Hiranagar Municipality is an important administrative unit located in the Kathua district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Spanning across an area of 5 square kilometers, it plays a vital role in governing and ensuring the development of the region.
The Notified Committee Hiranagar was established under SRO-56 Dated 07-02-1963, marking the official formation of the municipality. Hiranagar, the town under its jurisdiction, holds great historical significance. Situated in Kathua district, it serves as a tehsil headquarters and is named after Rajput Raja Hira Singh, son of Raja Dhyan Singh and nephew of Raja Gulab Singh.
Raja Hira Singh, an esteemed figure in the region, played a pivotal role in the town's establishment and development. Bestowed with the jagir (land grant) of Jasrota, Raja Hira Singh founded the town and renovated the Jasmergarh Fort, which served as the tehsil and government offices until 1947. Subsequently, the offices were relocated to Hiranagar. The town enjoys excellent connectivity to major cities such as Jammu, Srinagar, and New Delhi, thanks to the Srinagar-Kanyakumari Highway (NH-44) and a well-connected railway station.
According to the 2011 Indian Census, Hiranagar Subdivision, encompassing the municipality, has a total population of 8,294. Among them, 4,526 are males, while the number of females stands at 3,768. The average sex ratio in the subdivision is 833, highlighting a relatively balanced gender distribution.
| S.No | Ward No. | Population as per 2011 census | Households |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ward No 1 | 737 | 153 |
| 2 | Ward No 2 | 758 | 166 |
| 3 | Ward No 3 | 475 | 95 |
| 4 | Ward No 4 | 651 | 157 |
| 5 | Ward No 5 | 630 | 141 |
| 6 | Ward No 6 | 472 | 101 |
| 7 | Ward No 7 | 502 | 97 |
| 8 | Ward No 8 | 643 | 127 |
| 9 | Ward No 9 | 477 | 106 |
| 10 | Ward No 10 | 646 | 132 |
| 11 | Ward No 11 | 715 | 154 |
| 12 | Ward No 12 | 407 | 93 |
| 13 | Ward No 13 | 1181 | 201 |
| Total | 8294 | 1723 | |
One of the prominent attractions in the Kathua district is the Jasmergarh Fort, located just outside the town of Hiranagar. Constructed by King Hira Singh, after whom the town is named, this majestic fort stands near the border with Pakistan. The fort is renowned for its architectural grandeur and is home to the revered Mata Kali temple. Jasmergarh Fort stands as a testament to the rich historical legacy of Kathua District.
Kathua Municipality strives to promote progress and preserve the region's heritage, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its residents. Through effective governance, infrastructure development, and preservation of historical landmarks, the municipality plays a crucial role in the growth and sustainable development of Kathua district.
