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CHAPTER- III

PROFILE OF STUDY AREA

(NASHIK, AHMEDNAGAR & AURANGABAD DISTRICTS)

3.1 Introduction:

Tourism means experiencing a culture, location, language, cuisine and activities

different than one’s own. Maharashtra’s culture and heritage has to be preserved,

conserved and promoted in order to develop tourism. Most of the villages in

Maharashtra is having potential to attract tourist, but because of the inadequate

infrastructural facilities, it is lacking behind.

Travelling and exploring new things is the nature of every human being. Now a

day’s every person is stressed out and want some change from routine activities. People

visit new places to appreciate their beauty, in course of time, has given birth to modern

industry called tourism. Maharashtra is the third largest state in India having 36

districts and each district is attracting thousands of tourist visitors. Travel and tourism is

the largest service industry in India. It is expected that tourism sectors contribution to

the country’s Gross Domestic Product will grow at the rate of 7.8% yearly in the period

2010-2013. In 2013 the travel and tourism industry contributed Rs. 2,170 billion or 2%

to the country’s GDP. This is expected to rise to Rs. 4,350 billion in the year 2024.

Area under Study (Nashik, Ahmednagar and Aurangabad districts)

Map No. 3.1 Location Map Shows in Maharashtra

The objective of this chapter is to examine physical and socio-cultural aspects,

regarding Physiography, drainage pattern, climate, soil, forest, population, transport,

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irrigation, occupational structure and land use pattern, tourist centers in Nashik,

Ahmednagar and Aurangabad districts. The physiographic study helps to understand the

development of tourism and also helps to understand any geographical feasibilities of

any suggested plan for the tourism development in the region.

3.2 NASHIK DISTRICT:

3.2.1 Location:

Nasik district lying between 19035’18” North latitude to 20

053’07” North

latitude and 73016’07’’ East longitude to 74

056 27” East longitudes with an area 15530

59. km (Fig No.3.1). The total population of the district was 6107187 as per the census

of 2011. Rhomboidal in the shape with the longer diagonal of about 170 km from south-

west to north –East.

Map 3.2 Location of Nashik district

Nasik is bounded on the North West by the Dangs and Surat districts of Gujarat

state, on the North by the Dhula district, on the East by the Jalgaon and Aurangabad

district on the South of the Ahmednagar district and towards South west of the Thane

district. Nashik district comprises 13 Tahsil before 2000, after 2001 there is 15 Tahsil

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like Nashik, Paint, Surgana, Trimbak, Igatpuri, Sinnar, Niphad, Dindori, Kalwan,

Satana, Malegaon, Chandwad, Nandgaon and Yeola.

3.2.2 Relief:

Topographical features straight influence agriculture .Altitude, angle of slope,

aspect, slope, Relative Relief control size and shape of forms and types of crop grown in

general agriculture is rarely found above 3500 meters of altitude decrease in

temperature and pressure, low humidity, thin soil cover limit agriculture.

Chandana(2004)Landforms influences the distributional patterns of population both

macro and micro scales. Physiographical, the western part of the district is represented

by highly rugged and separated terrain of theWestern Ghats with peaks like Kalsubai

(1646m) and Trimbak (1294m) low lying plains mark the eastern southern parts. The

highest height in the district is 1567 meters near Salher fort. The easterly flowing

Godavari and Girna Rivers with their tributaries constitute the main drainage system in

this district.

Mangi–Tungi is uppermost peak appears in this range (1331 meters altitude).

Selbari pass lies near east of this peak. Alternative parallel range is Salher-Mulher

range. Satmala-Chandwad range runs across study region from west to southeast

direction having highest peak Dhodap (1451 meters). Saptashring peak (1420 meters),

Indrai (1410 meters) and Chandwad (1217 meters) appears in this range. Towards

southwest, twin forts, namely, Anki and Tanki are located at the height of 960 meters in

study region. This range is highly dissected by streams. Satmala-Chandwad range forms

water divide between Girna and Godavari river basins. This range passes through

Kalwan, Dindori, Devola, Niphad, Chandwad and Nandgaon tahsils. In south part,

Trimbak-Anjaneri range stretches towards east from Bhaskargad. These ranges run

through Nashik and Igatpuri tahsils. Harishgad (1113 meters) and Brahmagiri (1210

meters) are in south part in study region. The slope of this region is steep and forms

cliffs in this range. This range is the source of river Godavari River at altitudes of 1274

meters. Anjaneri range runs east to west at the altitude of 1100 meters consisting

irregular group of hills forming water divide between Godavari, Darna and Vaitarna

River. On southern boundary, Kalasubai range stretches eastward. The highest peak of

Maharashtra state, namely, Kalasubai (1646 meters) lies in this range The third

physiographic division look like in east part in study region and it is characterized by

occurrence of several off-shoots in eastward and southeastward. The height of this

plateau varies from 400 to 600 meters and slope is towards east. This area covers 59

percent geographical area and is widely spreads over Malegaon, Nandgaon, Niphad,

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Yeola, Sinner, east Nashik and Deola tahsils. In north, lands are deeply dissected and

have found gullies on rough terrain of very poor soils. Godavari and its tributaries are

flowing toward south part in study region. It forms broad valley of alluvial deposit in

south, central and east parts in Nashik and Niphad tahsils and has high soil fertility. This

area is moderately productive. Sinner plateau is located in southeast having rough

slopping ground.

3.2.3 Drainage System:

The streams of the region have taken advantage of these plans of weakness in

carving their valley as in shown by the following features streams generally run into one

or other of these three sets of directions. The district is drained by two chief rivers the

Girna and the Godavari and their tributaries the watershed between these being the

Stamatas range. There are a number of small Konkan Rivers draining westwards into

the Arabian Sea.

3.2.4 Konkan Rivers:

Innumerable small streams flow down the western scarp of the Sahyadris

draining towards the Arabian Sea. The downghat Konkan tract is a highly dissected

region lying to the west of the Sahyadri edge of the Deccan plateau Bhima, Vaitarna,

Damanganga, par, Nar etc. are the most important Konkan Rivers. This region receives

maximum rainfall during the rainy season. These rivers are non-perennial rivers because

of physiography and shortest distance of the river.

3.2.5 Girna River Basin:

The Girna basin lies to the east of the Sahyadries and north of the Satmala. The

Girna rises just south of the Cherai village at about 8km south west of Hatgad in the

Sahyadries. It flows almost due east along a wide bed, with high banks in some parts,

but generally low enough to permit the use of water for irrigation several dams have

been built across the main stream irrigating large areas of garden land. The Girna its

upper course receives several tributaries of nearly its own size and equally useful for

irrigation. Some important tributaries of the Girna are Tambdi, Punand, Mosam, Panjan

and Mainad.

3.2.6 The Godavari River Basin:

The Godavari is a most celebrated river not only of the district, but also of the

whole peninsular India. The Godavari rises in the Sahyadri range near Trimbak and

drains Nashik and Niphad Tahsils, after passing the town of Trimbak, the Godavari turn

to the east cutting a deep and rocky bed. Many small streams meet the Godavari the

most important amongst them are the Kadva, the Kashyapi the Nasardi and the Darna.

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The catchment area of Godavari basin is 7013 square km. Kashypi, Darna, valdevi,

Banganga etc. is the well know Tributaries of Godavari.

Map 3.3 Rivers in Nashik district

3.2.7 Climate:

Husain (1999) of all the physical factors, climate is very significant because it

determines agricultural land use and agricultural patterns of region. The climate of

Nashik can broadly be classified

(1) Manson – from June to September

(2) Winter – from October to middle of march of march and

(3) Summer – from the middle of March to middle of June.

The climate of Nashik district is generally dry except during monsoon season.

The winter is quite fair and slightly severe during the months of December and January

the Temperature during summer varies from 36 degree Celsius to 43 degrees Celsius.

3.2.7a Temperature: (Husain 1999)The temperature factor supports plant and animal

life. The prevailing temperature conditions of the region closely influence the crop to be

grown the agricultural operation and the agricultural patterns. There are two

meteorological observatories in the district, The records of these two observations mat

be taken as representative of the climate conditions in the district Malegaon is situated

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in the eastern part of the district which is at a slightly lower elevation than the rest of the

district. The Temperatures at this station are about 30c greater than in Nashik in summer

and about one or two degrees higher in the cold season. In the region of the Western

Ghats the temperatures may be much lower than in Nashik dependent on the elevations.

Temperature increases rapidly from about the latter partial of February is the

hottest month with the mean daily maximum temperature is 40.60c at Malegaon and

37.40c at Nashik. The heat is increasing in the height of summer and on the same days

the maximum temperature may go above 46 c in the eastern part of the district with

comparatively lower elevation. Night temperature during June is slightly higher than

max with the onset of the southwest monsoon early in June day temperature decrease

appreciably. The air is very humid during the south-west monsoon season. The post

monsoon cold and summer seasons, the air is dry the summer season is the driest part of

the year with relative humidity between 20 and 25 percent only in the afternoons.

3.2.7b Rainfall: Singh (1974) of all the weather elements rainfall is the dominant single

weather parameter and demotic hazard that affects the plant growth and crop

production, especially in the monsoon region, it is because of the intensity, variability

rainfall is an ecological parameter of agriculture in any regent where agriculture is rain

fed, rainfall influences the practical type, system and productivity of farming. The

average annual rainfall in the district is 2000MM. In the narrow ship of the district to

the close proximity of the Western Ghats the rainfall is very much heavier than the rest

of the district. The average annual rainfall in study region is 1000 Millimeters. There are

considerable variations in receiving rainfall and it decreases from west to east. Igatpuri

receives 3030.0 millimeters and Peint (1832 Millimeters) of average annual rainfall in

2011. Igatpuri, Peint, Trimbakeshwar and Surgana tahsils have found averages rainfall

of more than 2000 Millimeters. Deola, Kalwan, Malegaon, Nandgaon, Niphad and

Sinner tahsils receive less than 500 Millimeters rainfall. Chandwad, Dindori, Nashik

and Satana tahsils receive moderate rainfall between 500 to 1000 millimeters. The rainy

season starts from mid of June and lasts till end of September.

3.2.8 Soil Types:

The combination of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil

determines the standard of agriculture and quality of crops raised on them and

althoughthe soil has a profound effect on agriculture it is a derived element of rocks,

climate vegetation and time together. Soil is the fundamental medium for crops. The

present material all over the district is Deccan trap. The soil creation is mainly affected

by the domestic condition and the topography of the district in Igatpuri, Trimbak,

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Surgana and Peint soil have developed under humid conditions, with some late rite soil

being observed at higher altitudes of the hills. The soil in the Godavari, the Kadva and

upper reaches of the Girna and Mosam valleys are quite deep and fertile. The soil in the

rest of the district is undulating and susceptible to erosion. The soils in the heavy

rainfall zone are neutral in reaction, contain higher amount of organic matter and are

low in their base states. Lastly the soils in the inadequacy area are alkaline and are low

in their contest of organic matter and nitrogen. Map No 2.5 shows the soil distribution

in Nashik district four soil types observed in the district these ares-

1) Red brown soil 2) Loam soil

2) Black soil 4)Yellow soil

Soils of various shades from red to yellow were found in the district. Cereals and

pulses can grow very well in such type of soils. We can categorize four kinds of soils in

the district: Red, Loam, Black, and Yellow. The fertile soil is found along the river

valley of the Godavari and its tributaries. The eastern part of Malegoan tehsil is rocky.

The tahsil of Nandgaon and Chandwad also have poor soils. In the western part of

Igatpuri, Surgana, and Peint tahsils soils are neutral in reaction contain higher amount of

organic matter and are low in their base stats. Red brown soil appears in west part in

heavy rainfall zone in study region. Surgana, Paint, Trimbakeshwar, Igatpuri and parts

of Nashik tahsils have found this soil. Climate experiences slightly warm-humid and

topography is hilly and rugged. This soil is red and brownish in color and has shallow.

Loam soil appears in east part in hilly portion. Dindori, east part of Trimbakeshwar,

central and eastern Nashik, Niphad, Kalwan and Baglan tahsils look this soil. Black soil

is mainly found near the bank of Godavari and Girna Rivers. Yellow soil is found in

southeast part in study region and it exists in the form of disconnected strip in

Chandwad, Sinnar, Nandgaon, Yeola and Malegaon tahsils.

3.2.9 Natural Vegetation:

The forests are found in every tahsil of the district. However the major area

under forest is in the tahsils like Surgana, Peint, Dindori, Kalwan, Trimbakeshwer, and

Igatpuri, the area under forest is also one important factor that affects the domestic and

rainfall condition of the region. The forest in the study region falls into three different

types

1. Deciduous forest inclining towards monster type, found in western and northwestern

part of the district.

2. The evergreen type forest, observed along the terraces of the Western Ghats and

3. The dry deadwood forest.

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3.3 TOURISM IN NASHIK DISTRICT:

3.3. a. Shree Kalaram Mandir: Kalaram Mandir is situated within the Panchvati area

of Nashik City. This temple is situated at a distance of 3 km from Central Bus. City

buses and auto rickshaws are available from various corners of the city to reach the

temple. This temple is supposed to stand on the spot where Lord Ram lived during hid

exile. It was built in 1782 by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar on the site of an old wooden

temple. The work is said to have lasted twelve years, 2000 persons being daily

employed. It is one of the finest modern temples of Ramji in western India. The temple

has a seventeen feet high wall of plain dressed stone which surrounds a well kept

enclosure 245 feet long and 105 broad. It has seperate sabhamandap which is

75’*31’’*12 which is open from all sides. The temple has standing images of Lord

Rama, Sita, Laxmana are of black stone and around 2 feet height. The Ramnavami

festival is celebrated in Chaitra (March-April).

