2) and moves towards Mathura Gwalior to Mumbai. The state highway connects the city viz. Aligarh Agra and Agra Tantpur. Most of the villages are connected by all season roads in the district. 

Electricity & Power:

Electricity is basic necessity for household,  industry as well as for agriculture purposes. There are no  hydro or thermal power stations in the district. The total supply of power is through Harduaganj.. All the towns of the district are electrified.