An 1823 map of Central India. Berasia is depicted as "Burseeah" in the Malwa province
In the early 18th century, Berasia was a small mustajiri (rented estate) under the authority of the Delhi-based Mughal fief-holder Taj Mohammad Khan. It suffered from anarchy and lawlessness due to regular attacks from highwaymen and plunderers. Dost Mohammad Khan, a Mughal soldier-turned-mercenary of Afghan descent, took on the lease of Berasia for an annual payment of 30,000 rupees.[1] He later annexed several neighboring territories and established the Bhopal State.
Later, the district was annexed by the Dhar State, but in 1860 it was returned to Bhopal as a reward for services in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.[2]
As of 2001[update] India census,[4] Berasia had a population of 24,289. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Berasia has an average literacy rate of 57%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 60% of the males and 40% of females literate. 18% of the population is under 6 years of age.
References
^S.R. Bakshi and O.P. Ralhan (2007). Madhya Pradesh Through the Ages. Sarup & Sons. pp. 380–383. ISBN978-81-7625-806-7.
