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CHAPT R I
G N RAL
Origin of the Name of the District
The di trict i named after the headquarter town of
Kuruk hetra According to Mahabhartata it came to be called
Kuruk hetra after the age King Kuru who i aid to have cultivated
thi land with pa ionate devotion Kuru a imple and piou man wa
the on of Samvarna and Tapati the ance tor of the Kaurava and the
Pandava The Vamana Puran a cribe the origin of Kuruk hetra to
courage inten ive devotion and a cetici m of Kuru It elaborate on
the Kingrsquo cultivation of the eight-fold ethical conduct of au terity
(tapas) truth (satya) forgivene (Kshama) kindne (daya)
purity(saucha) charity (dana) yoga and continence (brahmcharya)2
There are many reference to Kurursquo a ociation with Kuruk hetra in
the Purana Vayu Vishnu Markandeya Matsya Agni Narada
Brahmand and Bhagyata Al-Biruni the Arab Hi torian of the early
11th
century AD al o elaborate on Kurursquo a ociation with
Kuruk hetra3
Yet according to another tradition the name of Kuruk hetra
derive from Kuru an Aryan tribe who were initially a prie tly cla
connected with the compo ition of and recital of the Veda and the
performance of Yajana 4
Location Boundaries Area and Population
Location and boundaries- The di trict lie between 29deg55rsquo0rdquo and
30deg15rsquo 15rdquo north latitude and 76deg27rsquo0rdquo and 77deg17rsquo0rdquo ea t longitude It
i bounded in the north by Ambala di trict on the ea t and northea t
by Yamunanagar di trict on outh by Karnal di trict and on the we t
1 Mahabharta (Gorakhpur Ed) Text Salya 53VI-26
2 Vamna Purana Ed Ananda Swarup Gupta Varana i 1968 XXII pp126-28 3 VN Datta and HAPhadke Hi tory of Kuruk hetra 1984 p4
4 HWilliam A San krit-Engli h Dictionary 1899pp294747VS Apte San krit-
Hindi ko a1966 p286
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 2
and outhwe t by Kaithal di trict and on the northwe t by Patiala
di trict of Punjab
Area- With an area of 1530 quare kilometer it occupie 346
percent of the total area of the State It i the third malle t di trict of
the State in term of area
Population- According to 2001 Cen u the di trict had a population
of 825454 (442328 male and 383126 female ) Of the total
population rural population accounted for 609943 and urban
215511 per on The di trict had 392 percent of the total population
of the tate and ranked 14th
among t the di trict of Haryana in term of
population
History of the District as an Administrative Unit
Kuruk hetra region i an area of great antiquity and remained
an important centre of political activity during ancient period During
the Gupta period it developed into a eat of political power In Pali
religiou literature Kuruk ehtra frequently find mention a one
of the ixteen Mahajanapadas of the time1 In 6
th century AD
Pu hpabhuti founded a new dyna ty in Thane ar bhukti
(admini trative divi ion) a part of Kuruk hetra then known a
Srikantha Janapada But with the tran fer of Pu hpabhutirsquo capital to
Kanauj during Har harsquo time the political importance of the region
wa omewhat declined
During the reign of Illtutmi h the pre ent di trict of
Kuruk hetra wa covered into iqta (an admini trative unit akin to a
divi ion) of Pipli An Officer called mukti controlled the total affair
of the iqta under the upervi ion of the Sultan
Thi admini trative et up continued under Balbanrsquo rule al o2
The fir t Mughal Emperor Babar admini tered the di trict by placing it
in the Sarkar Sirhind3 Akbar e tabli hed an effective admini trative
y tem and divided hi kingdom into subaas sarkars and parganas
During hi regime the di trict wa included in sarkar Sirhind
1 VN Datta and HAPhadke Hi tory of Kuruk hetra 1984p38
2 KC Yadav Haryana Ka Itiha Vol II 1981 PP32-34
3 Ibid p67
GENERAL 3
Thane ar and Shahabad were among 19 parganas of thi sarkar1
Thi admini trative et up remained intact during the regime of
Jahangir Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
During 18th
century mo t of the area now forming
Kuruk hetra di trict were parceled out among variou Sikh Chief
who formed independent principalitie of Thane ar and Ladwa Both
the principalitie were gradually lap ed to the Briti h Government A
part of Thane ar (held by Bhag Singh) lap ed in 1832 becau e of the
death of Sardar Jamiat Singh without male heir and the re t of it (held
by Bhanga Singh) in 1850 on account of the death of Rani Chand
Kaur widow of Sardar Fateh Singh
Ladwa wa lap ed to the Briti h Government in 1845 on
account of mi conduct of Raja Ajit Singh The Briti h Government
organized the e lap ed territorie alongwith lap ed principality of
Kaithal into Thane ar di trict in 1849 The di trict had three Teh il
namely Pipli Thane ar and Kaithal The Collector Magi trate wa
incharge of the di trict Thane ar di trict wa broken up in 1862 and
the area were di tributed between di trict of Karnal and Ambala
Pehowa pargana wa included in Karnal di trict and parganas of
Shahabad Ladwa and a part of Thane ar were included in Ambala and
converted into Pipli teh il In 1866 Pehowa pargana of Karnal di trict
having 103 village wa tran ferred to Pipli teh il of Ambala di trict
But 14 of the e village in 1876 and remaining 89 village in 1889
were again tran ferred from Pipli teh il to Kaithal teh il of Karnal
di trict In 1897 Pipli teh il wa tran ferred to Karnal di trict The
headquarter of Pipli teh il were al o hifted to Thane ar in the ame
year
The area now forming the di trict remained a part of Karnal
di trict till Kuruk hetra wa carved out of it a a eparate di trict on
January 23 1973 compri ing the teh il of Thane ar Kaithal and
Guhla2 At the time of formation of Kuruk hetra a a eparate di trict
teh ilwi e po ition of village wa a follow -
1 Ibid p77-79
2 Haryana Govt notification No 454-E(IV)-732212 dt 23
rd Jan1973
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 4
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 429
Kaithal 143
Guhla 171
Total 743
In 1979 a new teh il of Pehowa wa created by tran ferring
56 village from Guhla teh il 9 village from Kaithal teh il and
33 village from Thane ar teh il1 Be ide Radaur wa con tituted a
ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il In 1979 the teh ilwi e po ition of the
village wa a follow-
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 278
Radaur ub-teh il 120
Kaithal 134
Guhla 115
Pehowa 98
On April 11981 Shahabad Kanugo circle (Thane ar teh il)
wa converted into a ub-teh il compri ing 76 village Ladwa ub-
teh il wa created on May 181987 in Thane ar teh il compri ing 75
village
Major change in the boundarie of the di trict and exi ting
teh il took place on November 119892 with the formation of Kaithal
di trict taking out Kaithal and Guhla Sub-divi ion from Kuruk hetra
Di trict Radaur ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il wa included in newly
carved out Yamunanagar di trict Be ide 15 village from Nilokheri
ub-teh il of Karnal di trict were added in Thane ar teh il one village
from Shahabad ub-teh il wa included in Ambala di trict two
village of Pehowa teh il were included in Guhla teh il of Kaithal
di trict three village of Kaithal teh il were included in Pehowa teh il
four village of Ladwa ub-teh il were included in Radaur ub-teh il
1 Di trict Cen u Handbook Kuruk hetra Di trict 1981
2 Haryana Govt Gazettee (Extraordinary) Oct 16 1989
GENERAL 5
of Yamunanagar di trict and one village of ub-teh il Radaur wa
included in Ladwa ub-teh il of Kuruk hetra di trict Similarly 12
village taken out from Thane ar teh il were tran ferred to Pehowa
teh il and 2 village excluded from Shahabad ub-teh il were included
in Pehowa teh il in 1989 At pre ent the di trict compri e of three
teh il namely Thane ar Shahabad and Pehowa Thane ar teh il ha
three ub-teh il namely Ladwa I mailabad and Babain A on March
312004 teh ilwi e po ition of the village in the di trict wa a
follow -
Tehsil1
Villages
Inhabited uninhabited Total
Thane ar 240 5 245
Pehowa 88 4 92
Shahabad 79 - 79
Total 407 9 416
TOPOGRAPHY
Kuruk hetra di trict form a part of the va t aggradational
alluvial terrain of the Indo-Gangatic plain The Indo-Gangatic plain
repre ent depo ition of alluvium in a tectonic platform of fore deep
between the Himalayan region in the north and the penin ular region
in the outh The alluvium wa depo ited in the quarter nary The
average elevation of the plain i about 245 metre above the mean ea
level The general lope of the land i outhwe t ward There are
many hallow topographical depre ion in the area
The deep bore-hole data from the di trict ugge t that the
alluvium overlying the rock bed exceed 600 metre at place A
preliminary tudy involving a large number of 75 to 90 metre deep
log obtained from tubewell drilling in Ladwa and Thene ar
development block ugge t 6 to 8 cycle of depo ition within thi
depth in the fore-deep The cyclic depo ition i in the form of
