Khargone formerly known as West Nimar District, is a district of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. The district lies in Nimar region, and is part of Indore Division. Western Nimar region is on the southern banks of river Narmada. Surrounded by Vindhyachal and Satpura ranges, it lies on the natural path from North India to South India. Ruled by "Pramars", "Peshawas" & "Holkers", it is naturally a historically important place. Area of the district is 8030 sq.km. The district is surrounded by Dhar, Indore & Dewas in the north, state of Maharashtra in the south, Khandwa , Burhanpur in the east and Barwani in the West.
The district has a long history. In ancient period, the Haihayas of Mahishmati (present day Maheshwar)ruled this region. In early medieval age, the area was under the Paramars of Malwa and the Ahirs of Asirgarh. In late medieval age, the area was under Malwa sultanate of Mandu. In 1531 CE, Gujarat sultan Bahadur Shah brought this area under his control. In 1562 CE, Akbar annexed this territory along with the whole Malwa to Mughal empire. In 1740 CE Marathas under the peshwa brought the area under their control. In 1778 CE, Peshwa distributed this territory to the Maratha rulers, Holkars of Indore, Sindhias of Gwalior and Ponwars of Dhar. After the independence and merger of the Princely states with Union of India in 1948 CE, this territory became West Nimar district of Madhya Bharat.
Places of Interest
Mandleshwar: This town is situated on the banks of river Narmada, at a distance of about 5 km from Maheshwar. The town was founded by Mandana Mishra, and has a stone fort constructed by Mohammedan rulers. It also has a fine flight of 123 steps leading down to the river and expanding below into a wide ghat. Tukoji Rao Holkar II built a palace here. It was also the headquarters of the Nimar Agency and Cantonment under the British from 1819 to 1864. The town is an important retail marketing and trade centre.
Oon: 18 km from Khargone, Oon was a flourishing place 1000 years ago. About a dozen temples, both Hindu and Jain lie clustering here and represent an architecture patronised by the Parmara kings of Malwa. The carvings on the temples are quite similar to those in Khajuraho. An important place for Jain pilgrimage.
Bawangaja: 10 km from Barwani, tehsil headquarters of Khargone distt., the Bawangaja temples are 170 km from Indore. The 72ft high Jain statue here has been hewn in the rock. It belongs to the early 15th century. Bawangaja is an important Jain pilgrim centre.
