Akola
Akola is a district in Maharashtra, located in central India. Akola
district forms the central part of Amravati division, which corresponds to the former British Raj province of
Berar.
Area of the district is 5,431 km². It is bounded on the north by Amravati District, to the east by
Amravati District and by Washim District, to the south by Washim District, and to the west by Buldhana District. Washim was
earlier a part of Akola.
* 1 History
* 2 Geography
* 2.1 Rivers
and lakes
* 3 Demography
* 4 Divisions
* 5 Transport
* 6
Economy
History
Akola District along with the rest of the Berar
province, was part of the legendary kingdom of Vidarbha mentioned in the Mahabharata. Berar also formed part of the Mauryan
Empire during the reign of Asoka (272 to 231 BCE). Berar later came under the rule of the Satavahana dynasty (2nd century
BCE–2nd century CE), the Vakataka dynasty (3rd to 6th centuries), the Chalukya dynasty (6th to 8th centuries), the
Rashtrakuta dynasty (8th to 10th centuries), the Chalukyas again (10th to 12th centuries) and finally the Yadava dynasty of
Devagiri (late 12th to early 14th centuries). A period of Muslim rule began when Ala ud din Khilji, Sultan of Delhi,
conquered the region in the early 14th century. The region was part of the Bahmani Sultanate, which broke away from the Delhi
Sultanate in the mid-14th century. The Bahmani Sultanate broke up into smaller sultanates at the end of the 15th century, and
in 1572 Berar became part of the Nizam Shahi sultanate, based at Ahmednagar. The Nizam Shahis ceded Berar to the Mughal
Empire in 1595. The Mughals ruled the Berar province during 17th century. As Mughal rule started to unravel at the start of
the 18th century, Asaf Jah I, Nizam of Hyderabad seized the southern provinces of the empire (including Berar) in 1724,
forming an independent state.
But the rise of Maratha Empire (from 1674 to 1760) under the command of Great King
Chattrapati Shivaji succeeded by his son Sambhaji and grandson Shahu, brought the whole Berar province including Akola
District under the Maratha Empire in and around 1734. In 1749, at the time of death of Shahu, he appointed Peshwa as the head
of the Maratha Empire with certain conditions to follow. The Third battle of Panipat in 1761 crippled the Maratha empire and
corroded the power of Peshwa forever. But still the Berar province remained under the Marathas.
The Battle of
Argaon, ( or Adgaon near Akot ) in Akola District, took place on November 28 1803, between the British under the command of
Governor Arthur Wellesley and the forces of Maratha under Bhonsle of Nagpur during Second Anglo-Maratha War.
But
in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, The last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was defeated by the British. In 1853, the Akola district
together with the rest of Berar came under the administration of the British East India Company. Berar was divided into East
and West Berar with Akola district being included in West Berar. In 1903, Berar was leased to the Nizam of Hyderabad by the
British East India Company in return of the debt.
But after India's Independence in 1947 from British
Government the entire India including Berar province was divided in different states and a new Maharashtra state under
Government of Maharashtra was formed, with Akola district under it.
Many old forts are located in Akola
District viz.
* Narnala Fort
* Akot Fort
* Akola Fort
* Balapur
Fort
Narnala fort
Narnala Fort is a historically famous Indian fort deep within the
densely forested hills of the Melghat tiger reserve in the Satpura region. Narnala is a one hour walk from Shahanur, 24km
from Akot (Akola). There is a road from Akot via Popatkhed for vehicles.
The district of Akola comprise of
talukas namely Akot, Telhara, Akola, Balapur, Patur, Barshitakli and Murtajapur.
Akola District has an area of around
54.31 square kilometres and population of 1,629,305 (2001 census). Marathi is the most popularly spoken language, though
English and Hindi are also widely used. Akola District is bounded on the north and to the east by Amravati District, to the
south by Washim District, and to the west by Buldhana District.
Akola (also called Cotton city) is renowned for its
cotton production and is the largest cotton producing district in India. The city is also famous for its Pulse or Dal, Oil
and Textile mills.
Akola is also renowned for its medical facilities. It is a major center for advanced medical
treatments, such as The Elizarov technique, IVF, etc. Major hospitals in Akola include the Civil Hospital, Chaudhary Hospital
and Akola Critical Care Unit.
"Dainik Deshonnati", one of the highest circulated and leading Marathi Newspaper in
Vidharbha region originated from Akola. Other prominent Newspapers published from Akola include Lokmat and
Matrubhumi.
The fort was built scientifically considering natural interference like rain winded. Narnala alias
Shahanur fort consist of three small forts named Zafrabad, Narnala and Teliagarh.
There is confusion about the
construction of Narnala fort. The historian finished have said that-Ninth Badshaha Shahbudeen Ahmadhaha Wali. (1422 CE to
1436 CE) constructed of Gawilgarh fort and made renewal in Narnala fort when he stayed at Achalpur. It means that the Narnala
fort have constructed before Bahmani rule. Still it is not conform exactly when it is constructed as the concrete information
not available anywhere.
Some historians have said that the Gond rules ruling over Melghat region constructed
this fort (original owner). But this is also not supported by all the historian. After the Ahmadshaha second (1436 to 1458)
become the ruler. He had got maried with the daughter Nashirkhan ( subhedar of Khandesh). Due to misunderstanding between
Allaudin and his wife. Nashirkhan made affable of Berar Region in 1453 CE. He defeated first to the Gond. Gond living in
Chorda and started his rule over Chorda fort. Then by motivating some sardar of berar region he strengthened his provision of
attack over Narnala fort. Nashirkhan achieved many expectations. He had motivated the Elakhandipari of Berarnd leader of
army. By this provision Nashirkhan easily took change over Narnala fort in 1453
CE.
Geography
The location of Akola city is latitude : 20.7° North and longitude : 77.07°
East.
Akola city is located at an altitude of 925 ft. (282 m.) above the sea-level. The climate is tropical and people
mostly use cotton clothes. Akola has a National Weather Station facility which serves as the local weather center for Akola
and its nearby locations. Annual temperatures range from a high of 48 °C (118 °F) to a low of 10 °C (50 °F). Akola lies
on the Tropic of Cancer, so its very Hot during Summer season, especially in May. But even during the hot season the nights
are cool. The annual rainfall averages 34 inches. Most of the rainfall occurs in the Monsoon season between June to
September, but some rains can also be seen during January and February.
On the north, Akola district is bounded
by the Melghat Hills & Forest region. The Morna river flows through Akola city. The Purna River forms the part of north
boundary of the district, and the top north portion of the district lies within its watershed along with Aas River and
Shahnur River. The Vaan River forms the part of northwest boundary of the district after entering from the Amravati
district.
The Maan River drains the southwestern portion of the district, Morna River drains the midsouth
portion of the district, while the southeast is drained by the Katepurna River and Uma River.
Here are some of
the rivers in Akola, with their tributaries:
Purna River, Uma River, Katepurna River, Shahanur River, Morna
River, Mann River, Aas River, Vaan River etc.
Rivers and lakes
The Purna River forms the
part of north boundary of the district, and the top north portion of the district lies within its watershed along with Aas
River and Shahnur River. The Vaan River forms the part of northwest boundary of the district after entering from the Amravati
district.
The Maan River drains the southwestern portion of the district, Morna River drains the midsouth
portion of the district,while the southeast is drained by the Katepurna River and Uma River.
Here are some of
the rivers in Akola, with their tributaries
* Uma River
* Katepurna River
* Shahanur River
* Morna River
* Mann River
* Mas
River
* Utawali River
* Vishwamitri River
*
Nirguna River
* Gandhari River
* Aas River
* Vaan
River
Demography
The population of the district is 1,630,239 (2001 census).The district is
38.49% urban as of 2001.
Divisions
The district of Akola comprise of talukas namely
Akot, Telhara, Akola, Balapur, Patur, Barshitakli and
Murtajapur.
Economy
Cotton and Jawar are the predominant crops grown in the
district.
Oil and Dal mills are also rampant.
Industry
The Akola MIDC
Industrial Area has two prominent industrial zones on the outskirts of the city. The total land under Akola MIDC Industrial
area is 6.25 km². There are around 25 industries (3 - Large Scale Industries, 22 - Small Scale Industries) currently in
Production and another 10 small scale industries are under construction. Maharashtra Government has sanctioned growth centres
close to Akola MIDC area. Notable industries in and around Akola city are:
1. MAHABEEJ -
Agriculture
2. Mittal Agro Industries - Pulses Manufacturing
3. Gujrath Ambuja Exports Ltd. - Soya
Oil Manufacturing Plant
4. Leben Laboritories - Pharmaceuticals
5. National Organic Chemical
Industries Limited (NOCIL) - Rubber Chemicals
6. Akola Chemicals and Industries Pvt. Ltd. -
Chemicals
7. Polyolefins Industries Limited - Chemicals
8. Padsons Industries Pvt. Ltd. -
Manufacturing
Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Limited is known as "MAHABEEJ" which has its lions share to
meet the requirement of 80% seed demand of the State.
Education
Higher
Education : Akola has a famous Agricultural University - Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV or PKV);
which attracts students from far-off places for its Agricultural Engineering & Technology program. All other professional
colleges in Akola are affiliated to the Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. It also has Engineering (Shivaji Engineering
College, Akola COETA) and Medical Science colleges (as Government Medical College, Akola and Jamnalal Goenka Dental College
etc.).
Other prominently known colleges of Akola city are Shri R.L.T. College of Science, L.R.T. Commerce
College and Shri Shivaji Arts, Commerce & Science College. Other colleges include Sitabai Arts College, Smt. Radha Devi
Goenka Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Sudhakarrao Naik Arts & Commerce College, R.T. Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya, Govt. College of
Education, Tirupati Tantra Niketan etc.
Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering (SSGMCE) at Shegaon (in
Buldhana District) is a renowned Engineering College of the region and is just 45 km away from
Akola.
School Education : All schools in Akola District are affiliated to the Maharashtra State
Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. The Municipality runs all public schools in the city. They lack many
facilities, but are the only option for poor residents who cannot afford the more expensive private schools. Notable Private
schools in the Akola city in random order are :
1. Mount Carmel High School 2. Holy Cross Convent High School 3.
Jalaram English High School 4. Bharat Vidyalaya High School 5. N.R. Deshpande High School 6. Jubilee Convent High School 7.
Mungilal Bajoria Vidyalaya 8. Nishu Nursery And Kothari Convent 9. B.R. High School 10. Bhikamchand Khandelwal Vidyalaya 11.
Hindu Dyanpeeth Convent 12. N.W.W. Swawalambi Vidyalaya 13. New Era High School 14. New English High School 15. Jyoti
Vidyalaya 16. Taj English High School 17. Jasnagra Public School
etc.
Agriculture
Agriculture or Farming is the main occupation of the people in rural parts
of the region. Cotton, Soyabean and Jowar (Sorghum) are the predominant crops grown in the district. Other important crops of
the region are Wheat, Sunflower, Canola, Peanut, Bajra (Pearl Millet), Harbara (Chick Peas), Toor (Pigeon Peas), Ulad and
Mung (Green Gram) etc.
Most crops are totally dependent on the monsoon. Only 15% of Maharashtra's gross cropped
area is irrigated, as against the national average of 32.9% in 1989-90. Vidarbha's Amravati division's (includes Akola
District) share of gross cropped area under irrigation is a meagre 9%. Considered one of Maharashtra's least developed
regions, Vidarbha has seen not only farmer's suicides but also malnutrition deaths in some tribal areas. This has became
nowadays a major reason of recent suicide deaths of Farmers in the Akola region and other surrounding parts of Vidarbha,
which has rang alarming bells in the Maharashtra State Government. Vidarbha region has been long demanding a separate state,
to support the Economy and Agriculture of this region.
Oil and Dal mills are rampant in this region because of
the crops taken. Textile mills are also increasing to support the cotton growing
industry.
Transportation
The Shivani Airport is the Domestic airport of
Akola city. The Airport Code for Akola Airport is "AKD" and it is having Aerodrome & Airfield at an elevation of 999 ft (304
m) and having 1 Runway (3985 × 145 ft ). The Airport is just 7 km away from the city on National Highway number 6. The
nearest International airports are Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The work of Renovation and Operations of Akola Airport for the
future has been taken by Airport Authority of India (AAI). Air Deccan is starting intermittent flights from Mumbai and Nagpur
to Akola.
The "NH6", which runs through Akola, is an important National Highway, which runs from Hajira (Surat)
to Kolkata. NH6 is apart of Asian Highway 46. Maharashtra state transport buses are most commonly used by people to travel to
rural parts of the region. They are the cheapest means of transport. State owned and private air-conditioned bus services run
daily buses to most important cities to and from Akola. The bus frequency is extremely good.
Locally, the Akola
Municipal Transport (AMT) is Akola's public transport service. AMT is also an important mode of transport for many people.
In addition, Auto Rickshaw is also widely used in Akola city for commute due to its quick ride.
Traffic is
generally a problem, in the form of congestions due to increasing number of vehicles, bad roads, stray animals and a general
disregard of traffic rules. Road accidents, quite often fatal, are not uncommon in Akola city because of all these factors
combined. Recently,Local corporation is trying to bring IRDP in Akola city.This may create new face of the
city.
Akola also has good railway connectivity with direct trains to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Okha, Kolhapur,
Pune, Bhusawal, Wardha, Nagpur, Howrah, Puri, Chennai, Jaipur and Hyderabad.
