Kachchh: The Largest District in India by Area - Comprehensive Overview and Key Data
Kachchh, also known as Kutch district, is the largest district in the Indian state of Gujarat. This district, with an expansive area of 45,674 square kilometers (approximately 23.27% of Gujarat's total geographic area), holds a unique position among India's administrative divisions. Its strategic location with bordering Pakistan adds to its historical and geopolitical significance. This article delves into the detailed characteristics, statistics, and unique aspects of Kachchh district.
Overview of Kachchh District
Officially named Kachchh, the district of Kutch is situated in the western part of the state of Gujarat, India. Its administrative capital is Bhuj. The district covers an extensive area of about 45,674 square kilometers, which is larger than the country of Switzerland. Kachchh is renowned for its vast Rann of Kutch, a unique ecosystem that includes a seasonal salt marsh and desert. This diverse geography contributes to the district's rich biodiversity and cultural tapestry.
Basic Geographic and Demographic Data
As of the 2011 Census, Kachchh district had a population of 2,092,371. This represented a significant increase from the 2001 Census, where the population was recorded at 1,583,225, reflecting a growth rate of 32.16%. The male population in 2011 was 1,096,737, and the female population was 995,634.
Educational and Socio-Economic Insights
The literacy rate in Kachchh district has also seen notable improvements, as evidenced by the 2011 Census. The overall literacy rate stood at 70.59%, with males achieving a slightly higher literacy rate of 79.40%, and females at 60.87%. The total number of literate individuals was 1,252,319, with 739,239 male and 513,080 female literates. These figures represent a significant increase from the 2001 Census, where the literacy rate was only 70.39% for males and 48.59% for females, totaling around 794,483 literates.
District Urbanization and Population Dynamics
Regarding urbanization, the 2011 Census revealed that 34.82% of Kachchh's population resided in urban areas. The urban population of 728,535 included 383,213 males and 345,322 females. The urban sex ratio was 901, and the child sex ratio was 910. Out of these 728,535 urban residents, 95,869 children aged 0-6 were counted, accounting for 13.10% of the total urban population. The average literacy rate in the urban areas was higher at 80.83%, with 290,054 males and 221,343 females being literate.
On the other hand, 65.18% of Kachchh's population resided in rural areas, with a total of 1,363,836 people. The rural sex ratio was 911 females per 1000 males, and the child sex ratio was 926 girls per 1000 boys. A total of 222,543 children aged 0-6 were reported, making up 16.19% of the rural population. The overall literacy rate in rural areas was slightly lower at 64.92%, with 449,185 males and 291,737 females being literate.
Conclusion
Kachchh district stands out as a distinctive and expansive part of Gujarat, not only in size but in its cultural and ecological significance. Understanding its demographic and socio-economic shifts over the years provides a comprehensive picture of this vast and diverse administrative region.
Related Links
Largest Districts in India by Area
Gujarat Government - Kachchh District
2011 Census Data - Kachchh District