Adalaj

{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}} {{Infobox settlement |name = Adalaj |settlement_type = Town |image_skyline = {{multiple image | border = infobox | total_width = 300 | image_style = border:1; | perrow = 1/2 | image1 = Adalaj_ki_Vav_Gujarat_240A1370_72.jpg | alt1 = A Vertorama of Adalaj Stepwell showing all the floors in a single frame. | image2 = Trimurti Mandir.jpg | alt2 = Night image of a three-[[Shikhara|shikhared]] two-story front-facing facade of a major temple tourist attraction in Adalaj. | image3 = Market_in_Adalaj_01.jpg | alt3 = Shoppers in an open-air hawkers market in Adalaj. }} |image_caption = Clockwise: Adalaj stepwell, a market, and Trimandir temple. |image_flag = |flag_alt = |image_seal = |seal_alt = |image_shield = |shield_alt = |etymology = |nickname = |motto = | mapframe = yes |pushpin_map = India Ahmedabad#India Gujarat#India# |pushpin_map_alt = Wikipedia map of region. |pushpin_map_caption = Location in Gujarat, India |pushpin_label_position = right |coordinates = {{coord|23.17|N|72.58|E|type:town|display=inline,title}} |coor_pinpoint = |coordinates_footnotes = |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = [[Gujarat]] |subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]] |subdivision_name2 = [[Gandhinagar district|Gandhinagar]] |subdivision_type3 = [[Tehsil|Taluka]] |subdivision_name3 = Gandhinagar |established_title = |established_date = |founder = |seat_type = |seat = |government_footnotes = |government_type = [[Panchayati raj in India|Panchayat]] |governing_body = |leader_party = |leader_title = [[Gram Panchayat]] |leader_name = Kokilaben R Thakor |leader_title1 = |leader_name1 = |leader_title2 = |leader_name2 = |leader_title3 = |leader_name3 = |leader_title4 = |leader_name4 = |unit_pref = Metric   |area_footnotes = |area_urban_footnotes =  |area_note = |area_water_percent = |area_rank =  |area_total_km2 = 17.91 |area_land_km2 = 17.91 |area_water_km2 = |area_urban_km2 = 17.91 |length_km = |width_km = |dimensions_footnotes = |elevation_footnotes = |elevation_m = 66 |elevation_max_m = 69 |elevation_min_m = 63 |population_footnotes = |population_as_of = 2011 |population_total = 11,957 |population_rank = [[List of towns in India by population|1,262]]  |population_density_km2 = auto |population_note = |population_demonym =  | demographics_type1 = Languages | demographics1_title1 = Official | demographics1_info1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]] |timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] |utc_offset1 = +5:30 |postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] |postal_code = 382 421 |area_code_type = [[Subscriber trunk dialling|STD code]] |area_code = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91-2712]] |area_codes =  |iso_code = |registration_plate = GJ |website = {{URL|https://gandhinagardp.gujarat.gov.in/en/|Gandhinagar District Panchayat}} |module = |footnotes =<ref name="2001Census">{{cite report | last = Parimal | first = Jayant | year = 2006 | title = Census of India 2001, District Census Handbook, Part XII A & B, Gandhinagar District, Village & Town Directory | url = http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/3920/1/37498_2001_GAN.pdf | publisher = Government of India | format = PDF | edition = | location = New Delhi | pages = xxiv, 5, 32, 60, 67–68 | access-date = 13 June 2022 | quote = |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220614050819/http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/3920/1/37498_2001_GAN.pdf | archive-date = 14 June 2022 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="SarpanchListing">{{cite web |title=ગાંધીનગર સરપંચ લિસ્ટ (Sarpanch List) |url=https://gandhinagardp.apphost.in/gu/taluka/Gandhinagar/Sarpanch-List |website=ગાંધીનગર તાલુકા પંચાયત |publisher=Government of Gujarat |access-date=9 January 2023 |language=GU |date=16 June 2020 }}</ref> }} '''Adalaj''' is a [[census town]] in [[Gandhinagar district]] in the western Indian state of [[Gujarat]].<ref name="2001Census" /> With a population of roughly 12,000 residents within the town limits as of 2011, Adalaj is known for its semi-arid climate and its historic and religious establishments. The town sits in a generally flat area covering about 18 sq. km.

The city has seen recent rapid urbanization since the last census report.