alternating layer of clay ilt and and gravel The clay and ilt layer
are u ually characterized by calcium carbonate concretion U ually
2 to 3 gravel horizon are al o pre ent at depth
1 Sub-teh ilwi e village may be een in Chapter X-General Admini tration
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 6
The information on alluvial terrain in the di trict i canty On
an empirical cla ification the two type of terrain the bangar and the
low arrear called bet are inferred The bangar or the older alluvium
make a upland tract of 8 to 16 kilometre wide It i characterized by
ma ive bed of rather yellowi h to red coloured clay with calcareou
concretion Kankar cattered throughout Major part of the di trict
fall under bangar The low lying area along ide Markanda i called
naili
Drainage and River System
Natural drainage of the northern part of the di trict loping
toward outhwe t i determined by tream emerging from the lower
Shiwalik foothill The main drainage i repre ented by Markanda
Umla and Dangri tream There are matured tream having ea onal
runoff Mo t of the older rivernalas viz chautang Sara wati khand
nala Umla nala a well a part of the Dangri river and Lenda nala
have been claimed and now exi t a drain Old channel of the
Markanda have been u ed a exce drainage way at Jalbehra
The di trict i traver ed by important ea onal tream viz
Sara wati Markanda Chautang and Rak hi
The Saraswati- River Sara wati ha been referred to a river par
excellence and occur mo t frequently in the Rigveda It eem to have
been the holy tream of the Vedic age It i po ible that it wa a
large a the Sutlej in the Vedic age and actually reached the ea a
the Rigveda de cribe it a going down to the ocean1On the holy
bank of Sara wati were kindled acred fire and vedic hymn
compo ed and recited It played a dominant role in the growth of the
culture and civilization in ancient India The archaeological
exploration of the Sara wati-Ghaggar-Hakra bed further prove the
Vedic and epic tradition that the Sara wati wa once a mighty river
with a continuou and perennial flow down to the Arabian Sea The
river eem to have dried up becau e of eriou ei mic di turbance
toward the clo e of the Vedic period2
The pre ent Sara wati which enter the di trict from
Yamunanagar di trict i a mere hadow of it former elf through mo t
1 Karnal Di trict Gazetteer 1976 p9
2 HAPhadke Haryana Ancient and Medieval 1990 PP 10-11
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 2
and outhwe t by Kaithal di trict and on the northwe t by Patiala
di trict of Punjab
Area- With an area of 1530 quare kilometer it occupie 346
percent of the total area of the State It i the third malle t di trict of
the State in term of area
Population- According to 2001 Cen u the di trict had a population
of 825454 (442328 male and 383126 female ) Of the total
population rural population accounted for 609943 and urban
215511 per on The di trict had 392 percent of the total population
of the tate and ranked 14th
among t the di trict of Haryana in term of
population
History of the District as an Administrative Unit
Kuruk hetra region i an area of great antiquity and remained
an important centre of political activity during ancient period During
the Gupta period it developed into a eat of political power In Pali
religiou literature Kuruk ehtra frequently find mention a one
of the ixteen Mahajanapadas of the time1 In 6
th century AD
Pu hpabhuti founded a new dyna ty in Thane ar bhukti
(admini trative divi ion) a part of Kuruk hetra then known a
Srikantha Janapada But with the tran fer of Pu hpabhutirsquo capital to
Kanauj during Har harsquo time the political importance of the region
wa omewhat declined
During the reign of Illtutmi h the pre ent di trict of
Kuruk hetra wa covered into iqta (an admini trative unit akin to a
divi ion) of Pipli An Officer called mukti controlled the total affair
of the iqta under the upervi ion of the Sultan
Thi admini trative et up continued under Balbanrsquo rule al o2
The fir t Mughal Emperor Babar admini tered the di trict by placing it
in the Sarkar Sirhind3 Akbar e tabli hed an effective admini trative
y tem and divided hi kingdom into subaas sarkars and parganas
During hi regime the di trict wa included in sarkar Sirhind
1 VN Datta and HAPhadke Hi tory of Kuruk hetra 1984p38
2 KC Yadav Haryana Ka Itiha Vol II 1981 PP32-34
3 Ibid p67
GENERAL 3
Thane ar and Shahabad were among 19 parganas of thi sarkar1
Thi admini trative et up remained intact during the regime of
Jahangir Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
During 18th
century mo t of the area now forming
Kuruk hetra di trict were parceled out among variou Sikh Chief
who formed independent principalitie of Thane ar and Ladwa Both
the principalitie were gradually lap ed to the Briti h Government A
part of Thane ar (held by Bhag Singh) lap ed in 1832 becau e of the
death of Sardar Jamiat Singh without male heir and the re t of it (held
by Bhanga Singh) in 1850 on account of the death of Rani Chand
Kaur widow of Sardar Fateh Singh
Ladwa wa lap ed to the Briti h Government in 1845 on
account of mi conduct of Raja Ajit Singh The Briti h Government
organized the e lap ed territorie alongwith lap ed principality of
Kaithal into Thane ar di trict in 1849 The di trict had three Teh il
namely Pipli Thane ar and Kaithal The Collector Magi trate wa
incharge of the di trict Thane ar di trict wa broken up in 1862 and
the area were di tributed between di trict of Karnal and Ambala
Pehowa pargana wa included in Karnal di trict and parganas of
Shahabad Ladwa and a part of Thane ar were included in Ambala and
converted into Pipli teh il In 1866 Pehowa pargana of Karnal di trict
having 103 village wa tran ferred to Pipli teh il of Ambala di trict
But 14 of the e village in 1876 and remaining 89 village in 1889
were again tran ferred from Pipli teh il to Kaithal teh il of Karnal
di trict In 1897 Pipli teh il wa tran ferred to Karnal di trict The
headquarter of Pipli teh il were al o hifted to Thane ar in the ame
year
The area now forming the di trict remained a part of Karnal
di trict till Kuruk hetra wa carved out of it a a eparate di trict on
January 23 1973 compri ing the teh il of Thane ar Kaithal and
Guhla2 At the time of formation of Kuruk hetra a a eparate di trict
teh ilwi e po ition of village wa a follow -
1 Ibid p77-79
2 Haryana Govt notification No 454-E(IV)-732212 dt 23
rd Jan1973
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 4
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 429
Kaithal 143
Guhla 171
Total 743
In 1979 a new teh il of Pehowa wa created by tran ferring
56 village from Guhla teh il 9 village from Kaithal teh il and
33 village from Thane ar teh il1 Be ide Radaur wa con tituted a
ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il In 1979 the teh ilwi e po ition of the
village wa a follow-
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 278
Radaur ub-teh il 120
Kaithal 134
Guhla 115
Pehowa 98
On April 11981 Shahabad Kanugo circle (Thane ar teh il)
wa converted into a ub-teh il compri ing 76 village Ladwa ub-
teh il wa created on May 181987 in Thane ar teh il compri ing 75
village
Major change in the boundarie of the di trict and exi ting
teh il took place on November 119892 with the formation of Kaithal
di trict taking out Kaithal and Guhla Sub-divi ion from Kuruk hetra
Di trict Radaur ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il wa included in newly
carved out Yamunanagar di trict Be ide 15 village from Nilokheri
ub-teh il of Karnal di trict were added in Thane ar teh il one village
from Shahabad ub-teh il wa included in Ambala di trict two
village of Pehowa teh il were included in Guhla teh il of Kaithal
di trict three village of Kaithal teh il were included in Pehowa teh il
four village of Ladwa ub-teh il were included in Radaur ub-teh il
1 Di trict Cen u Handbook Kuruk hetra Di trict 1981
2 Haryana Govt Gazettee (Extraordinary) Oct 16 1989
GENERAL 5
of Yamunanagar di trict and one village of ub-teh il Radaur wa
included in Ladwa ub-teh il of Kuruk hetra di trict Similarly 12
village taken out from Thane ar teh il were tran ferred to Pehowa
teh il and 2 village excluded from Shahabad ub-teh il were included
in Pehowa teh il in 1989 At pre ent the di trict compri e of three
teh il namely Thane ar Shahabad and Pehowa Thane ar teh il ha
three ub-teh il namely Ladwa I mailabad and Babain A on March
312004 teh ilwi e po ition of the village in the di trict wa a
follow -
Tehsil1
Villages
Inhabited uninhabited Total
Thane ar 240 5 245
Pehowa 88 4 92
Shahabad 79 - 79
Total 407 9 416
TOPOGRAPHY
Kuruk hetra di trict form a part of the va t aggradational
alluvial terrain of the Indo-Gangatic plain The Indo-Gangatic plain
repre ent depo ition of alluvium in a tectonic platform of fore deep
between the Himalayan region in the north and the penin ular region
