Makaji Meghpar () (also known as Meghana) is a village in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India. Located in the Saurashtra region, it served historically as a chiefdom under the Hardhrol Jadeja chieftains. Established in 1754 by Makanji Ketoji Jadeja of Dhrol State, the village bears his name and legacy. Notably, the celebrated Gujarati writer Harilal Upadhyay hailed from Makaji Meghpar.
History
Founded in 1754 by Makanji Jadeja, Makaji Meghpar became the administrative center—or jagir—of his chiefdom. This status continued until India’s independence, during which time it fell under the jurisdiction of the
Nawanagar State
Census
Makaji Meghpar is a medium size village located in Kalavad of Jamnagar district, with total 383 families residing. The Makaji Meghpar village has population of 1942 of which 983 are males while 959 are females as per Population Census 2011.
In Makaji Meghpar village population of children with age 0-6 is 259 which makes up 13.34% of total population of village. Average Sex Ratio of Makaji Meghpar village is 976 which is higher than Gujarat state average of 919. Child Sex Ratio for the Makaji Meghpar as per census is 837, lower than Gujarat average of 890. Makaji Meghpar village has lower literacy rate compared to Gujarat. In 2011, literacy rate of Makaji Meghpar village was 74.45% compared to 78.03% of Gujarat. In Makaji Meghpar Male literacy stands at 80.88% while female literacy rate was 68.01%.
Work Profile
In Makaji Meghpar village out of total population, 729 were engaged in work activities. 87.38% of workers describe their work as Main Work, while 12.62% were involved in Marginal activity providing livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 729 workers engaged in Main Work, 448 were cultivators while 116 were Agricultural labourer.
Data table
|
|
|
| Population | 1,942 | 983 | 959 |
|
| Child (0-6) | 259 | 141 | 118 |
|
| Schedule Caste | 424 | 229 | 195 |
|
| Literacy | 74.45 % | 80.88 % | 68.01 % |
|
| Total Workers | 729 | 593 | 136 |
|
|
Castes
Schedule Caste (SC) constitutes 21.83% and Socially and Educationally Backward Caste constitutes 25.75% of total population in Makaji Meghpar village. The village Makaji Meghpar currently doesn't have any Schedule Tribe (ST) population. Forward Castes (Rajputs, Brahmins and Patels) constitutes 52.42% of the population of Makaji Meghpar.
Economy
Agriculture is the cornerstone of Makaji Meghpar’s economy. The majority of the village’s inhabitants are engaged in farming, cultivating crops such as groundnuts, millet (bajra), cotton, and wheat
Administration
The village is governed by the
Makaji Meghpar Gram Panchayat, which comprises eight wards. Each ward elects a representative, and the panchayat is headed by a
Sarpanch, assisted by an
Up-Sarpanch. As of the latest information, Alabhai M. Gamara serves as the Sarpanch, with B. M. Jadeja as the Up-Sarpanch; the panchayat secretary is Parakramsinh Jadeja.
Geography
Situated at approximately
22.33°N latitude and
70.48°E longitude, Makaji Meghpar lies at an average elevation of
53 meters (174 feet) above sea level. The village spans an area of
23.44 km² and is located along the banks of the Domdi and Und rivers. It also serves as the administrative center for the Makaji Meghpar Rural Complex, which includes the neighboring hamlets of Shivnagar and Mangalpur
Demographics
Gujarati is the primary language spoken in Makaji Meghpar, reflecting the village’s strong regional identity. The entire population practices
Hinduism, and religious life plays a central role in community life. The village is dotted with temples dedicated to deities such as Aashapura Mata, Vaidyanath Mahadev, Hanuman, and Shakti Mata. In addition, there are several
devdis (small shrines) honoring folk deities like Meladi Mata, Ramdeoji, Machchho Mata, Khetaliya Naag, and Sarmariya Naag, which are integral to local traditions and beliefs. Alongside its spiritual practices, the village fosters an active sporting culture.
Cricket is the most popular game, while traditional sports such as
Kabaddi and
Kho kho are also commonly played, especially among the youth.
Connectivity
Makaji Meghpar connects to nearby hubs—
Paddhari,
Kalavad, and adjacent villages—via single-lane paved roads. The
Rajkot International Airport is the nearest air travel facility, while
Hadmatiya Junction and
Paddhari serve as the closest railheads.
External links