== Geography == Adalaj is located at {{coord|23.17|N|72.58|E|}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Adalaj, India |url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/09/Adalaj.html |website=Falling Rain |publisher=Falling Rain Software, Ltd. |access-date=24 June 2006 }}</ref> It has an average elevation of {{Convert|66|m}}.{{Citation needed|date=April 2019}} According to the [[Bureau of Indian Standards]], the town falls under [[Earthquake hazard zoning of India|seismic zone 3]], in a scale of 2 to 5 (in order of increasing vulnerability to earthquakes).<ref name="hazardprofile">{{cite web |url=http://www.caee.uottawa.ca/India.pdf |title=Performance of buildings during the 2001 Bhuj earthquake|access-date=3 August 2008 |work=Jag Mohan Humar, David Lau, and Jean-Robert Pierre|publisher=The Canadian Association for Earthquake Engineering |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070710000016/http://www.caee.uottawa.ca/India.pdf |archive-date = 10 July 2007}}</ref>

=== Climate === Adalaj has substantially similar climate to Ahmedabad which is a hot, semi-arid climate ([[Köppen climate classification]]: [[Hot semi-arid climate|BSh]]), with marginally less rain than required for a [[tropical savanna climate]]. The Indian Meteorological Department does not distinguish Adalaj through a distinct weather station, therefore seasonal and monsoon conditions mimic recorded values of Ahmedabad.

There are three main seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Aside from the monsoon season, the climate is extremely dry. The weather is hot from March to June. Cold northerly winds are responsible for a mild chill in January. The southwest monsoon brings a humid climate from mid-June to mid-September. The average annual rainfall is about {{convert|595|mm|in}}, and it is not uncommon for droughts to occur when the monsoon does not extend as far west as usual.

{{Weather box | metric first = Y | single line = Y |width=auto |temperature colour=pastel | location = Adalaj (1981–2010) | Jan high C = 28.2 | Feb high C = 31.9 | Mar high C = 36.7 | Apr high C = 40.9 | May high C = 42.5 | Jun high C = 39.2 | Jul high C = 33.3 | Aug high C = 31.6 | Sep high C = 33.0 | Oct high C = 35.3 | Nov high C = 32.5 | Dec high C = 29.1 | year high C = | Jan mean C = 20.2 | Feb mean C = 22.5 | Mar mean C = 27.6 | Apr mean C = 31.7 | May mean C = 34.3 | Jun mean C = 33.1 | Jul mean C = 29.7 | Aug mean C = 28.5 | Sep mean C = 29.2 | Oct mean C = 28.5 | Nov mean C = 24.8 | Dec mean C = 21.4 | year mean C = | Jan low C = 14.7 | Feb low C = 17.5 | Mar low C = 21.8 | Apr low C = 25.9 | May low C = 28.5 | Jun low C = 29.8 | Jul low C = 27.6 | Aug low C = 25.9 | Sep low C = 25.3 | Oct low C = 24.2 | Nov low C = 20.8 | Dec low C = 16.5 | year low C = | rain colour = green | Jan rain mm = 1.0 | Feb rain mm = 1.0 | Mar rain mm = 2.0 | Apr rain mm = 1.0 | May rain mm = 1.0 | Jun rain mm = 57.0 | Jul rain mm = 187.0 | Aug rain mm = 232.0 | Sep rain mm = 92.0 | Oct rain mm = 10.0 | Nov rain mm = 11.0 | Dec rain mm = 0.0 | year rain mm = | Jan rain days = 0.6 | Feb rain days = 0.4 | Mar rain days = 1.1 | Apr rain days = 1.1 | May rain days = 0.8 | Jun rain days = 12.5 | Jul rain days = 23.2 | Aug rain days = 21.9 | Sep rain days = 13.2 | Oct rain days = 2.5 | Nov rain days = 1.7 | Dec rain days = 0.4 | year rain days = | Jan humidity = 37 | Feb humidity = 29 | Mar humidity = 24 | Apr humidity = 25 | May humidity = 33 | Jun humidity = 49 | Jul humidity = 70 | Aug humidity = 77 | Sep humidity = 70 | Oct humidity = 42 | Nov humidity = 37 | Dec humidity = 34 | year humidity = | Jan sun = 287.3 | Feb sun = 274.3 | Mar sun = 277.5 | Apr sun = 297.2 | May sun = 329.6 | Jun sun = 238.3 | Jul sun = 130.1 | Aug sun = 111.4 | Sep sun = 220.6 | Oct sun = 290.7 | Nov sun = 274.1 | Dec sun = 288.6 | year sun = | Jan uv = 6 | Feb uv = 7 | Mar uv = 8 | Apr uv = 9 | May uv = 9 | Jun uv = 8 | Jul uv = 7 | Aug uv = 7 | Sep uv = 7 | Oct uv = 7 | Nov uv = 6 | Dec uv = 5 | year uv = 7 | source 1 = India Meteorological Department<ref name=IMD>{{cite web |url = http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/ahmedabad2.htm |title = Ahmedabad Climatological Table Period: 1981–2010 |publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]] |access-date = 25 March 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111936/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/ahmedabad2.htm |archive-date = 2 April 2015 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> | source 2 = NOAA (sun and humidity 1971–1990),<ref name= NOAA>{{cite web | url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/IN/42647.TXT | title = Ahmedabad Climate Normals 1971–1990 | publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200721063343/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/IN/42647.TXT | archive-date = 2020-07-21 | url-status = dead | access-date = 25 March 2015}}</ref> Weather Atlas<ref name="Weather Atlas">{{cite web | url = https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/india/adalaj-climate | title = Monthly weather forecast and climate of Adalaj | publisher = Weather Atlas | access-date = 13 June 2022 }}</ref> | source = }}

