Geography
Ikhar is a village located in the Vadodara district of the western Indian state of Gujarat. The settlement lies in the western part of the state, approximately 20 km southeast of the city of Vadodara. It is situated at an elevation of about 40 metres (131 feet) above sea level and falls within the coordinates 22.3000° N, 73.1500° E.
Administrative Status
Ikhar functions as a gram panchayat, the basic unit of local self‑government in rural India. It is administered under the jurisdiction of the Vadodara district authorities and is part of the Vadodara Taluka (sub‑district).
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Ikhar had a total population of approximately 8,000 inhabitants. The gender distribution was roughly balanced, with a slightly higher number of males than females. The literacy rate in the village was reported to be close to 70 %, which is marginally above the rural average for Gujarat at that time. The predominant languages spoken are Gujarati and Hindi.
Economy
The local economy is primarily agrarian, with a majority of residents engaged in cultivation of crops such as wheat, rice, and various pulses. Small‑scale trade and services also contribute to livelihoods, including shops, transportation, and education‑related activities.
Education
Ikhar hosts several primary and secondary schools, both government‑run and privately managed, providing education in Gujarati and English mediums. The presence of these institutions supports the relatively high literacy rate mentioned above.
Transportation
The village is connected by a network of regional roads to nearby towns and the city of Vadodara. Public and private bus services operate regular routes, facilitating commuter movement. The nearest railway station is Vadodara Junction, located about 20 km away, providing access to the broader Indian railway network.
Culture and Notable Features
Ikhar observes the major festivals of Gujarat, such as Navratri, Uttarayan (kite festival), and Diwali, reflecting the cultural practices of the region. The village contains a few temples dedicated to local deities, which serve as focal points for communal gatherings and religious events.
References
- Census of India, 2011: Village and Town Wise Primary Census Abstract (PCAC). Government of India.
- Gujarat State Gazetteer, Vadodara District. Government of Gujarat.
Note: Information presented is based on publicly available government census data and state publications up to 2011. More recent demographic or developmental data may not be reflected.
