Nagpur, a city steeped in history, has a rich heritage that dates back to the 8th century BC, as evidenced by archaeological findings at Drugdhamna. The city's name, derived from the River Nag, was first recorded on copper plates from the 10th century AD found in Devali. Over the centuries, Nagpur has been under the rule of various dynasties, including the Vakatakas, Rashtrakutas, Badami Chalukyas, and Yadavas, until it fell to the Mughals in the 17th century. The Gond Kingdom, however, maintained regional control. In the 18th century, the city was established by Bakht Buland of the Gond Kingdom and later became the capital under Chand Sultan. Maratha influence grew, and after a series of conflicts, the British took control in the 19th century. Nagpur was pivotal during the Indian independence movement and has since been an important political and cultural center. Today, it serves as the winter capital of Maharashtra and celebrated its tercentenary in 2002.
Nagpur's history is rooted in ancient times, with archaeological evidence at Drugdhamna indicating settlement as far back as the 8th century BC. The city's name is believed to originate from the River Nag, which flows through the region. The earliest recorded mention of Nagpur comes from copper plate inscriptions dating to the 10th century AD, discovered in the Devali area.
Initially, the Vakataka dynasty, which rose to prominence in the 4th century BC, governed the region. Subsequently, Nagpur saw a succession of rulers, including the Rashtrakutas, Badami Chalukyas, and Yadavas. In 1296 AD, the area came under the control of Allauddin Khilji, marking the beginning of Muslim influence. The Tughlaq Dynasty took over in 1317, followed by the Mughal Empire in the 17th century. Despite Mughal supremacy, the Gond Kingdom retained regional authority.
Bakht Buland, a prince from the Gond Kingdom of Deogarh, is credited with founding the city of Nagpur. His successor, Chand Sultan, made it his capital. After his death, the Maratha ruler Raghuji Bhonsle was invited to support the succession of Chand Sultan's sons, which he did.
Raghuji Bhonsle expanded his territory to include Chanda and Deogarh in 1743. His descendants continued to engage in conflicts with the British, culminating in the Third Anglo-Maratha War. After the defeat of the Marathas, Raghuji III ascended the throne, ruling until his death in 1853 without an heir. Consequently, the British annexed Nagpur, incorporating it into the Central Provinces with Nagpur as its capital.
The Tata Group launched its first textile mill, the Empress Mill, in Nagpur on January 1, 1877, marking the beginning of industrial development in the region. The city played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, with the non-cooperation movement being launched at the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1920. Additionally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in Nagpur in 1925.
After India's independence in 1947, Nagpur became the capital of Madhya Pradesh. However, during the reorganization of states in 1956, Nagpur was incorporated into the newly formed state of Bombay. When Bombay state was later divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960, Nagpur was retained by Maharashtra and designated as its winter capital.
In 2002, Nagpur celebrated its 300th anniversary with grand festivities. The event was a testament to the city's enduring legacy and cultural significance. Photographs and videos of the celebration can be found online, showcasing the city's historical journey and its vibrant present.
For a visual journey through Nagpur's history and celebrations, you can explore Nagpur photos and Nagpur videos available on various websites.
These nuances of Nagpur's history and its role in the broader narrative of India's past are often overlooked but contribute significantly to the understanding of the region's development and influence.
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