Bagha Purana - Demographics

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Bagha Purana had a population of 21,617. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bagha Purana has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 55% of the males and 45% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Bagha Purana was a small village till the early 70s primarily consisting of three pattis namely Bagha Patti, Purana Patti and Mughlu Patti. This small village located on the intersection of Moga- Kot Kapura road and Mudki-Nihal Singh Wala road got prominence after a Government Polytechnic was established, a few kilometres away in Village Rode. Thereafter it became a trade centre of the villages around it and developed into a small town. The village got a status of town when a Nagar Pachayat (smallest form of urban local self government unit) was formed in 1974 which was upgraded to a Municipal Council, a few years ago. In 2000, it got the status of a sub-division headquarter which facilitated the establishment of all tehsil level offices of the Government.

Earlier, the majority of the population thrived on agriculture, as such most of the other economic activity is driven by agriculture like agro based industry (rice-mills, cold stores etc.), commission agents etc. The tertiary activities include the transport and related businesses like finance etc. Many banks have opened their branches due to enhanced economic activity over the years, as well as the needs of the non-resident Indian community from this region, especially in Canada & Australia.

The town also boasts of being the home-town of some of the great personalities. To name a few, Major Malkit SIngh Brar, who was awarded the Mahavir Chakra (posthumously) in 1948 was born and educated here. He laid down his life fighting for the country in Poonch sector during the Indo-Pak war in 1948 and was the first in erstwhile Punjab (comprising present Punjab, Haryana, H.P and Delhi) and second in the country to be honored with Mahavir Chakra (the highest decoration award of the country). He is survived by his widow Smt. Balbir Kaur who resides in Chandigarh.