Sohna, which, according to historical records, traces its origin from 11th century onward, was occupied by three races in succession: namely the Iranian Kambhos, the Khanzadas and the Rajputs. Gazetteers mention that Nawab Qutb Khan Khanzada defeated the Kambhos and took over the town in 1570. The Khanzadas were expelled in 1620 by the Sisodia Rajputs. The Rajputs migrated to Sohna, who according to myths, obeyed the orders their patron saint who appeared in their dream indicating Sohna as their place of settlement.[2]
Monuments
Sohna hotspring
Sohna hotsprings, in the foothills of the Aravalis, also has an ancient Shiva temple. The temple was built by the Baba lakhi shah Banjara Banjara. A Gangasnan mela (fair) is held each November at the temple, and a fair is held each July and August to celebrate Teej.
The hot springs in the temple are strongly sulphurous, and their temperature varies from 46 to 51.7 °C (114.8 to 125.1 °F). According to legend, Arjun (one of the five Pandav brothers) dug the wells when he was thirsty. Sohna is believed to have been the abode of hermits and the main kund (tank), Shiva Kund, is said to have medicinal properties. Devotees consider it sacred, and during eclipses and Somavati Amavasya they gather here to bathe in the water.[3] The hilltop Barbet Resort, operated by Haryana Tourism, has sauna and steam-bath facilities, a small swimming pool, a park, lodging and a restaurant overlooking the town.[4]
Gora Barak Mosque has a minaret (khamba in Hindi).[6] The Quto Khan ki Masjid, built from local red sandstone, is in ruins.[6] The Shah Nazam al haq Tomb is claimed to be built over a Hindu temple.[better source needed][7][8] The tomb has an inscription dating it to 1461,[6] during the reign of Bahlul Khan Lodi of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Material from the Hindu temple was used to build the tomb.[7] It stands on a high platform with stone steps on one side leading to the entrance, inside which is a pillared hall. Decorative features include inscriptions in Arabic, pointed Islamic arches and floral patterns.[9] Educator Syed Ahmad Khan's grandfather is buried here, and notable Muslims were buried in the tomb complex of their favorite Sufi pirs.[9]
Gumbaz
Lal Gumbaz of Sohna (Red Dome) and Kala Gumbaz of Sohna (Black dome) are west of the town.[6] The 400-year-old tomb called Lal Gumbad is located in the vicinity of Ansal's Orchid Estate. It is made entirely of stone, the structure has a 12-pillared (barakhamba) hall in the entrance arcade that is made of red sandstone crowned with a dome. Attached behind this is the main tomb in stone masonry with a larger dome, exhibiting hybrid architectural styles from Tughlaq and Lodhi periods.
In the 2001 India census,[11] Sohna had a population of 27,571. Males were 53 percent of the population, and females 47 percent. Sohna has a literacy rate of 63 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent. Male literacy is 70 percent, and female literacy 54 percent. Seventeen percent of the population is under age six. Kunwar Sanjay Singh of the (BJP) Bharatiya Janata Party is the MLA for Sohna.[12]
A master plan for the town[17] was introduced in 2012. Divided into 38 sectors, the plan covers residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, transport, communications, utilities, public and semi-public use, open spaces and agricultural and conservation zones.[18]
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