== Demographics == {{Historical population | source = {{citation needed|date=September 2022}} | 1971 | 4221 | 1981 | 7291 | 1991 | 10484 | 2001 | 9774 | 2011 | 11957 }} As of the 2011 India census,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archivedate=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|accessdate=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Adalaj had a population of 11,957.

=== Religion === {{bar box |title=Religions in Adalaj (2011) |titlebar=#Fcd116 |left1=Religion |right1=Percent |float=right |bars= {{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|orange|94.86}} {{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|2.22}} {{bar percent|[[Jainism]]|red|2.08}} {{bar percent|Christianity|DodgerBlue|0.38}} {{bar percent|[[Sikhism]]|yellow|0.17}} {{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.29}} }} According to the 2011 census, [[Hindus]] are the predominant religious community in the city comprising 94.86% of the population followed by [[Muslims]] (2.22%) and [[Jains]] (2.08%). Christians, [[Sikhs]], and those who didn't state any religion make up the remainder.<ref name="census2011relgtab">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11373/download/14486/DDW24C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}</ref>

=== Languages === As of 2011, 88% of residents had Gujarati as a first language, while 10% had Hindi. The remaining 2% were split among several other [[Languages of India#2011 Census India|Indic languages]].

=== Literacy and Gender === Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Adalaj has an average literacy rate of 61%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

== Civic administration == Adalaj is a [[census town]], promoted in 2001 from village status, administered through the namesake [[gram panchayat]], which itself is a combination of local areas, by the elected [[sarpanch]] and other members. This area is a part of the Gandhinagar [[List of taluks of Gujarat|taluka]], one of four [[District council (India)|blocks]], in the [[Gandhinagar district]] of Gujarat.

=== Central and state representation === Adalaj is part of [[Gandhinagar South Assembly constituency]] for representation in the [[Gujarat Legislative Assembly|Vidhan Sabha]] and one of the state legislative assembly constituencies that form the [[Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha constituency]] for representation in the [[Lok Sabha]].

== Economy == As of 2001 the local economy's main manufactured and exported commodities were bricks, [[paddy (unmilled rice)|paddy]], and [[pearl millet]].<ref name="2001Census" /> Additionally, wheat, cotton, tobacco, castor, mustard seed, and consumed vegetables are grown in the generally agrarian based economy.

== Infrastructure == === Public transport === ==== Bus ==== Adalaj is served by several bus networks. [[Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service]], or AMTS, runs three lines into the town, all of which terminate at or around the Adalaj Trimandir. These routes are connections to long distance rail through [[Indian Railways|Western Railways]], the proposed [[Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor#Ahmedabad Terminal|bullet train service]], and proposed [[Ahmedabad Metro|Metro]] service at [[Ahmedabad Junction railway station|Kalupur Station]]; passenger air travel at [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport]]; and [[Hotel#Luxury|upscale full-service]] [[Hotel rating|starred]] lodging near Iskcon Cross Road. [[Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation]], or GSRTC, provides intercity and regional bus service through bus stops located at the northern corner of the [[cloverleaf interchange]]. Additionally, [[Ahmedabad Bus Rapid Transit System|Ahmedabad BRTS]] is providing service to Trimandir.

=== Road === The town is primarily serviced by the east–west running [[Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway]] which forms a major part of [[National Highway 147 (India)|NH 147]] and the north–south running Gujarat State Highway 41, commonly referred to as Ahmedabad-[[Kalol, Gandhinagar|Kalol]] Highway. The resulting cloverleaf interchange geographically located in town's center splits the neighborhoods.

These 8- and 10-lane surface highways have various uncontrolled crosswalks at high traffic areas, points of interest, and bus stations. Several smaller roads and alleys form the remaining paved transportation infrastructure.

=== Air === Informal [[helipad]]s have been constructed by private parties, but no formal airfield exists within the [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|ward]] boundaries. The closest commercial airport with regularly scheduled passenger flights is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which is 15 to 20 kilometers' driving distance south of the town in Ahmedabad.