3.3.b. Khandoba Temple: This temple is situated on small hill in Deolali Cantonment

area. Shri Khandoba Maharaj is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and this temple dedicated

to him is reportedly over 500 years (five hundred) old. As per mythology, the

incarnation of Lord Shiva into Shri Khandoba is because two brothers amongst the

demons Malla Daitya and Mani Daitya pleased Lord Shiva with their prayers and

obtained his blessings that nobody on earth could kill them. Brothers after getting the

boon from Lord Shiva however became power drunk and started harassing the common

people, saints and sages. This could not be tolerated by Lord Shiva and he himself

incarnated as Shri Khandoba and killed both the demons. After killing them, Lord Shiva

relaxed on this hill and hence this temple is called 'Vishramgadh'. The hill is popularly

known as Khandobachi Tekadi.

3.3.c. Kavnai -Kapildhara Tirtha: Nashik City in Igatpuri Taluka Bus services are not

so developed therefore private vehicle is required to visit this place. Nearest Railway

station is Igatpuri at a distance of approximately 12 km by road. It is said that Sant Sri

Gajanan Maharaj did meditation in this area. It has serene nature. It is situated at the

foot of Kawanai fort . Kapildhara tirtha has various temples with adjacent Mata

Kamakshi temple.

3.3.d. Kushavart Tirtha-Trimbakeshwar: Kushavart Tirtha is situated at the heart of

Trimbakeshwar town 400 mts away from Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple. This 21 ft

deep Kund was built in 1750 having natural aquifers. It is said to be the place from

where sacred river Godavari remerges after disappearing at Bramhagiri hills, and hence

the superior holiness of this Tirtha.

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3.3.e. Mangi Tungi Temple: From Nashik ,located in Satana Taluka. Mangi is the

western pinnacle which is 4,343 ft high above sea level andTungi is the eastern pinnacle

which is 4,366 ft high above sea level. Mangi Tungi is a famous holy place for

pilgrimage. This is a Siddha Kshetra where Ram, Hanuman, Sugriva, Nal, Neel,

Mahaneel, Gava, Gavaksha and so many others, Total 99 Carores of ascetics attained

salvation full & final freedom from world and went to Siddha Shila or Moksha, from

where no one returns to the world and enjoys the internal spiritual bliss for infinite time.

This Holy place is also related to Lord Ram & Sita, Lord Krishna & his elder brother

Balram. Bhilwadi is the base village of Mangi-Tungi.

3.3.f. Balaji Temple: Nashik has two Balaji temples ,old is located near the banks of

Godavari in old city while new Balaji Temple is located on Gangapur road near shri

Someshwar Mandir Temple .State transport buses are available which the cheapest

mode of transportation in Nashik. Balaji Temple is 12 kms away from Central Bus

Stand. It is also believed that Shri Balaji Maharaj saves His devotees from unfavorable

grahadashas (planetary configurations).

3.3.g. Chambhar Leni: Chambhar leni is group of Jain temples (A.D.1100). These are

situated on the outskirts of Nashik city near Ramshej fort.

3.3.h. Dharma Chakra Prabhav Tirth, Vilholi: It is located on the outskirts of Nashik

city,Viholi 12kms from Nashik city on Nashik- Mumbai (NH3) .The construction work

of this pilgrim Dharma chakra Prabhav Tirth was started up on the auspicious day of

Vaishakh sh Sudh on the sixth of the vikram Samvat 2048; by Worshipful Acharya Shri

Vijay Bhuvan Bhanu Soorishwarji Maharaj, the Chaturvidh Sangh’s mammoth

presence was graced on the occasion. The events of execution work of the ‘Tirth

Chalapratishtha’ of the idol of Mantradhiraj Parshwanath Prabhu in the holy

Devakulika were witnessed by thousands of Jains & non- Jains with great admiration.

The holy Temple of the Triloknath is of three floorings; reigning over the three realms,

the four directions magnificent replicas of the great pilgrims such as siddhachal, Abu,

Girnar, Samet Shikhar etc. are designed outside it. At the basement, a 12 feet high idol

of the Lord Mahavir is set. The idol is escorted by the four Godly Moolnayaks. The

108th

Lord Parshwanath looks graceful, while Ashtapada Mahatirth is established in the

crest of the monument.

3.3.i. Tapovan: Tapovana or the Forest of Austerities is located hardly 1.5 km on the

downstream of Panchwati on Godavari river. Once a part of the holy Dandakaranya

forest, Tapovan is a pictorial spot and has a close association with the epic Ramayana.

Lord Ram who is believed to have lived on fruits collected by Lakshmana from this

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forest. Besieged in the richness of lush greenery, Tapovan presents a tranquil ambience.

At this place Lakshmana cut the nose of Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana . Therefore

the city gets its name Nashik. This sacred place has temples of Ram Parnakuti,

Laxmana. At the time of Sinhastha Kumbhamela majority of Sadhus camp at Tapovan

State transport buses are available which the cheapest mode of transportation in Nashik.

Balaji Temple is 12 kms away from Central Bus Stand. It is also believed that Shri

Balaji Maharaj saves His devotees from unfavorable grahadashas (planetary

configurations).

3.3.j. Gondeshwar temple: It is located at Sinnar near Nashik.It is located at 32 km

from Nashik city. State transport buses are the cheapest mode of travel.Nearest Railway

Station is the Nashik Road which is at a distance of approximately 40 km by road. It is a

beautiful Mahadeo temple built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. The

Hemadpanth Style temple is one of the few structures of this style still in good shape.

3.3.k. Kailas Math/ Bhaktidham: It is located in Panchwati area near Peth naka. It is

also called as Bhaktidham. It has temples of various deities. Kailas Math is a old

religious ashram where Vedas are being taught .Established in the year 1920 by H.H.

Swami Hridayanand Maharaj.The institution was headed by renowned Acharyas. Month

long religious celebrations are held during month of Shravana.

3.3.l. Muktidham Temple: MuktidhamTemple is located near to Nashik road railway

station within Nashik city. The temple is built in white Makrana marble. The white

colour signifies holiness and peace. It has replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas, which have been

built as per dimension of original deities and have been sanctified by sending them to

their respective pilgrimage centers. The architecture of this temple is known to be very

unusual. 18 chapters of the Gita are inscribed on the walls, which is a very unique style

of this temple.

3.3.m. Panchvati: Panchvati is situated on the left banks of sacred river Godavari in

Nashik city. Close to Kalaram temple there are some very old and lofty banyan trees

which are believed to be sprung from five banyans which gave its name to

Panchvati.The name ‘Panchvati’ is derived from the words Panch which means five and

Vati which means banyan tree. This is the site where Sita Gumph or Sita’s Cave is

situated . Kalaram temple , Kapaleshwar temple, Ganga Godavari temple, Sunder

Narayan temple, Talkuteshwar temple,temple, NilkantheshwarGoraram mandir

Murlidhar Mandir,Tilbhandeshwar mandir, Balaji temple, Sandvyachi devi temple,

Vitthal temple, Pataleshwar temple,Naroshankar temple, Ramkund, Karthikswami

temple,Dutondya maruti , Katya maruti temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman temple ,

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Bhadrakali temple,Katpurthala monuments are located in and around Panchavati

area.Nashik has earned name of the Banaras of western India due to large no of temples.

3.3.n. Pandav Caves: These caves are located on hill at the outskirts of Nashik city on

Nashik Mumbai road (NH3) Dadasaheb Phalke smarak is erected at the foots of this

hill. These caves are built on the Trirasmi hill about 3004 feet above the sea. These

caves are the group of old Buddhist caves (B.C.250- A.D.600). Their northern frontage

saves them from the sun and the south-west rains hence much of the carved work and

many long and most valuable inscriptions have passed fresh amd unharmed through

1500-2000 years.. All the caves are great examples of intricate carving and

craftsmanship but the 3, 10, 18 caves are a must see for their outstanding sculptures.

Most of the caves have the magnificent idols of Buddha and or the popular Jain

Teerthankaras. The caves had an excellent arrangement for water, with skillfully

chiseled water tanks, exquisitely carved into the rocks.

3.3.o. Trimbakeshwar Temple: Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at a distance of

about 28 km from Nashik City Trimbakeshwar is well connected by state transport

buses. Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at a distance of about 28 km from Nashik,

Maharashtra near the mountain named Brahamagiri from which the river Godavari

flows. It was constructed by third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) on the site of an

old temple. Trimbakeshwar Temple is a religious centre having one of the twelve

Jyotirlingas . The city of Trimbakeshwar is located at the foot of Brahamagiri hill

,height of which is 3000 feet above sea level. Trimbakeshwar Temple is maintained by

Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust. They have constructed Shivprasad Bhakta Niwas which

is having 24 rooms (2 bedded, 3 bedded, 5 bedded), conference hall, lift, hot water

facilities. Shri Nivruttinath was the elder brother of Saint Shri Dnyaneshwar.Shri

Gahininath one of the nine Nath Gurus , accepted him as his disciple. Shri Saint

Dnyaneshwar had accepted him as his Guru. Hence, also regarded as founder of Varkari

Sampradaya. On his suggestion Saint Dnyaneshwar had written a commentary on

Bhagvad Gita in Prakrut known as “Dnyaneshwari” so that it could be understood by

common peoples. He had taken sanjivan Samadhi at the age of 24 years at

Trimbakeshwar. Lakhs of Varkaris gathered at Trimbakeshwar on the occasion of yatra

which is held on saint Nivruttinath punyatithi.

3.3.p. Shree Saptshrungi Gad, Vani : Shree Saptshrungi Gad is situated at a distance

of 60 km from Nashik in Kalwan Tahsil. The temple is situated at 4659 feet above sea

level, on a hill surrounded by seven peaks. It is considered to be Ardha Shaktipeeth out

of Sadetin Shakti Peeths in Maharashtra. The figure of the goddess is about eight feet

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high,carved in relief out of the natural rock. She has eighteen hands ,nine on each

side,each hand grasping a different weapons. Saptashringa Gad is a place where

Goddess Bhagawati dwells. Saptashringa signifies seven horned/mountain peaks.

Nanduri village is situated at the foot of the Saptashringa Gad. The Saptashringi hill has

variety of flora having medicinal worth.There are various kunds like Kalikund,

Suryakund and Dattatraya Kund. Opposite to the Saptashrind, to the east, divided by the

deep ravine, is Markanedya hill. This is said to have been the abode of the sage

Maekendeya. During his lifetime, he used to recite Purans for the amusement of the

Devi and written Durga Saptashati.Large fairs are held in Chaitra and Ashwin Navratra.

3.3.q. Seeta Gumpha : Sita gupha is situated in Panchawati area about 3 km away from

the Nashik Central bus stand. It is said that Seeta stayed in this caves for some days

during ‘exile. (Vanvas) The deities of Ram, Seeta and Laxman are placed inside the

first main gummpha. In the second small gupha there is a Shivling . The main reason

attributed for the Shivling is that Seeta used to worship God Shiva and she never took

her meals before worshiping him. So for her convenience Shivling was placed in that

gupha. It was in this cave that Lord Rama used to hide Sita when he had to leave her,

and it was from here that Sita was carried by Ravana disguised as a bagger. A room

opposite to Seetagmupha is decorated with the scenes from Ramayana like Marich

Vadha (i.e. Ram Killing Marich, the demon.), Seetaharan (the kidnapping of Seeta by

Ravan).

3.3.r. Renuka Mata Temple- Chandwad : Renuka mata Temple was built by the

queen Ahilyabai Holkar. This temple is situated on the outskirts of Chandwad town on

Nashik- Dhule (NH 3) road. Chandreshwar Mahadeo Mandir and Ganpati temple are

also located in the vicinity of this temple. A famous Rangmahal built by the Holkars is

also must visit place in Chandwad.

3.3.s. Shree Someshwar Temple :This temple is on the way to Gangapur dam, at a

distance of 8km from Central Bus Stand. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord

Hanuman on the banks of river Godavari. The area is covered with greenery, with a

pleasant climate. Tourists can take pleasure of swimming and boating in the river.

Someshwar has been a favorite location for many a film shootings. On the way to

Someshwar, there is a village named Anandwalli. It is so named because Peshwas -

Anandibai and Raghobadada, lived there for some time. The temple - Navasha Ganpati

was built by them.

3.3.t. Ganga Godavri Temple This temple is adjacent to Ramkund. It was built in 1775

by Gopikabai Peshwe. Statue of Godavari and Bhagirath are placed inside the temple.

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The temple remains closed for 11 years, but opens on the day of Kartik Poornima (full

moonlight) once in 12 years and kept open for a year in Simhastha period.

3.3.u. Ramkund Nashik :Ramkund is located along the bank of Godavari River. This

place is situated at a distance of 2 km from Central Bus stand. This is the holiest spot in

Nashik as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama used to bathe. It contains the

bone dissolving Asthivilaya Tirth.

