Nashik coffee table book-1

N A S H I K

Government of MaharashtraNashik Municipal CorporationNashik

Malegaon Municipal CorporationMalegaon

Maharashtra Shasan

Baglan

Malegaon

Deola

Nandgaon

Yeola

Sinnar

Igatpuri

Trimbakeshwar

DindoriPeint

Surgana Kalwan

Chandwad

Niphad

Nashik

*The map shown above is only for reference.

Technical CommitteeDr. Kailas KamodChairman, Maharashtra State OBC finance & Dvpt. Corp.

Mr. Avinash Bhamray PatilDeputy Commissioner, Department of sales & Tax Nashik

Mr. Madhukar Zende, Nashik

Mr. Girish Takle, Nashik

Dr. Ratnakar Patwardhan, Nashik

Mr. Sharad Wagh, Nashik

Dr. Gauri Ahirrao, Nashik

Special ThanksMr. B. D. Sanap, Commissioner, Nashik Municipal Corporation

Mr. Jivan Sonavne, Commissioner, Malegaon Municipal Corporation

CREDAI, Nashik

British Library, London

Mr. Sudhakar Patil, (UK)

Mr. Liladhar Patil, (UK)

Dr. Vinay Thakar, Nashik

Anita Joshi, Nashik

Mr. Dinesh Vaidya, Nashik

Mr. Suresh Ahirrao, Nashik

Mr. Pravin Ahirrao, Nashik

Mr. Bhalchandra Takle, Nashik

Mrs. Anita Ahirrao, Nashik

Dr. Snehal Sonavane, Nashik

Mr. Raghunath Phadnis

Copyright

© 2012 All Rights Reserved.

Photographs by

Kishor AhirraoMob : 9422253999Email : [email protected]

Photography TeamPranav Ahirrao

Gaurav Ahirrao

Ahirrao Color Art Lab, Nashik

Layout & Design

Kiran Patil(Kiran's Creation, Nashik)

Administrative Sanction Commitee

P. Velrasu, I.A.S., Chairman, Collector Nashik

Nitin Mahajan, Residential Deputy Collector, Nashik

Devendra Patil, District Information Officer, Nashik

P. K. Patil, Former District Planning Officer, Nashik

Pradip Potdar, District Planning Officer, Nashik

NASHIK DISTRICT

GovernorMaharashtra

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River Godavari moulded the heritage and culture of Nashik City.

A painting dt 1830 with temples, Ghats, dwellings and people

with rich tapestry of dresses . Also seen are the dense trees

which gave pleasant weather to Nashik City.

INDEX

Introduction 1

A Historical Perspective 3

Nature 17

Temples In Nashik 25

Temples around Nashik 41

Religion 55

Festivals of Nashik 69

Forts and Wadas 91

People 113

Crops of Nashik 135

Art and Paintings 147

Government Offices 171

Educational Institutes 183

Industries 195

Infrastructure 207

NASHIK DISTRICT... AN INTRODUCTION

Nashik district endowed with beautiful landscape, located between 19°35' and

20°52' north latitude and 73°16' and 74°56' east longitude in the northwestern part

of Maharashtra state. It is well known for the rugged mountain ranges with large

number of forts, Nashik district has 15582 sq. kms geographical area with fifteen

talukas as sub administration units. Nashik which is its district Head Quarter, is one of

the oldest and deeply religious cities of India. Origin of the word Nashik has two

interesting features. As one of the story goes in Ramayana, this is the place where

Lakshman is said to have cut - off the nose (nasika) of Shurpanakha. The other relates

to the geographical feature of the town, which is situated on the nine hills or

navashikhara (Durga, Ganesh, Chitraghanta, Pandav, DingerAli, Mhasarul,

Jogwada, Pathanpura and Konkani).

Nashik was known as 'Trikantak' in Kritayuga,, as 'Janasthana' in Dwaparyuga and

later in Kaliyuga it became 'Navashikh' or 'Nashik'. Renowned poets like Valmiki,

Kalidas and Bhavabhooti have paid rich tributes to Nashik through their literature.

Nashik is believed to be one of the country's largest market place in 150 BC. From

1487 A.D, this province came under the rule of Mughals and was then known as

'Gulshanabad'. It was also home of Emperor Akbar for some period and he has

written at length about Nashik in 'Ein-e-Akbari'.

It is believed that Lord Rama along with Sita and Laxmana spent 14 years of exile at

Tapovan in Nashik. After Mughal, Nashik came under Peshwas followed by British

rule. In 1862 Nashik Road railway station was built and two years later Nashik

Municipality was formed. The territory of Nashik district was formed in 1869, with

areas drawn partly from Khandesh district and partly from Ahmadnagar district. Yeola

taluka was then known as Patoda taluka. Igatpuri taluka was earlier known as Karnai

taluka. Peth taluka became part of district in 1878. Surgana which was a princely

state was made part of district in 1949.

Many famous freedom fighters who staunchly opposed the British rule were from Nashik. In

1909, seventeen years old Anant Kanhere shot dead the then collector of Nashik Mr. Jackson in

Vijayananda theater. Anant Laxman Kanhere, Krishnaji Gopal karve and Vinayak Ramchandra

Desphande were sentenced to death by hanging after the trial for the murder. In 1910 police

training school was established in Nashik and in 1922 distillery was established at Nashik road. In

1927 Security press was established in Nashik by the British. Between 1930 and 32 Nashik

satyagraha also known as Kalaram Mandir Pravesh satyagraha, was launched under the

leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for abolition of untouchability. In 1941 Artillery centre was

shifted to Nashik Road from Quetta, now in Pakistan.

Nashik was home to many famous personalities like Yeshvant Mahadev Bhosekar who is known

as Dev Mamaledar, Kusumagraj (V. V. Shirwadkar) a great Marathi poet, Dadasaheb Phalke who is

known as the father of Indian Cinema, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Anant Kanhere, Krishnaji and

Gopal Karve who were Great freedom fighters .

Nashik City is known for its picturesque surroundings and pleasant climate. Nashik district is

gifted with beautiful mountain ranges, like Selbari, Satmala, Trimbek-Anjaneri which spread east

west across the western ghats. All these ranges have great forts which played a major role in the

history of Nashik region. The forts guarded the high road from Khandesh to the Deccan and were

witness to many engagements during Maratha wars. The ankai-tankai dominated the road

leading from North to Ahmad Nagar. All these forts played strategic role in access control to

various regions. The important shrines like Trimbakeshwar, Saptashrunghi are located in beautiful

locations in these mountain range. The Great Trap Region of the Deccan covers the whole district

which is entirely made of volcanic formation.

This district has three major river basins namely Godavari, Girna and a small konkan rivers basin.

There are efforts going on to divert the westward flowing rivers in the district to east through river

diversion schemes. Godavari is the most revered river in India which originates near

Trimbakeshwar. The river takes a southern turn towards the city of Nashik which is considered

very auspicious place by Hindus. Sinhastha kumbhmela is organised every twelve years where

ocean of humanity converge on the banks of Godavari.

The district has a population of about 6.3 millions as per census 2011. Even though most of the

population lives in urban areas, there are many places in the district which are very remote in

terms of accessibility and have virgin areas unexplored by outsiders. Even though there are many

cities and towns in the district where the majority of the population lives, one can leave behind all

urban areas within 20 to 30 minutes and enjoy the rural and pristine landscape.

P. VELRASU IAS

DISTRICT COLLECTOR, NASHIK15/05/2012

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Efforts are being made to promote the growth of an export-oriented floriculture and wine

industry in the district. There are five "Industrial Zones" in Nashik city and its immediate periphery

areas. (Satpur, Ambad, Sinnar, Igatpuri and Dindori). Nashik has a number of sugar mills. It is also

chief exporter of onions and pomegranates, along with grapes.

Nashik has prestigious public sector undertakings like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at Ozhar,

India Security Press and Currency Note Press at Nashik Road, Thermal Power Plant at Eklahare,

Artillery Centre at Nasik Road Camp, School of Artillery at Deolali, Maharashtra Engineering

Research Institute (MERI), Maharashtra State Health University (MUHS), Yashwantrao Chavan

Mahrashtra open university (YCMOU), Maharashtra Police Academy (MPA), Indian Railways

Institute of Electrical Engineering (IRIEEN) at Nasik Road, Cantonment Board at Deolali, and

Combat Army Aviation Centre.

Bosch India, Mahindra and Mahindra, CEAT, Thyssen Krupp, Samsonite, Atlas Copco, Crompton

Greaves, ABB, Glaxo Smith Kline, Cipla, L & T, Schneider Electric, Jindal Steel, Garware, Coca

Cola, Siemens are some of the prominent private sector industrial units located in Nashik. MIDC

as a joint venture is setting up a Multipurpose SEZ at Sinnar near Nashik over an area of 2500

hectares. It is first and largest multipurpose SEZ in Maharashtra.

Nashik is famous for grapes, onions, tomatoes and vegetables. Nashik has been famous for its

table grapes for a very long time. Now table grapes are being exported to Europe, Middle East,

and many other countries.

Nashik has been the educational hub of North Maharashtra. The city has two state-run

universities, the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and the Maharashtra

University of Health Sciences. Today the city has a large number of private and governmental

educational institutions offering higher education in Medicine, Engineering & Technology,

Architecture, Pharmacy, Military Management among others. Bhonsala Military School is one of

the oldest residential schools in Nashik. Indian Railway has also established its Advanced

Training Institute for electrical engineers namely, Indian Railway Institute of Electrical Engineers

IREEN at Nashik. Nashik has also Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Institute of Rural Technology &

Training run by KVIC.

In remote area like Surgana Block, many tribals are engaged in Carpet weaving. Export quality

carpets are prepared in and around Umbarthan (Tal. Surgana). NABARD has selected Yeola Block

for development of Paithani Cluster. A software Technology Park (STP) has been established in

Nashik.

Nashik today is one of the fastest growing cities of India and has been identified as a tier-2 metro.

Infrastructure is growing very fast in Nashik with excellent six lane road from Ghoti to

Pimpalgaon with a six kilometer long fly -over which will help to ease the traffic congestion in the

city. A modern civilian Airport is also planned at Ozar at an estimated cost of 60 crores which is

likely to be completed before 2014 and there are efforts going on to develop Agricultural terminal

market at Auda near Nashik Road. The State Government has already approved a

comprehensive tourism development plan for Gangapur dam which consists of adventure water

sports complex. There are many other projects which are in different stages of development.

Nashik is truly a green city with a perfect harmony between modernism and conservatism. This

city has preserved its roots and basic religious character of the place will hold the city in good

stead for eternity.

This coffee table book is an attempt to bring to the reader different aspects of Nashik district at a

glance and to give visual perspective of Nashik district. This book is an invitation to the readers to

visit Nashik and enjoy good environs of Nashik.

As a young Collector of Nashik, I have worked for more than three years in Nashik and at no point

of time this place gives you the same view. It has been a kaleidoscopic ride for me and there has

been urge within me to produce a coffee table book which captures the essence of Nashik. I am

very happy to put on record that this book is published at a very crucial point of time in the history

of Nashik and I sincerely hope that book shall serve the purpose of stoking imagination of the

readers about this mystic and God blessed place.

After all, this is where God actually lived…

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P. VELRASU

A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Nashik has been a very old human settlement as per the archaeological excavation record from the Chalcolithic period on the banks of Godavari.

stThe Buddhist rock cut caves are very old, dating back to 1 century BC to th6 Century AD. Trirashmi hills caves have inscriptions written in Brahmi

script ans Prakrit language. In early period Satavahana dynasty and Shaka Kshatrapa dynasty were ruling this area. After these dynasties, the Abhira, Traikutaka, chalukya, Harishchandra, Rashtrakuta and Yadava ruled this part of Maharashtra. The district has Jain caves at Chambhar lena, Anjaneri, Ankai Tankai and Tringalwadi. There were many forts on hills which served many purposes for the rulers. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang had visited Nashik. In the mediaeval period Nashik was controlled by Governors of Devagiri and Bahamani kings of Gulbarga and Nizamshahi kings of Ahmad Nagar. Baglana is described in Ain-i-Akbari as a mountainous but well populated country between Surat and Nandurbar. It had seven forts of which Mulher and Salher were places of unusual strength. In 1656-57 Chhatrapati Shivaji came into conflict with Moghul and raided Ahmadnagar and Junnar. There was also a famous battle of Ramshej in which even after sustained attempts by the Moghul army the fort could not be conquered.

Raghunathrao who had a tussle with Peshava for long time was promised assistance by the British. But after the treaty of Salbai in 1782, the protection by British was withdrawn. He retired with his family to Kopargaon in Ahmadnagar district. After his death in the year 1783, his widow Anadibai with son Chimaji appa lived in Kopargaon till 1793 and later they were moved to Anandvalli in Nashik. After the death of the Peshva Madhavrao-II in 1796, Bajirao was made Peshva and because of continued infighting Bajirao fled from Poona in 1802. As the British troops marched towards Poona, Amritrao defeated the troops of Raje Bahadur of Malegaon, and also ransacked Nashik. During the Bhill trouble from 1802 to 1816, the Arab Mercenaries were called by the Chiefs and landlords and soon the Arab mercenaries became chief money lenders of the district. In 1817 the Peshva declared war against the British but the British troops led by Sir John Malcom and Sir Thomas Hislop won the war. Surrender of Peshva Bajirao in May 1818, finally ended the Maratha power in this region.

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The British during their regime conquered the Chandwad, Galna, Ankai-Tankai, Trimbakeshwar, Malegaon and Rajdeir fort. Nashik suffered from the Koli rebellion in 1844 to 1848. During the revolt of 1857 Nashik was the scene of considerable disturbance which was mainly caused by Rohilas, Arabs, Thakurs and Bhils of Southern Nashik. Bhils grouped under the leadership of Bhagoji naik of Nandur Shingote village in Sinner gave a major challenge to the British and also there was a rebellion in Peth where the mamaldar was taken as prisoner. However, from 1860 there was continuous peace in the area and in 1869 Nashik was made a full fledged district. The railway route which was constructed five kms away from the main city, made the town a major trade center.

In 1840 the public library was opened in Nashik and in 1861 an Anglo-vernacular school was started. In 1864 the municipality was started. Yashwant mahadev Bhosekar who was known as Dev Mamledar and revered by the people lived during that time in Baglan. In 1869 “Nasik Vritta” a weekly was started. In 1906, Savarkar before departing for England to become barrister gave a fiery speech in Nashik. Lokmanya Tilak presided a meeting arranged in Nashik to protest against Ristay circular in 1907. In 1909, Mr. Anant Laxman Kanhere with help of his friends shot dead the then Collector of Nashik Mr. Jackson. [ shri. Anant Laxman kanhere, Shri. Krishnaji gopal karve and Shri. Vinayak Narayan Deshpande were handed over death punishment ]. In 1914, the Maratha Vidya Prasarak samaj was founded in Nashik, which plays a major role in education sector. In 1916 seventeenth Bombay provincial Conference was held in Nashik under the presidentship of Shrinivas Shastri. In 1924, a college was started in Nashik which is known as Hansraj Pragji Thackersey College (HPT College) which brought a slow but sure revolution in the social outlook of the city. In 1932 Dr. Ambedkar started the Kalaram temple entry movement in Nashik. In 1932, Bhonsla military school was started in Nashik by Dr. B. S. Moonje. Ganesh Shastri Lele, Narayan Vaman Tilak, Govind kavi, Laxmibai Tilak, Sopandev Chaudhari, Vasant Kanetkar and Kusumagraj ( V. V. Shirvadkar) have contributed immesnsly to literary tradition of Nashik. The father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke established cinema industry in Nashik. The Christian missionary organisations lead by Miss. Harvey opened a lepers` asylum, an orphanage, a free hospital and veterinary hospital. Nashik is an important place for the religious people. Priest families,maintain family records of generations of pilgrims visiting Nashik from all over India. On the Ghats of Godavari, Kumbhmela is organised every 12 years during which millions of people congregate. Dr. Kurtakoti ( Shankaracharya of Karaveer) made Nashik his residence for a number of years and his influence spread widely in favour of religious and social reform from his math at Panchvati. Deolali town and areas near Nashik Road grew rapidly during the period 1920 to 1950 due to establishment of Nashik distillery, Central jail and Government of India security press.

Nashik after independence has grown very rapidly and in the recent times it has emerged as one of the cosmopolitan towns of India with a modern outlook entwined with long religious history.

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An old photo depicting the Ganga Ghat with majestic temples showing the grand display of size and proportion. Godavari reflecting the grand scene

with an onlooker wearing a traditional attire.

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Old Ganga ghat with people doing their daily chores on both the sides. Even though this photo does not show the Ram Setu, currently the bridge stands there. Also seen is the Balaji mandir.

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