Akola railway junction situated on
both the Mumbai-Bhusawal-Wardha-Nagpur-Howrah rail line and the Purna-Jaipur meter gauge line is an important junction for
passengers from North and South India and also for goods trains. Broadguaging of Akola-Purna railway line is under progress.
Important railway stations in Akola region with their codes are Paras, Gaigaon, Akola Junction(AK), Murtajapur Junction (MZR)
and are under Bhusawal-Badnera Section of Bhusawal Division of Central Railway.
The other stations under meter
gauge are Hiwarkhed(HWK), Adgaon Buzurg(ABZ) , Akot(AKOT), Patsul(PTZ), Ugwe(UGWE), Akola Junction, Shivani Shivpur(SVW),
Barshitakli(BSQ), Lohogad(LHD), Amna Vadi(AMW), Jaulka(JUK) are under Purna - Khandwa Section of South Central
Railway.
The stations under narrow gauge are Lakhpuri, Murtajapur Junction, Karanja under two Narrow Gauge
Branch lines viz Murtajapur-Achalpur and Murtajapur-Yavatmal of Bhusawal Division of Central
Railway.
Religion and Culture
"Raj Rajeshwar Temple" in Akola is a famous
pilgrimage place for worshippers of Lord Shiva and has a great historical heritage. (see attached photo) During the marathi
calendar month of 'Shravan', there is a huge rush of devotees to worship Lord Shiva especially on every Monday of the
month. The month of Shravan is very sacred according to Hindu Religion and worshippers from long distances travel to Raj
Rajeshwar Temple to worship Lord Shiva.
Narsingh Maharaj Mandir at Akot and Baladevi temple at Balapur both in
Akola District are also famous religious temples near Akola. Also in Balapur, 'Chatri' memento by Raja Jaisingh in the
memory of his Horse is also famous.
The Atishay kshatra Shri Antariksh Parshvanath Jain Temple is situated in
Shirpur (Akola District) about 75 km away from Akola. The Black colored idol of Bhagawan Parshvanath is very Ancient and is
amongst very famous Jain Temples in Maharashtra.
Other Temples in Akola city are
Birla Mandir (Shri Ram
Temple)
Jain Temple
Shegaon (in Buldhana District), a very famous pilgrimage place of "Shri Sant Gajanan
Maharaj", is just 45 km away from Akola. Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is the biggest temple trust in the Vidarbha region and
is so called as "Pandharpur of Vidarbha". The origin of Sant Gajanan Maharaj is untraceable in history. People from all over
Maharashtra visit Shegaon and offer there prayers to Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj.
Akola is known as a colorful
city because of its many festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, Dashera, Diwali, Holi and Eid are celebrated with
special enthusiasm.
Famous personalities
* Padmashree Dr. Vijay Bhatkar
(Computer Scientist)
* Dr. Vitthal Wagh (Lok-Kavi)
* Mr. Laxmanrao Tayade (Former MLA and Social
Worker)
* Late Nanasaheb Vairale (Former MP and Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra)
* Vasantrao Dhotre
(Former Chairman, Shivaji Education Society)
* Mr. Sanjay Dhotre (Member of Parliament, MP - Akola
constituency)
* Mr. Prakash Pohare (Editor, "Deshonnati" Marathi Newspaper published from Akola)
*
Dr. Nitin Oke (Founder & Promoter of Kutuhal Sanskar Kendra- Amateur Astronomy Club, Professor & Author)
* Rao
Bahadur Adv. Anant Sakharam Athalye (First Lawyer and bestowed with the title of Rao Bahadur by the British)
*
Mr. Ranjitsingh Chungade (Ex-President-Shivsena Akola District and Union Leader)
* Mr. Gulabrao Gawande (Sitting
MLC from Akot, Shivsena Leader, Ex-Sports Minister and Spiritual Leader)
* Mr. Prakash Ambedkar (Bharat Ratna
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's grandson and former Loksabha Member)
* Mr. Khan (Commissioner, Municipal
Corporation)
* Mr. Abdul Quadeer Siddiqui (Urdu/English short story writer & winner of Maharashtra Urdu Academy
award for his book "Sukhe Ped Ka Dard", currently a U.S. Citizen & Editor, "Urdu Times English Corner" English Newspaper
Published from Chicago)
* Patrick Barr, (born February 13,1908 — August 29,1985) a British Actor born in
Akola
* Smt. Radha Devi Goenka (Mataji) (Patriach, Freedom-fighter)