3.3.v. Dhammagiri – Vipassana Centre :It is located in Igatpuri town of Nashik

District. Igatpuri is also taluka headquarter. Igatpuri is situated on Nashik -Mumbai road

and 45 kms away from Nashik.

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3.4 AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT:

3.4.1. Introduction:

Ahemdnagar district has religious heritage. Most of these religious centers

attract to tourist, like Shirdi, Shignapur, Newasa, Mohotadevi etc. The district is

surrounded by Aurangabad, Beed, Osmanabad, Nasik, Solapur,Thana, and Pune.

Ahmednagar is a well-known region in the state of Maharashtra. Ahmednagar town is

headquarters of the district. The city is located on the bank of the Sina River. Marathi is

the main language for everyday life contact. Hindi is moreover widely spoken. In the

Ahmednagar district there are Natural Tourist Centers, Religious Tourist Centers,

Historical Tourist Centers and Agro base Tourist Centers.

3.4.2. Location:

Ahmednagar district is the center of Maharashtra state and biggest district in the

state. The Ahmednagar district is located between 180 2’ to 19

0 9’ North latitude and 73

0 9’ to 75

0 5’ East longitude. ‘The district has 1897 Sq.km. forest area. Out of this 1431

Sq.kms. comes under forest department. This includes 1377 Sq.kms. are reserved, 14

Sq.kms. are protected, 48Sq.kms. are unclassified. Revenue department has 459Sq.kms.

forest, under it out of which 3 Sq.kms. are unclassified and 456 Sq.kms. are reserved. 7

Sq.kms. forests are meant for fuels, fodder and miscellaneous usages. The forest mainly

consists of teak, neem, babul, sisam, sandalwood, khair, hiwar, herkal, amoni, apta, ber

etc. Vast stretches of grass are available. The main area of forest is located in Akola,

Sangamner tehsils.

For managerial function Ahmednagar district is alienated into fourteen talukas

such as Ahmednage, Rahuri,Shrirampur, Newasa, Shevgaon, Pathardi, Jamkhed, Karjat,

Shrigonda, Parner, Akole, Sangamner, Kopergaon and Rahata. There are 1579 habited

and two inhabited villages in the Ahmednagar district.

3.4.3. Geology:

The entire district is occupied by basaltic lava – flows erupted in the Cretaceous

-Eocene age, which are popularly known as Deccan traps. These lava-flows are

sometimes associated with inter-trapping beds such as limestone sandstone, clay shale’s,

red bole beds, porous ash. This mantle of black cotton soil present almost everywhere

on the basalts, river alluvium, sands, gravel, clays and silts represent the recent deposits

in the district, Calcareous concretions and nodules, known as kankar is commonly

associated with soil , more concentrated in the vicinity of the stream-courses.

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Map 3.4 Location Map of Ahmednagar District

3.4.4. Land Forms:

The Ahmednagar neighborhood comprises a variety of domain forms.

There are mountainous in region. They are Sahyadri, Adula, Baleshwar,

Harishchandragad, Ratangad, Kulang and Ajuba. The tourist can enjoy with Vita ghat

on the root of Randha falls and the Chandanpuri ghat on the Pune-Sangamner road.

This Ahmednagar district can be divided in to three broad physiographic divisions viz.

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3.4.5. Mountain and Hilly Region:

3.4.5a. Sayadri: The Sahyadri forms for continues natural border connecting

Ahmednagar and Thane districts. The three hill of Ajuba Dongar 1375 meters, Kulang

1470 meters, Harishchandragad 1424 meters, Ratangad 1297 meters, these are the

most striking of the tall peak of Sahyadri inside the Ahmednagar district.

3.4.5b. Hills: There are four hilly ranges which are found in the Ahmednagar district.

They are as follows-

Kalsubai Range: The Kalsubai Range is a branch of Kulang pick. (1646 meters)The

Kalsubai range take a south easterly way running similar with Mahalungi River. This

range, come to southern parts of Sinnar taluka of Nasik district.

Adula Hills: The Adula hills starts from the Kalsubai range near the peak of Patta. This

range suddenly ends Northwards of Sangamner. It has structural level at a height of

1000 meters.

Baleshwar Range: The Baleshwar range, the second great spur of the Syahyadri,

branches off at Ratangad, 11 km of southeast of Kulang and completely traverses the

Akola and Sangmner taluka forming the watershed between the Pravara in the North

and the Mula in the South. On this range, East of Ratangad, are a series of lofty, craggy

peaks such as Katra dongar, Mura,Wakarai, Shirunj, Ghanchakar (1532m), Bahiroba

and Sindola. The range culminates with Baleshwar as a central mass whose submit has

been crowned by a temple in Hemad Panthi style now in ruins and surrounded by spurs

radiating from the centre in all directions. On an isolated hill at the end of one of thus

spurs extending on the North-West is the fort of Pemgad. Between Baleshwar and

Hevargaon which is the last notable peak in the range is the Chandanapuri valley. East

of Hevargaon, the hills decrease in height and finally subside in the open plains just

West of Rahuri. This range is about 100 kilometers long.

Harichandragad Range: The third range which leaves the Sahyadri at

Harichandragad is the longest in the district, and forms the main watershed between the

Godavari and Bhima rivers. Its direction for the first 25 kilometers is easterly, the Mula

river flows between it and the Baleshwar range. This range forms the boundary between

Ahmednagar and Pune districts. East of Harichandragad fort on this range lays the

Bala Killa. Near Brahman wada, the range gradually decreasing in height takes a turn to

the Southeast and enters Parner taluka which is completely traverses. The summits of

the hills here widen into the plateau of Kanhor, 850 meters above the mean sea-level

and 200meters above the bed of the Ghod River, on the west the range presents a wall –

lik e front toward the river. Near the village of Jamgaon in Parner taluka, the flat

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topped ridge shoots to the Northeast to form a watershed between the tributaries of the

Godavari and the Bhima. The main ridge continues further southeast with widening

summits and gradually widens into a flat-level country known as Balaghat that extends

far into the district.

The length of the hills from the main line of Sahyadri to the Balaghat is about

200 kms. The branch of this range leaving Kanhore Plateau crosses the North-Eastern

corner of Shrigonda taluka and enters Karjat taluka. A distinguishing feature of this

branch is the succession of Pathar of flat-topped hills that are so uniformly horizontal as

to present an artificial appearance. Besides these leading ranges, there are many hills

isolated and forming backbone of the ridges between the streams. Though they do not

rise to any great heights than the general level of the plateau, locally they form

prominent features. All these hilly areas are not suitable for agricultural activities as

they are having rugged or hard topography and steep slope.

3.4.6. Drainage System:

The drainage system of the district besides Godavari and Bhima, includes their

tributaries respectively Pravara, Adula, Mahalungi, Mula,Dhora rivers and Ghod and

Sina. The district has only one natural reservoir call Visapur tank in Shrigonda taluka.

‘The drainage system is an integrated system of tributaries and trunk streams which

collect and funnel surface water to the sea, lake or some other body of water. The total

area that contributes water to a single drainage system is known as a drainage basin.’

Drainage pattern refers to a design which a river and its tributaries form together, from

its source to its mouth. The factors controlling the pattern of drainage in a region

include the topography, slope, structural control, and nature of rocks, tectonic activities,

supply of water, and above all, the geological history of that region.

Ahmednagar district is shattered by two main rivers; Godavari and Bhima which

is the branch of Krishna. The water-shed contour is the great encourage of the Sahyadris

which branches off at Harichandragad and stretches completely across the district from

West to East. The main reveres fluid through the district is Paravara, Mula and Dhora.

These rivers plains are at elevation of less than 600 meters. The famous waterfall

Randha is creating by Pravara River in Akola tahasil.

3.4.6a. Godavari Basin: The River Godavari is drains by far the larger part of the

district; it covers the tahsils of Kopargaon, Sangamner, Akola,Rahuri, Newasa,

Shevgaon. It also covers the Northern half of Parner and parts of Ahmedngar and

Jamkhed thahasil. Godavari rises near Trimbak in Nasik it receives the Banganga and

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the Kadva it receives from the South the combined water of Kat and Khara rivers. From

Puntamba to a point beyond Paithan, this distance is sixty miles.

3.4.6b. Prvara Basin: The Pravara River rises from the Sahayadri. The flow of water

reach easterly way, near the village Ranada. Water fall into rock-strewn chasm 200 feet

deep. This flow across the part of the Akole taluka and then receives at Newasa taluk,

the span of Pravara River is 120 mails. The water of Pravara developed the Wilson

Dam, Randha fall and Umbrella fall.

3.4.6c. Adula: The Adula River is rises at Akola tahasil on the slopes of Patta and

Mahakali. It flow for fifteen miles at Eastern way of hills; Total length of Adula River is

only 40 km.

3.4.6d. Mahalungi: The river Mahalungi rises on the Southern slopes of Patta and

Aundha. After the way of three miles it go through Nasik district flowing to the Adula.

The Mahalungi, flow is about 40 km. long.

3.4.6e. Mula: The Mula River rises on the Sahaydris. It flows 20 miles similar to

Pravara tough the Southernmost or Kotul valley of Akola tahsil. It flows through

Sangamner taluka. After flow of 30 kilometers, this river joins the Pravara in Sangam.

Length of the river is 145 kilometers.

3.4.6f. Dhora: Dhora River rises on the slopes of the hills east of the Ahmednagar

town. This river flows North-easterly, draining Shevgaon and part of Newasa taluka. It

receives in Godavari River.

3.4.6g. Bhima: The Bhima River is main branch of the Krishna. This river is rises in the

Bhimashankar at the Western Ghats. Chief branches of these rivers are the Sina and

Nira. The Bhima flows in a well-entrenched basin, and its banks are heavily inhabited. It

is inundated in August following the rain and is nearly inactive in March and April.

Limited irrigation works supplement the scant provider of rainfall. Bhima drains the

complete of the Southern portion of the region, comprising the huge division of the

Parner and Ahmednagarthasil. The entire Shrigonda, Karjat and almost the whole

Jamkhed tehsil approach beneath the Bhima darning.

3.4.6h. Sina: The sina River has sources of two main flows, one near Jamgaon 14 miles

western of the city Ahmedngar and Jeur 10 mailes of the North-east of city. The city

Ahmednagar is build on bank of this river, which takes South-easterly curse. Leaving

the district boundary it falls into the river Bhima.

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Map No. 3.5 River Basins in Ahmednagar District

3.4.7. Climate:

Ahmednagar district mainly experiences a tropical climate. The weather in the

summer season is hot and humid while the winter season is pleasant. The climate is

characterized by a warm summer and universal aridness throughout chief element of the

year except for the period of South-west downpour period. The cold season persists for

three months from December to February. Generally from March to the first week of

June there is hot season. It is follow by the South-west monsoon period which lasts till

the September every year.

3.4.7a. Rainfall: The Ahmednagar is mostly in rain shadow from East of Western

Ghats. Close to the Western boundary of the Ahmednagar region the rainwater decrease

fast as one proceeds towards East. Rainfall is the current solitary climate element

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influencing the intensity and location of farming systems and the farmer’s choice of

enterprises. It is also becomes a climatic hazard to farming when it is characterized with

scantiness, concentration, intensity in the minimal regions where average or normal

rainfall is generally necessary for successful crop production. In such areas the system

of crop producing must be correlated more or less to the moisture factor.

3.4.7b. Temperature: In the Ahmednagar region, the cold climate starts by concerning

the center of November and continue till February. Month of December is the maximum

cold month of the year with the mean daily highest temperature at 28.50 C

and lowest at

11.70 C. Therapeutic the cold period the Ahmednagar district is from time to time

precious by cold influence in association with the passage of western conflict. From

start month of March to the shatter of South-west, cloudburst the day temperature adds

to increasingly, the nights residual moderately cold. In the summer season, the baking

heat of the afternoons is occasionally.

3.4.8. Soil:

The loose material or the upper layer of the mantle rock consisting mainly of

very small particles and humus which can support the growth of plants knows as soil.

The whole district is engaged by basaltic lava stream, which is commonly recognized as

the ‘Deccan Traps’. The soils in the Ahmednagar district can generally be classified into

4 categories that are coarse shallow soil, medium black soil, deep black soil and reddish.

Kopargaon and Shrirampur, in this talukas have relatively a good quality deepness of

soil. The intensity of top soil and other factor, only 26% of the region is appropriate for

twice cropping while the rest is apposite only for crops similar to Bajari, Groundnut,

Sunflower, Grasses and Plantation. Close to the Pravara River and Godavari River

white tracts of bottomless wealthy domain are found.

3.5. TOURISM IN AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT:

Tourism is one of the success stories to the 20th

century. The motivation for

tourism also includes social religious and business interest. Tourism and leisure is

perhaps the two nicest things in modern society which helps to promote peaceful co-

existence pleasure of the individual and well being of the general public. The

Maharashtra tourism was established in 1969 and Tourism development Board in 1975

Tourism development is working a restaurant in 52 places. There are 18791 people live

at a time. The total travelers are Buses are 28 and through that travelers we can see area

and central government build a restaurant places to develop costal area the restaurant

and total are building within a one year there are visiting 16 Lakh Tourism and in

between there some are visiting to Maharashtra and to give a Tourist good help and

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behavior one government established Mumbai gate control law and Magistrate or city

maximum land development law and government can give a good facility and good

guideline to tourist through the all Internet website. Our state government started the air

conditioner Rail Tour through the Railway government by the name of Deccan or Orica

express in Jan. 2004 and the specialty of that train is that the train has 21 compartments

and 96 Tourist will be travel through that train. In 1989 our attached the entire all the

foreigner and other side tourist be the media of Ganesh ustav and our forest department

and Maharashtra development council started the Nivas and Breakfast yojana.

3.5.a. Shirdi: Shirdi is famous, well – known and holy place in India li ke Tirupati.

Shirdi is located in Rahata tahasil in Ahmednagar district. It is 83 km. far from

Ahmednagar, and 15 km. from Kopargaon. Shirdi is best known as the let 19th

century

home of the popular guru Saibaba.It is one of the richest temple organizations in India.

It is on account of Shri Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into importance. Sai Baba was very

fond of remembering and singing God’s name. He always uttered ‘Allah Malik’ (God is

Lord), and ‘Sa b ka Malik Eak’.

A large number of pilgrims of all cast and religions visit this place. The pilgrims

visit for darshan of Saibaba from all states in India and abroad also. ShriSaibaba lived

in Shirdi from 1838 to1918, his real name or place of birth and date of birth are not

identified. At age of 16-17 years baba arrived at the village of Shirdi till his passing

away. He establishes shelter in Khandoba temple, where a resident Mahalsapathi in the

holy place addressed him as Sai. He slept and meditated on alternating nights in

Mosque. In the neighborhood of the mosque, in a passageway is the dhuni or eternal fire

that burns day and night. One day Baba gives the beautiful advice to devotees, ‘be

anywhere you like, do whatsoever you choose, keep in mind this well that you do is

acknowledged to me. I am the Inner leader of all and seated in your hearts. I wrapper all

the creatures, the movable and immovable planet.’ Thursday is noticeable by particular

pujas and darshan of the babas Samadhi. There are additional places of meaning are the

Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Nimbh Tree. An Indian spiritual

religious teacher and a fakir baba was great reverence by both Hindu and Islam

followers. The philosophy of baba was shradha and saburi, means faith and

compassion. Baba gives a message of universal brotherhood. The streets of the holy

town are full of shops which sell books, flowers, all daily useful things and life record

of baba. Anyone can easily visit the holy place. ‘Shirdi town is developing because of

Shri Saibaba’.

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3.5.b. Shani Shingnapur: Shani Shinganapur, furthermore known as Sonai, is a

township in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Located in Newasa taluka in Ahmednagar

district, the town is recognized for its well-liked temple of Shani, Shani is the Hindu

divinity of planet (graha) Saturn. It is situated on Aurangabad – Pune state highway No.

60 near Ghodegaon. Shani Shinganapur is only 6 kms, from this highway.

3.5.c. Shree Keshetra Deogad: Deogad, a holy temple of Dttatrya, attracts

worshippers. It is situated on the bank of river Pravara. Deogad is one of the most

famous, well known and beautiful place which is achieving celebrity under the direction

of Bhaskar Giri Maharaj. Founder of this Shri Kshetra Deogad is Shri Sant Kisan Giri

Baba. ‘ Shri Sant Kisan Giri Baba was born in the village Godhegaon, Tal. Newasa, on

13th

September 1907.’ His father’s name is Maruti and mother’s name was Rahibai.

There occupation was fishery, but Kisan disliked this occupation. From his childhood

he had full faith in God. He prayed to God Dattatrya. Kisan sits under an Audumbar

tree. When the Kisan was prayer to god, there is no material for worship. He collects

some small sticks and put like incense stick under Audumbar tree and its perfume the

surrounding area. Kisangiri Maharaja, a natural devotee of god Datta worshiped him

sitting at the bank of Pravara as a child out of self motivation. He was known to

possess extraordinary powers, like all great saints, there are stories about the miracles

performed by Kisangire Maharaja. From the young age, he spread the message of god

and taught his followers the moral and hygienic way of life. His devotion spread in

nearby villages. He narrated his desire to the people that he wanted to build a temple for

God Dattatraya. Now the People called him as a Kisanbaba. The work of people

complete in 1957. Kisanbaba believed that ‘Service to human being is service to God.’

O n 6th

March 1983 Kisanbaba let his disciple alone and passed away. Shri Bhaskargiri

Maharaj is his disciple.

3.5.d. Newasa- Paiss Khamb: In 1290 A.D. Saint Dnyaneshwar dictated

Dnyaneshwari and wrote Shri SacchidanandThaware at Newasa. Saint Dnyaneshwar

leaned against the pillar while composing his great work Dnyanshwari. This pillar is

called as a Paiss Khamb. Big brother Saint Niwruttinath requested Dnyaneshwar to

translate the Sanskrit ‘ Geeta’ in simple language so people were unable to understand

preaching and philosophy in Sanskrit. At this place Saint Dnyanshwar gave ‘ Pasaydan’

for the well being of all the human beings of this world. Hence this place became

symbolic and spiritual.

‘Newasa is a city in Newasa tehsil of Ahmednagar district. Newasa is having

great cultural heritage of ‘ Paiss Khamb’ (Dnayaneshwar) temple, in the 12th

century.’

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The early historical period is represented at Newasa which has given enough evidence

to establish that it was a great trading centre having business relations with distant

places including Rome. Newasa an ancient ‘ Nidhivas’ the name itself suggests that it

was a place of rich people. This place is rich in religious aspects also. ‘Saint

Dnyaneshwar wrote a Dananeshwari in Newasa beside a pole which is still there.’ The

Paiss Khamb is buried in the ground under a flat roof measuring about 33 x 36 ft. It is

stands about 4.5 ft. out of the ground.

3.5.f. Belhekarwadi- Renukamata Darbar: This is a temple of Mata Renuka.

Renukamata is known as a one of the Shakti Pith. Renukamata Darbar at Belhekarwadi

is located in Newasa tahsil. This place is most spiritually awakened pilgrimage centre

located 5 km. from town Sonai.

The history of this temple is very amusing.Swami Shri Krishnaji Joshi, a natural

devotee of Renukamata which is situated at Mahurgad. His wife Seema is also always

with him. Swamiji and his wife always visited village Mahurgad and prayed

Renukamata byheart. On one day As usual they are at Mahurgad. At that time

Renukamata blessed them and told that, ‘You need not come here; I am coming with

you at your village.’ 7From that day Swami decided to stay in the farm. He come back

to his farm at village Belhekarwadi and stay in the farm and started pray Renukamata.

He constructed a Yadnya Mandap in 1954. He started a construction of temple of

Renukamata in 1971 and completed in 1991. Internal side of temple is decorated by

pieces of glass. Mosaic of glass is very attractive. There is idol of Renukamata. There

are Lord Krishna temple, Shri Dattatrya temple, Sraswati temple, Lord Vittha temple,

Saptayogini and Swami Mharaj temple. These temples are in the area of main temple.

3.5.g. Meherabad: Meherabad village is approximately 10 km southern side from

Ahmednagar city. This is the place which is famous in global pilgrimage. It contain

Meher Baba’s tomb shrine, a huge figure of buildings, the graves of disciples, a

museum, theatre and a range of pilgrim lodging and generous establishments. Main

celebrations are detained here. Many Baba lovers effort or exist in the locality.

Avatar Meherbaba was born on 25th

February 1894 in a Parsi family in David

Sassoon Hospital, Pune. From his childhood he developed keen interest in God and

devoted lot of his time in prayer. Day by day his faith in God increased very much. He

used to sit hours together in meditation and prayer. He has always engaged in deep

meditation. People believed that he had attained higher state of spirituality and God has

given the spiritual power to him. Along with this he used to serve the people also.

Meher Baba always stressed that, ‘I have not come to establish retreats or ashrams. I

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create them for the purpose of my Universal Work, only to repeatedly dismantle them

once their purpose has been served’.

On July 10, 1925 Meherbaba came out of his hut but did not speak. For the rest

of his life – another 44 years – he never uttered a word. After two years he also stopped

writing, simply pointing to letters on English alphabet board when he wished to

communicate. Baba gave many reasons for this silence. He ‘said’ he ‘ speaks’ and

works more eloquently through silence: ‘silent is love, and the lover loves my silence.’

He also believed: Things that are real are always given and received in silence. And

that: ‘Because man has been deaf to the principles and precepts laid down by God in the

past, in this present Avataricreform I observe silence. You have asked for and been

given enough words; it is now time to lie them.’ Meherbaba fixed his place to keep his

dead body at Meherabad only. He died on 31st January 1969 at Aurangabad. His

followers buried his dead body where Meherbaba had decided earlier.

3.5.h. Sant Sheikh Mohammad Maharaj, Shrigonda: The religious place Shaikh

baba temple is situated in Shrigonda taluka which is one of the most important taluka in

Ahmednagar district. Let Sheikh Mohammad Maharaj or Shaikhbaba and Janardhan

Swami had the same guru in spiritual area. He belonged to ‘Sufi sect’. 10 He was very

famous in Muslim as well as Hindu people. He devotedly participated in the program

like Bhajan, Kiratan, Dindi etc. He was a guru of brave Sardar Malojirao.

The old name of Shrigonda is ‘ Shripur Chambhargonda,’ but the British

Government has renamed it as Shrigonda. From middle period Shrigonda talukais

accepted as a sacred place in hierarchy of so many great people, like Saint Govind

Chambhar, Pralhad Maharaj, Nimbraj Maharaj, Jayaram Swami Saint Shaikh

Mohammad Maharaj and Kakadi Maharaj. Hindu people pray Shaikhbaba because of

his devote on god. He belonged to Sufi sect, but he participated in the program like

Bhajan, Kirtan, Pravachan, Dindi and Wari. He studied the real life and always

criticized selfish people. He wrote some books on social integration which are –

Yogasangram, Dohe, Arati, Bharud, Poems of God etc.

3.5.i. Shri Kshetra Madhi: Madhi is religious tourist center of Hind andMuslim

community. Madhi is located in Patharditaluka of Ahmednagar district. Chaitanya

Kaniphnath’s tomb is in Madhi. Who is one of the main Nath in Navnath.The Samadhi

temple is on hill. This temple is very attractive, beautiful and famous in Maharashtra.

Kaniphnah’s sermons attracted common people in large numbers. He gives religious

teaching to the people. He developed Nath sect in the area the reference of which is

found in ‘ Navnath Bhiktisar’ a Holy book.

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The village Madhi is situated in Baleshwar mountainous area, so the nature was

full of many kinds of trees and vines. Different kinds of animals and birds were found

here. The area of Garbhagiri Mountain flourished with flower trees and fruit trees. The

Pawangiri River used to flow with clean fresh water of the East side of hill and village

is situated around of hill. During the 11th

century, there was a Bhandara (auspicious

grand lunch) at Vridheswar. Kaniphnath was there with his 750 disciples. After this

function this beauty place attract to him. He stays there on the hill and took Samadhi

there, which name was Mayur tekde. On account of the temple of Kaniphnath’s

Samadhi, this place came to be known as Madhi.

Etymologically word Madhikar goes to the word Madhi which tells about the

name of the place. The same word stands for the native people. The present word is use

Markad which is surname of most of the villagers. These people are identified as heirs

of the disciples of Kaniphnath. Markad are the major temple worshipper who looks

after rites and rituals. The temple is built in the centre of the holy place on hill. The

temple was built with big size stones. The structure of temple is as a fort. The engraved

sculpture on the stones is very amazing, attractive and enchanting. The temple is

divided is two parts like gabhara and mandap. Inside design of the tomb is very

attractive it’s like a snake hood. There are many engraved pictures on the stone of the

wall, and they give us idea of the beautiful nature of those days.

‘The king Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj appointed two Maratha commanders,

ChimajiSawant and Pilaji Gaikwad for construction of this temple.’ 11They complete

the construction with the help of Subhedars Gangadhar Dixit. He had been given land

for maintenance and perforating worship sites rituals. People of all religions helped and

cooperated to build the temple because Kanifnath was the guide to common people. He

gave religious guidance to the people of all castes and religions. His teaching brought

common people together and they built the temple of Kanifnath. Partivularly the people

of different castes like Gopal, Kaikadi, Vadar, Vaidu, and Beldar took interest in

constructing the temple. Hence their devotion and participation got them some kinds of

distinction in the fair of Kanifnath.

This temple has three gates. The main gate is at the east side, is calling

Mahadwar. There are 200 stapes. The second gate is at the north side it had 100 steps.

Third is at west side it has 40 stapes. Behind the temple of tomb there is a temple in

tunnel. Inside this temple there is a Shivlinga. This is a meditation place of Kanifnath.

There is a special window to west to get the sunlight inside. Very narrow passage and

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small steps leading towards the temple. Only one person can enter at a time in this

temple. Upper side of ground floor there is temple of Vitthal Rukhmini.

Shri Chaitanya Kanifnath is a God of nomadic people, so almost theses people

are visited this place in the period of fair. The place is of great importance for followers,

who belongs to nomadic tribes. This place is called as a Bhatkayaci Pandnari, which

people are travel in around of year, and visit this place at the time of Madhi Fair. These

peoples are Vaidu. Gopal, Kakadi, Wadar, Madari, Otari, Shikalgar, Bharadi, Ghisadi,

Laman, Beldar, Nandiwale, Bhamta, Masanjogi, Bahurupi, Pangul, Kolathi andPardhi.

Market for Donkeys – the fair of Madhi is famous for market of Donkeys. The

traders of donkeys who come to this place belong to different states like Andhra

Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. They come here for the purpose of

buying and selling of donkeys of various verities. The price of donkey is decided on the

basis of its species, age, height and color. The prices are Rs. 1000 to Rs. 10000 for per

donkey. The people of Kaikadi, Wadari, Madari, Kumbhar, Beldar and Kanjarbhat

purchased and sell of the donkeys.

Jat Panchayat –Cast justice is the most notable feature of this fair. All people of

belonging to nomadic tribes come together at Madhi, and stay here 15 days. These

tribe’s people have an elected committee and called ‘ Jat Panchayat’ . This committee

solves their internal disputes and problems. The design taken by this committee is

completion on that people. Someone has not accepted the justice he had punished and

has to pay penalty. The decision taken by this committee is not recorded in the court.

ShriChaitanya Kanifnath Maharaj is the God of this people, so in this holy place which

decision will be taken by committee is known as gods decision and they fallow the

committee. Now-a-days because of education and aware of constitutional knowledge

the young generation is opposing this system and has been demanding to go for

statutory judiciary. They are also arranging marriages in this fair. Selling and

purchasing of animal’s skin and hair – the people of low castes such s Madari, Kanjari,

Vadari, Bhill, Vaidu etc. sell the hair and skins of Boa, Mongoose, Pigeon and Snake.

This is a very serious matter for the country as well as for the people because it affects

the environment balance. The skin and hair of animals are very costly but the people

who bring these they do not get expected price.

3.5.j. Shri Kshetra Bhagwangad: Bhagwangad is the major place of pilgrimage in

Beed, Ahmednagar and Nasik districts in Maharashtra. Shri Saint Bhagwan Babawas

the prominent saint of the Vanjari community. He was followed by Bhimsing Baba.

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Currently Namdeo Maharaj Shastriholds the Gaddi of Bhagwan Baba. Every year

around 5 lakh people gather at Bhagwangad on Dussehara.

Bhagwan Baba was born in a farmer’s family on 29 th

Jully 1896 in Sawargaon,

Tal. Patoda, Dist. Beed, Maharashtra. His real name was Abaji. He was a very brilliant

child who was evident from the fact that he uses to top his class and soon was the apple

of the eye, of all his teachers. But since he lived in a small village he could not enjoy the

benefits of schooling and had to abandon his studies by the seventh standard as the

school was not available beyond these levels at his village.

Firstly Abaji visit a holy place Naryangad, which is located nearbythe village

with his parents.Manikbaba was there, he replace his name and called him as a

Bhagwan. Later on he took 12 years spiritual education at Alandi, Dist. Pune, in state of

Maharashtra. After completion of education he come at Kharwandi kasar and built a

temple of Vitthal on the top of mountain. ‘At that time C.M. of Maharashtra let.

Yeshwantrao Chavan was present for opening ceremony. He calls this place as a ‘

Bhagwangad’ . Huge hermitage of Bhagwan Baba was erected known as ‘

Bhagwangad’ where his followers and devotees throng in thousands to pay their respect

to him every year. Bhagwanbaba took Samadhi on 19th

January 1965.’ Bhagwangad is

the major place of pilgrimage for peoples at Ahmednagar, Beed, Nasik and Usmanabad

district in Maharashtra state. He was followed by Bhimsing Baba. Currently Namdeo

Maharaj Shastri (M. A. Ph. D.) holds the Gaddi of Bhagwan Baba. Every year around 5

lakh people gather at Bhagwangad on Dussehara. Many programs are conducted by this

organization like Harinam Saptah, Dindi sohala, Bhajans, Kirtan and Privation.

3.5.k. Mohatadevigad: This is the famous and well-known holy places in Ahmednagar

district in Maharashta State. Newly the temple constriction is going on. People from

whole Maharashtra and neighboring states of Maharashtra come to worship

Mohatadevi. It is believe that the worship of Devimata never goes in vain. It is found

that many diseased persons became free from their disease by worshiping Goddess

Mohatadevi.

The Mohotadevi, Jagdambadevi or Renukamata is facing towards the

Mahurgad.‘There is three and half Shakti Pith in Maharashtra. They are Kolhapur –

Ambikamata, Tuljapur - Bhawanimata, Mahurgad – Renukamata , and Wani –

Saptashrungimata.’ Myth story is told by local a person that is many years ago in

village Mohata there lived a person name Mr. Dahifale. He was grazer. One day he saw

a statuesque stone on the top of hill.He removes it and became surprised because that is

a statue of Goddess. He had full faith in god. At that night the Goddess comein his

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dream and said that,‘I am Renuka of Mahurgad. I want to stay here.’ Then he went in a

village early in the morning and told all things. He collects money from the peoples and

gets shelter on statue of Goddess. After some months some missing buffalos came to the

village and stay at Mr. Dahifale’s cattle-enclosure. After two or three days the owner of

that buffalos came there. He clam that Mr. Dahefale has theft there buffalos. Mr.

Dahifale was frightened. Hedevotedly said to, Goddess that,‘If you are really a

Renukamata please save me from this problem.’ At next day his all buffalos color was

change, there color was brown. Those peoples are come again at Mohata and they saw

the brown his buffalos and go back. From that day in Mohata village all the persons

whose surname is Dahifale they did not sold milk for this day. They did not tread of

milk or the things made by milk. Old temple was built by stone but it is so small and

much acquired. Increasing a numbers of visitors this place was very less, so trust

decided to built new temple. All facilities will be available in this new temple.

3.5.l. Shiddhatek Ganapati: Siddhatake is located in Karjat taluka of Ahamadnagar

district. This is one of the eight famous pious (Ashtavinayak) Ganpati temples. People

come here with deep faith and place their Demands to the God. This temple is built by

AhilyabaiHolkar, famous Maratha queen of the Indore. She was a religious lady and had

built numerous temples during his regime. ‘This temple is renovated by Haripant

Phadake, One of the Peshwa Sardar.’ 15The temple of Siddhtake or Siddhivinayak is

situated on the bank of river Bhima, a very important and religious place. This place is

60 km away from Karjat and 30 km from Shrigonda and 30 km from Duand.

How this place is famous as “ Siddhatake” or “ Siddhivinayak” is stated in the

Hindu religious mythology. It is believed according to Hindu religion that “

BhagwanVishnu” was batting with demons (named Madh-Kaitumb) and he could not

defeat the demon. Thus he went to BhagwanShankar and Shankar advised Vishnu to

memoriseGanesh and recite his name. Lord Vishnu then went at “ Bhima Shankar” the

birth place of Bhima River and on one of the hills he sat for mediation and started

praying to God by reciting the name Lord Ganesh.

Seeing this Lord Ganesh delighted and blessed Vishnu. With these blessings he

could easily kill the demon “ Madhu Kaitumb” and also acquired mysterious knowledge

of the world. Since then this placeis called “ Siddhatek”. Siddhi means meditation, and

Tek means hills. T hus it is denominated as “ Siddhatek” or SiddhiVinayak” This is very

ancient temple. It was in dilapidated condition but was renovated by Ahilyabai Holkar

and Brahmin priest was appointed to worship the God and maintain the temple. The

same family hereditarily enjoys the priesthood.

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3.5.m. Ahmednagar Fort: The present Ahmednagar Fort has been built by Husain

Nizam Shah (1553-1565) on the sidewall called Bag. Nizam ascended in the year 1490.

It is the fort, which built in a peculiarly well-planned and well-built in such a way that it

is not commanded by any spot within a large distance. The earth surface surrounding

fort wall were originally high ethic covered the fort walls. This fort was so beautifully

built that its construction was praised for skill of building, both in planning and in its

outward repairing. It is said that Portuguese engineer had helped to construct this fort. In

real sense the fort is built so strong, that it defended the queen Chandbibi when a hug

Mughal army under the leadership of Prince Murad and Mizakhan had besieged it in

vain from November 1595 until peace was concluded in February 1595. Now this fort is

under military possession. During British period Indian Congress Leaders were

imprisoned here. Ahmednagar fort is one of the strongest forts in India.

3.5.n. Chandbibi Mahal / Salabatkhan Muhammedian Tomb: Muhammedian tomb

ofSalabatkhan is situated on Ahmednagar-Pathardi road 10 km away from

Ahmednagar city in the centre of Shah Hills. This building is constructed of 3 layers in

an Octagonal shape with 24 archways. This building was constructed 450 years ago. It

lies 933 meters (3080 feet) above sea level. SalabatkhanMuhammedian Tomb or

ChandbibiMahal was built in 1565 – 1588 periods Salabatkhan was faithful minister of

King Nizamshah. He built this tomb in memory of his wife and Mohammedan family

tomb in a span of life time. But before completing it Salabatkahn died.

There are several tombs i.e. of Salabatkhan, his both wives and sons tombs.

Salabatkhan died in 1589 at TalegaonDabhade in Pune district. The work of tomb

building construction was started when he was alive. But he died when the work was un

orgies. After his death no heir of Nizamshah was alive. So Chandbibi ascended the

throne who was daughter of Nizanshah. She was a brave and clever woman. She visited

the tomb place several times to see construction work and completed it very soon. The

place was very beautiful and attractive along with tomb. Chandbibi was nature lover.

Salabatkhan’s tomb is well known as ChandbibiMahal.

The few steps lead from the terrace into the vault which contains the tomb. The

tomb has angular houses so placed that the rising and setting sun rays fall on the tomb.

At night keepers light the lamp near the tombs. This is very good natural tourist center

near Ahmednagar city. The development plan is made by tourism development

department, and sanctioned 60 lakes for to develop park, wall compound, garden, road

so that it will b considered as tourist place and attraction of visitors.

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3.5.o. Chondi: The village Chondi is situated in Jamkhedtaluka of Ahmednagar district.

This place is birth place of Ahilyabai Holkar, the famous Maratha dynasty flourished in

the central part of India with a capital at Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Ahilyabai Holkar

was brilliant and brave as well as kind hearted. Her son’s name was Malojirao and

daughter’s name was Muktabai. Her husband died in 1754 battle with Surjmal Jat.

Afterwards she handled politics in well manner. She handled the administrating

properly for 28 years. She died on 13th

August 1795 with great dignity and piousness.

This is the birth place of well known lady sardar as well as social reformer

Ahilyabai Holkar. She was born in 1725 at Chondi, Tal. Jamkhed, Dist. Ahmednagar.

Her father’s name was Mankoji Shinde and mother’s name was Sushilabai Shinde. She

was married with Khanderao the son Sardar Malharrao Holkar. She was brilliant and

brave as well as kind hearted. Her son’s name was Malojirao and daughter’s name was

Muktabai. ‘Her husband died in 1754 battle with Surajmal Jat.’

According to Hindu customs; at that time every Hindu woman has to perform

Sati after the death of her husband. But Ahilyabai Holkar did not go Sati. Afterwards

she handled politics in well manner. She handled the administration properly for 28

years. ‘At every famous religious center in India she built Ghats and wells for pilgrims.’ 18

She died on 13th

August 1795 with great dignity and piousness. Chodi development

program is going on. New religious development has been undertaken by constructing

Mahadev temle, Gandhi Hall, Memory Pillars. The Chondi well developing historical

tourist center in Ahmednagar district. At the date of Ahilyabai’s Jayanti all the people

of surrounding area gather and arrange the cultural programs. Their beating drums and

doing focal dance which is very famous called ‘Dhangari Nrutya’.

3.5.p. Kharda Fort: The village Kharda is located in Jamkhed taluka of Ahmednagar

district. It is 12 km away from Jamkhed city. Kharda village is witnessed the famous

battle between Maratha and Nizam Ali. The Nizam who brought his army over the

Mohori pass from Bidar was defeated by the combined Maratha forces of Peshva. ‘The

village Kharda is established in 1795 after battle between Maratha power and Nizam of

Hyderabad.’ Kharda witness the well-known fight in which Nizam Ali.the Nizam who

bring his army more than the Mohori pass from Bidear was overcome by the joint

Maratha forces of the Peshva, Shinde, Holkar, Bhosale and Gaikwad. The Nizam took

sanctuary in the fort but yielded after two days, barrage and was required to sign a treaty

ceding wide territories counting the fortress of Daulatabad.

The fort of Kharda was built by Nimbalkar in 1745, the nobles of Nizam situated

in the southeast part of large village. It is a square and very strongly built with cut stone

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walls about thirty feet high and surrounded by a ditch. The walls have two massive

gates at right angles to each other. Over the inner gate on the wall there is inscription.

The interior area which is about 3 hundred feet square belongs a small mosque about

30’×8’ and also an underground gymnasium hall. Behind the mosque there is a deep

well made up of cut stones.

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3.6 AURANGABAD DISTRICT:

3.6.1 Location: Aurangabad District situated in the central part of the state, is an

elevated land, which has been incised by the Godavari river and its tributaries in the

southern part. Except for a small portion in the north and north-west, which belongs to

the Tapi drainage, the entire district falls in the Godavari Basin. Aurangabad district

lies between 19017’ North to 20

040’ North latitude and 74

039’East to 76

040’ East

longitudes. It is surrounded by Jalgaon district to the north, Jalna district to the east,

Ahmednagar district to the south and south-west and Nashik district to the west. It also

has small boundaries with Buldhana district in the north-east and Beed district in the

south. Aurangabad district covers an area of 10,100 sq.km. and has a population of

29,20,548 as per 2011 census. In terms of area and population, it accounts for 3.28

percent and 2.80 percent of the state respectively. It ranks 16th

in terms of area and 14th

in terms of population among the district of Maharashtra state.

Map No.3.6 Location Map of Aurangabad District

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3.6.2. Administrative Divisions:

The district is divided into three divisions for the administrative purpose-

1. Aurangabad: Aurangabad, Paithan, Phulambri

2. Vaijapur : Vaijapur, Kuldabad, Gangapur

3. Sillod : Sillod, Soegaon and Kannad

According to 2011 census there are 1344 villages in Aurangabad district. Out of

which 1300 villages inhabited as against 44 villages are uninhabited. There are 852

Grampanchayat , of which 530 independent and 322 are group Grampanchayat. Out of

nine urban centers, Aurangabad City has metropolitan and Cantonment municipalities,

whereas, Gangapur, Vaijapur, Paithan, Kannad and Kuldabad towns have ‘C’ grade

Municipal Corporations.

Due to administrative reasons, Aurangabad district was separated upto two

districts on 16th

August 1982. For administrative convenience four tahsils of

Aurangabad were transferred to new created Jalna district. 16 villages of Bhokardan

tahsil of Jalna were transferred to Soegaon tahsil of Aurangabad district and four

villages of Vaijapur tahsil were transferred to Shrirampur tahsil of Ahmednagar district.

Thus, Aurangabad district now has nine towns and 1344 villages.

3.6.3 Historical Background: Aurangabad district is named after its headquarters

place of Aurangabad. The city was founded in 1610 A.D. by Malik Ambray, the Prime

Minister of Murtuza Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar on the sight of village called Khirki.

Malik Amber was succeeded by his son Fateh Khan, who changed the name of Khirki

to Fatehnagar. In 1653 when Aurangazeb was appointed the Viceroy of the Deccan, he

made Fatehnaager his capital and called it Aurangabad. The historians of his region also

occasionally style the city as Khujista Bunyad. Since then the city came to be known as

Aurangabad. From the archaeological excavation, which was made in the neighbouring

district that showed this region was occupied in the early Stone Age. According to the

literary tradition, when the Aryans penetrated to the Deccan, the whole region was

covered by the thick forest. Agastya was the first Aryan to cross the Vindhyas. We

learn from the Ramayan that Rama accompanied by brother Laxmana and wife Sita met

Agastya near the Godavari. After the death of Ashoka, the Satvahanas rose in power

in the Deccan. They made Pratisthana (Paithan) as their capitals. They receive support

from local rulars called Maharathis. Their Kingdom extended upto Pune, Nashik,

Ahmednagar, Aurangabad and Jalna districts, the earliest group of caves at Ajantha

belongs to the Satvanas Age. During the period of Satvanas, this region must have

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attained a high level of prosperity. The Chalukyas of Badami rose to power in the first

half of the Sixth Century A.D. Their Kingdm extended upto the Narmada in the

north. In the last quarter of 12th

Century A.D., the Yadvas of Devgiri came into

prominence. In 1296 A.D. Ala-ud-din Khilji invaded the kingdom of

Ramchandra, he had to pay a heavy ransom to Muslim conqueror.

He was succeeded by his son Shankagana. He was defeated and slain by Malik

Kafar. Thus the Hindu Kingdom of Devgiri came to an end in 1318 A.D. There were no

major changes in the boundaries of the district between 1901 to 1941. Eight village of

Ambad tahasil were exchanged with six villages of Pathari tahsil of Parbhani district.

More than 1/3rd

of the district was Jaggir area. Nizam’s own estate called “Sarf-e-Khas”

comprising the tahsil was merged with the Government area under Sarf-e-Khas

Regulation of 1949. Consequent upon the integration of Jaggirs and Sarf-e-khas areas,

all the tahsil boundaries were reconstituted in April 1950. Two new tahsils with

headquarters at Kuldabad and another with headquarter at Jafferabad were created. In

1953 another new tahsil with headquarter at Soegaon was created by transforming 37

villages from Sillod tahsil and thirty from Kannad tahsil. All the villages transformed to

this tahsil are situated to the north of the Satmala Hills; with reorganization of stated

1956, the district was transferred from Hyderabad State to Bombay State and since

1960 it forms a part of Maharashtra.

3.6.4. Geology: The geographical formation of the Aurangabad district has divided into

three groups-

I. Middle Types of Deccan Tertiary

II. Older Alluvial Deposits of Godavari

III. Modern Alluvial Deposits of Godavari and Other Rivers The

lowest rock belongs to the great trappean region of Deccan,

which is roughly estimated to cover an area of 2,00,000 sq.miles. They consist of series

of basaltic flows, all nearly presenting the appearance of having been so originally. In

some parts of the Western Ghats their vertical thickness is form 4000 to 5000 feet, but

this is the thick end of the formation and the flows thin out towards the extremities in a

series of broad ledges. The rocks are believed to have been formed between the highest

Mesozoic and the lowest Cenozoic period.

The trap throughout the district consists mainly of angelic lavas, comprising the

various forms of basalt. The compact and a amorphous rock, with its semi- vitreous

texture and its perfect conchoidal fracture, known specifically as basalt, occurs on the

highest summits of the hills in large cubic masses. It is dark in the interior, containing

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small cavities coated generally with a reddish or black vitreous glaze, while the exterior

is of a yellowish-brown colour.

In the country between Jalna and Aurangabad occasional scarps formed of the harder

traps are seen in the low flat-topped rises and lower down in the valley the rocks that

crop up from beneath the alluvium consists generally of purple vesicular trap and

amygdaloidal, a bounding in kernels covered with green earth . In the bed of the

Godavari and also towards the foot of the hills, they are often tinged specifically with a

brick red colour, doubtless derived from the thin beds of red bole found in the higher

parts. Porphyrictic trap containing glassy crystals of feldspar occurs in the bed of the

Godavari.

Among the hills from Aurangabad towards Paithan good section are seldom

seen, as most of the rocks, there are much decomposed at the surface. The following

section is taken from some of the lower scarps near Chota Painganga on the Beed road.

Starting with a reddish clay from six to nine inches thick in the bed of nalla a little

below the base of the hill, some purple amygdaloidal follows not much mottled with the

cavities and kernels coated very little green earth except near the cracks and joints

where this mineral is more abundant. Five specimens of heliotrope and jasper, with

dark siliceous minerals resembling flint are found between Pachod on the Beed road

and Godavari, to the south of the scatter hills. These occur in a broad fissure, running

nearly east and west, among some trap that is now much decomposed. Basalt is seen in

a dyke among the hills between Pachod and Chincholi to the west of Chota Painganga.

At Vaijapur, traps are slightly ferruginous and rock crystal found in cavities and cracks

are sometimes of the amethystine variety. Crystanine flows are more frequent in the

region beyond the right bank of the Sivana. The low hills of Kundala, from Jarur to

Janifal are covered with basalt.

In the hills of Aurangabad, the purple and grey vesicular and amygdaloidal

traps are very abundant. The scarps themselves consists of compact ashy beds inter

stratified with animosity. Several small dykes occur between Aurangabad and

Chikalthana and the metal on the Jalna road consists of little cubes of basalt. A heavier

dyke is seen between Aurangabad and Harsul and another crosses the road near

Daulatabad. They have a direction north by east and south by west. The winding

excavation in the Daulatabad Hill-fort is cut out of the compact ashy beds that form the

wonderful perpendicular scarp all round the hill. On the Nandgaon road to the left bank

of Sivna beyond Degaon, the rocks are the usual amygdaloidal trap. Crystalline flows

occur from the right bank of the Sivna to the village of Tharoda, and the basalt is close

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grained and compact and splits up into cubes. Amygdaloidal flows are met with a

Tharoda, but basaltic still frequent. In descending the low ghat to the Nizam’s frontier at

Golmandi, basaltic rocks are first seen, then a parting of clay and then amygdaloidal and

vesicular traps.

3.6.5. Physiography: The Agricultural patterns are strictly depending on the conditions

of the Physiography of the region, such as topography, terrain and altitude. The three

most significant aspects of terrain, namely altitude, slope, and drainage pattern, exercise

both a direct and an indirect influence on agricultural landuse. The direct effect of

terrain operates through elevation, rugged relief and slope. Its indirect effect is evident

in forming by modifying the climate, change in soil and erosion pattern.

Physiographically the study region may be broadly divided into two divisions.

i) The Shivna-Godavari Basin

ii) The Ajantha Plateau and the northern Piedmont slops

iii) The Shivna-Godavari Basin

This region comprises the relatively low lying areas to the west and south of the

Ajantha Plateau. This region may be further divided into two sub-regions. The western

sub-region comprises the Shivna basin and the upper part of the Godavari Valley and is

made up of the Khuldabad and the whole of Vaijapur and Gangapur tahsils. The eastern

sub-regions comprises the rest of the Godavari valley south of the Ajantha Plateau.

The Shivna-Godavari Basin are exceedingly fertile and almost the whole of it is

cultivated. The basin of the Shivna has interrupted, its extension with the Kundala Hills

on the west. This region consisting of low flat-topped terraces, the remnants of their

connection with the Ajantha Plateau, are furrowed by the numbers of tributaries of the

Godavari. The General elevation above the level of the sea is from 1700 to 1900 feet.

The Ajantha Plateau And The Northern Piedmont Slopes:

To the east, the Ajantha Plateau rises steeply. Its slopes eastwards and is drained

by the Purna and its tributaries. The northern edge of this plateau is a continuation in an

east north-east direction of the Godavari range and is known as the Satmala range or the

Ajantha range. This present a pronounced scarp face towards the Tapi Valley on the

north and gentle back slope to the south on the plateau. The Satmala Hill from which

one of the names of the range is derived is situated north of Kannad town. The western

edge of the Ajantha Plateau flanking the Shivna basin and containing the Ellora Cave

may be considered as forming the Ellora range branching off southwards from the main

Ajantha range just to the east of the Satmala Hill.

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There are important and noted hills in the physiographic division are mainly

Daulatabad, Chowka and Jyptsha. All these have a terrace like appearance with

flattered summits; other hills are Satara, Mahadeo, Mahali, Kumkurna, Surpantha and

Aurangabad hills. Their average height is about 2000 feet above the sea level, but in

some places they reach a height of about 3000 feet also. These hills consist mostly of

trao-rock, with nodular limestone at some places.

3.6.6. Drainage Pattern: Drainage system is one of the significant components of the

physical environment, which is affects directly and indirectly on agricultural

development. Drainage system of the region is combined result of climate, insolation,

precipitation, wind-direction, humidity, rock types, soils, human activities etc. most of

the study region belongs to the Godavari drainage system only a small portion in the

north belongs to the Tapi drainage.

3.6.6.a. Godavari River: The most important river of the district is the Godavari,

which runs along the southern boundary for about 204 km. in the district. It has its

source in the Sahyadri range near Trymbakeshwar in Nashik district. After having flow

in Nashik and Ahmednagar district it enters in Gangapur and Paithan tahshil of the

study region. The Godavari forms nearly the entire southern boundary of the district

gram Dongaon about three kilometer above Puntaba. The banks and bed of the

Godavari are often rocky, but more frequently the banks are covered with alluvium and

the bed sometimes contains sand to a great depth. Large quantities of silt are brought

down during the monsoon and are deposited on the both banks, therefore, both banks of

the river Godavari the land is fertile and farmers are growing sugarcane as well as

grapes in some area.

The centre of the channel stream with the debris of rocks and with gravels, but

finer deposits is heaped up along the margins in sand banks, which are constantly

shifting. In the same way the position of the channel also varies, sometimes it runs

along one bank, sometimes along the other and sometimes, towards centre. The flow of

the Godavari is perhaps down to Toka and Sonkheda, and the river is confined with

narrow limits. The banks are from 40 to 100 feet higher than the northern bank being as

rule, higher than the southern.

There are following important tributaries of the Godavari, which flow in the

district. They can be noted as Kol, Narangi Nala, Shivna, Kalambi, Kham, Dheku,

Velganga, Yelganga, Dhorkin, Pharoda etc. Due to these tributaries, water table at

different places in the district has increased and when there is good rainfall, farmers are

benefited for improving crop pattern.

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3.6.6.b. Purna River: The Purna river rises in the Ajantha ranges about 8 km. north-

east of the Satmala hills near Mehan village in Kannad tahsil. It flows in a general

south-easterly direction in Kannad and Sillod tahsils and then it enters in Jalna district.

It is an important river next to Godavari. During heavy rains the river runs full but the

water subsides in a few hours and then the average depth is form one to two feet. In the

hot season, however, it is only a shallow stream from six to nine inches deep. The

Purna receives several large tributaries, the chief on the north bank being the Damna

and Kalina on the south bank the Ajantha, the Girja and Dudha.

Damna- The Damna rises near Shivni and after south-easterly courses of 35 miles falls

into the Purna

Kailna- The Kailna rises in the Ajantha ghats near Gosala and joins the Purna at

Jafarabad. It flows to the south-east and has a length of 55 miles, receiving the Juah on

its left bank.

Anjana- To the south of the Purna, the Anjana rises in the hills above Konhar near

Tufan, flows eastwards for a distance of about 34 miles and enters the Purna below

Sisarkheda.

Girja- The Girja rises in the Baiamuhal hills near Takli, and after an easterly course of

about 50 miles enters the Purna below Walsa. The banks of this river are rugged, its

flow is perennial and it receives numerous streams from the hills that bound it to the

north and south.

The Dudna- It is most southerly and most important tributary of the Purna. It rises

above Ankur village on the northern slopes of the easterly trending off shoots of the

Ellora range. After an initial irregular widening course, it turns and flows in a south-

easterly direction.

The northern part of the district is drained by innumerable energetic north

flowing streams, which belongs to the Tapi Basin. The most important of these are the

Gadadgad, the Hivra, the Sonad, and the Waghur. They have in several places cut

across the scarp by their active head ward erosion and extended their source region

farther south into the plateau.

The Purna and their tributaries are play important in the development of

agriculture in the northern part of the study region. Physiography of the northern

part of the district is suitable for construction of minor and medium

irrigation projects. Some minor and medium irrigation projects are built on

Gadadgad and Khelna River etc.

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3.6.7. Climate: Climate is one of the major physical factors affecting agriculture. It

consists of the elements like temperature, length of growing season; sun light, frost,

fog, moisture conditions wind etc. All these elements of whether has direct and indirect

influence on the cropping pattern of a region. The potential crop producing capability of

a given areas is depend mainly on the existing climatic and soil conditions. Climatic

factor exert mainly a regional influence on plant life. The differences in the group of

crops over extensive areas may be considered as due primarily to differences in climatic

rather than soils conditions.

The climatic elements and their effects on plant growth are more complex. The

plant is never subjected to a single variable at any given time. It is obvious that climate

dictates the range of crops, which a country can economically produce. This is turn sets

the range of commodities, which that country must import, if it wishes its people to like

a full life in the modern sense.

The climatic conditions is the primarily influents controlling the distribution of

agricultural pattern. There always exists a significant bearing between climate and

crops, because of the limits imposed on crop growth by the existing natural climatic

conditions which is determine the patterns of farm activity and crop production. In case

of livestock, their movements can be affected, when the climatic conditions are adverse.

Therefore, there is need for collecting enough information about climatic

elements of the region. The success or failure of the cropping seasons is determine by

the intensity of the climatic factors. The three most important factors of climate such as

temperature, water supply and light may be treated as primary determinants of crop

growth. Particular types of climate prevailing over the region of the earth is called

climatic climax and the crops and the vegetations to which it determines is called

climax type of vegetation. Climate can influence the choice of farming system either

indirectly through its impact on soil formation or directly through such as the length of

the growing season, the occurrence of frost and the availability of water for crop

growth. Plant growth does not depend on limited variables, but is controlled by various

elements acting in combination at a time. All these factors are subject to accelerated

fluctuations taking place from time to time, from season to season and from place to

place consequently, they determine the type of crops raised and cause regional

differences in crop associations climatic factors are responsible for various types of

cropping pattern all over the world. The climate of Aurangabad district is as the whole

dry except during the south-west monsoon period. The year may be divided into four

seasons. The cold season from December to about the middle of February, followed by

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the summer season lasting up to the end of May, the south-west monsoon season from

June to September and the post-monsoon season in October and November.

3.6.7.a. Temperature: The Tourism pattern and tourism development are closely

influenced by the prevailing temperature conditions of the region. The agricultural

scientists have proved that each crop has a specific zero below, which it cannot

grow. There is also an optimal temperature in which the crop is at its greatest vigor. For

each of the functions of the crop life, weather germination, foliation, blossoming or

fructification a specific zero and optimum can be observed in the temperature.

Temperature regulates all the chemical and physical processes of plant

metabolism. The metabolic process begin at a certain minimum temperature and

increase with rise of temperature until they reach a maximum at a temperature called the

optimum with rise in temperature above the optimum level the metabolic activity is

showed down until it ceases at a temperature called the maximum. The change from

warm season to cold period is the fundamental feature of climate which enables certain

agriculturally potential areas to grow a variety of crops with or without developed water

supply since the growing season is never limited by cold. The data regarding maximum

and minimum temperature of study region is obtained from meteorological observatory

at Chikalthana.

It is noticed that from the beginning of the month of March, there is a rapid rise

in both days and night temperature. May is the (39.90C) hottest month of the year.

During the hot season the heat is often intense and the day temperature in individual

days rises to about 440C to 46

0C during the past decade. The level of mercury starts

fallings with the onset of monsoons from seven June. It fluctuates around 310C during

the rainy season, after which it gradually comes down. January with mean monthly

temperature of 29.30C is the coolest. Lowest temperature during this month goes down

to 140C. Low temperature is associated with cold waves. The average range of

temperature is recorded 13.40C in the year 2015-16.

3.6.7.b. Rainfall:

Rain is the cheapest source of water, provided it is timely and adequate

in quantity. But rainfall in the greater parts of the world is uncertain and highly

unevenly distributed. Failure of rains or excessive rainfall in short period has brought

repeated crop failures and famines in many parts of the world. Indian farmers like other

have often suffered on account of the failure of rain.

Rainfall is the main determinant in the choice of the crops and ecological

change in type of food grains. The agricultural production is also controlled by the

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rainfall. Thus, it may be said that rainfall is the most important climatic factor, as it

determines the potential of any region in terms of crops to be raised, farming system to

be adopted, the nature and sequence of farming operations to be followed and the target

to be achieved in agricultural productivity.

Aurangabad district is one of the chronicle drought prone areas in the country. It

is located in the rain shadow region in eastern part of the Sahyadri in Maharashtra State.

The average annual rainfall of the district is about571.90 mm. whereas, it ranges 682.90

mm. at Soegaon in north to 458mm. at Paithan in south-east and 533.30 mm. at

Gangapur, in south 540.20 mm. at Vaijapur in the south-west, 597.40 mm at Kuldabad

in the central part of the study region. It is worth mentioning that the district receives

rain from the south-west monsoon.

The main characteristic of rainfall in the district is its concentration in one

season. About 80 to 85 percent of annual rainfall is received from the south-west

monsoon, concentrated in four months, June to September. During this season district

as whole receives about 81.43 percent of the annual total rainfall. August is relatively of

maximum rainfall month throughout the study region, by the end of September south-

west monsoon losses its strength and gives way to the north-east monsoon.

During the post-monsoon season, district as a whole receives about 70.58

percent of the annual total rainfall from retreating monsoon and cyclonic rainfall. Other

two seasons (winter season and pre-monsoon season) are comparatively dry. In winter

season, district as whole receives only about 18.98 percent of the annual total rainfall.

In pre-monsoon season district as a whole receives 21.53 percent of annual total

rainfall. It is varies from tahsil to tahsil, ranging 3.78 percent to 22 percent of annual

total rainfall.

3.6.7.c. Humidity : It is one of the prominent elements of weather from the farmers’

point of view and plays a significant role in changing agro-climatic condition from

place to place.

Humidity, in fact is the state of atmosphere with respect to the gaseous form of

H2O. It is necessary an active factor in the precipitation that any area is likely to

receive. Fortanier (1957) has found that the rate of flowering of peanuts increase with

increase in humidity. During the south-west monsoon period, high humidity is found in

study region, particularly from July to September. In those months relative humidity is

above 80 percent at 8.30.a.m.and above 65 percent at 5.30 p.m. Moderate relative

humidity is observed between October to January. Low relative humidity is observed in

summer season, mainly March to May months, about 40 to 54 percent and 21to 26

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percent at 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. respectively in Aurangabad district. The distribution

of humidity changes according to drainage pattern in the study region. The humidity

generally low over the uplands and areas existing far away from rivers and streams

courses. In high humidity areas, fast vegetation growth of plants takes place.

3.6.8. Soil: The main functions of the soils, from an agricultural point of view, are to

give mechanical support to plants and store and supply the required nutrients and water

for plant growth. These functions of the soils depend on its physical chemical and

biological characteristics. Among physical properties texture and structure are very

important which determine such characteristics of soil as water absorbing and retentive

capacity and movement of air and water. Chemical and biological properties determine

its fertility status.

Soil constitutes the physical base for any agricultural enterprise. Farming is a

business and good soil is part of the farmer’s stock in trade. Good soils are good to the

extent that man makes judicious use of them. Man gets nearly all of his food from the

soils, less than one percent of what he eats being fish. The top soil having an average

depth of about 15 to 20 cm. on the face of the land is the natural body of soil, on which

plants grow and farming activities flourish.

The standard of living of the people depending on agriculture is often determined by the

fertility and productivity of soils. According to the soil, scientist, soil means that part of

the earth’s crust, which has been changed as result of soil forming processes.

Geographical investigation of soils characteristics is of great significance to agricultural

geographers. Soil characteristics particularly the physical, help us to know about

distribution of crops and the selection soils for specific crops this may be called the

selective rather than the prohibitive influence of soils.

The soils of the district are derived from the Deccan Trap, which is the

predominant rock formation of the district. They are generally alkaline in reaction, clay

loam in texture and have fairly high content of calcium carbonate. The soils are fairly

well supplied with nitrogen, but are low in phosphate potash. Calcareous kankar occurs

at numerous places in the soils along the foot hills and nalas. The soils of the district

can be classified as-

1. Shallow Soils- (0” to 9”)

2. Medium Soils- (9” to 18”)

3. Deep Soils- (above 36”)

3.6.9. Natural Vegetation: Aurangabad district has limited area under forest. The

forests are scattered all over the district in small patches. They fall in the southern dry

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deciduous forest type. These forests have thorny shrubs with barren and rocky patches

scattered all over the region. Nearly the whole of the district is utilized for agriculture,

and the large spontaneous vegetation is mainly confined to the outer slopes of the hills

and to the deep ravines that forms the sources of the streams issuing from the highlands.

In the Ajantha and Gaotala, the ravines are well forested and the slopes of the hills that

are sheltered, as in the upper valley of the Sivna but more frequently the hills are steep,

rocky and almost devoid of vegetation on the whole, the forests in the study region are

of an inferior type, apta, khair, babul, bore, hiwar, sisam, etc. trees belongs to dry,

thorny forest are found all over the district. Chandan, palas, pimpal, wad, chinch, nimb,

mango, and these trees of dry deciduous types of forest are also found in the study

region. Woods obtained from the forest is mainly used for making agricultural

implements.

Forest plays vital role to keep the environmental balance and provides wood for

making form implements. Roots of the trees absorb much of the rain water and use it

slowly during dry season. They regulate the flow water and help in controlling the

floods. The cover of natural vegetation acts as rain-holder and a rain–banker. It plays an

important role in the prevention and control of soil erosion by water and wind. The

fallen leaves of trees provide humus to soil after their decomposition. In this way

natural vegetation helps in increasing the fertility of soils. out of total geographical area

of the study region, only 7.84 percent (979400 hect.) area was under forest in 1990-91

census, as against 8.07 percent (81415 hect.) in 2009-10 and 0.23 percent of increase

was recorded under forest area during the period of investigation, wherein, Maharashtra

area under forest was recorded 17.46 percent to total geographical area in the same

period. The percentage of forest area in the district is registered very less than the norms

set by the (22 percent) national forest Policy. Tahsil-wise distribution of forest is

marked uneven whereas, Soegaon (22.95 percent) ranks first in area under forest,

followed by Kannad (18.85 percent), Aurangabad (16.15 percent) and Kuldabad (4.0

percent) in the year 2009-10. Table 2.4 reveals that out of the total geographical area

below district average area under forest was found in Kuladabad (4.0 percent), Sillod

(2.6 percent), Paithan (1.08 percent), Gangapur (1.69 percent) and Vaijapur (1.91

percent) tahsils in 2009-10; where above district average forest area was registered in

Aurangabad, Kannad and Soegaon tahsils in the same period.

Both positive and negative changes under forest area in the district were marked

during the period of investigation. Negative change in forest area was noticed in five

tahsils such as, Aurangabad, (0.40 percent), Kuldabad (0.05 percent), Kannad (0.63

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percent), Paithan (0.04 percent), and Vaijapur (0.09 percent) tahsils since 1990-91 to

2009-10. While positive change in forest area was observed only three tahsils i.e.

Soegaon (3.15 percent), Sillod (0.76 percent) and Gangapur (1.54 percent) tahsils in the

same period.

3.7 TOURISM IN AURANGABAD DISTRICT:

3.7.a. Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are 31 rock-cut cave

monuments which date from the 2nd century BC. The caves include paintings and

sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art (which depict

the Jataka tales) as well as frescos which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri

Lanka.

3.7.b. Ellora Caves: Ellora is an archaeological site, 30 km (19 mi) built by

the Rashtrakuta rulers. Well known for its monumental caves, Ellora is a World

Heritage Site. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34

"caves", actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills,

being Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries, were built between

the 5th and 10th centuries.

3.7.c. Daulatabad Fort: Daulatabad, meaning "City of Prosperity", is a 14th-century

fort city in Maharashtra, about 16 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad. The place was

once as known as Deogiri. Starting in 1327, it famously remained the capital of Tughlaq

dynasty, under Muhammad bin Tughluq (r. 1325-1351), who also changed its name, and

forcibly moved the entire population of Delhi here for two years, before it was

abandoned due to lack of water.

3.7.d. Khuldabad: Khuldabad, also Kuldabad or Khultabad, is a city (municipal

council) and a Taluka of Aurangabad district. Initially it was known as Rauza, meaning

garden of paradise. It is known as the Valley of Saints, or the Abode of Eternity,

because in the 14th century, several Sufi saints chose to reside here. The dargah of Zar

Zari Zar Baksh, Shaikh Burhan ud-din Gharib Chisti and Shaikh Zain-ud-din

Shirazi along with the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and his trusted

general Qamar-ud-din Khan, Asaf Jah I the first Nizam of Hyderabad are located in this

town.

3.7.e. Grishneshwar: Grishneshwar, also known as Ghushmeshwar, is a

famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the

sacred abodes of Shiva. The temple is located eleven km from Daulatabad, near

Aurangabad] The temple is located near Ellora Caves.

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3.7.f. Jayakwadi Dam: The Jayakwadi project is one of the largest irrigation projects in

Maharashtra. It is a multipurpose project. Its water is used mainly to irrigate agricultural

land in the drought-prone Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It also provides water for

drinking and industrial usage to nearby towns and villages and to the municipalities and

industrial areas of Aurangabad and Jalna. The surrounding area of the dam has a garden

and a bird sanctuary.

3.7.g. Dnyneshwar Udyan: Dnyaneshwar Udyan is the largest garden in Maharashtra,

resembling the Vrindavan Gardens of Mysore, situated on the banks of Nathsagar Lake

which formed due to Jayakwadi Dam. It is located in the ancient town of Paithan, 40 km

south of Aurangabad. Out of the 125 hectares, orchids cover 26 hectares, 28 are laid out

as parks, and 15 hectares are beautified with floriculture.

3.7.h. Pitalkhora Caves: Pitalkhora in the Satamala range of the Sahyadri hills are of

great interest. There are thirteen caves, set high up on the hill, overlooking picturesque

ravines. Many of the caves have crumbled and are badly damaged. Because of its

remoteness, Pitalkhora has few visitors. The caves, which date back to the 2nd century

BC, are only 40 km away from the Ellora Caves at Aurangabad. One can see here many

unusual sculptures like Yaksa figures. The main gate has a wide terrace, with the naga

and guardians flanking the door, and a row of elephants decorate the complex. A stair

directly connects the entrance to the chaitya. A group of viharas, a chaitya hall, and two

smaller caves across the gorge with stupas make up the complex.

3.7.i. Gautala Sanctuary: Gautala Sanctuary is located 65 km from Aurangabad. It was

declared a protected area in 1986, has an area of over 250 km2, and is located at a height

of 700 feet. Spread in the hill ranges of Sahyadri, the diversified vegetation scattered

intermittently supports rich faunal and floral diversity. This habitat is particularly good

for sloth bears and resident and migratory birds. Other wildlife population includes

chinkara, bat, wild boar, jungle cat, monkey, civet cat, barking deer, fox, jackal, langur,

leopard, nilgai and wolf. Cranes, spoonbills, storks, ibis, pochards, peafowl, quail,

partridges, and various species of waders are some of the bird species found here.

3.7.j. Kaghzipura: A place situated near Daulatabad made the first handmade paper in

India after the technology was brought here by Mongol invaders. It is a landmark even

today. This paper has been used to print the Quran.

3.7.k. Mhaismal: Mhaismal is a small hill station in Aurangabad District of

Maharashtra. Located at an altitude of 1067 m, it is about 12 km from Khuldabad and

about 40 km from Aurangabad. Places of tourist interest are an ancient temple of

Girijamata, a beautiful lake and a 300 ft TV tower which can broadcast for a 150 km

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range. An exact copy of the Balaji Temple at Tirupati is located at the top of the hill

station. The hill station attracts visitors during monsoons when it is covered in greenery,

and it offers a fantastic view of the surrounding valleys.

3.7.l. Adrenaline the Adventure Camp: Sharnapur is a small village in Aurangabad

District of Maharashtra. Located at an altitude of 1067 m, it is about 12 km

from Khuldabad and about 10 km from Aurangabad. It offers all-terrain vehicles,

parasailing, tandem paramotoring, golf, and laser tag.

3.7.m. Bibi Ka Maqbara: Situated about 3 km from the city is Bibi Ka Maqbara, the

burial place of Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra,

and, due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan.

The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden

with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Behind the

mausoleum is a small archaeological museum.

3.7.n. Panchakki (water mill): Housed in the Dargah complex of Baba Shah Musafir,

this is a 17th-century water mill situated at a distance of 1 km from the city. An

intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water channel, which

traverses more than 8 km to its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates

in a mesmerising artificial waterfall that powers the mill. The beauty of the mosque

housed in the inner enclosure is enhanced by a series of 'dancing' water fountains.

3.7.o. Gates in Aurangabad: One of the things that make Aurangabad stand out from

the several other medieval cities in India are its 52 'gates', each of which have a local

history, or had individuals linked with them. Not many people are aware that

Aurangabad is also known as the 'City of Gates'.

3.7.p. Naukhanda palace: This was built by Malik Ambar in 1616 upon the summit of

a rising ground at Aurangabad. The massive portal gateway leading to this, over which

the Naubatkhana sounded, was called Barkal. The palace had nine apartments. The

interior buildings consisted of five zananas, a Divan i Aam, a Divan i Khas, a masjid

and a kacheri, each provided with a garden and a cistern.

3.7.q. Himayat Baugh Aurangabad: This is a 17th-century garden that now houses the

Fruit Research Station & Nursery, which is a part of the Marathwada Agricultural

University. It is located near Delhi Gate in the Rauza Bagh area of Aurangabad. It is a

sprawling complex spread over 300 acres (1.2 km2), it is naturally green, and in the

olden days it was known as the Mughal garden.

3.7.r. Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary: Salim Ali Sarovar (lake), popularly known

as Salim Ali Talab, is located near Delhi Gate, opposite Himayat Bagh, Aurangabad. It

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is located in the northern part of the city. During the Mughal period it was known as

Khiziri Talab. It was renamed after the great ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. It

also has a bird sanctuary and a garden maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal

Corporation.

3.7.s. Aurangabad Caves: Situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12

Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric

influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. They also

offer a panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara.

3.7.t. Quila-E-Ark: In 1692, Aurangzeb ordered a palace to be built and named it as the

Killa Arrak. The space enclosed by the Killa Arrak or citadel covered nearly the whole

ground between the Mecca and Delhi gates of the city. It had four or five gateways and

a nagarkhana for the musicians. The walls were battle-mented and loop-holed, and had

semi-circular towers at the angles, on which guns were once mounted. The inner portion

was occupied by recesses similar to those in the city walls.

3.7.u. Kali Masjid, Jama Masjid: Among the mosques, the Jumma Masjid and the

Kali Masjid, built by Malik Ambar, and the Shah Ganj mosque, are the most

conspicuous. Malik Ambar is said to have built seven mosques which go by the general

name of Kali Masjid. The Kali Masjid is in Juna Bazar area and was erected in 1600 A.

D. It is a six-pillared stone-building standing on a high plinth. The Jumma Masjid of

Malik Ambar is near the Killa Arrak. It has fifty polygonal pillars arranged in five rows,

connected by a system of arches, which divide the building into twenty-seven equal

compartments, each covered by a domical vault of simple but elegant design. There are

nine pointed arches in front. Of these, five were erected by Malik Ambar in 1612 A.D.

and the remaining four were added by Aurangzeb.

3.7.v. Shahganj Masjid: Occupying the great market square of Aurangabad is the large

Shah Ganj mosque, one of the finest edifices of its class to be found in any part of India.

It was built in about 1720 A.D. Khafi Khan, the author of Muntakhabu-1-Lubab,

referring to Sayyad Husain Khan’s viceroyalty of the Deccan (1714–1719) says "the

reservoir at Shah Ganj was begun by Sayyad Husain Ali, and although Aazu-d Daula

Iraz Khan enlarged and made higher the buildings and mosques, still Sayyad Husain Ali

was the originator of that extensive reservoir, which in summer when water is scarce,

relieves the sufferings of the inhabitants". The mosque is on a raised platform, and has

shops on three of the outer sides; while the fourth or the north side is open and is

ascended by a flight of steps. The facade represents an arcade of five scalloped arches,

constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, and supported on stone pillars. This portion

93

projects a little; and the interior contains twenty-four pillars, which with six pilasters in

the back wall, are arranged in the form of a square. The central portion is covered with a

graceful bulbous dome, having the base adorned with crisp crinkled lotus leaves tied in

a neat narrow band; and the apex bears an elegant spire. Arcaded monasteries called

Kham Khas form the east and the west wings, and consist of five arches on either side,

constructed like the arches of the main building, but of horizontal structure. The interior

is connected by horizontal arches; and the roof is formed of a series of little domes, each

supported on four pillars. There are minarets at the corners of the main building, and at

the end angels of the Kham Khas. The courtyard in front contains two large cisterns.

The entrance is in the form of a little mosque, with a pointed arch and two minarets.

3.7.w. Chowk Masjid: In 1655 was Chauk Masjid was built by Shayista Khan, the

maternal uncle of Aurangzeb. Its front has five pointed arches, and is two arches in

depth. These are connected with one another by eight pillars and corresponding

pilasters, and support five domes. The central dome, with a metallic spire is lofty, while

the others are concealed in the roof. The corners are decorated with minarets. The whole

structure has a high basement containing chambers used for shops, which open out on

the roadside. The gate has two minarets. There is a cistern in the courtyard in front of

the mosque.

3.7.x. Pir Ismail Mausoleum: Outside the Delhi gate along the Harsul road, in a

garden, is a mausoleum to Pir Ismail. Though principally in the Moghul style of

architecture, it shows some features common to Pathan architecture. It is said to have

been erected in memory of Pir Ismail, a tutor to Prince Aurangzeb. The garden also

contains several ruined cisterns and fountains. The gate is rather imposing and has a

large pointed archway, forming a sort of portico. The actual entrance is through a small

arch at the further extremity. The parapet is nearly ornamented, and so is the facade,

which has three small windows with pointed arches, beside recesses. Each corner of the

terrace has a little tower surmounted with a bulbous dome and a spire. The mausoleum

is square in plan, and has five pointed arches on each side and similar domed towers at

the corners. The interior is connected by a system of arches, corresponding with those

on the sides and carrying a series of little domes.

3.7.y. Sunehri Mahal: The Sunehri Mahal in Paharsingpura was erected by a

Bundelkhand chief who accompanied Aurangzeb into the Deccan. The building is in

stone and lime, and has a high plinth. It is said to have derived its name from the

paintings of gold which at one time decorated it.

94

3.8 References:

1. The New Encyclopedia Britannica, ed-15th, Vol. I, pp.166.

2. Sharam K.K. (2011), Intellectual’s Sandharbh Maharashtra, Intellectual Book

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3. www.ahmednagar district. Com.

4. Majid Husain, (2011), Geography of India, Tata McGraw Hill Education Private

Limited, New Delhi, pp.3.1.

5. www.ahmednagar district censes 2001.

6. District Statistic Department, Ahmednagar, 2010-11

7. Sapatarshi, P.G.(1993). Resource Appraisal And Planning Strategy For The

Drought Prone Areas –A Case Study Of The Karjat Tahsil, Dist-Ahmednagar

Maharashtra”, Unpublished P.hd Thesis Submitted To Savitribai Phule Pune

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8. Gazetteer of India, Maharashtra State, Ahmednagar District; 1976, pp.1

9. Chandana, R.C.(2004). Geography of Population. Kalyani Publication, P51.

10. Husain Majid (1999). Systematic Geography. Rawat publication. P427.

11. Husain, Majid.(1999). Systematic Geography. Rawat publication P 90-108.

12. Singh, Jasbir. Dhillon, S.S.(2005). Agricultural Geography. Second Edition Tata

McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi.

13. Singh, jasbir., Dhillon, S.S. (1984). Agricultural Geography. Tata Mcgra Delhi

P76.

14. Singh. (1974). An Agricultural Atlas of India A Geographical Analysis. Vishal

Publication Kurukshetra ,India.

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Publication Kurukshetra ,India.

16. Gunaji Nagesh (2011), Shri Sai Satcharita, Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi,

A.Nagar, pp.14.

17. Punya Nagari, (special issue on Ahmednager 1.8.2012), pp.12

18. Desai Bapurao (2010), Shane Shinganapur Sansthan, Sonai, pp.5

19. Shinde Babasaheb (2001), Shri Samartha Sadguru Kisangiri Baba Jeevan

Charitra, Newasa, Ahmednagar, pp.7

20. Deshukh Bhushan (2009), Nagar Pradakshina, Ganesh Printar, Ahmednagar,

pp.20

21. Mhaske Sunil (2009), Nagar Gaurav, Ahmednagar, pp.270

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