in the outh The alluvium wa depo ited in the quarter nary The
average elevation of the plain i about 245 metre above the mean ea
level The general lope of the land i outhwe t ward There are
many hallow topographical depre ion in the area
The deep bore-hole data from the di trict ugge t that the
alluvium overlying the rock bed exceed 600 metre at place A
preliminary tudy involving a large number of 75 to 90 metre deep
log obtained from tubewell drilling in Ladwa and Thene ar
development block ugge t 6 to 8 cycle of depo ition within thi
depth in the fore-deep The cyclic depo ition i in the form of
alternating layer of clay ilt and and gravel The clay and ilt layer
are u ually characterized by calcium carbonate concretion U ually
2 to 3 gravel horizon are al o pre ent at depth
1 Sub-teh ilwi e village may be een in Chapter X-General Admini tration
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 6
The information on alluvial terrain in the di trict i canty On
an empirical cla ification the two type of terrain the bangar and the
low arrear called bet are inferred The bangar or the older alluvium
make a upland tract of 8 to 16 kilometre wide It i characterized by
ma ive bed of rather yellowi h to red coloured clay with calcareou
concretion Kankar cattered throughout Major part of the di trict
fall under bangar The low lying area along ide Markanda i called
naili
Drainage and River System
Natural drainage of the northern part of the di trict loping
toward outhwe t i determined by tream emerging from the lower
Shiwalik foothill The main drainage i repre ented by Markanda
Umla and Dangri tream There are matured tream having ea onal
runoff Mo t of the older rivernalas viz chautang Sara wati khand
nala Umla nala a well a part of the Dangri river and Lenda nala
have been claimed and now exi t a drain Old channel of the
Markanda have been u ed a exce drainage way at Jalbehra
The di trict i traver ed by important ea onal tream viz
Sara wati Markanda Chautang and Rak hi
The Saraswati- River Sara wati ha been referred to a river par
excellence and occur mo t frequently in the Rigveda It eem to have
been the holy tream of the Vedic age It i po ible that it wa a
large a the Sutlej in the Vedic age and actually reached the ea a
the Rigveda de cribe it a going down to the ocean1On the holy
bank of Sara wati were kindled acred fire and vedic hymn
compo ed and recited It played a dominant role in the growth of the
culture and civilization in ancient India The archaeological
exploration of the Sara wati-Ghaggar-Hakra bed further prove the
Vedic and epic tradition that the Sara wati wa once a mighty river
with a continuou and perennial flow down to the Arabian Sea The
river eem to have dried up becau e of eriou ei mic di turbance
toward the clo e of the Vedic period2
The pre ent Sara wati which enter the di trict from
Yamunanagar di trict i a mere hadow of it former elf through mo t
1 Karnal Di trict Gazetteer 1976 p9
2 HAPhadke Haryana Ancient and Medieval 1990 PP 10-11
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
GENERAL 3
Thane ar and Shahabad were among 19 parganas of thi sarkar1
Thi admini trative et up remained intact during the regime of
Jahangir Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
During 18th
century mo t of the area now forming
Kuruk hetra di trict were parceled out among variou Sikh Chief
who formed independent principalitie of Thane ar and Ladwa Both
the principalitie were gradually lap ed to the Briti h Government A
part of Thane ar (held by Bhag Singh) lap ed in 1832 becau e of the
death of Sardar Jamiat Singh without male heir and the re t of it (held
by Bhanga Singh) in 1850 on account of the death of Rani Chand
Kaur widow of Sardar Fateh Singh
Ladwa wa lap ed to the Briti h Government in 1845 on
account of mi conduct of Raja Ajit Singh The Briti h Government
organized the e lap ed territorie alongwith lap ed principality of
Kaithal into Thane ar di trict in 1849 The di trict had three Teh il
namely Pipli Thane ar and Kaithal The Collector Magi trate wa
incharge of the di trict Thane ar di trict wa broken up in 1862 and
the area were di tributed between di trict of Karnal and Ambala
Pehowa pargana wa included in Karnal di trict and parganas of
Shahabad Ladwa and a part of Thane ar were included in Ambala and
converted into Pipli teh il In 1866 Pehowa pargana of Karnal di trict
having 103 village wa tran ferred to Pipli teh il of Ambala di trict
But 14 of the e village in 1876 and remaining 89 village in 1889
were again tran ferred from Pipli teh il to Kaithal teh il of Karnal
di trict In 1897 Pipli teh il wa tran ferred to Karnal di trict The
headquarter of Pipli teh il were al o hifted to Thane ar in the ame
year
The area now forming the di trict remained a part of Karnal
di trict till Kuruk hetra wa carved out of it a a eparate di trict on
January 23 1973 compri ing the teh il of Thane ar Kaithal and
Guhla2 At the time of formation of Kuruk hetra a a eparate di trict
teh ilwi e po ition of village wa a follow -
1 Ibid p77-79
2 Haryana Govt notification No 454-E(IV)-732212 dt 23
rd Jan1973
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 4
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 429
Kaithal 143
Guhla 171
Total 743
In 1979 a new teh il of Pehowa wa created by tran ferring
56 village from Guhla teh il 9 village from Kaithal teh il and
33 village from Thane ar teh il1 Be ide Radaur wa con tituted a
ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il In 1979 the teh ilwi e po ition of the
village wa a follow-
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 278
Radaur ub-teh il 120
Kaithal 134
Guhla 115
Pehowa 98
On April 11981 Shahabad Kanugo circle (Thane ar teh il)
wa converted into a ub-teh il compri ing 76 village Ladwa ub-
teh il wa created on May 181987 in Thane ar teh il compri ing 75
village
Major change in the boundarie of the di trict and exi ting
teh il took place on November 119892 with the formation of Kaithal
di trict taking out Kaithal and Guhla Sub-divi ion from Kuruk hetra
Di trict Radaur ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il wa included in newly
carved out Yamunanagar di trict Be ide 15 village from Nilokheri
ub-teh il of Karnal di trict were added in Thane ar teh il one village
from Shahabad ub-teh il wa included in Ambala di trict two
village of Pehowa teh il were included in Guhla teh il of Kaithal
di trict three village of Kaithal teh il were included in Pehowa teh il
four village of Ladwa ub-teh il were included in Radaur ub-teh il
1 Di trict Cen u Handbook Kuruk hetra Di trict 1981
2 Haryana Govt Gazettee (Extraordinary) Oct 16 1989
GENERAL 5
of Yamunanagar di trict and one village of ub-teh il Radaur wa
included in Ladwa ub-teh il of Kuruk hetra di trict Similarly 12
village taken out from Thane ar teh il were tran ferred to Pehowa
teh il and 2 village excluded from Shahabad ub-teh il were included
in Pehowa teh il in 1989 At pre ent the di trict compri e of three
teh il namely Thane ar Shahabad and Pehowa Thane ar teh il ha
three ub-teh il namely Ladwa I mailabad and Babain A on March
312004 teh ilwi e po ition of the village in the di trict wa a
follow -
Tehsil1
Villages
Inhabited uninhabited Total
Thane ar 240 5 245
Pehowa 88 4 92
Shahabad 79 - 79
Total 407 9 416
TOPOGRAPHY
Kuruk hetra di trict form a part of the va t aggradational
alluvial terrain of the Indo-Gangatic plain The Indo-Gangatic plain
repre ent depo ition of alluvium in a tectonic platform of fore deep
between the Himalayan region in the north and the penin ular region
in the outh The alluvium wa depo ited in the quarter nary The
average elevation of the plain i about 245 metre above the mean ea
level The general lope of the land i outhwe t ward There are
many hallow topographical depre ion in the area
The deep bore-hole data from the di trict ugge t that the
alluvium overlying the rock bed exceed 600 metre at place A
preliminary tudy involving a large number of 75 to 90 metre deep
log obtained from tubewell drilling in Ladwa and Thene ar
development block ugge t 6 to 8 cycle of depo ition within thi
depth in the fore-deep The cyclic depo ition i in the form of
alternating layer of clay ilt and and gravel The clay and ilt layer
are u ually characterized by calcium carbonate concretion U ually
2 to 3 gravel horizon are al o pre ent at depth
1 Sub-teh ilwi e village may be een in Chapter X-General Admini tration
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 6
The information on alluvial terrain in the di trict i canty On
an empirical cla ification the two type of terrain the bangar and the
low arrear called bet are inferred The bangar or the older alluvium
make a upland tract of 8 to 16 kilometre wide It i characterized by
ma ive bed of rather yellowi h to red coloured clay with calcareou
concretion Kankar cattered throughout Major part of the di trict
