Arghakhanchi district is one of the most beautiful and greenery places in southern Nepal. The district is connected with the border of other neighboring district such as Palpa, Pyuthan, Dang, Gulmi, Kapilvastu, and Rupandehi. The total area of the district is 1193 Sq. KM.
✓ It is located in Lumbini province, where most of the territory of this district falls under the Mahabharata range, and the remaining territory falls under the Shivalik hills. It extends from 270-45′ to 280-06′ north latitude to 800-45′ to 830-23′ east longitude.
✓ The district headquarters, Sandhikharka Bazaar, is located 68 km from Gorusinghe in Kapilvastu district. Supa Deurali, Panini Tapobhumi, and Narsingh Dham are important religious pilgrimage sites in the district.
Border
East – Palpa
West – Pyuthan, Dang
North – Gulmi
South – Kapilvastu, Dang
Population: According to the 2078 census
Total Population – 1,77,086
Women – 96,414
Male – 80,672
Political Division
Constituencies:
House of Representatives – 1
State Assembly – 2
Total Voters: 1,38,328
Females – 71,370
Males – 66,978
Representation
House of Representatives – 3
people National Assembly – 1 person
Provincial Assembly – 4 people
Local level
Municipalities – 3 (Sandhikharka, Shitaganga, Bhumikasthan)
Rural municipalities – 3 (Chhatradev, Malarani, Panini)
Number of wards – 61
History of Arghakhanchi
✓ The history of the Arghakhanchi district is closely rooted in two independent kingdoms called Argha and Khanchi.
✓ The name of Argha originated from the ritual offerings made at its main Bhagawati Temple.
✓ Khanchi is basically believed the have originated after the word “Khajanchi,” which means tax collector, because of its centre, which was known for its tax office.
✓ These two states were part of a larger group of 24 kingdoms in the Gandaki Basin. The Gorkha kingdom merged both Argha and Khanchi during the unification of Nepal in 1786 AD.
✓ The Treaty between two kingdoms (Argha & Khanchi) occurred in Santi Bagaicha, Sandhikharka, therefore, the name of the headquarters of Arghakhachi district is Sandhikharka (where the two kingdoms made a treaty (सन्धि) for unification).
✓ Later, after merging both states, the district was named Arghakhanchi (Argha + Khanchi), which initially belonged to the Gulmi district. In 1961 AD, Arghakhanchi was separated from Gulmi district and made an independent district.
Geography & Climate
| Climate zone | Elevation range | % of area |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Tropical | ✓ below 300 meters (1,000 ft) | 0.2% |
| Upper Tropical | ✓ 300 to 1,000 meters ✓ 1,000 to 3,300 ft. |
50.5% |
| Subtropical | ✓ 1,000 to 2,000 meters ✓ 3,300 to 6,600 ft. |
49.1% |
| Temperate | ✓ 2,000 to 3,000 meters ✓ 6,400 to 9,800 ft. |
0.2% |
✓ Arghakhanchi district is characterised by hilly terrain (Elevation: 305m to 2515m) above sea level geographically. It is broadly divided into two physiographic regions, i.e. Mahabharat range (which covers 68% of the land) and the Siwalik hills for the remainder.
✓ The district experiences a diverse climate due to its varying altitudes. The main range is from lower tropical in the lower elevations to temperate in the higher regions.
✓ Mostly, the climate of the district is moderate, with warm summers and mild winters. In the summer months, the monsoon brings significant rainfall.
✓ The major rivers that flow through the district are Bangi Khola, Banganga Khola, and Jhimruk Khola. It also has a lake, i.e. Thada (डमरू दह) and Sengleng.
People & Culture
Literacy Rate
✓ Arghakhanchi district is popular for its diverse ethnic groups and communities, i.e. Dasnami Samaj, Brahmins, Chhetris, Magar, and others living harmoniously. The blend of different cultures is amazingly reflected in the local festivals, music, and traditions.
✓ Nepali is a widely spoken language in Arghakhanchi, but other local dialects are also common. The majority of the population follows Hinduism, and with few population may follow others too.
✓ Supadeurali Temple, which is located in Arghakhanchi, is widely popular nationally, wise it is a reserved Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple uniquely attracts many pilgrims.
✓ The district’s name itself has historical roots, which are derived from Argha (ritual offerings) and Khanchi (related to a tax office), reflecting its historical significance.
Occupation
✓ The people of Arghakhanchi are primarily based on agriculture. A huge portion of the population is engaged in farming, with food & grains (maize, millet, lentils, and so on), seasonal vegetables and fruits (oranges, bayberry fruit, Peach, Blossom, pear, Tiju), which a major agricultural products.
✓ There is a rapidly growing trend toward commercial vegetable farming. Nowadays, a large population of youth is engaged in limestone mining, and other people are engaged in local business in the Supadeurali temple.
✓ The temple and limestone mining hold a high range of population from migration and foreign employment.
✓ The earnings of the temple may be above 2 lakhs in a single day in some seasons. The temple created successful careers for many youths and provided employment opportunities for both males and females.
Subdivision of Arghakhanchi
Arghakhanchi district consists of six municipalities, and 3 out of 6 are urban municipalities. The description of all municipalities is given below:
1. Sandhikharka Municipality
✓ Sandhikharka is the district headquarters of the Arghakhanchi. It lies between two hills, i.e. Argha and Khanchi. On 18 May 2014, the village development community (VDC) was converted into a municipality by merging existing Sandhikhanrka, Wangla, Narapani, Khanchikot, Kimadada, Argha, and Dibharna VDCS.
2. Sitganga Municipality
✓ Sitganga municipality is divided into 14 wards and it spans 610.43 sq KM, with a total population of 43,373 according to the 2011 Nepal census.
3. Bhumikasthan Municipality
✓ Bhumikasthan municipality has a total population of 32,640 according to the 2011 Nepal census, with 159.13 sq KM 961.44 sq mi).
4. Chhatradev Rural Municipality
✓ Chhatradev Rural Municipality has a total population of 25,336 according to the Nepal census, with a total span of 87.62 sq km.
5. Panini Rural Municipality
✓ Panini is a rural municipality that occupies 151.42 sq km of total area, with a total population of 23,424 according to a 2011 Nepal census.
6. Malarani Rural Municipality
✓ Malarani is a rural municipality that occupies 101.06 sq km of area, with a total population of 28,044 according to the 2011 Nepal census. It is divided into 9 wards.
Places to visit Arghakhanchi
1. Supadeurali Temple: This religious place with historical importance attracts a large number of devotees from all over Nepal and India.
2. Argha Darbar: It is a historical palace that reflects the regional past.
3. Khanchi Darbar: This is a palace, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s Maternal house or birthplace of Queen Chandraprava.
4. Satyawati Lake: It is a sacred lake on a hilltop, which allures many people.
5. Chhatragunj: It is mostly famous for its panoramic views and attractive landscape.
6. Thada & Senleng Lake: They are both beautiful lakes with tranquillity.
7. Other various trekking Routes: There are also various trekking routes, where people can enjoy the scenery, climate, and a refreshing experience during trekking.
