Khetri is situated in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is an important town of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Khetri is divided in to two townships; the old “Khetri Town” was founded by Raja Khet Singh Ji Nirban, whereas the modern portion which is known as “Khetri Nagar” is about 10 km away from old Khetri town. Khetri Nagar is known for its copper and mineral rich mines. The township of Khetri Nagar is built and is under management of the Hindustan Copper Limited, a public sector enterprise of Government of India.
Khetri Nagar carries a multicultural ambience due to people from all states are working in the copper project.
History of Khetri
Khetri was the second largest Thikana of Shekhawati. Initially It was under the control of Nirban Rajputs, later usurped by the Shekhawat Rajputs. The last rulers of Khetri was from Shekhawat clan of Kachwaha Rajputs. Shekhawat Raja Ajit Singh Bahadur of Khetri was a close friend and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. It was Raja Ajit Singh who helped and motivated Swami Ji to attend the Chicago Dharma Samellan.
Khetri also have a centre of Ramakrishna Mission which is actively spreads the messages of Swami Vivekananda.
Travel Khetri:
The places of tourist interest in and around Khetri are:
Khetri Fort-
The fort of Khetri was built by Shekhawat Raja Ajit Singh Ji Bahadur .The splendid view from the fort is a breathtaking experience. There is a marvelous small marble temple situated in the fort which is locked for public these days.
Ramakrishna Mission Center
It is situated on the part of once acclaimed palaces for the queen during the princely rule. Swami Vivekananda had stayed there during his visits to Khetri.
Ajit Sagar
It’s an artificial large lake on the outskirt of Khetri made by Raja Ajit Singh. Wild boars, barahsinghas (Rucervus duvaucelii) and migratory birds can be seen here. The town of Khetri is also famous for its delicious pickles.
When viewed from the hilltop along the boundaries of the fort, the spiral shaped open-cast copper mine called Chandmari in Khetri is a treat for eyes. This mine has been shut down and is abandoned.
Forts and palaces:
- Bhopalgarh Fort, built by Thakur Bhopal Singh Ji Shekhawat
- Bagor Fort
- Sukh Mahal
- Ajit Sagar
Geography & Location
Khetri is located at 27°59?N 75°48?E / 27.98°N 75.8°E / 27.98; 75.8. It has an average elevation of 484 meters (1587 feet).
The nearest railway station to Khetri is Chirawa at a distance of 30 km. Khetri is at a distance of 190 km from national Capital Delhi and 180 km from the state capital Jaipur. Regular buses are available from both Jaipur and Delhi to reach Khetri. From Delhi, one has option to take a bus till Singhana, and catch a cab or local bus from there to reach Khetri.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Khetri had a population of 17,377. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Khetri has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 56%. In Khetri, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Hindustan Copper Limited
The Khetri Copper Complex of Hindustan Copper Limited is situated at 10 Km, from here. It is the largest Copper mines in India with concentrator & refinery and produces copper. It also has by-products i.e. Sulphuric Acid, Fertilizer etc.