== Arts and culture == === Tourist attractions === ==== Adalaj Stepwell ==== {{main|Adalaj Stepwell}} The Adalaj Stepwell<ref name="2001Census" /><ref name="LocalGovTourPoI">{{cite web |title=Places of Interest – District Gandhingar, Govt. of Gujarat – India |url=https://gandhinagar.nic.in/places-of-interest/ |website=Gandhinagar District |publisher=District Administrator, Gandhinagar District, Govt. of Gujarat |access-date=14 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418142447/https://gandhinagar.nic.in/places-of-interest/ |archive-date=18 April 2021 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> is situated {{Convert|18|km}} away from Gandhinagar in the heart of what historically has been known as Adalaj. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, the stepwell, or [[Stepwell#Names|vav]], is intricately carved and five stories deep. The carvings on its walls and pillars include leaves, flowers, birds, fish, geometrical patterns, and other breathtaking ornamental designs. In the past, these step wells were frequented by travelers and caravans as stopovers along trade routes.

On entering through one of the three gates, visitors are greeted by a mandap with an eight-sided dome, which is now damaged. On both sides of the steps are balconies. Rows of carved elephants mark some of the levels.<ref name="VavArchDetail">{{cite web |title=Adlaj Vav – An Architectural Marvel |url=http://india.mapsofindia.com/culture/monuments/adlaj-vav.html |website=Maps of India |publisher=Compare Infobase Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=14 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520182141/http://india.mapsofindia.com/culture/monuments/adlaj-vav.html |archive-date=20 May 2011 |language=en |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Adalaj Trimandir==== {{main|Akram Vignan Movement}} The Adalaj Trimandir<ref name="LocalGovTourPoI" /><ref name="GujCMTrimVisit">{{cite news |title=New Gujarat CM is Devotee of Guru Dada Bhagwan. Here's What the 'Purification Movement' Means |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/bhupendra-patel-gujarat-guru-dada-bhagwan-vijay-rupani-narendra-modi-4196810.html |access-date=14 June 2022 |work=News18 |publisher=Network18 Media and Investments Ltd |date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914110339/https://www.news18.com/news/politics/bhupendra-patel-gujarat-guru-dada-bhagwan-vijay-rupani-narendra-modi-4196810.html |archive-date=14 September 2021 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PMModiTrimVisit">{{cite news |last1=Bhatia |first1=Monisha |title=PM Modi Being blessed by Dada Bhagwan Foundation Head Pujya Deepak Bhai Desai at Trimandir Adalaj Gujrat |url=https://www.delhinewsagency.com/pm-modi-being-blessed-by-dada-bhagwan-foundation-head-pujya-deepak-bhai-desai-at-trimandir-adalaj-gujrat/ |access-date=14 June 2022 |work=Delhi News Agency |publisher=Dhumraketu Media Private Limited |date=18 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025412/https://www.delhinewsagency.com/pm-modi-being-blessed-by-dada-bhagwan-foundation-head-pujya-deepak-bhai-desai-at-trimandir-adalaj-gujrat/ |archive-date=16 March 2017 |location=India}}</ref> is an expansive [[nonsectarian]] temple inspired by [[Dada Bhagwan]] opened 29 December 2002. The Trimandir is a two-storey structure with a discourse hall on the ground floor and temple on the first floor. The entire structure, with a centre [[shikhara|shikhar]] height of 33 meters, is set with intricate carvings on pink sandstone.

The main hall of the temple measures {{Convert|10000|sqft}}. The centre sanctum houses a 3.9-meter [[murti|idol]] of [[Simandhar Swami]] along with the idols of his Chandrayan [[List of Yakshas|Yaksh]] [[Deva (Hinduism)|dev]] and Panchanguli Yakshini [[devi]]. Additionally, it houses idols of other [[Tirthankara]] and dev/devis. The left sanctum hosts [[Lingam|Shivling]], [[Parvati]], [[Hanuman]] and [[Ganesha|Ganapati]], whereas the right sanctum comprises [[Krishna]], Tirupati Balaji Shreenathji, [[Bhadrakali]] mata and [[Ambika (goddess)|Amba mata]]. The two extreme ends of the temple houses [[Padmaprabha|Padmaprabhu]] and [[Sai Baba of Shirdi|Sai Baba]].

== See also == * [[Ahmedabad]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Gandhinagar district}} {{Geographic location |Centre = Adalaj |Northwest = [[Kalol, Gandhinagar|Kalol]] |Northeast = [[Gandhinagar]] |North = [[Rupal, Gandhinagar|Rupal]] |Southwest = [[Gota, Gujarat|Ahmedabad (Gota)]] |South = [[Chandkheda|Ahmedabad (Chandkheda)]] |Southeast = [[Bhat, Daskroi|Ahmedabad (Bhat)]] |East = [[Raysan metro station|Raysan]] |West = [[Vadsar, Gandhinagar|Vadsar]] }}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Gandhinagar district]]