Kandhar

For the village in Iran, see Kandhar, Iran.

Not to be confused with Kandahar.

Kandhar कंधार
Town
Kandhar Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Nanded
Population (2011)
• Total	24,843
Demonym(s)	Kandharkar
Languages
• Official	Marathi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration	MH26

Kandhar is a town and a municipal council in Nanded district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It lies near the western shore of Manyad Reservoir. Kandhar was famous as a major Jain Centre in Rashtrakuta (having Malkhed or Manyakheta as his capital) times. A huge statue of Kshetrapala (deity related to jains) is found near the bhuikot, in broken down conditions, from the Toenail that is found the height of statue is estimated to be more 50 feet. Presently there is an old Digambar Jain Temple in Kandhar town which is waiting for its renovation.

POLITICIAN- Dr. Keshavraoji Dhondge (Honoris causa) who enrolled himself as a law student in I.L.S. Law College of Pune way back in fifties and have to leave midway determinedly opened Shri Shivaji Law College At. Kandhar Dist. Nanded, on 15 June 1993, and enrolled himself as first Law student of this college.

The genesis of Shri Shivaji Law College Kandhar thus lies in the foresight of Veteran Freedom Fighter, Great Educationalist, Journalist, legislator and litterateur Dr. Keshavraoji Dhondge. However Hon’ble Dr. Keshavrao Dhondge was and is mass base leader. He himself is a democratic institution and asset to the political party like pigeon& workers party (S.K.P.), from which he enjoyed member of Member of Legislative Assembly from Kandhar Taluka for 30 years, such as 1957-62, 1962-67, 1967-72, 1972-77, 1985-90, 1990-95 and served in parliament as a member from Nanded parliamentary constituency from 1977-80.

He also enjoyed chairman, Loklekha Sameeti and ad-hoc speaker of assembly and served for downtrodden masses till today. It is a matter of great pride for our society staff and students of this college that a man like Dr.Keshavrao Dhondge is Founder and Administrator of our Society. He is still serving and fighting for the common man cause though various organization like Gurakhi Gad Sahitya Samelan down trodden masses and other mini more movements since last 20 years. (RAHUL KAMBLE,DEEP,VISHAL)

History

In 1649, Shah Jahan aimed to recapture Kandhar and sent Aurangzeb with 60,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry. The resultant Siege of Kandhar lasted for three months and 20 days.

Demographics

As of 2011 India census, Kandhar had a population of 24,843. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kandhar has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 75%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 56%. In Kandhar, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age. It is also famous for the fort named Bhuikot, which is situated in Bahadarpura 3 km away from Kandhar. Kandhar is a historical city.Kandhar is also famous for the "Sitafal" i.e. Custard-apple.

Religions in Kandhar
Religion			Percent
Hindus			53%
Muslims			32%
Buddhists			10.6%
Christians			0.4%
Jains			3.7%
Others†			0.3%
Distribution of religions †Includes Sikhs (0.2%), Buddhists (<0.2%).

See also

• Kandhar Fort