fall under bangar The low lying area along ide Markanda i called
naili
Drainage and River System
Natural drainage of the northern part of the di trict loping
toward outhwe t i determined by tream emerging from the lower
Shiwalik foothill The main drainage i repre ented by Markanda
Umla and Dangri tream There are matured tream having ea onal
runoff Mo t of the older rivernalas viz chautang Sara wati khand
nala Umla nala a well a part of the Dangri river and Lenda nala
have been claimed and now exi t a drain Old channel of the
Markanda have been u ed a exce drainage way at Jalbehra
The di trict i traver ed by important ea onal tream viz
Sara wati Markanda Chautang and Rak hi
The Saraswati- River Sara wati ha been referred to a river par
excellence and occur mo t frequently in the Rigveda It eem to have
been the holy tream of the Vedic age It i po ible that it wa a
large a the Sutlej in the Vedic age and actually reached the ea a
the Rigveda de cribe it a going down to the ocean1On the holy
bank of Sara wati were kindled acred fire and vedic hymn
compo ed and recited It played a dominant role in the growth of the
culture and civilization in ancient India The archaeological
exploration of the Sara wati-Ghaggar-Hakra bed further prove the
Vedic and epic tradition that the Sara wati wa once a mighty river
with a continuou and perennial flow down to the Arabian Sea The
river eem to have dried up becau e of eriou ei mic di turbance
toward the clo e of the Vedic period2
The pre ent Sara wati which enter the di trict from
Yamunanagar di trict i a mere hadow of it former elf through mo t
1 Karnal Di trict Gazetteer 1976 p9
2 HAPhadke Haryana Ancient and Medieval 1990 PP 10-11
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 4
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 429
Kaithal 143
Guhla 171
Total 743
In 1979 a new teh il of Pehowa wa created by tran ferring
56 village from Guhla teh il 9 village from Kaithal teh il and
33 village from Thane ar teh il1 Be ide Radaur wa con tituted a
ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il In 1979 the teh ilwi e po ition of the
village wa a follow-
Tehsil No of villages
Thane ar 278
Radaur ub-teh il 120
Kaithal 134
Guhla 115
Pehowa 98
On April 11981 Shahabad Kanugo circle (Thane ar teh il)
wa converted into a ub-teh il compri ing 76 village Ladwa ub-
teh il wa created on May 181987 in Thane ar teh il compri ing 75
village
Major change in the boundarie of the di trict and exi ting
teh il took place on November 119892 with the formation of Kaithal
di trict taking out Kaithal and Guhla Sub-divi ion from Kuruk hetra
Di trict Radaur ub-teh il of Thane ar teh il wa included in newly
carved out Yamunanagar di trict Be ide 15 village from Nilokheri
ub-teh il of Karnal di trict were added in Thane ar teh il one village
from Shahabad ub-teh il wa included in Ambala di trict two
village of Pehowa teh il were included in Guhla teh il of Kaithal
di trict three village of Kaithal teh il were included in Pehowa teh il
four village of Ladwa ub-teh il were included in Radaur ub-teh il
1 Di trict Cen u Handbook Kuruk hetra Di trict 1981
2 Haryana Govt Gazettee (Extraordinary) Oct 16 1989
GENERAL 5
of Yamunanagar di trict and one village of ub-teh il Radaur wa
included in Ladwa ub-teh il of Kuruk hetra di trict Similarly 12
village taken out from Thane ar teh il were tran ferred to Pehowa
teh il and 2 village excluded from Shahabad ub-teh il were included
in Pehowa teh il in 1989 At pre ent the di trict compri e of three
teh il namely Thane ar Shahabad and Pehowa Thane ar teh il ha
three ub-teh il namely Ladwa I mailabad and Babain A on March
312004 teh ilwi e po ition of the village in the di trict wa a
follow -
Tehsil1
Villages
Inhabited uninhabited Total
Thane ar 240 5 245
Pehowa 88 4 92
Shahabad 79 - 79
Total 407 9 416
TOPOGRAPHY
Kuruk hetra di trict form a part of the va t aggradational
alluvial terrain of the Indo-Gangatic plain The Indo-Gangatic plain
repre ent depo ition of alluvium in a tectonic platform of fore deep
between the Himalayan region in the north and the penin ular region
in the outh The alluvium wa depo ited in the quarter nary The
average elevation of the plain i about 245 metre above the mean ea
level The general lope of the land i outhwe t ward There are
many hallow topographical depre ion in the area
The deep bore-hole data from the di trict ugge t that the
alluvium overlying the rock bed exceed 600 metre at place A
preliminary tudy involving a large number of 75 to 90 metre deep
log obtained from tubewell drilling in Ladwa and Thene ar
development block ugge t 6 to 8 cycle of depo ition within thi
depth in the fore-deep The cyclic depo ition i in the form of
alternating layer of clay ilt and and gravel The clay and ilt layer
are u ually characterized by calcium carbonate concretion U ually
2 to 3 gravel horizon are al o pre ent at depth
1 Sub-teh ilwi e village may be een in Chapter X-General Admini tration
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 6
The information on alluvial terrain in the di trict i canty On
an empirical cla ification the two type of terrain the bangar and the
low arrear called bet are inferred The bangar or the older alluvium
make a upland tract of 8 to 16 kilometre wide It i characterized by
ma ive bed of rather yellowi h to red coloured clay with calcareou
concretion Kankar cattered throughout Major part of the di trict
fall under bangar The low lying area along ide Markanda i called
naili
Drainage and River System
Natural drainage of the northern part of the di trict loping
toward outhwe t i determined by tream emerging from the lower
Shiwalik foothill The main drainage i repre ented by Markanda
Umla and Dangri tream There are matured tream having ea onal
runoff Mo t of the older rivernalas viz chautang Sara wati khand
nala Umla nala a well a part of the Dangri river and Lenda nala
have been claimed and now exi t a drain Old channel of the
Markanda have been u ed a exce drainage way at Jalbehra
The di trict i traver ed by important ea onal tream viz
Sara wati Markanda Chautang and Rak hi
The Saraswati- River Sara wati ha been referred to a river par
excellence and occur mo t frequently in the Rigveda It eem to have
been the holy tream of the Vedic age It i po ible that it wa a
large a the Sutlej in the Vedic age and actually reached the ea a
the Rigveda de cribe it a going down to the ocean1On the holy
bank of Sara wati were kindled acred fire and vedic hymn
compo ed and recited It played a dominant role in the growth of the
culture and civilization in ancient India The archaeological
exploration of the Sara wati-Ghaggar-Hakra bed further prove the
Vedic and epic tradition that the Sara wati wa once a mighty river
with a continuou and perennial flow down to the Arabian Sea The
river eem to have dried up becau e of eriou ei mic di turbance
toward the clo e of the Vedic period2
The pre ent Sara wati which enter the di trict from
Yamunanagar di trict i a mere hadow of it former elf through mo t
1 Karnal Di trict Gazetteer 1976 p9
2 HAPhadke Haryana Ancient and Medieval 1990 PP 10-11
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
GENERAL 5
of Yamunanagar di trict and one village of ub-teh il Radaur wa
included in Ladwa ub-teh il of Kuruk hetra di trict Similarly 12
village taken out from Thane ar teh il were tran ferred to Pehowa
teh il and 2 village excluded from Shahabad ub-teh il were included
in Pehowa teh il in 1989 At pre ent the di trict compri e of three
teh il namely Thane ar Shahabad and Pehowa Thane ar teh il ha
three ub-teh il namely Ladwa I mailabad and Babain A on March
312004 teh ilwi e po ition of the village in the di trict wa a
follow -
Tehsil1
Villages
Inhabited uninhabited Total
Thane ar 240 5 245
Pehowa 88 4 92
Shahabad 79 - 79
Total 407 9 416
TOPOGRAPHY
Kuruk hetra di trict form a part of the va t aggradational
alluvial terrain of the Indo-Gangatic plain The Indo-Gangatic plain
repre ent depo ition of alluvium in a tectonic platform of fore deep
between the Himalayan region in the north and the penin ular region
in the outh The alluvium wa depo ited in the quarter nary The
average elevation of the plain i about 245 metre above the mean ea
level The general lope of the land i outhwe t ward There are
many hallow topographical depre ion in the area
The deep bore-hole data from the di trict ugge t that the
alluvium overlying the rock bed exceed 600 metre at place A
preliminary tudy involving a large number of 75 to 90 metre deep
log obtained from tubewell drilling in Ladwa and Thene ar
development block ugge t 6 to 8 cycle of depo ition within thi
depth in the fore-deep The cyclic depo ition i in the form of
alternating layer of clay ilt and and gravel The clay and ilt layer
are u ually characterized by calcium carbonate concretion U ually
