RATLAM

also spelled Rutlam town, western Madhya Pradesh state, central India. Ratlam is a major rail junction, an agricultural trade centre, and a major industrial town. It is heavily engaged in cotton, silk, sugar, and oilseed milling, handloom weaving, and the manufacture of pottery, trunks, umbrellas, and snuff. The town served as capital of the former Ratlam princely state, and buildings of historical interest include the maharaja's palace and several Jaina temples. There are a zoological garden, a musical academy, and two colleges affiliated with Vikram University. The surrounding area lies on the Malwa Plateau, has fertile black soil that supports cotton, and is drained by the Mahi and Chambal rivers and their tributaries. Wheat, corn (maize), and sugarcane are also cultivated, and Vindhyan sandstone deposits are worked. Pop. (1981) town, 142,319; metropolitan area, 155,578.