MANDLA

city, east-central Madhya Pradesh state, central India. It lies just north of the Narmada River. Formerly the capital of the Garh-Mandla Gond kingdom, it was constituted a municipality in 1867. The city is a road junction and rail-spur terminus and is heavily engaged in agricultural trade. Sawmilling and the manufacture of hemp products and bell-metal vessels are also important. The city houses several colleges affiliated with the Dr. Harisingh Gour University in Saugar. Pop. (1981) city, 32,861; metropolitan area, 37,539; (1991 prelim.) city, 38,390; metropolitan area, 47,601.