2 to 3 gravel horizon are al o pre ent at depth
1 Sub-teh ilwi e village may be een in Chapter X-General Admini tration
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 6
The information on alluvial terrain in the di trict i canty On
an empirical cla ification the two type of terrain the bangar and the
low arrear called bet are inferred The bangar or the older alluvium
make a upland tract of 8 to 16 kilometre wide It i characterized by
ma ive bed of rather yellowi h to red coloured clay with calcareou
concretion Kankar cattered throughout Major part of the di trict
fall under bangar The low lying area along ide Markanda i called
naili
Drainage and River System
Natural drainage of the northern part of the di trict loping
toward outhwe t i determined by tream emerging from the lower
Shiwalik foothill The main drainage i repre ented by Markanda
Umla and Dangri tream There are matured tream having ea onal
runoff Mo t of the older rivernalas viz chautang Sara wati khand
nala Umla nala a well a part of the Dangri river and Lenda nala
have been claimed and now exi t a drain Old channel of the
Markanda have been u ed a exce drainage way at Jalbehra
The di trict i traver ed by important ea onal tream viz
Sara wati Markanda Chautang and Rak hi
The Saraswati- River Sara wati ha been referred to a river par
excellence and occur mo t frequently in the Rigveda It eem to have
been the holy tream of the Vedic age It i po ible that it wa a
large a the Sutlej in the Vedic age and actually reached the ea a
the Rigveda de cribe it a going down to the ocean1On the holy
bank of Sara wati were kindled acred fire and vedic hymn
compo ed and recited It played a dominant role in the growth of the
culture and civilization in ancient India The archaeological
exploration of the Sara wati-Ghaggar-Hakra bed further prove the
Vedic and epic tradition that the Sara wati wa once a mighty river
with a continuou and perennial flow down to the Arabian Sea The
river eem to have dried up becau e of eriou ei mic di turbance
toward the clo e of the Vedic period2
The pre ent Sara wati which enter the di trict from
Yamunanagar di trict i a mere hadow of it former elf through mo t
1 Karnal Di trict Gazetteer 1976 p9
2 HAPhadke Haryana Ancient and Medieval 1990 PP 10-11
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 6
The information on alluvial terrain in the di trict i canty On
an empirical cla ification the two type of terrain the bangar and the
low arrear called bet are inferred The bangar or the older alluvium
make a upland tract of 8 to 16 kilometre wide It i characterized by
ma ive bed of rather yellowi h to red coloured clay with calcareou
concretion Kankar cattered throughout Major part of the di trict
fall under bangar The low lying area along ide Markanda i called
naili
Drainage and River System
Natural drainage of the northern part of the di trict loping
toward outhwe t i determined by tream emerging from the lower
Shiwalik foothill The main drainage i repre ented by Markanda
Umla and Dangri tream There are matured tream having ea onal
runoff Mo t of the older rivernalas viz chautang Sara wati khand
nala Umla nala a well a part of the Dangri river and Lenda nala
have been claimed and now exi t a drain Old channel of the
Markanda have been u ed a exce drainage way at Jalbehra
The di trict i traver ed by important ea onal tream viz
Sara wati Markanda Chautang and Rak hi
The Saraswati- River Sara wati ha been referred to a river par
excellence and occur mo t frequently in the Rigveda It eem to have
been the holy tream of the Vedic age It i po ible that it wa a
large a the Sutlej in the Vedic age and actually reached the ea a
the Rigveda de cribe it a going down to the ocean1On the holy
bank of Sara wati were kindled acred fire and vedic hymn
compo ed and recited It played a dominant role in the growth of the
culture and civilization in ancient India The archaeological
exploration of the Sara wati-Ghaggar-Hakra bed further prove the
Vedic and epic tradition that the Sara wati wa once a mighty river
with a continuou and perennial flow down to the Arabian Sea The
river eem to have dried up becau e of eriou ei mic di turbance
toward the clo e of the Vedic period2
The pre ent Sara wati which enter the di trict from
Yamunanagar di trict i a mere hadow of it former elf through mo t
1 Karnal Di trict Gazetteer 1976 p9
2 HAPhadke Haryana Ancient and Medieval 1990 PP 10-11
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
7 GENERAL
of it cour e in the di trict ha no defined bed The Sara wati and it
numerou mall tributarie drain a large part of the Thane ar teh il and
over pill their water in the low-lying Naili circle though their flood
rarely extend to any di tance It outfall into Bibipur lake wherefrom
through Sara wati drain it join Para a tributary of the Ghaggar
The Markanda- It i a ea onal tream and originate in the lower
Shiwalik hill it enter the di trict near Damli in Thane ar teh il and
pa e near Shahabad It ha width ranging from 15 to 40 metre
After flowing in the outh-we terly direction for about 48 kilometre
it join Ghaggar When in pate during the rainy ea on it po e a
eriou threat to village along it bank and cau e con iderable
damage to tanding crop
Chautang and Rakshi are other Sea onal tream which pa
through the di trict
Lake
Bibipur lake i an important lake of the di trict The lake ha
been created a a re ult of 12 kilometre long Thane ar Bund de igned
to protect certain village from the flood of the Sara wati river It i
filled up during the rainy ea on It ha a maximum capacity of 123
million cubic metre of water The accumulated water i later relea ed
into the Sara wati canal
Groundwater
The di trict fall in upper Ghaggar river groundwater ba in
The depth of water table in the di trict varie from 3 to 15 metre and
i comparatively hallow in the northern part a compared to outhern
part Groundwater in the di trict occur in unconfined a well a
confined aquifer The unconfined aquifer are recharged from
rainfall eepage from unlined canal network and infiltration from
ea onal tream The deeper confined aquifer at place reportedly
get recharged from the ub- urface flow taking place from the
Shiwalik hill and adjacent area
G OLOGY
The area falling in the di trict i a part of the va t Indo-
Gangetic alluvial plain and compri e ediment of Plei tocene to
recent age The major part of the di trict i occupied by the Ganga
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
8 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
older alluvial depo it compri ing of horizontally bedded and ilt
and clay of variable proportion minor- Kankar and gritty zone The
newer alluvial depo it of the area compri e of the ediment laid
down in the narrow or fairly wide terrace zone of the Markanda
The thickne of the older alluvial ediment in about 300m in
the outhern part and increa e teadily toward north It occupie
mo t of the di trict ba ement though not expo ed in Kuruk hetra
di trict probably compri ed of the Shiwalik rock occurring to the
north Deep tubewell data reveal that the older alluvium compri e of
ix edimentation cycle within 300m depth from the urface Each
cycle i repre ented by a equence of and- ilt-clay of varying
thickne (1 to 12m) Kankar occur a bed a well a concretion
the latter being predominant
Younger alluvial ediment are expo ed along the channel of
the Ghaggar and Markanda river only
The alluvial depo it are both channel filled a well a over-
bank depo it The river Markanda ha changed it cour e everal
time due to formation of terminal fan The Ghaggar river ha al o
abandoned a part of it cour e due to avul ion during it recent
geomorphic hi tory
Analy i of data how that aeolian depo it are formed by
wind blown and derived from nearby channel and are not the
exten ion of de ert Some ediment how glacial feature later on
reworked by aeolian and fluvial agencie
Mineral Resources
Kankar grey and altpeter and brick making ilt among
other re ource are available in the di trict Kankar occur a
fragmentary a well a ma ive calcareou depo it in older alluvium
The fragmentary type better known a nodular or concretionary i
widely di tributed throughout the di trict High grade workable
depo it of Kankar area are yet to be explored in the di trict
Medium to coar e grained micaceou grey and obtained in the
pre ent day river and in palaeo channel i being quarried for u e a
con truction material Important depo it of grey and are near
Jalbehra (Pehowa teh il) and in the Markanda river
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
GENERAL 9
Kallarreh in the form of full white encru tation over oil are
exten ively pre ent in the we tern part of the di trict Minor i olated
patche are cattered all over the di trict The encru tation contain
e entially odium bicarbonate pota ium bicarbonate odium
ulphate at few place and magne ium chloride pota ium chloride
