Mehsana district (also spelt Mahesana) is an administrative district in the northern part of the state of Gujarat, India. The district headquarters is the town of Mehsana. It lies in the fertile alluvial plain of north Gujarat and is part of the broader region historically associated with the Chalukya (Solanki) kingdom of Anhilwad Patan.
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Gujarat |
| Region | North Gujarat |
| Headquarters | Mehsana |
| Type | District |
| Official language | Gujarati |
Mehsana district is situated in the semi-arid plains of north Gujarat. It is bordered by Banaskantha district to the north, Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts to the east, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts to the south, and Patan district to the west. The terrain is generally flat, with sandy to loamy soils, and the area depends largely on groundwater and canal irrigation, including supply from the Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) project. Rivers traversing the district include the Rupen, Pushpavati and Khari.
The district is divided into several talukas, including Mehsana, Visnagar, Vijapur, Kadi, Kheralu, Unjha, Vadnagar, Becharaji, Satlasana and Jotana. Major urban centres include Mehsana, Visnagar, Kadi, Unjha and Vadnagar. Local administration is led by the District Collector, while the Mehsana Zilla Panchayat handles rural local government.
The region around Mehsana has deep historical roots. Vadnagar, in the present district, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Gujarat, mentioned by the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang in the 7th century as Anandapura. Archaeological excavations at Vadnagar have revealed remains spanning multiple historical periods, including Buddhist monastic structures.
Mehsana town itself is traditionally said to have been founded in the late 14th century by Mehsaji Chavda of the Chavda Rajput clan. In the colonial era, much of the present district fell under the princely state of Baroda (Gaekwad). After independence and the integration of princely states, the area became part of Bombay State, and in 1960 it was incorporated into the newly formed state of Gujarat. In 2000, the western talukas were carved out to form the separate Patan district.
The population of the district is predominantly Gujarati-speaking and largely Hindu, with significant Jain and Muslim minorities. Communities historically prominent in the area include Patidars (Kadva and Leuva), Chaudharys, Thakors, Brahmins and trading castes such as Vanias. Unjha is widely associated with the Patidar community and hosts important community institutions.
The district has a mixed agricultural and industrial economy. Agriculture includes the cultivation of cotton, castor, bajra (pearl millet), wheat, mustard, cumin and isabgol (psyllium). Unjha is one of Asia's largest markets for spices, particularly cumin, fennel and isabgol.
Mehsana is a major centre of dairy cooperatives. The Mehsana Urban Co-operative Bank and the Dudhsagar Dairy (Mehsana District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union), part of the Amul/GCMMF federation, are among the largest dairy unions in India. The Mehsani breed of buffalo, developed in the region, is well known for milk production.
Hydrocarbons are an important sector: the Mehsana area hosts onshore oil and gas fields operated by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), with significant infrastructure at Mehsana, Kadi and Kalol. Industrial estates at Kadi and Mehsana host textiles, ceramics, engineering and food-processing units.
Educational institutions in the district include Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University at Patan (which historically served Mehsana region as well), Ganpat University near Kherva, and several engineering, pharmacy and management colleges. Visnagar is home to long-established colleges in arts, science and commerce.
Mehsana is well connected by road and rail. National Highway 48 (the Delhi–Ahmedabad–Mumbai corridor) and several state highways pass through the district. Mehsana Junction is an important station on the Western Railway, with lines branching towards Ahmedabad, Patan, Viramgam and Palanpur. The nearest major airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad.