CHAPTER-IV

DISTRICT PROFILE:

'KOLHAPUR'

.. '

97

...

CONTENTS

4.1 Introduction 4.2 Historical Background 4.3 District Parameters 4.4 Soil 4.5 Weather 4.6 The Administrative Setup 4.7 Population 4.8 Density 4.9 Sex Ration 4.10 Literacy 4.11 Cropping Pattern 4.12 Occupational Structure 4.13 Land Utilisation Pattern 4.14 Operational Landholdings 4.15 Irrigation 4.16 Basic Amenities 4.17 Conclusion

98

99

4.1 Introduction:

4. 1. 1 The researcher has analysed the" socio-economic status of castes of

Scheduled Castes; a comparative study with special reference to Kolhapur

district. The researcher has selected 'Kolhapur' district for valid reason that,

the district has got distinguished historical background on social and economic I

point of view, which could be found rarely in other districts of 'Maharashtra'.

'Chchatrapati Shahu Maharaj' declared the reservation policy for the

backward castes for the first time in 1902. His highness established 'Miss

Clarke Hostel' in 1901 for the students of depressed castes and the in the year

1919, the state issued an order of 'Abolition of Untouchability'. For these

reasons and several other reasons, 'Kolhapur' district has been selected for the

study.

4.1.2 The researcher dealt with the socio-economic status of Scheduled

Castes with reference to Kolhapur District. But in order to justifY the research

study and to give the information about the district, the researcher has given

'District Profile' of Kolhapur in this chapter. The intention of the researcher is

to give a general information about the "district in relation to the Scheduled

Castes. The researcher has used "District Census Handbook (Kolhapur)-

1991" to draw the district profile. The district handbook of 2001 has not been

printed yet up to 2004-05" There was 'Socio-economic Review' of 2001,

which contains most of the time, 1991 figures. Hence the researcher has

followed 1991-district handbook. However, some figures of 1994-95 also

have been given in selective parts. Since the research is not based on 'District

100

Census Handbook-l 991", the information given here has not disturbed the

research design. The empirical ~analysis based on survey has been given on

. 200 I data. Therefore, the 'District Profile of Kolhapur' has been given just to

give an idea about the general setting of the district in the context of

Scheduled Castes.

4.1.3 Under 'District Profile: Kolhapur', the researcher has given the

detailed information about the district in the context of Scheduled Castes,

which has been collected through the 'District Census Handbook (Kolhapur)-

1991' . Following aspects have been discussed in this chapter-Historical

background, District Parameters, Administrative Set-up, Population, Density,

Sex. ratio, Literacy, Cropping Pattern, Occupation Structure, Land utilization

and Basic Amenities.

4.2 Historical Background

4.2.1 'Kolhapur' District is one of the oldest destinations in the country. It

derives its importance from its past political associations and its position as a

" great commercial, religious and educational centre. The revolutionary socio-

economic reforms to uplift the deprived castes began in 'Kolhapur' District,

which has been a landmark in the social history. According to Puranas, this

tract of the country was originally called 'kurvir' from the goddess

mahalakshmi. According to another legend, the name of "Kolhapur" was

derived from the story that, a demon 'Kole' was defeated and killed on a hill

in the vicinity of 'Kolhapur'. Fresh light has been thrown by the recent theory

101

put forward by Prof G. H. Khare, according to him, the name might have been

evolved by its geography. The original Kannada 'Kolla' or 'Golla' (river bed)

must be source as the 'Kolhapur' situated on the bank of river Panchaganga. 1

4.2.2 'Kolhapur' is one of the oldest cities in the country. 'Kolhapur' District

or State was well known in the history. The special feature of the district

remains still alive. It derives its jmportance from its past political associations

and its position as a great commercial, religious and educational centre. As a

religious centre, 'Kolhapur' derives its appellation of Kashi of the South from

the imposing ancient temple of Mahalaxmi. It is said to have been built by

king Kama Deva of Chalukya Kingdom around 550 A.D. to 660 A.D. and

embellished by the Silahara Rulers of 'Kolhapur' in the 9th Century, which

represents the best Hindu Architectural Model of its kind.

4.2.3 According to Puranas, this tract of the country was originally called

'Kurvir' from the goddess I Mahalaxmi wring her mace (kur) in lifting her

favoured retreat from the waters of the great deluge. According to another

legend, the name "Kolhapur" is derived from the story that a demon 'Kole'

was defeated and killed on a hill in the vicinity of 'Kolhapur'. Fresh light has

been thrown by the recent theory put forward by Prof G. H. Khare.

According to him, the-name might have been evolved by its geography. The

original Kannada word, 'Kolla' or 'Golla' (river bed) must be the source as the

'Kolhapur' is situated on the bank of river Panchaganga.

102

4.2.4 The History of 'Kolhapur' can be broadly divided into three periods,

early Hindu Period reaching about 1347 AD., Muslim Period from 1347 AD.

to 1700 AD. and Maratha· Period since 1700 AD. In the first period, around

500 AD. Kadambas must have been succeeded in ruling, whose capital was at

Palasika about 150 KI~S._ South-East of 'Kolhapur'. After the Kadambas, the

Kingdom was passed to the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Western Chalukyas,

'Kolhapur' Silahars and finally~ to the Yadavs of Devagiri. Soon after the

overthrow of the Yadavas by the Delhi Sultan in 1347 AD. , this area came

under the Bahamani Kings of the Deccan and after that the Kings of Bijapur.

The heroic conquests by Shivaji of various forts held by Adilshah of Bijapur

in the neighbourhood of 'Kolhapur' like Panhala and Vishalgad in 1659,

increased the commercial and also political importance of 'Kolhapur'. Shivaji

and Adilshah of Bijapllr _ have fought many wars at Vishalgad and Panhala.

After the death of Shivaji, Aurangazeb captured Panhala but he could not hold

it for a longtime because, the second son of Shivaji, Rajaram who had

succeeded, after the death of his elder brother 'Sambhaji', in taking up Panhala

Fort which was for many years, the virtual capital of 'Kolhapur' State. In

1782, the seat of Government was moved from Panhala to 'Kolhapur'. The '

accession of Rajarshi Shahu Chchtrapati to the foundation of a new modern r

era. His rule lasted within 38 years from 1884 to 1922. During his rule,

several socio-economic -reforms were introduced. The King touched all

essential aspects of social problems. He tried to introduce various

revolutionary policies in order..-to promote the deprived castes. His ruling I

period is stated as distinguished for the Scheduled Castes and Other Backward

103

Castes. Finally, in the year 1948, the 'Kolhapur' State was merged withthe

Indian Nation

4.2.5 'Kolhapur' District with its good rainfall and rich land, especially in the

valleys of Doodhaganga, Krishna, Vaarna and Panchaganga, was usually free ,

from famine except in 1876-77. The agricultural condition of 'Kolhapur' has

been impressive from very beginning and can be found same even in the

contemporary period. Industrial Sector was also developing and has reached at

a significant level. The Late Shahu Maharaj of 'Kolhapur' started a cotton

textile mill at 'Kolhapur'. Since then several power-loom factories were

established in the district. Concentration of such factories was took place in

'Ichalkaranji', one city of the district. The first Sugar factory was started in

1932 in 'Kolhapur'. The A~tomobile Workshop was established in 1912 at

'Kolhapur', which encouraged others to follow this trend. Printing Press,

Match Factories, Cement Processing Factories, Soap Industries etc. were

promoted in the historical period. This shows that, Industrial Sector had been

developed. This all in a aggregate manner derives that, the prosperity was

existed in 'Kolhapur' District or 'Kolhapur' State. That has continued even in

the recent time. Most famous industry, 'Footwear Industry' producing

"Kolhapuri chappals' , has got distinguished feature in this regard. Thus .,.

'Kolhapur' State has been enjoying prosperity in all aspects.2

4.2.6 The 'Kolhapur' state was the center of the movements of 'Depressed

Castes' . The 'Kolhapur' mo·vement took place in the erstwhile princely state of

lO4

'Kolhapur' in Maharashtra between 1895 to 1922 under the dynamic

leadership of its ruler, 'Shahu Maharaj' .'Kolhapur' always remained as an

important location of non-Brahmin movement. The 'Kolhapur' Movement'

had. three important dimensions, they were, one, the educational reforms

introduced by ShahuMaharaj, two, the 'Kolhapur' Non-Brahmin Movement

and three, the 'Kolhapur' Depressed Castes Movement. All of these had one

common goal, i.e. upgrade socially and economically, the backward castes.

The King introduced several socio-economic revolutionary reforms during his

rule. Some of which can be mentioned as, Free Primary Education(1917), Free

Tuition and Boarding & Lodging for Deprived Castes, New Jobs were offered

to the Scheduled Castes and other backward caste people, such many other

reforms were introduced. These reforms ultimately brought 'the 'Kolhapur'

Depressed Caste Movemen~'. 3

4.3 District Parameters4

4.3.1 Location: 'Kolhap·ur' District is situated in the extreme southern part of

Maharashtra State. It lies between 15 43' and 17 IT north latitude and 73

40' and 74 42' east longitu'"de. It is surrounded by four districts. Sangli

District to the north, Belgaum District of Karnataka State to the east and south

and· Ratnagiri and Sindhadurga Districts to the west. The Sahyadri ranges to

the west and Vaarna river to the North from the natural boundaries.

4.3.2 'Kolhapur' District has got an area of 7685 Sq. Kms., which is about

2.5 per cent of the total area of the Maharashtra State. The district has been

105 .,.

ranked as 24th in terms of area. The headquarter of the district is 'Kolhapur'. In

the present position, 'Kolhapur' is known as great commercial, religious,

cultural and educational centre. It is well connected by the road and Railway

network.

4.3.3 The district as a whole is a part of the Deccan lable land and slopes

towards the south-east. In general the physiography of the district may be .,.

grouped into three parts.

4.3.4 The Sahyadri Hills: These have spread in a north-south direction along

the western boundary of the district and height of between 800 to 1000

meters. Some peaks have heights of more than 1000 meters. The hills are

densely forested. An jnt~resting feature of the crestline of this region is the

existence of truncated valleys of the plateau streams. The upper reaches of

such valleys have been captured.,. by the Konkan streams so that, these form a

well marked gaps on the Sahyadrian rampart.

4.3.5 The Plateaux: These are situated to the east of the Sahyadri Hills. In

general they have a height of between 600 to 800 meters. Infact these are the

eastern slopes and offshoots of the Sahyadri Hills, which are dissected by

numerous streams and are partly covered with forests.

4.3.6 The River Valleys: A sl:lccession of river valleys draining the district

towards the east characterises the landscape of the district from the Vaarna

106

Valley in the north to the upper tributaries of the Ghatprabha in the south. This

area have fertile soils, they are well cultiva~ed.

4.3.7 The district has a well-developed drainage pattern. All the rivers of the

district originated from the Sahyadri ranges in the West and flows in general

to eastward direction through the district to the Bay of Bengal. The 'Krishna'

River flows only for a short distance through the district mainly in its eastern

boundary. The main rivers of the district from north to south are, 'Vaarna',

'Panchaganga', 'Doodhganga', 'Vedaganga' and 'Hiranyakeshi'. The

'Vaarna' river has a long course but a restricted basin. The 'Panchaganga', on

the other hand, commands a large drainage area through its main tributaries,

the 'Kasari', 'Kumbhi', 'Tulsi' and 'Bhogavati'. The sourthern rivers, the

Doodhaganga with its main tributaries, the Vedaganga and Hiranyakeshi, have I

long courses but smaller independent valleys. There is also an interesting

contrast in the direction of flow of the rivers of the district. The Vaama flows

from north-west to South-East, while the southern rivers flow from south-west

to north-east. This is probably due to the underlying geological structure and

the denudation sequence of the 'Krishna' River, which controls in a large

manner, the flow and erosive capacity of these rivers.

4.4 SoilS

4.4.1 The district can be devided into three broad soil zones. One, the

western zone of heavy rainfall is covered with laterite soils, two, the central

part with more or less assured rainfall is covered with fertile, well drained

107

brownish soils of neutral reaction, and three, the dry eastern zone with

precarious rainfall is covered with medium black soils of varying depths.

4.4.2 Lateral soil occurs mainly in the Western Hilly Tract of heavy rainfall.

On the hilltops which are not covered by forests. It is red to brownish red in

colour, mostly eroded and shallow. It is not tentative of moisture when

terraced, application of nitrogen and phosphorous are found quite useful. In

the Valleys, laterite soil is mixed with trap soils. The colour of which vary

from brown to black. The soil is fairly deep and retentive moisture.

4.4.3 Brown soil is found in the Central Zone. It is mainly derived from trap

and. is dark brown in colour with a reddish tint. It is rich and fertile with

excellent granular structure. Medium and deep black soils are found in the

Eastern Zone. It is derived from the trap and varies considerably in depth. On

an average, according to the District Census Handbook-1991, the soil of

'Kolhapur' District is found fertile.

4.4.4 Maharashtra Gazetteer (960) has given clear composition of soil of

'Kolhapur' District. ( See Table No.4. I) It explains the local names of the soils

and colour of the soils. Most important is , it has given depth of the soil.

According to which medil\m and deep Black soil, which is found in Eastern

Zone, is having maximum depth i.e. 5' 8" compared to other type of soils.

This zone also has been classified as 'Nit Erosion'. These details are given in

1960, over the years the situation might have been changed, but still not the

108

Table No.4. 1 Composition of Soil in 'Kolhapur' District

Particular Laterite Brown Medium & Deep Black

Local Names Tambad Halki Kaali Madhyam or Bhari Kaali

-Colour Red to Brownish Reddish Brown Gray to Deep Black

3' 3'5" 5' 8" Depth of"

Good Excellent Good Drainage

Undulating Undulating More or less flat Topography Nil

Nil Nil Erosion

Sand (per cent) 35-40 45-50 10-15 Salt (per cent) 25-30 20-25 30-40 Clay (Per cent) 25-35 20-25 35-50 Lime (Per cent) Nil 01-03 01-05

-(CaC03)

Nitrogen ( % ) 0.08 -0.10 0.05 - 0.08 0.06 -0.08 of"

Phosphoric Acid 0.0 - 5.00 10 - 15 15 -20 (%) 15 ..L 20 20-25 20-25

Potash (%)

Source: Maharashtra Gazzetter-'Kolhapur' DIStrict, Government ofMaharashtra Publication, 1960,p-221.

eastern zone soil is stated as fertile land., The Gazzetter also has given clear

chemical composition existed in the soils. Since the study does not deal with

this and also these are technical matters, the study only gives the idea of

of"

chemical composition , which includes Sand, Salt, Clay and Lime, Nitrogen,

Phosporic Acid etc. It is a fact that, over the years this composition might have

109

changed. The changed composition or new chemical composition of soils is

not available in the recent District Census Handbook. Probably, because this is

more scientific and teclinital matter. 6

4.5 Weather7

4.5.1 The weather of 'Kolhapur' District is generally temperate. On the

western part near the Sahyadri, it is always cooler than the eastern part, which

is liable to hot winds during April and May. The year in respect of 'Kolhapur'

District may be devided into three periods. Hot weather from March to May,

Rainy period from June to October an~ Cold weather from November to

February. The District gets rain from the south-west as well as from the north-

east monsoons. The amount of rainfall received decreases rapidly from the of"

west to east. The average annual rainfall within the district varies widely from

about 600 mm. in Shirol Tahsil in the East to 6000 mm. in Bavda Tahsil in the

west. Due to variations in rainfall from year to year and from place to place, it

is difficult to divide the district into rainfall zones. However three broad

divisions may be defined as,

4.5.2 First, the Western Zone receiving heavy and assured rainfall. Second, !

the Middle Zone receiving moderate but fairly regular rainfall. And Three, the I

Eastern Zone receiving low, irregular and uncertain rainfall. In winter

although day temperature remains higher than the monsoon season, the mean

minimum temperature is the lowest and it ranges from about 14 C to 16 C.

110

December and January are the coldest months of the year. There is rapid rise

in temperature in March, reaching the maximum in April, which exceeds 38 C . .,.

Otherwise, the weather remains convenient to the district. 8

4.6 The Administrative Set-up9

4.6.1 The administrative Setup of Maharashtra and the 'Kolhapur' District

was changed after 1981 Census. Two divisions and 4 districts were resulted

from that. The Konkan. Division includes 5 Districts, newly created Nashik

Division includes 5 districts, Pune Division-5 districts, Aurangabad Division-7

districts, newly created Amaravati-4 districts and Nagpur Division-5 districts.

Thus in 1991, the state has 30 districts spread over 6 divisions. 'Kolhapur'

district is a part of Pune Division. 'Kolhapur' District had gone under the

changing administrative setup. 53 villages of Bavda Tahsil of 'Kolhapur'

District were transferred to newly created Sindhudurg District in the form of a

new tahsil viz. Vaibhavvadi. Two villages from Chandgad tahsil of 'Kolhapur'

District were also transferred to Savantvadi Tahsil of Sindhudurg District.

Thus 'Kolhapur' District now has 12 tahsils and 1203 villages spread over

Karvir (128 Villages), Panhala (130 villages), Hatkanagale (60), Shirol (53),

I

Kagal (186), Gadhinglaj (95), Chandgad (145), Ajra (96), Bhudargad (108),

Radhanagari (121), Bavda (39) and Shahuwadi (142 villages).

4.6.2 For administrative purpose the district has been devided into three sub-

divisions named Karvir, Shahuwadi and Gadhinglaj, besides that, the district

includes 12 tahsils. The- District Collector along with the District Judge,

III

Superintendent of Police, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad and other

senior officers of the State Government look after the development and

regulatory functions in the district. At the tahsil level, the Tahsildar, Block

Development Officer, Judicial Magistrate, Deputy Engineers and other

officers look after their respective departments for the development and

regulatory function. Zilla parishad and Panchayat Samities have been

established in the district in the year 1962 under the Maharashtra Zilla

Parishad and Pachayat Samiti Act of 1962. The jurisdiction of the Zilla I ,

Parishad and the Panchayat Samities corresponds to the districts and tahsils

except the municipal towns.

4.6.3 The Zilla Parishad elects its President and Vice-President and

Chairman of its Committees from amongst the elected councilors. The term of

office of the councilors is five years. An officer in the senior scale of 'Indian

Administrative Service' (LA.S.) is deputed by the State Government as the

chief executive office to the Zilla Parishad., The Parishad is also assisted by

various departments and the heads of these departments are officers of Class I

and II category appointed by the State Government. At the Block level, the

Panchayat Sarnities have all elected Chairman and Vice-chairman. The Block

Development Officer works as Secretary to the Panchayat Samities. Thus the

Administrative setup the district is very similfU" to the other districts of

Maharashtra.

112

4.7 Population 10

4.7.1 According to the 1991 Census the total population of 'Kolhapur'

District was 2989507 'Comprising 1524732 males and 1464775 females. (See

Table No. 4.2) 'Kolhapur' district has shared 3.79 per cent of the state's

population. Out of the total popolation of the district, 2202505 persons (73 per I

cent) were residing in rural area and remaining 787002 (27 per cent) were in

urban area. The district had 1203 villages and among these, 1188 villages

were inhabited villages. The total rural population was distributed among

these inhabited villages of 12 tahsils of the district. In terms of rural

population, Hatkanangale tahsil was the largest tahsil (321275 persons),

followed by Karvir tahsil '(319888) and Shirol tahsil (253404 persons). Bavda

tahsil was weak, where the rural population was just 27781 persons. In case of

urban population, Karvir tahsil ~(738426) was much stronger than the other

urban tahsils, followed by Hatkanangale (576341 persons). There were five

tahsils, namely, Chandgad, Ajra, Bhudargad, Radhanagari and Bavda, where

the urban population does flot exists, since these tahsils have been classified as

rural tahsil.

4.7.2 According to the bistrict Census Handbook (1991 :30-33), there were

361029 persons of Scheduled Castes residing in the District, out of which

274524 (76 per cent) were living in the rural area. (See Table No. 4.3) 28 per I

cent of the total Scheduled Castes were residing in Karvir Tahsil alone, where

as Bhudargad(4 per cent) and Bavda tahsil (1.2) have lowest share. However,

among the rural tahsils, Radhanagari tahsils seems stronger to other. As many

Sr. No.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

I

Tahsil Persons

Karvir 738426

Panhala 206872

Hatkanagale 576341

Shirol 308087

Kagal - 213074 '\

Gadhinglaj 197600

Chandagad 159740

Ajra 106425

Bhudargad 127545

Table No.4,), Population strength:in Kolhapur District-(1991)

Total Population Total Rural Population

Male ' Female Persons Male Female

384935 353491 31988/\ 166489 153399

106149 100723 203904 104598 99306

301467 274874 321275 166914 154361 ,

159306 148781 253404 131406 , 121998

108194 10'4880 18495j 93805 91146

97836 99764 175214 I, 86234 88980

78117 81623 I 159740 78117 81623

49666 56759 106425

I

49666 56759

63003 64542 127545 63003 64542

Radhanagar I, 16,9039 I 85704 83335. 169039 85704 83335 i . ,

27781 14014 13767 27781 14014 13767 Bavda

153339 I ~ 158577 76341 82236 73638 Shahuwadi i

Kolhapur 2989507 1524732 1464775 2202505 1113588 1088917 District ,

.-

~16z:i5b7 Source: District Census Handbook-1991 :21-23

Total Urban Population

Persons Male Female

418~~18446 200092

2968 1551 1417 I ,

255066 134553< 120513

54683 27900 26783 ,

28123 14389 '13734 -

22386 1'1602 10784 {

0000 0000 0000

0000 0000 0000

0000 0000 0000

0000 0000 0000

" 0000 0000 0000

5238 2703 2535

787002 411144 375858

--V.l

Sr. No.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

114

'/

Table No.4.3 The Scheduled Castes Population in Kolhapur District-1991

~ --,.

Tahsil T otalJ> opulation Scheduled Castes Pop.

Rural Urban Total Rural Urban

Karvir 319888 418538 738426 50350 49436 (43) (57 ) (100) (51) (49)

Panhala 203904 2968 206872 25193 367 -(98) (02) (100) (98) ~ (02)

Hatkanagale 321275 255066 576341 38675 24872 (56) (44 ) (100) (60) (40)

Shirol 253404 54683 308087 38896 4631 - (82) (18) (100) (89) (11)

Kagal 184951 28123 213074 23548 3873 (86) (14) (100) (86) (14)

Gadhinglaj .\ 1 175241' 22386 197600 18252 2381 I

I

(88) ,. (12) (100) (88) (12) Chandagad 159740 00000 159740 17319 0000

(100), (00) (100) (100) (00) Ajra 106425 00000 106425 8913 0000

(100) (00) (100) (100) (00) Bhudargad 127545 00000 127545 12690 0000

(100) (0,0) (100) (100) (00) Radhanagari 169069 00000 169039 17920 0000

(100) (00) (100) (100) (00) Bavda 27781 00000 27781 3994 0000

(100) (00) (100) (100) (00) Shahuwadi 153~39 5238 158577 18048 945

, (96) (04) (100) (95) (05)

Kolhapur 2202505 787002 2989507 274524 86505 District (73) ,-(27) "{lOO) (76) (24)

, i

Source: Compiledfrom the District CensusHandbook-1991,pp-30-33. Note: 1. Figures given in "'the brackets indicates per cent to the total.

2. Some figures, are rounded up to two decimals.

Total

99786 (100),

26280 (100)

53547 (100)

43527 (160) 27421 (100) 20639

'\100) 17319 (100) 89.13 (100)

12690 (100) 17920

(100) 3994

(100) 18993 (100)

361029 (100)

3. The Total Scheduled Castes Population of 'Hatkanangale Tahsil 'given in the District Census Handbook-1991 is 83547. But the Study found after the calculation, that, the figure should have been as 53547. Same figure has been included in above Table.

"

115

as 42 Scheduled Castes were recorded in the district. Some major Scheduled ,

Castes were, 'Mahar', 'Mang' ,'Dhor', 'Chambhar', 'Bhang' etc. Among

these, 'Mahar' alone constitutes 60 per cent of the total Scheduled Castes.

Among the Tahsils, Karvir tahsil (99786) was dominant and Bavda (3994) was

weak. The second ancfthird place was taken by Hatkanangale ( 53547) and

Shirol (43527) respectively. All the rural tahsils have lower Scheduled Castes

population strength. Among the classified rural tahsils, again Karvir tahsil was

dominant (50350) and Bavda was weak (3994), but here Shiro tahsil takes .,.

second place (38896), where as Hatkanangale comes on third. (38675) In

urban tahsils, highest strength of Scheduled Castes population was found in

Karvir (49436) and lowest in Shahuwadi (945) Hatkanangale tahsils (24872)

takes second place in the district.

4.7.3 In the District,_ th.e percentage of Scheduled Castes Population to the

total population was 13. The urban percentage was 11 and rural was 13 per

cent. Among the tahsils. (See Table NoAA) In four tahsils, namely Karvir,

Hatkanangale, Shirol and 'Bavda , the percentage of Scheduled Castes

Population to the total popUlation was 14. The lowest representation was in

Ajra tahsil (8 Per cent). Among the rural areas, Karvir tahsil was dominant (16

per cent) and again Ajra (8 per cent) was weak. Shirol (15 per cent) and Bavda

(14 per cent) tahsils also seems good. In urban area, Karvir (12 per cent) and

Panhala (12 per cent) se~m higher, where as Shirol tahsil (8 per cent) seems

weak. As a whole, this can be stated that, in most of the tahsils the per centage

of Scheduled Castes popUlation total population was more than 10 per cent.

Table No.4.4 Per centage of Scheduled Castes Population in Kolhapur District-l 991

Sr. No Tahsil - Rural Urban Total

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

-Karvir 16 12 14

\

Panhala ·13 12 , 13 ,

I

Hatkanangale "1:-09 10 14

Shirol I 15 08 14

Kagal 13 14 13

Gadhinglaj 10 12 10

Chandgad 11 00 11

Ajra 08 00 08

Bhudargad 10 00 10

Radhanagari 11 00 11 -

Bavda 14 00 14

Shahuwadi 12 18 12 I

District Total I

13 11 , 13

Source: Compiled from the DIstnct Census Handbook -1991, pp.30-33 Note: 1.. Some figures are rounded up to two decimals.

2 .. The Total Scheduled Castes Population of'Hatkanangale Tahsil 'given in the District Census Handbook-1991 is 83547. But the Study found after the calculation, that, the figure should have been as 53547. Same figure has been included in above Table.

116

117

4.8 Density

4.8.1 The District Census Handbook (1991:25) defines the density of

population as, 'the population per square kilometer'. The overall density of the ,

population in 'Kolhapur' district was 389 persons per square Kilometer, which

was higher than state figure of 257. (See Table No. 4.5) In case of urban

density, it was 5619, which was again higher than state figure of 4904 persons

per square Kilometer. The rural density in the district was just 292. Among the

tahsils, Karvir tahsils . has higher, density (1102) followed by

Hatkanangale(938) and Shirol (612). In case rural density, Hatkanangale

tahsils(568) seems to be dominant to other tahsils, followed by Karvir (531)

and Shirol (516) The lowest rural density was found in Bavda tahsil(98). All

the rural tahsils have got lower rural density rate. Urban density of population

was higher in Karvir (6225) and lower in Panhala (1878). Overall picture

explains that, the density in 'urban area was higher and in rural area lower.

4.8.2 The density of the Scheduled Castes population in 'Kolhapur' district

was just 47 persons per square Kilometer, which was very much lower than

general density of the district (389). (See Table No.4.5) In case of urban .. density, it was 618, which was again very much lower than district figure of

56199 persons per square Kilometer. The rural density of Scheduled Castes in

the district was just 37. Among the tahsils, Karvir tahsils has higher density

(149) followed by Hatkammgale(87) and Shirol (86), the lowest was found in

Bavda tahsil (14). In case rural density, Karvir tahsils(83) seemed to be

dominant to other tahsiJs, ,followed by shiiol (79) and Hatkanangale (68) The

Table No. 4.5 Population Density in Kolhapur District-1991

Sr. Tahsil Total Population Scheduled Castes Population No.

(1) (2) Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total , , , , ,

l. Karvir 53.1 6225 1102 83 737 149· - -2. - Panhala 360 1878 364 44 272 46 3. Hatkanangale 568 - 5280 .'. 938 68 518 .\ 87 4. ShiraI 516 4714 612 79 420 86 5. Kagal 342 3874 389 43 530 50 6. Gadhinglaj 367 6623 411 38 704 43 7. Chandgad 168 000 168 18 000 18 8. Ajra 194 000 194 16 000 16 9. Bhudargad 198 000 198 19 000 19 10. Radhanagari 189 000 189 20 000 20 11. Bavda 98 000 98 14 000 14 12. Shahuwadi 147 7377 152 17 402 18

District Total 292 5619 389 37 618 47 ~ -

L......_ -.~-~--~- -~----~

Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991:pp: 10-11 & 30-33 --00

119

lowest rural density was found in Bavda tahsil (14). All the rural tahsils hc,ve

got lower rural density rate. Urban density of population was higher in Karvir

(734) and lower in Panhala (272). Overall picture explains that, the density in

urban area was much higher and in rural area lower. The tahsils, which were

going through the urbanisation and industrialisation process, there the density, .,..

was higher as in Karvir and Hatkanangale tahsil.

4.9 Sex-ratio12

4.9. 1 Sex-ration is defined as the number of females per one thousand rna les

in the population. According to Census of 1991, in 'Kolhapur' district, there

were 961 females fo~ ~very thousand "males. This was higher than state

average (934). 'Kolhapur' district occupies seventh place in the state. The sex

ration varies between 1143 in 4jra tahsil ana 912 in Hatkanangale tahsil. It

must be pointed out that, the tahsils located in' the western part of the district,

have higher (rate of sex ratio. Except Shirol tahsil, generally rural areas have

higher sex ·ration than the urban area. Sex ratio in five tahsils was higher may

be due to the migration of males for better employment opportunities. In ru ral

areas among twelve tahsils, Ajra recorded the highest sex ratio (1143) and

Karvir the lowest(921 ). . In the urban areas, highest sex ratio was found in

Shirol tahsil(960) and the lowest was in Panhala (914). Compared to the state

ratio, the sex ratio in the district seems to be better.

4.9.2 According to Census of 1991, in 'Kolhapur' district, there were 962

Scheduled Castes females for every thousand males of Scheduled Castes. This

Table No.4. 6 Sex-Ratio in Kolhaptir District-199l

, ~ -

Total Population Scheduled Castes Population Sr. No Tahsil

Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total

1. Karvir 921 916 918 930 954 942 2. Panhala 949 914 949 960 902 959 3. Hatkanangale 925 896 912 929 929 929 4. Shirol 928 960 934 937 988 942 5. ' Kagal , 972 954 , 969 958 951 ' 957 6. . Gadhinglaj 1032/ 929 1020 ~ . 1017 937 '1007 '7. Chandgad 1045/ 000 _ 1045 / 1038 - 000 1038 _

8. Ajra 1143 . 000 1143 1096 000 1096 9. Bhudargad 1026 /

/

" 000 1026 . 1004 OflO 1004 10. Radhanagari 972 000 972 982 000 982 11. Bavda 982 000 982 1004 000 1004 12. Shahuwadi 1082 " 938 1077 - 1050 973 1046

District Total 978 914 961 966 948 962

- --- - ---_ .. _--- -------------

Source: Compiled from District Census Handbook (Kolhapur)-1991: 26-31

-tv o

121

was higher than the district, average (961) and state average (934). The sex

ration varies between 1096 in Ajra tahsil and 929 in Hatkanangale tahsil.(See

Table No.4.6) It must be pointed out that, the tahsils located in the western

part of the district, have higher rate of sex ratio. Except Shirol(937) and

Hatkanagale tahsil(929), generally rural areas have higher sex ration than the

urban area. Sex ratio ip. ~ix tahsils was higher may be due to the migration of

males for better employment opportunities. In rural areas among twelve

tahsils, Ajra recorded the highest sex ratio (1096) and Hatkanangale the lowest

(929). Radhanagari (982) and Bavda (1004) tahsils also seems to be good. In

the urban areas, highest sex ratio was found in Shirol tahsil(988) and the

lowest was in Panhala (902). Compared to the state ratio and the district ratio,

the sex ratio among the Scheduled Castes was found to be better in

'Kolhapur' District. (See Table No.4.6)

4.10 Literacy 13

4.10.1 It may be noted that,~ in 'Kolhapur' District 54.34 per cent of

Scheduled Castes were fou~d to be literate, which was significantly less than

the general literacy rate of the District (66.97 per cent). (See Table No.4. 7).

Among the tahsils, Hatkanagale (58.75 per cent) and Kagal (58 Per cent) were

comparatively better. The lowest literacy rate was found in Chand gad tahsil

(38 per cent). In case ofliteracy, all the urban tahsils seems to be comfortable

than rural tahsils. Particularly, Panhala tahsil (80 per cent) was more

dominant to all other tahsils.

--122

Table No. 4.7 Literacy Rates of Scheduled Castes in Kolhapur District -1991

-

Sr. Total Literacy rate SCs' Literacy rate No. Tahsil TIR

/U Persons Males Females Persons Males Females

1. Karvir T 75.23 ./ 85.90 ,. 63.63 54.27 61.49 46.59 R 65.07-- 79.89 48.97 57.21 74.20 38.78 U 82.81 90.39 74.59 51.27 48.26 54.39

,

2. Panhala T 61.66 77.69 44.83 53.24 69.96 35.88 R 61.2i 77.40 44.30 52.84 69.65 35.40 U 89.46 97.08 81.30 80.56 90.91 69.48

, 3. Hatkanagale T 70.33 ./ 82.23 .- 57.23 58.75 73.63 42.67

R .67.32 80.65 52.93 58.28 73.72 71.56 U 74.15 84.21 62.83 59.90 73.41 45.33

4. Shirol T 71.49 / 83.65 - 58.51 57.58 72.76 41.50 R 70.72 83.33 57.18 56.94 72.48 40.34 U 75.00 85.18 64.49 62.93 75.22 50.83

-5. Kagal T 67.36 79.59 54.88 58.70 74.17 42.54

R 65.62 78.23 52.77 57.37 73.81 40.29 U 78.74 88.12 68.88 66.70 76.32 56.33

-6. Gadhinglaj T 61.29-- 75.46 47.57 48.46 65.95 31.21

R 58.99 73.63 45.00 45.97 63.79 28.68 U 19.03 88.77 68.55 67.35 81.23 51.82

7. Chandagad T 52.24 67.63 37.70 38.94 55.60 23.04 R 52.24 67.63 37.70 38.94 55.60 23.04 U 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00

8. Ajra T ·58.49 75.43 44.08 47.82 66.19 31.50 R 58.49 75.43 44.08 47.82 66.19 31.50 U 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00

9. Bhudargad T 63.13 79.68 47.19 54.07 72.21 36.22 R 96.13 79.68 47.19 54.07 72.21 36.22 U 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00

10. Radhanagari T 60.88 77.61 43.12 53.05 72.02 33.57 R 60.88 77.61 43.12 53.05 72.02 33.57 U 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00

~

11. Bavda T ~5.50 62.09 28.63 41.11 59.31 23.17 R 45.50 62.09 28.63 41.11 59.31 23~17 U 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00

of'

12. . Shahuwadi T 53.54 71.01 37.76 51.05 68.45 34.97 R 52.47 70.17 36.56 50.09 67.60 33.96 U 83.84 92.78 74.40 69.94 84.28 55.56

Total T 66.94 80.33 53.08 54.34 68.23 39.94 District R 62.47 77.47 47.25 53.91 70.74 -- 33.96

U 79.31 87.97 69.84 55.83 59.70 ~ 51.76

Source: ComplIed form Dlstnct Census Handbook-1991 (Kolhapur) pp.33-35

123

4.10.2 In terms of Gender, males (68 per cent) were betterthan females (40

per cent). In case of rural area, the position offemale literacy was further weak

(36 per cent) than the male literacy (70 per cent). As a whole, surprisingly

rural male literacy (70 per cent) was better than urban male literacy (60 per

cent). The position of feIl).ale literacy in rural area was much weaker than

urban females (54 per cent). Among the Among the tahsils, Kagal tahsil (74

per cent) was dominant in case of total q1ale literacy and Karvir tahsil (46per

cent) was dominant in case of total female female literacy. As against

Chandgad was lowest in total male (55 per cent) and female literacy (23 per .,.

cent). The male literacy was better in rural area than in urban area, where as in I

case of female literacy urban area was found to be better than the rural area.

4.11 Cropping Pattern 14 .

4. 11. I The general cropping pattern in the District was more or less similar to

the cropping of pattern of Maharashtra State. The total gross land available for

cultivation was 382000 Hects. Out of this, 61 per cent was under the

foodgrains, whereas 39 per cent of the gross area was under the Non-of"

foodgrains. (See table No.4.? & 4.9) Within foodgrains, 85.5 per cent and 14.5

per cent of the total gross land was under cereals and pulses respectively. The

district neglects the pulses. Among the cereals, majority of the total gross area

was under Rice (43.5 per cent), followed by Jowar (20 per cent), Ragi (l2.5

per cent), Wheat (5 per cent). It can be stated that, the major crops of the

district were Rice and Jowar. Rice was' main crop in the valleys or in the

western zone of the district, where as the jowar was the main crop in the

124

Table NoA.8 Cropping Pattern in Kolhapur District: Foodgrains-1992-93.

~ ,

Sr. Crop Gross Area Output Yield Per Hect. No. under Crop (Kgs.) (Kgs.)

(Hects.) -

1. Rice 1018 2524 2479 (43.5) (63)

2. Wheat -- 114 185 1623

I (05.0) (04.6)

3. Jowar 467 679 1454 (20) (17) -

4. Bajri I 001 001 266 (0.04) (0.025)

5. Ragi 290 361 1246 (12.5) (09)

6. Maize 46 73 1587 (02) (1.8)

-

7. Other Cereals 58 47 810 (02.5) (1.22)

Total Cereals 1994 3870 1941 -- (85.5) (96.75) I

8. Gram 113 70 620 (04.5) (1.75)

,-

9. Tur 47 21 447 I (02) (0.5)

10. Other Pulses 181 39 215 (08) (01)

Total Pulses 341 no (14.5) (03.25) 381

Total Foodgrains 2335 4000 1713 (100) (100)

Source: Cornpiledfro~ Statistical Abstract ofMaharashtra-1992-93. P:402-407. Note: 1. Units of measurement: Area in '00' Hectares,

Output in '00' tonnes 2. Figures given in bracket indicates the per cent to the total.

3. In case of Yield per Heet., giving per cent figUre is practically impossible.

125

central part of the district. PoIses were neglected in all parts of the district. In

terms of total output, Ric~ along shares 63 per cent (252400 tonnes) of the

total foodgrains, jowar comes second with 17 per cent (67900 tonnes) . Other

crops have negligible share in the total ou~put. Total cereals shares about 96.75

per cent of the total foodgrains, which was very huge. As. against, the pulses

have share of just 3.25 per cent (13000 Tonnes) in the total output, which was

very much negligible. In term~ of yield per hectare, Rice was impressive

(2479 Kgs. per Hect.) in the district. Wheat (1623 Kgs.lHect.) and Iowar

(1454 Kgs.lHect.) comes next. The lowest yield was found in Bajri crop (266

Kgs.lHect.). In general it can be state that, Rice and Iowar were the important

crops of the district .

4.11.2 Non-foodgrains has been also an important part of the districts

cropping patter. (See table No.4. 9) Significant level of gross area was under

the non-foodgrains.(39 per cent) , which explains that, the district was on the ,

edge of changing cropping pattern. The total gross area under foodgrains was

about 148500 Hects. Out of which, Groundnut crop covers 47 per cent (70600

Hects.) , followed by sugarcane (45 per cent or 66600 Hects.) Other crops

were insignificant. Hence it can be stated that, among the non-foodgrains,

Groundnut and Sugarcane cropS were the major crops in the district. These

crops were grown mostly in the central part of the district. However,

sugarcane has also been grown in the West part of the district.

126

Table No.4.9 Cropping Pattern in Kolhapur District: Non-Foodgrains-1992-93.

-

Sr. No. Gross Area Output Yield Per Hect. Crop under Crop (Kgs.) (Kgs.)

(Heets.) ,

.,. - -

1. Sugarcane . 666 62138 93300 (45)

2. Chilies .,. 65 22 338 (04.7)

. 3. Cotton 02 1 70

(0.3)

4. Groundnut 706 944 1337 (47) ...

5. Tobacco- 46 45 978 (03)

Total 1485 of" (100) -

Source: CompIled from Statistical Abstract of Maharashtra-l 992-93. P:407-416

Note:!' Units of measurement: -Area in '00' Hectares, Qutput in '00' tonnes

Yield: per hectare in Kgs., Sugarcane Output in Hundred Metric Tonnes. Cotton Output in Lint. (each contains 170 Kgs.)

2.Figures given in bracket indicates the per cent to the total. 3. In case of Outpu and Yield per Hect., giving per cent figure is

practically impossible since the units of measurement are different from one another. Also the total of 4th and 5th column is not given.

I":' (-

127

4.12 Occupational Structure 15

4.12.1 The District Census Handbook-'Kolhapur' (1991:36-41) has explained

the general occupational structure existed in the district. The Census has

classified all the workers into ten categories. (See Table No.4.10 & 4.11).

These all were named as.economic activities. The economic activity of the

district was primarily dependent on agriculture, which includes cultivators ( 46

per cent of the total workers) and agricultural labourers (17 per cent). As a

whole 63 per cent of the main workers of the district were engaged in primary

sector, which higher than state average (59.62 per cent). The ratio between

cultivators and agricultural labourers in the district was 10:4, which differs ,

from the state average of 10:8. Very small fraction of the workers (1.61 per

cent) was engaged in the allied activities related to agriculture, as in livestock,

forestry, fishing, plantation· etc. It means together, 64.61 per cent of the total

workers were engaged in agriculture and related activities. Remaining workers

(35.39 per cent) were engaged in non-agricultural workers. Among them, the

major categories are, Manufacturing (Non-household) (12.30 per cent), Trade

and Commerce (7.48 per cent) and other services (8.45 per cent). Mining and

Quarrying (0.23 per cent), Constructions (2,28 per cent) and Transport (2.54

per cent) have lower share in the total workers.

4.12.2 Tahsil-wise analysIs explains that, the proportion of both the

cultivaters and agricultural labourers differs from tahsil to tahsil. It varies

between 72 per cent i~ ~jra and 23 per cent in Hatkanangale tahsil. Similarly

the proportion of agricultural labourers varies between 33_ per cent in Shirol

Table No.4. 10 General Occupational Pattern in Kolhapur District -1991

Sr. Tahsil Cultiva- Agricu- Other Mini- Manu- Manu- Const- Trade & Trans- Other Total No. tors ltural Allied ng & facturing factu-ring ructio- Com- port Servi- Main

Labo- Activi- Qua- (House- (Non- ns merce ces Workers urers ties rrying hold) House-

hold) (1) (2) (3) (4) ( 5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13)

I I ,

1. . Karvir 67382 32212 . 4510 724 5724 39792 ·12663 ·38733 14925 39398 256063· 2. Piinhala - 50525 14171 1846 144 2143 -5631 1076 4120 1316 - 5752 86824 3. Hatkaijangale il-5804 35078 2537 604 ., 5909 , 65170 4794 18680 $128 )5763 199467 4. Shirol 38225 37511 1571 404 1860 14107 1994 7160 2199 8943 113982 5. Kagal 58137 15186 1611 158 2198 5586 858 3707 1184 5783 94408 6. Gadhinglaj 45390 14867 2524 148 1786 3820 1021 4604 1326 5956 81442 7. Chandgad 54138 10661 960 87 887 ,2422 1008 2153 543 3493, 76352 8. Ajra 34314 5260 415 85 941 1095 416 1860 625 2606 47617 9. Bhudargad 40248 7248 775 177 1245 1448 696 2008 815 3554 58214 10. Radhanagari 50181 12715 945 77 1751 3049 1311 2232 786 4013 77069 11. Bavda 9496 3047 106 22 119 323 69 282 99 598 14161 12. Shahuwadi 43162 10865 999 68 1098 1380 745 1933 788 3098 64136

District Total 537002 198821 18808 2698 25761 143823 26651 87480 29734 98957 1169735

Source: Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991: P:41 Note: 1. Allied Activities includes Live Stock, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, Plantations and others.

Note: 2. Manufacturing(Household) includes Processing, Servicing and repairs in household industry. Note:3. Manufacturing(Non-household) includes Processing, Servicing and repairs in other than household industry. -N

00

129

and. 11 per cent in Ajra tahsil. Such wide variations within the district were

due to the differences in th~ fertility of the soils and the resultant cropping and

landholding patterns. Since Karvir and Hatkanangale tahsils were the most

urbanised and industrialised tahsils in the district, only 39.76 per cent and

41.27 per cent of the -toial workers were engaged in agriculture and related

activities respectively. On the other hand, Ajra, Chandgad and Bhudargad .,.

were away from the urbanisation and industrialisation, hence dependency over

agriculture was higher (83.75, 85.26 and 82.33 per cent respectively). Among

the rural tahsils, the dependency was much higher than in the urban tahsils.

The highest dependency rate can be found in Bavda (88.75 per cent of the total

workers), where hardly any scope exists for non-agricultural work.

4.12.3 In case of Non-agricultural workers, the difference varIes between

60.24 per cent in Karvir and 11.25 per cent in Bavda tahsil. Among these

classified works, Karvir tahsil was much dominant over all the tahsils . regarding all types of works of non-agricultural works. Some major categories

of Karvir tahsil were, Manufacturing (Non-household) (15.54 per cent), Trade

and Commerce (15.13 per cent) and other services (15.38 per cent). In Bavda

tahsil insignificant number of workers were engaged in these classified

categories. Surprisingly, in Hatkanangale tahsil, Manufacturing (Non-

household) was stronger than in any other tahsil (32.67 per cent). No one

tahsil was seriously involved with the allied activities, However Gadhinglaj

(3. 10 per cent of the total wQrkers) seems to be little dominant over other

Sr. Tahsil No.

(1) (2)

1. Karvir 2. Panhala 3. Hatkanangale 4. Shirol 5. Kagal 6. Gadhinglaj 7. Chandgad 8. Ajra 9. Bhudargad 10. Radhanagari 11. Bavda 12. Shahuwadi

District Total

~

Cultiva-tors

(3)

26 -- 58

23, ~

33 61 55 70 72 69 65 67 67

46

Agricul-tural Labo-urers

(4) I

12 16 17 33 16 18 14 11 12 16 21 17

17

~~-- .. -

Table No.4. 11 General Occupational Pattern in Kolhapur District-1991

(in per cent)

Other Mining Manufa Manufa- Constr-Allied & -cturing cturing uctions Activiti- Quarr- (House- (Non-es ying hold) Household)

(5) (6) (7) (8) (9) I

1.76 0.28 2.24 15.54 4.95 -2.13 0.17 2.58 - 6.49 1.24 1.27 0.30 2.96 , ~32.67 2.40 1.38 0.35 1.63 12.38 1.75 1.71 0.17 2.33 5.92 0.91 3.10 0.18 2.19 4.69 1.25

. 1.26 0.11 1.16 3.17 1.32 0.87 0.18 1.98 2.30 0.87 1.33 0.30 2.14 2.49 1.20 1.24 0.10 2.27 3.69 1.70 0.75 0.16 0.84 2.28 0.49 1.56 0.11 1.71 2.15 1.16

1.61 0.23 2.20 12.30 2.28

Trade & Comme-rce

(10)

15.13 4.75 9.36 6.29 3.93 5.65 2.82 3.91 3.45 2.90 1.99 3.01

7.48

-- --------- ----- --- ~-.-- ------------ ~~

Source: Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991: P:41

Transport

(11)

5.83 -1.52 -2.57 1.93 1.25 1.63 0.71 1.31 1.40 1.02 0.70 1.23

2.54

Note: 1. Allied Activities includes Live Stock, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, Plantations and others.

Other Services

(12)

15.38 6.61

'. ~7.92 7.84 6.11 7.33 4.58 5.47 6.10 5.20 4.21 4.83

8.45

Note: 2. Manufacturing(Household) includes Processing, Servicing and repairs in household industry. Note:3. Manufacturing(Non;.household) includes ProceSSing, Servicing and repairs in other than householdindustry.

Note: 4. Some figures are rounded upto two decimals.

Total Main Workers

(13) I

.. 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

100

-w o

131

tahsils. Hence finally it can be stated that, the general occupational structure or-

among the tahsils was more or less similar to the district structure . .

4.13 Land Utilisation Pattern 16

4.13.1 The total area of the district was about 769456 Hects., out of which

427760 Hects. (58 per cent of the total area) was available as net area for

cultivation. From the total net area, about 133633 Hects. (17 per cent of the

total net area) was under forest. Culturable Wasteland and Area used for Non-

agricultural purposes has covered 14 and 11 per cent of the district's total net

area respectively. Together,. about 334689 Hects. (42 per cent) land of the

district was not available· for the cultivation, which was significantly higher.

[See Table No.4. 12(a) and 4.12 (b)]

4.13.2 Among the tahsils, Gadhinglaj tahsils was dominant to other tahsils,

where 85 per cent of its total area was available for the cultivation. As against

this, only 28 per cent was available in Bavda tahsil. Hatkanangale (76.6 per

cent), Shirol (76.4), Karvir (73.6 per cent) and Kagal tahsil (78.5 per cent) .,.

have significant size of net. cultivable area. All the rural tahsils have lower

availability of net cultivable area. It must be pointed out that, all the tahsils,

which are classified as urban tahsils, have higher net area available for

cultivation.

4.13.3 The total area ~n?er forests in 'Kolhapur' district was about 133633

Hects., which 17 per cent of the total area of the district. Among the twelve

Table No. 4.12 (a)

Sr. Total No. Tahsil Area

(11 (2) (3) , ,

1. Karvir 60159 2. - Panhala 5701-8 . -3. Hatkanangale 5739

" 4. \ Shirol 47884 5. Kagal 53348 6. Gadhinglaj 47702 7. Chandgad 95569 8. Ajra 55097 9. Bhudargad 66059 10. ltadhanagari 88575 11. Bavda 27950 12. Shahuwadi 106736

District Total 769456

Land Utilisation Pattern in Kolhapur District-1991 (Figures are in Hectors)

Forest Culturable Area use Total Area not Area Waste land for Non-Agri. available for

purpose Cultivation (3+4+5)

(4) (5) (6) (7) ,

973 8226 6711 15910 11038 8672 5375 25385 -- -000 6891 6558 13449 000 7306 4125 11431 -\

1566 6262 3632 11460 1632 1797 3565 6994 21714 9090 17180 47984 14512 4653 4500 23665 21208 7938 6034 38180 22091 18136 13201 53428 10554 7707 2078 20339 25345 28455 13674 67474

133633 108029 86699 334689

Net Area available for Cultivation

(8)

, 44249 31633 43910 36456 41888 40708 47585 31432 27879 35147 7611 39262

427760

Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991: P:33-233 Note: 1. Figures are rounded up to two decimals.

%of Cultivable to total area.

(9)

, 73 55 75 76 78 85 50 -57 42 -33--

27 -36

55 -

Note: 2. The figures about 'Total Area, on page No. 51 are different than the figures given in Village Directory(page 33-233). The study considers Village Directory figures, because it matches with other tabels. .....

w tv

Sr. No.

(1)

1. -2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

-- ~ ... - .. --

Tahsil

(2)

Karvir -Panhala HKtkanangale Shiro! Kagal Gadhing!aj Chandgad Ajra Bhudargad Radhanagari Bavda Shahuwadi

District Total

Table No.4.l2 (b) Percentage Classification of Land Utilisation Pattern in Kolhapur District-1991

(Tahsil-wise Classification in each classified category)

Forest Area Culturable Area used Total Area not Total Area Wasteland for Non- available for

Agriculture Cultivation purpose (3+4+S)

{31 I (4) (S) (6) (7)

08.0 00.72 07.6 - 07.8 . 04.7 - -07.S 08.00 08.3 06.2 07.6 07.S 000 ". 06.9

~

07.6 04.0 ~

06.0 000 06.7 04.8 03.4 07.0 01.30 OS.7 04.3 03.4 06.0 01.68 01.6 04.2 02.0 12.0 16.30 08.4 20.2 14.3 07.0 11.00 04.3 OS.2 07.0 09.0 18.00 07.3 06.3 11.4 12.0 ~ 16.00 16.2 IS.3 lS.9 04.0 ~ 08.00 07.1 02.3 06.0 14.0 19.00 26.9 IS.8 20.3

100 100 100 100 100

~~.---.-.~-.-- _ .. -_.- - ----_._._--- --- - - ------- -_. -_ .. - ---- L-_ .. _____ ... ____________ ------------ ----- --_ .. _- ---_ .. _---

Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991:P:33-233 Note: 1. Figures are rounded up to two decimals in case of selective tahsils.

Net Area available for Cultivation

(8)

10.3_ 07.3 10.2

,

08.2 09.7 09.5 11.86 07.3 06.S 08.S

01.7 -----09.1

100

-w w

134

tahsils of the district, 4 tahsils , namely Chandgad, Bhudargad, Radhanagari I

and Shahuwadi, together accounts 69 per cent of the total forest area of the

district. Bavda tahsil was dominant in this case, where 37.6 per cent of its

total area was under forest, followed by Bhudargad (32 per cent of its total

area), Ajra (26 per cent) and Radhanagari (25 per cent). This was one

important reason for having lower net cultivable area among these tahsils. All

the tahsils, where there was either no forest area at all or very negligible forest

area, have got highest net area available for cultivation. Hatkanangale and

Shirol tahsils have no forest area and Karvir, Kagal and Gadhinglaj have

negligible area offorest.

4.13.4 The total area under culturable waste land including grouches and

groves in the district was about 108029 Hects., which was 14 per cent of the

district's total area. Among the tahsils, four tahsils namely, Shahuwadi,

Bavda, Radhanagari and Bhudargad, together accounts about 57 per cent of

the total culturable wasteland. !Jere Shahuwadi tahsil seems to be dominant,

where 26.5 per cent of its total area was under culturable wasteland. Followed

by Bavda and Radhanagari tahsil (27 per cent and 20 per cent of its total area

respectively). This again affects the net cultivable area available in these

tahsils. In Gadhinglaj tahsil only 3.7 per cent of its total land was waste land,

which seems to be at comfortable place.

4.13.5 42 per cent of the district area was not available for cultivation, which

was significantly higher. In this category; all the rural tahsils were weak in

135

case of this. In Bavda Tahsils 72 per cent of its total area was not available for

cultivation, followed by Shahuwadi (63 per cent of its total area), Radhanagari

(60 per cent) and Bhudargad (53 per cent). In these tahsils, more than half of

its area was not available for cultivators, which directly and indirectly reduces

the potentiality of the primary sector. In Gadhinglaj tahsil, only 14.6 per cent

of its total area was n<?t ~vailable for cultIvation, which was lowest among all

the tahsils, followed by Karvir (26.4 per cent of its total area) and

Hatkanangale tahsil (23.4 per c~nt). As a result of higher extent of area not

available for cultivation, the'net area available for cultivation gets affected. At

present 58 per cent of the total area of the district was available for

cultivation, which needs to be improved.

4.14 Operational Landholdings l7

4.14. 1 According to the. statistical abstract of Maharashtra State (1991-93

422-424), the total area available for cultivation was 494500 Hects. The

abstract further classifies the,. total land according to the operational

landholdings or according 'to the size of the land. (See table No.4.13 )

According to it, 23 per cent of the total cultivable area was classified under

marginal land (less than 1 Hect.), which comes about 113500 Hects. Marginal

land was stated as unviable land. 24 per cent of the total land (119700 Hects.)

comes under small land (between 1 to 2 Hects.), 26 per cent (128000 Hects)

under semi-medium (between 2 to 4 Hects.), 19 per cent (95700 Hects.) under

medium and 8 per cent (37600 Hects.) of the total land comes under large

farming land (more than 10 Hects.)

Table No.4. 13 Area of Operational Land Holding according to Size Groups

in Kolhapur District -1991

- ,.. Sf. Size Groups Area No.

, (Hectares)

,..

1. Margina~ 113500 (23) (up to 1 Hectare)

2. Small 119700 (24) (Between I to 2 Hects.)

3. Semi-medium 128000 (26) (2 to 4 Hects.)

4. Medium 95700 (19) (4 to 10 Hects.)

-0"

5. Large 37600 (8) , (More than 10 Hects.)

Total Area 494500 (100)

Average Size of 1.11 Operational Holdings. (in Hectares)

. . -Source: StatIstIcal ;4bstract ofMaharashtra State, 1992-93:P-422-423 .

Note: 1. Some figures are rounded upto two demicals. Note. 2. The figure about Total Area given this source does not match with the area

given District-Census Han4book-1991 on Page 33-433.

136

137

4.14.2 It means that, majority ofthe land was under semi-medium land (26 per

cent), followed by small land (24 per cent) and marginal land (23 per cent).

Only 8 per cent of the district's total cultivable land was under big farming.

The abstract has not explained the marginal land category in details; however

there can be various layers within this., The abstract further says that, the

average size of operational holding was just 1.11 Hects. , which may further

decline in coming years with the growth of popUlation . .,.

4.15 Irrigation 18

4.15.1 The irrigation implies the existence of source of water supply within a

reasonable distance and an arrangement to regulate the supply of water

according to the day-to-day needs of the crops r~sed in these fields. (District

Census Handbook, 1991:50). Therefore;all area, which was cultivated under

purely rain fed condition, was treated as unirrigated land. Out of total area

available for cultivation, only 64548 Hects. (15 per cent of the total cultivable .,.

area) was irrigated. (See Table No.4. 14) . Among the tahsils, Shirol seems to

be much dominant, where 39 per cent of its total cultivable area was irrigated.

Followed by Karvir (28 per cent of its total cultivable area) and Hatkanangale

(25 per cent). As against this, in Kagal and Ajra tahsil only 5 per cent of the

cultivable land was irrigated, which was lowest among the tahsils.

Radhanagari (21 per c_en~ ) and Bavda tahsil (14 per cent) were at 'not bad'

position. As a whole, the irrigated land in the district was not at the

satisfactory level.

Sf.No.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Table No.4. 14 Land Irrigation Ratio in Kolhaimr District -1991

Tahsil Total Total %of Cultivable Irrigated Irrigated to Area Area Total (Hectares) (Hectares) Cultivable

Land

Karvir 44249 12312 28 .

Panhala 31633 5192 16 .

Hatkanangale 43910 10630 25 ~

Shirol 3(;1.456 14249 39

Kagal ' 41888 1981 5

Gadhinglaj 40708 3181 8

Chandgad 47585 3791 8

Ajra 31432 1444 5

Bhudargad. 27879 2903 10

Radhanagari - 35147 5529 21

Bavda 76J 1 1072 14

Shahuwadi 39262 2260 6

District Total 427760 64548 16

Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991: P:42 & 51-52 Note: Figures are rounded upto twq decimals.

138

139

4.15.2 The District Census Handbook (1991:51) has classified the sources of

irrigation into seven types. (See table No.4.15) . The 'River' was the main

source of irrigation in -the district, which covers 46684 Hects., i.e. 70.78 per

cent of total irrigated area. All the rivers of the district are originated from the

Sahyadri ranges in the west plays an important role in the district. Some of the

important rivers are, Varna, Panchaganga, Doodhganga, Vedaganga, Krishna

etc, . Second important source of irrigation was 'well with electricity', which

covers 21.15 per cent oftqtal irrigated area. (136454 Hects.). This source has

got significant share in the total irrigation. Other sources as, Well without

electricity (5.46 per cent of the total irrig{lted area), tube well (0.03 per cent),

tank (0.04 per cent) and other (2.44 per cent) , have got insignificant place in

terms of irrigation.

4.15.3 Among the tahsils, in every tahsil of the district, river was the main

and most important source of irrigation, However in very few tahsils other

sources also have got significant share. Out of twelve tahsils, Panhala ( 85.4

per cent of the total irrigated area ), Radhanagari (85 per cent) and Karvir

(82.5 per cent) were using river as most important source of irrigation, and

which seems to be dominant to other tahsils in terms of total irrigation

structure. Surprisingly, 100 per cent of total irrigated area in Bavda tahsil was

under river water. No other sources were report~ in this particular tahsil. The ,

lowest can be found in Gadhinglaj tahsil, where 44 per cent of irrigated area

was' under river source. Irrigation was also made available through the well

with electricity among the tahsils. In this case, Gaphinglaj (48 per cent),

Sr. Tahsil No

1. Karv.ir 2. Panhala 3. Ji..atkanangale 4. Shirol 5. Kagal l

6. Gadhinglaj 7. Chandgad 8. Ajra 9. Bhudargad 10. Radhanagari 11. Bavda 12. Shahuwadi

District Total

-- ---- --.--------.-----~--

Private Canal

----, --------

Table No.4.15 Area Irrigated by Source in Kolhapur District- 1991

( in Hectares)

Well Well with Tube- Tank Electricity well

9 2005 , ------ 15 , --- 763 ----- ----

River

10122 4428

29 - 4714 ----- ---- ·5197 -

Other

161 ---"-90

---- 2798 1164 ----- ---- 9821 ~ 466 ~

---- ---- 669 -I ----- ----- 1127 ---- 154 1511 20 10 1408 ---- 257 1198 ----- ---- 2315 ---.-- 279 ---- ----- ---- 996 ---- ---- 369 ----- ---- 2178 ----- ---- 843 ----- ----- 4686 ----- ---- ---- ----- ----- 1072 65 ----- 417 ------ ----- 1729

65 3526 13654 20 25 46684

~--~---~

Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991: pp:42-51 Note: The dash marke indicates absence o/irrigation by respective source.

185 1

76 20 168 . 356 --------49

1572

Total

12312 , 519,2 10630 14249 1981 3181 3791 1444 2903 5529 1072 2260

64548

I I

I i

I

...... ~ o

'I

141

Hatkanangale (44 per cent), Kagal (33.7 per cent) and Chandgad (31.6 per

cent) were dominant. In case of other classified sources of irrigation, these .. have insignificant share in total irrigated area. One point must be noted here

that, Shirol and Ajra tahsil ( 19.6 per cent of its total irrigated area and 19.4

per cent of its total) were still using traditional 'well' without electricity, as an

important source of irrigation. Except this, all the tahsils have only two

sources one was, river and second was well with electricity.

4.16 Basic Amenities 19

4.16.1 The District Census Handbook (1991:42) also explains the basic .. amenities existed in the district. The district can be placed in the higher rank in

case of availability of amenities. The rural area of the district of the district

enjoys good status of basic amenities (See table No.4.16 & 4.17). The basic

amenities are classified into eight categories, they are- Educational facility,

Medical facility, Drinking Water, Post & Telegraph, Market, Communication,

Approach by Pucca RoaQ and Power Supply. In each classified category, the

district seems to be good, The details of the amenities can be discussed as

below.

4.16.2 Educational Faciliti'es

4.16.2.1 'Kolhapur' District has been one of the most favourably placed

district in the state in the context of educational facilities. Out of all inhabited

villages (1188), 99 per cent of the villages (1178 villages) had got minimum

level of educational facility. There were 1367 primary schools including 82

girls' schools, available in the district. Out of these schools, 703 schools also

142

had higher primary (5th to 7th standat;d) educational facility. But as the

educational level increases, the number of schools gets reduced. For example,

there were only 191 villages having high schools and only 14 villages had pre-

<-

university educational facility, and more worst was that, only 6 villages had

degree colleges. Although higher educational facility was not available, but

minimum educational facility was available in nearly all of the villages. The

educational faCility has covered 99 per cent of the rural population, which was

highly appreciable. There were only 10 villages, which did not have any

educational facility, but for them the school was available at a distance of 5

Kms. In all the towns, higher secondary , pre-university and degree level

educational facilities were available, where a rural student can reach very

easily. From these observat~ons, it appears that 'Kolhapur' District has been

one of the best district in Maharashtra in respect of educational facilities.

4.16.2.2 Tahsilwise analysis shows that, all the tahsils were at the best place in

case of minimum educational facilities. Karvir, Hatkanangale, Bhudargad,

Radhanagari, Bavda and Shahuwadi tahsils have been blessed with cent per

cent educational facilities. i. e. all of the villages in each tahsil, had minimum

educational facility. In case of remaining six tahsils, the proportion of villages

having educational facilities was above 69 per cent. Therefore, it can be stated

that, the educational facilities available in each taltsil was really impressive.

In six tahsils namely, Karvir, Hatkanangale, Bhudargad, Radhanagari, Bavda

and Shahuwadi tahsil, 100 per cent of the population was served by

educational facility. The proportion of rural population served by educational

143

facility was more than 97 per cent. Hence educational facility in all the tahsils I

or in the district was at a best place.·

4.16.3 Medical Facilities

4.16.3.1 The District Census Handbook (1991:45) wrote that, medical

institutions of one or the other type were functioning in 567 villages (47 per

cent of the total villages): These institutions include 'Primary Health Centres'

(PHC) or Sub-Centres. In other words, 621 villages did not have any type of

medical facilities. But one hope" for these villages was that, 424 villages could

get these facilities at a distance of 5 to 10 Kms. The worst conditions was t

hat, .71 villages had to cross a distance of 10 to 15 Kms. for these facilities. If

5 Kms. was assumed· as e~sily reachable distance, then it can be stated that,

991 villages (83 per cent of the total villages) have got medical facilities. In

case of served population, 68 per cent of the district's total rural population

was served by the medical facilities .

.. 4.16.3.2 The tahsil-wise analysis has explained that, the proportion of medical

facilities available in the villages of tahsils varies from 100 per cent in

Radhanagari to 8 per cent in Ajra tahsil. Radhanagari tahsil was alone ,

where cent per cent of .its villages have medical facilities, followed by

Hatkanangale and Shirl (91 per cent and 75 per cent respectively) In case of

other tahsils, there were seven tahsils, namely, Shahuwadi (20 per cent of its

villages), Bavda (25 per cent), Ajra (8 per cent), Chandgad (31 per cent),

Kagal (30 per cent), Karvir (42 per cent) and Panhala (47 per cent), where less

Total No. Sr. No. Tahsil of

Villages

1. Karvir 128 2. ' Panhala 130 3. ' Hatkanangale 06.0 4. Shirol 053 5. Kagal 086 6. Gadhinglaj 093 7. Chandgad 144 8. Ajra 093 9. Bhudargad 107 10. Radhanagari 117 11. Bavda 039 12. Shahuwadi 138

District Total 1188

Table NoA.16 Distribution of Number of Villages according to the availability of different amenities

Education Medical Drinking Post & Market Commu-(No. of Water Telegraph Nication Villages)

128 (100) 54 (42) 128 (100) 85 (66) 08 (6) 118 (92) 128 (98) 62 (47) 130 (100), 36 (27) 11 (8) 112 (86) 060 (100) 5-5 (91) 60 (100), 57 (95) 15 (25) , 56 (93) 051 (96) 40 (75) 53 (100) 48 (90)- ·07 (13) 52 (98) 084 (97) 26 (30) 86 (100) 61 (70) 09 (10) 78 -(90) 092 (99) 58 (62) ., 93 (100) 53 (57) 10 (11) 77 (82)< 143 (98) 45 (31) 144 (100) 45 (31) 13 (9) 78 (54) 091 (97) 08 (8) 93 (100) 58 (62) 05 (5) 60 (64) 107 (100) 64 (59) 107 (100) 52 (48) 04 (4) 70 (65) 117 (1.00) 117 (100) 117 (1.00) ,37 (31) 13 (11) 102 (87) 39 (100) 10 (25) 39 (100) 11 (28) 03 (7) 35.(89) 138 (100) 28 (20) 138 (100) 45 (32) 10 (7) 96 (69)

1178 (99) 567 (47) 1188(1.00) 588 (49) 108 (09) 934 (78)

Source: Compiledjrom District Census Handbook-1991: P:42-43 Note: 1 Figures given in bracket indicates the per cent to the total o/Villages.

2. Figures are rounded upto two decimals.

Approach by Power I

Pucca Supply Road

118 (92) 128 (100) 109 (8:n 130 (100)

I 60 (109) 60 (100) I

38 (71) 53 {100) 49 (56) 86 (100) 30 (32) 93 (100) 37 (25) 144 (100) 32 (34) 89 (95) 40 (37) 104 (97) 62 (52) 117 (10.0) 17 (43) 39 (100) 63 (45) 131 (94)

655 (55) 1174 (99)

-~ ~

Table No.4 .17 Proportion of Rural Population served by different amenities-1991

Total Drinking Post & Commu- Approach by Power· Sr.No. Tahsil Population Education Medical Water Telegraph Market Nication PuccaRoad Supply 1. Karvir 319888 319888 202162 319888 265703 28190 310253 309276 319888

(100) (63) (100) (83) (8) (96) (96) (100) 2. Panhala 203904 202999 151180 203904 111868 56751 193433 192044 203904

(99) (74) (100) (54) (27) (94) (94) (100) 3. Hatkanangale 321275 321275 312604 321275 317929 154835 314426 321275 321275

(100) (97) (100) (98) (48) (97) (100) (100) 4. Shirol

, , 253404 247933 210463 253404 , 243841 74992 251503 203679, 253404 -

(97) (83) (100) (96) (29) (99) (80) (100) 5.- Kagal 184951 183310 80817 184951 1508:33 41233 _ 174267 121021 -184951

(99) (43) - (100) (81) (22) (94) (65) (100) 6. Gadhjnglaj 175214 172748 131176 .. 175214 140516 36565 16387,9 77214 175214

(98) (75) (100) (80) (20) (93) (44) (100) 7. Chandgad 159740 158473 64310 159740 83460 36825 114065 61613 159740

(99) (40) (100) (52) (23) (71) (38) (100) 8. Ajra 106425 106365 31114 10642"5 .82855 24764 _83272 49604 102446

(99) (29) (100) (77) (23) (78) (46) (96) 9. Bhudargad 127545 127545 102777 127545 89353 19521 104247 69607 126178

(100) (80) (100) (70) (15) (81) (54) (98) 10. Radhanagari 169039 169039 169039 169039 97633 51476 160825 107352 169039

(100) (100) (100) (57) (30) (95) (63) (100) 11. Bavda 27781 27781 10911 27781 10640 5104 25433 13741 27781

(100) (39) (100) (38) (18) (91) (49) (100) 12. Shahuwadi 153339 153339 46571 153339 78872 25583 128221 96044 150777

(100) (30) (100) (51) (16) (62) (62) (98)

District Total 2202505 2190695 1514124 2202505 1673500 555839 2023824 1622470 2194597 (99) (68) (100) (75)

-- ~(~~--~12 (73) (99) Source: Compiledfrom District Census Handbook-1991: P:42-43

Note: 1 Figures given in bracket indicates the per cent to the total No. o/Villages. 2. Figures are rounded upto two decimals. -.j:>,. VI

146

than half of its total villages have got medical facilities. The proportion of

rural population served by medical facilities varies from 100 per cent in

Radhanagari to 29 per cent in Ajra tahsil. In Hatkanangale and Shirol tahsil,

97 per cent and 83 per cent of its total rural population were served by this

facility respectively. More than half of the population in 5 tahsils, did not have

medical facility.

4.16.4 Drinking Water Facilities

4.16.4.1 The District Census Handbook (1991: 46) has focused that, ' In

'Kolhapur' District it was heartening to note that, drinking water facilities

were available in almost all the villages of the district.' However, there were

not details about the availability of sufficiency of water throughout the year.

Out of 1188 villages of the district, in 485 villages (41 per cent of total

villages), the drinking water Was supplied through the taps. Another 476

villages (40 per cent) gets from Rivers, and remaining 227 villages (19 per

cent) had other sources as well , hand pump, tank etc. It was found that, 813

villages (68.43 per cent) of the district have more than one type of source of

drinking water supply. Considering the tahsils wise analysis, all the tahsils of

the district had drinking water facilities, ~hich was really impressive. 100 per

cent of the rural popufation in the district or in the each tahsils, were served

by drinking water facilities.

147

4.16.5 Post and Telegraph Facilities

4.16.5.1 In the rural area of 'Kolhapur' District, the facilities of Post and

Telegraph were available in 588 villages (49 per cent of the total villages). 75 ~ .

per cent of the rural population gets these facilities. The District Census

Handbook (1991:47) says' that, approximately there were 26 post offices for

one lakh population in the rural area of the district. Such facilities were not

available in 600 villages (51 per cent) of the district, Out of these as many as

512 villages were situated at a distance of hardly 5 Kms. from the post offices.

Further more, 80 village~ had to cross a distance between 5 to 10 Kms. and

only 8 villages had to cross more than 10 Kms. to get these facilities. If 5

Kms. distance was assumed as ¥asily reachable distance, then it can be stated

that, Out of the total villages of the district, 1100 villages (92.5 per cent) had

Post and Telegraph Facilities.

4.16.5.1Among the tahsils, the percentage of villages having post and

telegraph facilities varies from 95 per cent in Hatkanangale to 27 per cent in

Panhala tahsil. The proportion of having postal facilities in six tahsils was

higher than the district average, they were Karvir (66 per cent of its total

villages), Hatkanangale (95 per eent), Shirol (90 per cent), Kagal(70 per cent),

Gadhinglaj (57 per cent) and Ajra (62 per cent of its total villages). In

Radhanagari and Bavda tahsil, these facilities wo/e available in 3 1 and 28 per

cent of its total villages respectively. Postal services have covered well

number of rural population. In Hatkanangale 98 per cent of the rural

148

.. population was covered by postal services , as against 38 per cent in Bavda ,

tahsil. Here again above six tahsils seems to be dominant to others.

4.16.6 Market Facilities

4.16.6.1 The District Census Handbook (1991:47) has pointed out the Market

facilities existed in 'Kolhapur' District. ' According to it, 'Weekly Market

Facility' was available in 108 villages (09 per cent) of the district. Generally

large villages have at least a few permanent shops, which deal with the daily

necessities of the residents., Besides such shops, there also exists a weekly

markets facility, especially in medium sized villages. It was observed that, the

weekly market was not held in the villages, where the. population was below

500. Out of total villages, 575 villages (48 per cent) were located within a

distance of 5 Kms. from the Market facility village. Again, if 5 Kms. distance

was assumed as easily reachable, then it could be stated that, out of total

villages of the district, as many as 683 villages (57 per cent) had got weekly

market facilities. Another 334 villages (28 per cent) and 171 villages (15 per .. '

cent) have to cross a distance of 5 to 10 Kms. and more than 10 Kms.

respectively. In the present time, shops were available in the villages and

hence weekly market facility cannot be stated as most essential, except in case

of very few villages, which were located in the Valleys. In general 25 per cent

of the rural population of the district was covered by the weekly market

facilities.

149

4.16.6.2Among the tahsils~ the proportion of villages with 'weekly market

facilities' varies from 25 per cent in Hatkanangale tahsil and 4 per cent in

Bhudargad tahsil. In Karvir tahsil, only ~ per cent of its total villages have

such facilities. In case of all the urban tahsils, the position was more or less

same. The proportion of rural population covered by these facilities varies of"

from 48 per cent in Hatkailangale to 8 per cent in Karvir tahsil. In case of ,

Karvir t~i~ since this was a tahsil of urban impact, residents could have

these facilities from the city very easily.

4.16.7 Communication Facilities

4.16.7.1 The District Census Handbook (1991:47) has explained the

communication facilities available in 'Kolhapur' District. According to it, 'if

a bus stop or a railway station or a navigable water way is located within the

territorial jurisdiction of a village, it is considered to have been served by . ,

communication facilities'. In this way, the district enjoys a good system of

conimunication facilities by bus route and rail route. 'Kolhapur', the district

head quarter , has been connected to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Goa

etc. by the railway line. By bus route, all the destinations of Maharashtraand

Karnataka are connected with the district. But the district does not enjoy

communication by river or water way. As a whole, or in general, out of the

total villages of the district, 934 villages (78 per cent) were enjoying the of" '

communication facilities, which covers 91 per cent of the total rural

population ofthe district. However, 254 villages (22 per cent) had got no such

facilities, of these 199 villages were located at a distance of hardly 5 Kms.

150

from the village where communication facility was available. Another 44

villages have to cross a distance of between 5 to 10 Kms. But in case of 11

villages, the villagers h~d ~o cross more than 10 Kms.

4.16.7.2 Among the tahsils, Shjrol tahsil,( 98 per cent of its total villages)

appears to be the best, which serves 99 per cent of its rural population. As

against, Chandgad tahsils (54 per cent) seems to be weak, which serves 71 per

cent of its rural population. In fours tahsils, more than 90 per cent of its

villages have communication facilities, they were, Karvir (92 per cent of its

total villages), Hatkanangale (93 per cent), Shirol (98 per cent) and Kagal

tahsil (90 per cent). Except Chandgad, in all rural tahsils, more than 60 per

cent of the villages have these facilities. In terms of rural population served

by this facility, all the tahsils were at its best position.

4.16.8 Approach by Pucca Road

4.16.8.1 The District Census Handbook (1991:48) has pointed out that, ' the

road whether 'pucca' or 'kuchcha', are the nervous system of the district. They

act as an important factor for the development of the area.' The Pucca road

includes, the road witlr cement concrete, black top, water bond etc. The total

length of pucca road in the district was about 5656 Kms. (excluding Municipal

Area), out of which 'Zilla Parlshad' maintained 4624 Kms. and remaining

1032 Kms. by Public Works Department. The National Highway No.4 i.e.

MUIphai-Pune-Bangalore Highway passes through 'Kolhapur'. Some other

important state highways were, 'Kolhapur' -Ratnagiri, 'Kolhapur' -Gagan

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Bavda, 'Kolhapur' -Gadhinglaj etc. In case of rural district, such facilities

were available in 'Non Bad' situation. Out of 1188 villages of the district, 655

villages ( 55 per cent) have 'pucca road, which covers 73 per cent of the rural

population of the district. Another 527 villages have Kuchcha road, which

were further connected to pucca road. Only 6 villages of the district were

reported to be accessible by footpath only.

4.16.8.2 Among the tahsils, the proportion of villages having pucca road

facility varies between 100 per cent in Hatkanangale and 25 per cent in

Chandgad tahsils, which has covered 100 per cent and 38 per cent of the its .,. ,

rural population respectively. Karvir (92 per cent of its villages), Panhala (83

per cent) and Shirol tahsil (71 per cent) also seemed to be better. All the urban

tahsils seems to be good here. In case of rural tahsils, except Radhanagari

tahsil (52 per cent), less than 50 per cent of the villages of respective tahsil,

has got pucca road facilities. Similar kind of situation could be found in case

of proportion of rural population served by pucca road facility. However, the

all the urban tahsils seemed to be dominant over the rural tahsils.

4.16.9 Power Supply

4.16.9.1 According the District Census Handbook (1991:49),99 per cent of

the villages and the rural population of the district had got the electricity

facility. There were only 14 villages ,which had no power supply or

electricity, of these 4 villages comes under Ajra tahsil, 3 villages under

Bhudargad and 7 village1' under Shahuwadi tahsil. As a matter of fact, the

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villages, which were cl?s~ to urban centre, were in a better position in respect

of electricity. Generally, the electricity has been used for domestic and

agriculture purpose.

4.16.9.2 Among the tahsils, Except three tahsils, namely, Ajra (95 per

cent of its villages), Bhudargad (97 per cent) and Shahuwadi (94 per cent), all

other tahsils have been electrified to cent per cent. Very similar kind of

situation could be found in case of rural population served by this facility. In

general, the position of.all the tahsils has been satisfactory.

4.17 Conclusion: On the basis .of above all explanation, it can be stated that,

'Kolhapur' District has been enjoying all the basic amenities at a satisfactory

rate. The average number of village, where all classified facilities were

available was 799. i.e. on an average, 67 per cent of the villages of the district

had got all the basic amenities. Further, 79 per cent of the rural population

was served by all the basic amenities. Both figures say that, the position of the

district and all the tahsils of the district seemed to be better. The large villages

had advantages over the small ones. Similarly the villages located near the

urban centres also had advantages in selective amenities. Overall picture has I

explained that, the position of rural tahsils has been weaker than the urban

tahsis. The researcher has analysed the district profile (Kolhapur) in order to

understand the general setting of the district in the context of research. This

has been drawn through secondary source. The researcher has explained the

socio-economic status of Castes of Scheduled Castes in next chapter. The

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empirical analysis based on the survey has been devided into two chapters.

The,social status of Scheduled Castes has been discussed in chapter V and the

economic status has been qiscussed in chapter VI. The details have been given

in respective chapters.

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References:

1. District Census Handbook ('Kolhapur')-1991

2. Maharashtra Gazzettee-'Kolhapur' District-1960, pp-339-342

3. Mudaliyar Shivaji University Publication, 'Kolhapur'

4. District Census Handbook ('Kolhapur')-1991 I

5. Maharashtra Gazzettee-'Kolhapur' District-1960, p-339-344

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. District Census Handbook (' Kolhapur' )-1991 pp.30-36

10. Ibid.

II. Ibid. pp.25-26

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid.

14. Statistical Abstract - Maharashtra State- 1993 pp.407-416

15. District Census Handbook ('Kolhapur')-1991 pp.36-41

16. Ibid.

17. Statistical Abst~act - Maharashtra ('Kolhapur')- 1993: 407 ~416

18. District Census Handbook (,Kolhapur')-1991 pp.42-52

19. Ibid. pp.42-43