and pota ium carbonate alt in varying proportion Effort have to
be made for extraction of the alt from Kallar land o that the local
population get ome income from the e otherwi e barren land
Saltpeter though not exten ively developed in the di trict ha
important occurrence at Thane ar Kakrala Gujran Ra ulpur and
Dehan where it i extracted from oil It i u ed for making cracker
and in the match indu try etc Depo it of clay(potterrsquo earth) are
reported in Thane ar teh il Salt ammonia u ed to be obtained a a
byproduct in the brick kiln i found in Thane ar teh il
Seismicity
Hi tory of la t more than 200 year for which record are
available how that the Kuruk hetra region ha been affectd by
earthquake of moderate inten ity The area came under the influence
of the trong earthquake near Delhi on July 151720 Kangra on April
41905 and Dharchulla on Augu t 281916 The maximum inten ity
experienced in the are due to the e earthquake wa during the Kangra
earthquake of April 41905 It reached VI MM1
According to tectonic map the area i not very far off from
ome active fault and thru t Prominent among the e are the
Himalayan thru t toward the north and the Aravali feature which
end on the urface near Delhi and extend below the alluvium
toward Haridwar and Moradabad fault Earthquake are po ible
along the e fault In view of thi the actual ob erved inten ity of VI
MM will have to be revi ed Further con ideration of the earthquake
potential of the three feature mentioned above and their di tance from
Kuruk hetra region how that the expected inten itie could exceed
VII MM and reach VIII MM for which provi ion may have to be
made
In the ei mic zoning map of India prepared under the au pice
of Indian Standard In titution the area ha been hown on the border
1 Modified Mercalli Inten ity
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 10
of zone III and IV which corre pond to maximum ei mic inten ity
of VII MM for zone III and VIII MM for zone IV However
inten ity VIII may occur at longer interval of time Hence provi ion
of ei mic inten ity between VII and VIII may be ufficient for thi
region
1FLORA
Due to exten ive cultivation very little of the natural fore t
are left lover Tree plantation can be een along the road and canal
Open dry deciduou crub type of flora dominate in the di trict Flora
i cant and par e Tree and hrub pecie found in the di trict are
dhak hingot Jal Kaindu Jand Jhar Kikar babul kair neel
kalandana etc A ociated with the e tree and hrub are found
hrubby climber uch a dhutlata gui and jangli parwal During the
mon oon a number of herbaceou plant appear a under growth
wampy in the jungles The e include Kana Kansura Gokhru Lotak
bishkapra and latjora Kikar and Khajur are very common in
wampy or mar hy localitie and in low lying area Farash i very
common in aline area where hardly any other tree can grow
Matilana and lana are the common herb in aline area
Since mo t of the area in the di trict i devoid of natural
fore t exten ive plantation of tree like shisham aruna jand kandu
wilayati imli nimber siris neem amaltas tut and pecie like of
eucalyptu peepal and barh are often planted near the village The
people look upon peepal and barh with religiou ferver Aam and ber
are the chief fruit tree Other common tree which are either planted
or elf- own include semal kachnar sainjan gulmohar arjun etc
Aak chota dhartura dhatura and satyanashi are found in wa te land
Among the medicinal plant which are of local repute and are
generally found throughout the di trict include cunarnva bala
aswagandh nigundu tulati patti gulabi gwal kakri dhutlata jara
amla gokhurru and adulasa
The aquatic plant are poorly repre ented In pond lake and
canal are found swala Sval and jala Azolla pinnata an aquatic fern
i een ometime covering pond and lake urface
1 The botanical name can be een in Table-I at the end of thi chapter
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
GENERAL 11
In the cultivated field Aeshynomene indica convolvulus
aryensislabi kangi and piazi among other are found a weed
There are al o a few para ite pecie of plant which have been
cau ing con iderable damage to the tanding crop Among the e i
sarsum bandas cau ing damage to mu tard crop Cistanche tubulosa i
al o a root para ite commonly found on calotropis procera Other
para tic angio perm include nilagthari zarbuti and Cuscuta hvalina
There are al o quite a number of pecie of gra found in the
di trict Among the e sardara Munja and dab are of economic
importance and are u ed for thatchig hut making ba ket chair
creen rope and matting etc The common fodder gra e include
dubh anjan palwa sarola and sanwak In waterlogged area and
along canal bank Veteyeria zizanoides and Eypha elephantiana are
al o found
Pond within the di trict are uitable for cultivation of Trapo
bispiosa (singara) and erve a a ource of food for the people
1FAUNA
The di trict i inhabited by variou group of mammal
Primate are repre ented by bandar or langur The carnivorou
animal found in the di trict are the Bengal fox jackal and mall-
Indian mangoo e
Two pecie of bat ie Indian flying fox and greater yellow
bat are found in the di trict
The Indian palm quirrel or gilheri the common field mou e
and the Indian hare compri e the rodent fauna of the di trict
The fore t department i engaged in protecting endangered
pecie like black buck and crocodile The Govt ha et up a Block-
buck Breeding Centre at Pipli and a Crocodile Sanctuary at Bhor
Saidan A brief de cription of the e i a under-
Black Buck Breeding Centre
Black buck i the State Animal of Haryana During the la t
decade it population ha decrea ed in mo t part of the State and
1 The zoological name can be een in Table-II at the end of thi chapter
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
12 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
even in the entire country a hunter indulge in it hunting de pite ban
The Central Government had declared it a an endangered pecie and
included in the Schedule-I appended to the Wild Life (Protection)
Act1972
During the Seventh Plan breeding programme of black buck
in captivity for multiplication wa undertaken at Pipli on the National
Highway 1 kilometre from Pipli Bu Stand The total area of thi
centre wa 8 acre The project wa initiated during the year 1981-82
and fifteen black-buck were relea ed therein The re ult of breeding
are very encouraging a their population ha increa ed From thi
tock Haryana ha al o upplied ix pair to Tripura Government
three pair to NFL Panipat two pair to Chandimandir Cantonment
and one pair to Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab
A Mini Zoo ha al o been e tabli hed for recreation and tudy
of wildlife Canteen facilitie have al o been provided
Crocodile Farm Bhaur Saidan
There wa a tank in village Bhaur Saidan ituated on Pehowa-
Kuruk hetra road 22 kilometre from Kuruk hetra where good number
of crocodile lived in The area of thi farm wa 15 acre 6 kanal and 2
marla The area of thi tank wa acquired and it management wa
taken over by the Fore t Department during 1982-83
The Habitat of thi farm ha been increa ed and the periphery
fenced Four pair of crocodile were obtained from Crocodile Bank
Madra and have been relea ed therein The pre ent population i 25
A high mound in ide the tank ha been erected for watching
the reptile from clo e range
BIRDS
Game birds- A large number of game bird are found in the di trict
ome of which are re idential while other vi it the di trict in winter
The e bird are brahminy duck pintail common teal mallard wigeon
blue winged teal common pochard common teal potbill duck and
tree aduck Whenever there are izeable tank and other treche of
water and lake the e bird can be een alongwith kingfi her and
wader like and-piper and tint Other game bird like Indian black
partridge which ha been declared a State bird grey partridge and
jungle bu h quail are al o common
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
13 GENERAL
In addition to water bird other game bird like pigeon and
dove are common in the di trict Bengal green pigeon i found in the
vicinity of village chiefly on Ficus tree and blue rock pigeon occur
in almo t all the village Indian ring dove Indian turtle dove Indian
potted dove and Indian little brown or Senegal dove are generally
found in cultivated field
Birds of economic importance- Scavenger like pariah kite
brahminy kite white backed vulture tawny eagle greater potted
eagle etc keep the di trict cleared of dead animal by feeding on
them Predator like black-winged kite and potted owlet and eagle
owlet keep a check on the population of not only rodent pe t but
variou other in ect and pe t by eating them
The challenge of in ect and pe t i al o met with the variou
in ect eating bird Swift uch a Indian hou e wift Indian palm
wift and wallow like we tern wallow Indian wire-tailed wallow
and Indian triated wallow con ume in ect a their taple diet Other
in ect eating bird are king crow brahminy myna Indian pied myna
bank myna and northern jungle myna Babbler warbler and
flycatcher of variou pecie feed on a con iderable amount of worm
in addition to in ect
Colourful birds- The colourful bird add beauty to the varied
wildlife of the di trict The mo t common colourful bird are blue jay
Indian golden oriole large Indian parakeet ro e-ringed parakeet pied
cre ted cuckoo koel common crow phea ant Indian pied kingfi her
redvented bulbul lal munia and Indian potted munia
Be ide different type of tork crane egret and lapwing
are al o found in the di trict
R PTIL S
Snakes- Both the venomou and non-venomou pecie of nake are
found in the di trict The venomou nake are the common Indian
Krait the Cobra or Nag the Ru elrsquo Viper and the aw- caled Viper
The non-venomou nake are the Blind nake and the John Sand Boa
Lizards- The common lizard of the di trict are the Garden Lizard or
the Girgit and the Hou e Lizard or the Chipkali The former i found
around the bu he in the garden or lawn of the bungalow wherea
the latter in ide the building
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
14 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Tortoises- Geoclemy hamiltoni (Grey) i the commonly found
kachhua of the di trict
Amphibians- The Amphibian compri e only the anuran pecie
commonly called a frog and toda Almo t all the water bodie
inhabited by acquatic form like common kittering frog (Rana
cyanophlycti ) and the water edge inhabited by common Paddy field
frog(Rana limnocharis) a the large Indian Bull Frog (Rana tigrina)
u ually occupied the muddy bu hy bank The more terre trial pecie
like common Indian Toad (Bufo melanortishi) re ide in ecluded
area under tore or under log near dilapidated hou e The only
microhlid or malle t Indian Ornate Frog (Mi crophyla ornate) take
refuge under leaf litter and wa te traw near human ettlement
Frogs- The common frog of the di trict are Indian bull frog
hipping frog and paddy field frog
Fish- The different watercour e of the di trict lake and pond
e pecially Bibipur Lake abound with many pecie of fi h The
important pecie of fi h found in the di trict are Rohu Kalbans
Thaila Mori Chilwa Singhara Pori Bhangan Mirgal Kandai Sangi
and Kangi
CLIMAT
The climate of the di trict i characterized by the extreme
dryne of the air with an inten ely hot ummer and cold winter It i
only during the three mon oon month of July Augu t and September
that moi t air of oceanic origin penetrate into the di trict The year
may be divided into four ea on The cold ea on from mid-
November to about mid-March i followed by the hot ea on which
continue upto about the end of June July to about mid-September i
the outhwe t mon oon ea on
Rainfall- Record of the rainfall in the di trict are available only for
one tation ie Thane ar for ufficiently long period The detail of the
rainfall at thi tation are given in Table-III The average annual
rainfall at Thane ar i 6566 mm About 81 percent of the normal
annual rainfall in the di trict i received during June to September-
July being the wette t month Some rain i al o received during winter
ea on in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance The variation
in the annual rainfall from year to year i large In the 100 year
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
15 GENERAL
period from 1901 to 2001 the highe t annual rainfall amounting to 186
percent of the normal occurred in 1942 While the lowe t rainfall
which wa only 49 percent of the normal occurred in 1918 In the
ame 100 year period the annual rainfall in the di trict wa le than
80 percent of the normal in 21 year Con ecutive 23 and 4 year of
uch of low rainfall occurred once twice and once re pectively On an
average there are 35 rainy day (ie day with rainfall of 25 mm or
more) in a year in the di trict The heavie t rainfall in 24 hour
recorded in the di trict wa 2170 mm at Thane ar on July 8 1972
Temperature- There i no metrological ob ervatory in thi di trict
So the de cription which follow i mainly ba ed on the record of the
Ob ervatorie in the neighbouring di trict where climatic condition
are omewhat imilar to tho e in the di trict The cold ea on
generally tart by about mid-November when temperature begin to
decea e rapidly January i generally the colde t month with mean
daily maximum temperature at about 20degC and mean daily minimum
at about 7degC In a ociation with the ea tward pa age of we tern
di turbance in the cold ea on cold wave affect the di trict and the
minimum temperature ometime goe down by a degree or o below
the freezing point of water From about mid-March temperature
begin to ri e rapidly May and June are the hotte t month with the
mean daily maximum temperature at about 40degC From about April
hot we terly wind locally known a lsquoLoorsquo begin to blow and the
weather become inten ely hot In May and June the maximum
temperature may ometime go above 45degC With the advancement of
the outhwe t Mon oon into the di trict toward the end of June
there i appreciable drop in the day temperature while night
temperature continue to be nearly a high a in ummer Even during
the outhwe t Mon oon the weather i ultry and unplea ant due to
the increa ed moi ture in the Mon oon air After the withdrawal of
Mon oon by about mid-September there i an increa e in the day
temperature but night temperature drop rapidly with the progre of
the ea on
Humidity- The air i generally dry over the di trict during the greater
part of the year During the Mon oon ea on the humidity i high
generally being between 60 to 85 percent Humidity decrea e in the
po t-mon oon ea on April and May are u ually the drie t month
with relative humidity being about 20 percent or le in the Afternoon
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
16 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Cloudiness- During the outhwe t Mon oon ea on and particularly
during July and Augu t ky become fully cloudy and overca t In the
re t of the year ky i clear or generally highly cloudy During the
period January to early March ky become cloudy and often overca t
in a ociation with pa age of we tern di turbance
Winds- Wind are in general light over the di trict with ome
trengthening in force during the ummer ea on During the
Mon oon wind are mo tly Ea ternly or South-ea ternly During the
re t of the year wind are predominantly we terly or North-we ternly
Special Weather Phenomena- April to June i the period with the
highe t incident of thunder torm and du t torm Violent quall
(andhis) often accompanying uch torm Some of the thunder torm
do not give any appreciable rain but other are accompanied by heavy
rain and occa ional hail Thunder torm al o occur in the winter
month in a ociation with pa ing we tern di turbance Fog
ometime den e occur in the cold ea on
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
17 GENERAL
A-TR S
Dhak
Hingot
Jal
Kaindu
Jand
Jhar
Kikkar Babul
Khair
Neel
Kaladana
Dhatlata gui
Jangli Parwal
Kana Kansura
Gokhru Lotak
Bishkapra
Latjeera
Khajor
Farash
Shisham
Arona
Jand Kaindu
Wilayati imli
TABL -I
BOTANICAL NAM S
Butea monosperma(L)
Dalanites aegyptiaca Del
Salvadora oleoides Done
Diospyros cordifolia Roxb
Prosopis ceneriria(L) Machr
Zizvphus nummularia
Acacia nilotica (L) Wild
Capparis deciduas(Forsk)Edgew
Indigofera
Euphorbia Ipomoia
Pergularia daemia(Forsk) Chiov
Coceulus penonlus(Forsk)Dietr
Commelina benghalensic L
Digera muricata (L) Mass Tephrosia
Hamilton Drumm Tribulus terrestris L
Trianthema portulacostrum L
Achyranthes aspera L
Phoenix syvestris (L) Roxb
Tamarix articulate Vahi
Dalbergia cissoo Roxb
Ailanthes excelsa
Prosopis Juliflora
Inga dulcis
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
18
Nimber
Sirish
Neem
Amaltas
Tut
Peepal
Badh
Ber
Am
Semal
Sainjana
Gulmohar
Kachnar
Kanina
Ak
Chota dhatura
Dhatura
Satyanashi
B-M DICINAL PLANTS
Punarnva
Bala
Aswagandh
Tilati Patti
Gulabi
Gwal Kakri
Dhutlata Ganmi
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Acacia Leucophlaea
Albizia Lebbeok Denth
Azadiachta indica
Cassia fistula
Morus alba
Ficus religiosa
Ficus benghalensis
Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk
Mangifera Indica L
Salmalia malabarica DC
Moringa olefera Lamk
Delonix regia (Boj) Rof
Bauhinia Variegata L
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Calotropis procera(Ait)
Xanthum strumarium L
Datura stramonium L
Argemone mexicana L
Boerhoavia diffusa L
Sida Cordifolia L
Withania Somnifera LDunal
Vitex negundo L
Bhysalis minima L
Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk
Malothria maderaspatana Cong
Oxylstoma esculentum(Luf) Schuet
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
19 GENERAL
Jara amla
Gokhuru
Adulasa
C-AGUATIC PLANTS
Swala syala
Jala
GRASSES
Sarkara
Munj
Dab
Dubh
Anjan
Palwa
Sarola
Sanwak
Phyllanthus asperulenus HutchP
Niruri auct non L
Tribulus terrestris L
Adhotoda vasica Nees
Vallisneria spiralis L
Hydrilla verticillata (LF)Royle
Saccharum spontaneum
Erianthus munja
Desmostachya bipinnata
Cynoden dactylon L Pers
Cymbopogan Jwarancusa
Dichanthium annulatum
Deteropogon Contortus
Fahinoehics Colonum
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
20 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
TABL -II
ZOOLOGICAL NAM S
MAMMALS
Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus(Briuennich)
Greater yellow bat Scotophilus healthi(Horsefield)
Rhe u machaque or bandar Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann)
Langur Presbytis entellus (Duffrense)
A iatic jackal Cenis aureus Linnaeus
Bengal fox Vulpes benghalensis (Shaw)
Small Indian Mangoo e Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson)
Indian Palm quirrel Funambulus Pennanti Wroughton
Common field mou e Apodemus sylvatious (Linnaeus)
Indian hare Lepus nigrioullis (Cuvier)
BIRDS
Spotbill duck Anas poecilorhyncha (Forester)
Cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus
Tree duck Coroman-delianus (Gmelin)
Dabchick Podiceps ruficollis capensis (Salvadori)
Brahminy duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas)
Pintail Anas ecata
Common teal Anas crecca crecca (Linnaeus)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus
Gadwall Anas strepera strepera Linnaeus
Wigeon Anas Penelope Linnaeus
Bluewinged teal Anas guerguedula Linnaeus
Common pochard Aythya nyroca (Guldenstadt)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
GENERAL 21
Black partridge (State bird) Frencolinus Franolinus asiae (Bona
parte)
Grey partridge Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus
(Hartert)
Jungle bu h quail Perdicula asiatica Punjabi (Whistler)
Large cormorant Phalacrocorax carbe sinensis (Shaw)
Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)
Median egret Egretta intermedia intermedia (Wagler)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis coromandus (Boddaert)
Little egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (Linnaeus)
Ea tern common crane Grus grus lilfordi Sharpe
Painted tork Ibis leucecephalus (Pennant)
White ibi Threskiernis melanocephala (latham)
Indian moorhen Gallinula choropus indica Blyth
Common andpiper Iringa hypeleucos Linnaeus
Indian Blackwinged tilt Himantopus himantepus himantepus
(Linnaeus)
Blackbellied tern Sterna acuticauda Grey
Common peafowl Pavo oristatus Linnaeus
Large Indian Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Ro e ringed parakeet Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus)
Golen backed woodpeacker Dinepium benghalense benghalense
(Linnaeus)
Blue jay Corais benghalense bengalensis
(Linnaeus)
Copper mith Magalaima haemaeephala (Mullar)
Indian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus)
Pied cre ted cuckoo koel Clamater iacebinus serratus (Sparrman)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
22 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Common crow phea ant Centropus sinensis sinenis (Stephens)
Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
White eared bulbul Pycnonotus cafer(Linnaeus)
Verditer-flycatcher Muscicapa Thalassina thalassina
Swainson
Koel Fudynampes scolpacea scolacla
(Linnaeus)
Indian Magpie robin Copsychus svacious svecious(Linnaeus)
Lal munia Estrilda amandava amandava (Linn)
Indian potted munia Lonchura punctulata (Linn)
Hoopoe Upupa epops Linnaeus
Indian white eye Zosterops paepebresa paepebresa
(Tamminck)
Pariah Kite Milyus migrans (Boddaert)
Brahminy kite Haliastus indus indus
Whitebacked vulture Cyps bengalensis (Gmelin)
Tawny eagle Aauila rapa vinahiana Franklin
Indian Jungle crow Corvus marcrorhynchos Wagler
Blackwinged kite Elanus calruleus vociferous (Latham)
Ke trel Falco tinnunculus (Linnaeus)
Spotted owlet Athena brama (Temminck)
We tern Swallow hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus
Indian wiretailed Swallow Hirundo smithi leach
Brahminy myna Sturnus pagodarum (Gmelin)
Indian pied myna Sturnus contra contra (Linnaeus)
Indian myna Acridotheres tristis tristis (Linnaeus)
Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham)
Indian pond heron Ardeela grevii grevii (Sykes)
White tork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
GENERAL 23
Indian hikra Accipiter badius dussunieri (Temminck)
Indian griffon culture Gyps fulvus fulvascens Hum
Egyptain vulture Neophren parchepteru perchepteru
Coot Fulica atra atra Linnaeu
Green plover Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus)
Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus indicus (Boddaert)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Scopoli
Spotted red hank Tringa arythrepus (Pallas)
Green hank Tringa nebularia (Gunenes)
Ea tern red hank Tringa tetanus eurthinus (oberholser)
Spotted andpiper Tringa glarella Linnaeus
Little tint Calidris minutus (Leisler)
Stone curlew Burhinus Oedicnemus (Linnaeus)
Bengal green pigeon treron phoaniceptera phoaniceptera
(Latham)
Blue rock pigeon Columba Livia Gmelin
Indian ring dove Streptepelia decaoeto (Frivaldszky)
Red turtle dove Streptepelia tranquebarica (Mermann)
Spotted dove Streptepelia Chinensis (Scopoli)
Little brown dove Streptepelia seneqalensis (Linnaeus)
Brainfever bird Cuculus varius Vahl
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Gould
Sirkeer cuckoo Taceocus leschenaultil Lesson
Great horned owl Bubo bubo bengalensis (Franklin)
Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham
Pied kingfi her Cervle lugubris (Temminck)
Indian Roller Coracias banghalensis (Linnaeus)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
24
White brea ted kingfi her
Green bee-eater
Mahratta woodpecker
Blackcrowned finchlark
Crea ted Lark
Striated Swallow
Rufou backed hrike
Black Drongo
Jungle Myna
Hou e crow
Wood hrike
Small Minivet
Yellow eyed babbler
Common babbler
Jungle babbler
Plain wren warbler
A hy wren warbler
Tailor bird
Bluethroat
Brown rock chat
Pied bu h chat
Dark grey bu h chat
Indian robin
Bllckthroated thru h
Gray tit
Paddyfield Pipit
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
Halcyen smyrnensis (Linnaeus)
Merops orientalis Latham
Picoides mahrattensis mahrattensis
(Latham)
Eremopterix nigriceps (Gould)
Galerida cristata (Linnaeus)
Hirundo daurica Linnaeus
Lanius schach Linnaeus
Bicruruz adsimili Dechstain
Acridotheros fuskmus (Wagler)
Corvus apiandans Vilillot
Taphrredornis pondicerianus (Gmelin)
Pericrecetus innamomaus (Linnaeus)
Chrysomma sinensia (Gmelin)
Turdoides caudatus(Dumont)
Turdoides striatus (Dumont)
Prinia subflaya (Gmelin)
Prinia socialis Sykes
Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)
Erithacus syecius (Linnaeus)
Cercomola fusca (Blyth)
Saxicola caprats (Linnaeus)
Saxicola ferra (Gray)
Saxicoloides fulicata (Linnaeus)
Turdus ruficillis Pallas
Parus major Linnaeus
Anthus nevasseelandiae Gmelin
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
25 GENERAL
Rock Pirit
Yellow wagtail
Grey Wagtail
White wagtail
Large pied wagtail
Thickbilled flowerpaeker
Yellowheaded wagtail
Puple unbird
Hou e parrow
Yellowthroated parrow
Baya
Blackthroated weaver bird
Streaked weaver bird
R PTIL S
Common Indian Krait
Indian cobra
Ru el viper
Saw- caled viper
Blind nake
Sand boa
Girgit
Chipkali
Kachhua
AMPHIBIANS
Indian bull frog
Skipping frog
Paddy field frog
Common toe
Anthus similes Jerdon
Motacilla flava Linnaeus
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Motacilla alba Linnaeus
Motacilla Lideraspatensis Gmelin
Dicaeum acgile (Tickell)
Motacilla cospica (Gmelin)
Nectoriais asiatica (Latham)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)
Petronia zanthocollia (Burton)
Floceus philippinus (Linnaeus)
Ploceus benghalenisa (Linnaeus)
Ploceus manyar (Horafield)
Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider)
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
Vipers russelli (Shaw)
Echis carinata (Schneider)
Typhlops perrectus(Sloliczke)
Eryx johnijohni (Russell)
Calotes versicelgu (Daudin)
Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rueppell)
Geclamys hamiltoni (Gray)
Rana tigrina (Daudin)
Rana cyanophlyctes Schneider
Rana limnacharis Boll
Bufo melanestictus Schneider
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)
26 KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER
FISH S
Chilwa Esomus danricu
Bhangan Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton)
Rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton)
Kalaban Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)
Koimal Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton)
Mori Catla catla (Hamilton)
Thail Wallago attu (Schnider)
Mallee Wallago attu (Schnider)
Singhara Acrichihys seenghala (Sykes)
Kandai Mystues bleekeri (Day)
Sangi Heterepneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Kangi Ophiopcephalus Sunctatus (Bloch)