Ankleshwar

In respect of ethnic heritage as Ankleshwar bears close proximity to Tadkeshwar village, it is possible to speculate that as there are many Muslims in this area, some of the Anlkeshwar natives may be of Aryan-Turkish Stock, this can be speculated only, as Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni is reported to have conquered Tadkeshwar in 1025, hence the name TURK-SUR (conquered by Turks)in local dialect-tadkeshwar from Bhiimn-Nagar, likewise, though it is only speculation, however roots of many Ankleshwaris could be rooted in Turkish origins as well as other influences.Ancient Greeks were known to occupy Bharuch which has close proximity to Ankleshwar and Greek influences can be speculated as well as Egyptian influences from Pharonic times. Many of the people in neighboring villages can attest to confirm or repel such claims but as yet little has been found as established written texts. One can say that nevertheless many of the largely Muslim populus of Ankleshwar and ancillary villages in its vicinity were known to be of High Hindu/ Brahmin caste before adopting Islam and a significant number of non Dalit higher caste Hindus are also found.

Bharuch and ankleshwar are located at 21.7° N 72.97° E. these have an average elevation of 15 metres (49 feet).

Ankleshwar is known for its industrial township called G.I.D.C. (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation), which is one of the biggest industrial township in Asia. Ankleshwar also has a office of ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited).Today, Ankleshwar has over 5000 big and small chemical plants. These chemical plants produce products such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and paint.The pharmaceutical company, Cadila Healthcare, has

a plant to make active pharmaceutical ingredient in Ankleshwar.The multi-national firm Hoechst India Limited which has become defunct has a plant to make Rabies vaccine, Pharmaceuticals and Agro Chemicals. Thus Hoechst sold its Rabies vaccine division to Chiron Behring Vaccine India which is now taken over by Novartis. The Pharmaceutical plant is now run by Sanofi Aventis and the Agro Chemical plant is now run by Bayer.

Ankleshwar had a population of 67,952. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Ankleshwar has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 56% of the males and 44% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The Sloth Bear of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary with its typical auburn shaggy fur is an important member of the fauna family. Rhesus Monkey considered as ancestors of the human race are also found in abundance here. The Barking Deer or the oldest known deer also called Muntjac are integral pat of the fauna group at Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary.