One of well-known specialties of Nagpur is the world famous Nagpur orange, the cultivation of which in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra has brought indispensable glory to the region. The orange is cultivated in 80000 hectares area in Vidarbha with a total production of nearly 5 Lakh tons. Nagpur orange in Nagpur district is cultivated in 20, 965 hectares area. There is an interesting story how the cultivation of Nagpur orange in this region started. The cultivation of Nagpur orange was tested for the first time as a kitchen garden plant during 1896 by Late Shri. Raghujiraje Bhonsle and observed as a successful venture. Since then, its cultivation attained momentum year after year and by now, it is claimed to be one of the most remunerative potential foreign exchange earning crops of not only this region but also as one of the horticultural crops after mango and banana at national level. An offshoot of orange industry of Nagpur is NOGA (National Orange Growers Association) in Motibagh area of Nagpur, which processes and prepares besides Orange juice, 68 other items including jams, squash, marmalades ketchup, sauce, soups and baked beans etc. Nagpur is one of the Immerging metros of India.
Nagpur History
1st to 5th CENTURY B. C:- In hills and hillocks of Hidimba Tekadi,40 Kms. From Nagpur near Mansar, pieces of Terracotta from Vakataka, Maruya and Shung periods have been obtained by Archaeologist, which indicates that Nagpur had a much more ancient and cherished history than assumed by the commoners.
10th CENTURY A.D. :- The name Nagpur appear for the first time on record.
1702 A.D. :- Nagpur city founded by Gond King 'Bakht Buland Shah' of Devagad, on the banks of Nag River. That is why the city was named 'Nagpur'. He founded the city by joining 12 small hamlets formerly known as 'Rajapur Baraasa' or 'Barasa',
1706 A.D.:- The eldest son of 'Bakht Buland Shah', Raja Chand sultan ascended on the throne of Devagad in 1706 A.D. and he shifted his capital from Devagad to Nagpur. The contemporary Devagad was a small wooden fortress located 30 kms. away in Chhindwara Distt. The contemporary Devagad state included Nagpur, Bhandra, Seoni, Balaghat, Betul and Hoshangabad districts. Raja Chand Sultan initiated the construction of his fortress at Mahal. He constructed 3 kms. long wall around this fortress and for the first time laid the foundation of a planned layout for Nagpur city. He continuously ruled over and made an all out development of Nagpur for 33 years.
1742 A.D. :- After the death of Raja Chand Sultan at Nagpur, the city again went into obscurity and was gradually dominated by Bhonsle dynasty of Deor. In 1742 A.D. the Bhonsle King 'Raghuji Bhonsle'ascended to the throne of Nagpur in place of Gond king 'Raja Chand Sultan'. Nagpur became the Capital of Raghuji Bhonsle.
1765 A.D. :- Nagpur was burnt substantially in 1765 and again partially in 1811 by the marauding tribe pendharis. However, the development of city of Nagpur continued. Nawabpur, Old Mangalwari, Shukrawari Tank, Hansapuri, Jaripatka, Rajabaksha, Rambagh and Itwari areas where established and developed during Bhonsle period.
1817 A.D. & 1853 A.D. :- In the famous battle of Sitabuldi, the Marathas lost the fortress and the city to Britishers. Britishers became the undisputed rules and monarch of the area. Nagpur was ultimately incorporated into British residency in 1853 A.D.
1857 A.D. :- The effect of first freedom struggle was felt at Nagpur also. This laid down the foundation of many non-violent, non co-operation movement.
1861 A.D. :- Nagpur became capital of Central provinces.
1864 A.D. :- The Municipality of Nagpur was established.
1867 A.D. :- Between Nagpur to Mumbai, a new British train route - 'Great Indian Peninsula (G.I.P) 'railway' was laid down which transformed the future of Nagpur for good. The first train steamed out of the city in 1867 A.D.
1891 A.D. :- On 28th December 1891, the seventh all India Congress Session was organized at Lalbagh locality at Nagpur, in which the famous from Chennai P. Anandacharlu presided.
1899 A.D. :- The great plague strikes and takes a heavy toll in Nagpur.
1901 A.D. :- The foundation of Cotton market was laid. The C. P. Club was also founded.
1905 A.D. :- Indora was founded.
1911 A.D.:- Punjabi line was founded. The English daily 'The Hitavada' was founded.
1912 A.D. :- Foundation Stone of Vidhan Sabha was laid.
1920 A.D. :- 35th all India Congress session was held for the second time at Nagpur for which a new colony Congress nagar was laid down near Dhontoli park. In this session over 60 thousand Congress representative attended. The session was presided over by Shri. Jamnalal Bajaj. He openly supported Mahatma Gandhi as the undisputed leader of the union.
1923 A.D. :- Nagpur University was founded To mark the all India 'Jhanda Satyagrah Aandolan' a protest rally was also organized at Nagpur in which Pt. Nehru and Rajrishi Tondon participated.
1924 A.D. :- The foundation of Ramdaspeth was laid.
1925 A.D. :- The foundation of Lashkari bagh was laid.
1929 A.D. :- The foundation of New colony was laid.
1930 A.D. :- The foundation of Dhantoli was laid.
1934 A.D. :- Gondawana Club was founded and Hindi 'Navbharat' was launched.
1936-1938 A.D. :- The 'Hindustani Lal Sena' was found.
1940 A.D. :- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 'Forward Block Party' organized its second all India session at Nagpur.
1942 A.D. :- Nagpur participated in 'Bharat Chodo Aandolan' in which Maganlal Bagdi's Lal sena actively participated. He was imprisoned and the freedom fighter Shankar was hanged.
1947 A.D. :- The country got its freedom from the British yoke and Nagpur also participated in this celebration. All India Radio Station was founded at Nagpur.
1950 A.D. :- Nagpur declared as the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
1951 A.D. :- The Nagpur Municipality was converted to Municipal Corporation. Same year, the foundation of 'Bhartiya Jansangh' was also laid.
1956 A.D. :- On present 'Diksha Bhoomi' Ground, Dr B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with lakhs of his followers.
1957 A.D. :- On 17th Oct 1957, The 'Nag Vidharbha Andolan Samiti' was formed.
1958 A.D. :- The third all India session of congress party was organized at Abyankar Nagar in Nagpur.
1960 A.D. :- Nagpur city and district were transfered to Maharashtra State, as a part of state reorganization. Since the first session of the state legislature was organized at Nagpur, the city was assigned the status of the second capital to Maharashtra.
TOURISM IN AND AROUND NAGPUR
NAGPUR ORANGES :- The Nagpur Speciality.
DEEKSHABHOOMI :- Bharat Ratna Dr B. R. Ambedkar along with thousands of his followers embrassed Buddhism on Oct 14' 1956 at Deekshabhoomi located at western Nagpur near Ramdaspeth. Since then the site is regarded as a pilgrimage centre for Buddhist. A memorial has since been constructed at the spot. This started with construction of a Bhikshu Niwas in 1968, followed by a P/G degree college and finally a majestic towering monument consisting of replicas of gate of Sanchi Stupa, constructed at a cost of Rs. 6 crores. 5000 Bhikshu can be accomodated in each storey. The diameter and height of the dome is 120 ft. Granites, Marbles and Dholpur Sandstone have been used for the construction of this 4000 sq. ft. hall. The President of India has recently inaugurated this majestic monument that is a symbol of national integration and secularism and a place of pride for Nagpurians.
THE DRAGON PALACE TEMPLE, KAMPTEE: - Kamptee, satellite township of Nagpur, has recently earned a scintillating identity through the magnificent Dragon palace temple. The unique Buddhist temple with its attractive architecture and landscape was inaugurated on 23 Nov' 1999 by Mother Noriko Ogawa society, Japan on the follow-up by local MLA and minister of state of water and sanitation Ms Sulekha Kumbhare.
The temple sprawls on 10 acre of land, having a serine and beautiful buddhist prayer centre. A hude idol of Lord Buddha is installed on the first floor of the Meditation hall, which is carved out of a Single Sandalwood block. The temple with its characteristic architecture has already received an international award for best concrete structure. The dazzling while walls of the temple signify for peace, purity and divinity. The devotees who assemble there chant 'Nangu-Mayo-Ho-Renge-Kyo' during the meditating hours. The architectural masterpiece of Nagpur i.e. the Dragon Palace temple is also called 'Lotus Temple' & stands tall amidst sprawling lush green lawns, dotted with flowering plants & laid down in an attractive landscape pattern. The Ogawa society, which maintains the temple, also looks after allied social activities, which include running a mobile hospital, a welfare centre, an orphanage & a school for poor.
JAADU MAHAL, VISHWAKARMA NAGAR, NAGPUR: - At Vishvakarma nagar, on Manewada Road is yet another unique place which can truely be called gem of Nagpur. This is a building called Jaadu Mahal (the magic place), which is constructed by famous Magician of Nagpur Late Sunil Bhavsar. This is perhaps the only magic palace in the country with its unique characterization. In this premises various magic tricks are demonstrated. The Jaadu Mahal remains open even on Sundays. It’s a treat to visit this gem of Nagpur.
GANGAVATARAN SHIVA STATUE AT NANDANWAN :- In the premise of Shri Laxmi Narayan temple located in Nandanvan area of east Nagpur, a trust of religious Nagpurian has decided to construct a 51 feet statue of Lord Shiva . The pledged gaint size statue has been designed by sculpture Shri Indrageet Sakharam Tidke of Malakoti distt., Nanded the constructed of this unique statue has already began at the site. Once completed, this will be one of the most magnificent statues in Vidarbha and perhaps India. It is likely to prove one of major centres of attraction at Nagpur.
LATA MANGESHKAR MUSICAL GARDEN AT SURYA NAGAR, EAST NAGPUR. :- The musical garden is constructed at Surya Nagar, Nagpur. The sprawling garden besides having a landscaped garden and lawn will also have musical fountains, curious architectural sites based on ragas, raganis, and nodes of Indian Classical music, which will be operated by musician. There will also be a huge open air theatre sufficient to accommodate about 2500 music loving crowd in the premises where large concerts can be organised .The musical garden when complete, will inspire Children to take up music as their career and will prove to a centre of attraction of Nagpurians.
Ambazari : Lake Spread over 15.4 sq. kms on the western outskirts of the city, Ambazari Lake is surrounded by a picturesque garden. Boating facilities and good walking trials provide an interesting outdoor activity. The musical fountain adds a romantic flavor to this beautiful spot. Ambazari Lake and Garden Lying The Ambazari Lake has a beautiful garden beside it, which is one of the most beautiful spots in Nagpur, developed as a model garden by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
Balaji Mandir at Seminary: The most popular of Indian deities Shri Balaji is the presiding deity in this temple situated in the serene and picturesque surroundings of, Nagpur’s famed Seminary Hills. This temple also houses the idols of Lord Kartikeya who is believed to be the commander of the army of Gods.
Maharaj Baug and Zoo : The erstwhile Bhonsle rulers laid a beautiful garden, which is now known as The Maharaj Baug. It is converted into a botanical garden housing a zoo, containing some rare species of birds and animals.
Seminary Hill : Named after the Seminary of St. Charles this hillock is about 6 kms.west of the old city giving a captivating panoramic view of the city.
Sitabuldi Fort : A visit to Nagpur is not complete without a visit to this important landmark of Sitabuldi Fort, nestled on the Twin Mountains. In the year 1857 a British officer, built this fort and since then it has been one of the interesting destinations in Nagpur.
Sri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir: In the year 1923, this beautiful temple was built with marble and sandstone carving work. The three principle characters of the Indian epic-The Ramayana are the presiding deities.
TOTLADOH: The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru National Park is situated in this area. It is surrounded by Satpuda hills providing a pleasant climate. This National Park is best known for animal viewing, bird watching and trekking. There is also situated a hydroelectric project, a joint venture of Govt. of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
RAMTEK: The story goes that Shri Ram tarried here a while with Laxman and
Sita. Hence, the name. It was here that the prolific Sanskrit poet Kalidas wrote his epic Maghdootam. Besides the Shri Ram Temple and the Kalidas Memorial, there is Ramgiri hill, Ramsagar Lake. This place has been immortalised by the visit of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman, hence the name Ramtek. The place is also famous as the place where the poet Kalidas composed his epic "Meghdoot". The main attractions here are the Ram temple which is more than 600 years old, as well as the Jain temple which has some beautiful carvings and sculpture.Ramtek is about 50 kms from Nagpur.
NAWEGAON BANDH: Nawegaon, Vidarbha's most popular forest resort, is the ultimate adventure spot. It is said to have been built by Kolu Patel Kohli in the beginning of the 18th century. There's picturesque lake set in the midst of hill ranges with watchtowers that enable you to view wildlife. Make sure you visit the deer park, the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the three beautiful gardens and the children's park. Almost 60% of the birds species found in Maharashtra have been recorded in Nawegaon. You may see the leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital or the langur
NAGARDHAN: Nagardhan is an old town and was formerly of considerable importance as it gave its name to the district. It was founded by a Suryawanshi King, but Mr. Hiralal supposes it to have been established by King named Nandvardhan belonging to the Shail Dynasty. There is a fort said to have been built by the Bhonslas with brick walls.
DHAPEWADA: Dhapewada is situated on the bank of Chandrabhaga river. The town possesses a notable temple of Vithoba, overlooking the river. It was built by Umaji Aba, Diwan to Raja Baji Rao Bhonsla. Dhapewada is being known as Vidarbha's Pandharpur.
KHEKRANALA: Khekranala is a dam site situated in Khapra range forest. This area is palm green and finest natural and fascinating with a bracing climate and healthy environment round the year. The water reservoir is quite and surrounded by thick forest on two sides.
ADASA: A small village in the Nagpur District. The village contains fine old temples. In the temple of Ganpati the image consists of a single stone set up so that worshippers may walk around it. On a hill near the village is a temple of Mahadeo with three lingas, which are believed to have come out of the ground by themselves.
Ambakhori: Situated around 60kms from Nagpur.It is best in winter, though it tends to be crowded on weekends.It is yet to be developed to its full potential.Waterfalls and a forest are the main attractions.
Pench National Park: Situated around 86kms from Nagpur, this National Park is a place good for a day's visit. It is built around the Pench Irrigation project, a joint venture of the Maharashtra and MP Governments. This park is also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Udyan.
Khindsi: Famous mainly for its large and picturesque lake. Boating facilities are also offered. Khindsi is very close to Ramtek, in fact you can combine the two places in a single trip.