Kheda
The name Kheda emerged from the Sanskrit term Kshetra, a word meaning field or region. Ancient literature used Khetaka to describe this area surrounding the place. Ganapatha, one of five volumes in Panini's grammar dated to the 2nd century BCE, mentions Khetaka as a regional name. The Padmapurana text refers to it as Divyanagar in its 133rd chapter. Copper-plates from the Maitraka dynasty during the 7th and 8th centuries list Khetaka as an administrative division. These records also note it as a place where Brahmins resided. Other copper-plates identify it as a town controlled by the Rashtrakutas. Approximately 750 villages fell under that ancient administrative division. Later texts like Merutunga's Prabandhachintamani from 1305 CE continued to mention the location.
Chaulukya and Vaghela dynasties governed the region from the 10th century until the start of the 14th century. The Gujarat Sultanate then took control of the territory. Early in the 18th century, the Babi Dynasty, a family of Pashtun descent, acquired Kheda. Mahmad Khan Babi constructed a fort within the town. This rule lasted until 1763 when Marathas led by Damajirao Gaekwad seized the area. Anandrao Gaekwad later ceded the district to the British East India Company in 1803. It became part of the Bombay Presidency of British India. In 1901, Kaira still received a tribute of 488 Rupees from the Koli petty princely state of Ghorasar. Kheda served as a large military station until 1830 when the cantonment moved to Deesa. Brahmins established many villages in the Kheda District area alongside Jats and other groups.
Mahatma Gandhi launched his first major Satyagraha movement on the 22nd of March 1918. He directed this struggle against oppressive taxation imposed by the British during a severe famine. The campaign targeted the Kheda district specifically. Farmers faced heavy taxes despite crop failures caused by drought and floods. Gandhi organized non-violent resistance to demand tax relief for struggling peasants. The movement mobilized thousands of villagers across the region. It marked a pivotal moment in the Indian independence struggle. The British government eventually conceded to some demands after months of protest. This event demonstrated the power of collective action under extreme hardship.
Koli Patels and Thakors rose up against the East India Company in 1803. They refused to obey rules imposed by the colonial administration. Koli chiefs declared an end to Company rule over their lands. First, these chiefs filed petitions in the Court of Law in Kheda stating that the Company had no authority over them. Their claims were ignored by the authorities. Armed kolis then began raiding and plundering British territories. In 1808, chieftains started attacks on cities and villages stealing crops and animals. Dholka Taluka became the main target of these raids. One hundred and fifty armed kolis attacked Dholka before returning to their villages respectfully. The East India Company could not control the persistent raids of Koli chiefs. The rebellion highlighted local resistance to foreign domination during this period.
Kheda sits at an average elevation of 21 metres or 68 feet above sea level. It lies on the banks of the Vatrak and Shedhi rivers. Census data recorded a population of 27000 people in Kheda. Males make up 52% of the total population while females account for 48%. The city maintains an average literacy rate of 70%, exceeding the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy reaches 77% and female literacy stands at 63%. Thirteen percent of the population is under six years of age. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad Airport located outside the city limits. National Highway No. 48 connects Ahmedabad and Mumbai passing directly through Kheda.
Tobacco farming serves as the primary agricultural industry driving the local economy. Widespread cultivation of tobacco defines the economic landscape of Kheda. Farmers grow this crop across large areas of land throughout the district. The produce supports many families and generates substantial income for the region. Local markets trade heavily in dried tobacco leaves and processed products. Government policies often regulate planting cycles and export volumes. Despite challenges from climate variability, tobacco remains central to rural livelihoods. The crop's dominance shapes daily life and seasonal rhythms for thousands of residents.
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Common questions
What is the origin of the name Kheda?
The name Kheda emerged from the Sanskrit term Kshetra, which means field or region. Ancient literature used Khetaka to describe this area surrounding the place.
When did Mahatma Gandhi launch his first major Satyagraha movement in Kheda?
Mahatma Gandhi launched his first major Satyagraha movement on the 22nd of March 1918. He directed this struggle against oppressive taxation imposed by the British during a severe famine.
Who governed Kheda before the British East India Company took control?
Chaulukya and Vaghela dynasties governed the region from the 10th century until the start of the 14th century. The Gujarat Sultanate then took control of the territory before the Babi Dynasty acquired Kheda early in the 18th century.
Where is Kheda located geographically within Gujarat?
Kheda sits at an average elevation of 21 metres or 68 feet above sea level. It lies on the banks of the Vatrak and Shedhi rivers.
What is the primary agricultural industry driving the local economy of Kheda?
Tobacco farming serves as the primary agricultural industry driving the local economy. Widespread cultivation of tobacco defines the economic landscape of Kheda.