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PLACES
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DIGRAS.
Digras is a prosperous commercial centre and the largest town
in Darvha tahsil flourishing on the banks of the Dhavanda river. Not far away from the town the Mor flows into the Dhavanda. It is a local market and cattle fair centre commanding a nodal location at the convergence of the district and tahsil roads. Its population in 1961 was 15,525.
Digras was created a municipality in 1924. Its jurisdiction extends over an area of 5.5 square miles. The municipal council is composed of 15 councillors. It is presided over by a president who is elected by the councillors from among themselves. The total municipal receipts in 1961-62 were Rs. 3,09,374 of which municipal taxes alone accounted for Rs. 81,141.
On the west bank of the Dhavanda and within sight of the confluence of the Mor with the Dhavanda is an ancient temple of Mallikarjuna in Hemadpanti style. The shrine though small, is architecturally significant and contains a linga inside the sanctuary. Facing this temple is another of Premanand Svami which is said to be a century old. It contains a bust of the Svami and has a spacious sabhamandap of 80' x 30' dimensions constructed some 30 years ago. A compound wall with a lofty arched gateway encloses both these shrines. There is also a dharmashala. Repairs were carried out to the Mallikarjuna temple at the beginning of this century. Another place of religious importance is the Ghanti Baba shrine at which a fair is called on Mahashivratra festival. It lasts for a fortnight and is attended by well over 15,000 persons. Many temporary shops are erected for the sale of provisions, brass and copper vessels and other sundry articles. A brisk sale of cattle also takes place. The town has also three mosques of which the one on the river bank is the biggest.
Digras has a large cotton and cattle trade. The cotton and grain markets of the town are managed by the agriculture produce market committee. There are three ginning factories. The weekly cattle market is held from Friday to Saturday and the fine breed of cattle, especially bulls, displayed for sale attracts a large number of buyers even from outside the district. Digras is the headquarters of a development block. Its educational institutions include besides balvadis, primary and middle schools, three high schools and an arts and commerce college. The town has a hospital affording medical treatment to its inhabitants. There is also a veterinary dispensary with facilities for artificial insemination. Digras has a police station and a post and telegraph office. People depend upon wells and the river for their water-supply.
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