Nagpur
| Nagpur | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Orange City, Tiger Capital of India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Country | India |
| District | Nagpur |
| Official Language | Marathi |
| Area | 217.57 km² |
| Population | 25 lakh (approx.) |
| Status | Winter Capital of Maharashtra |
Nagpur is a major city located in the Maharashtra state of India. Popularly known as the Orange City due to its large-scale orange cultivation and trade, Nagpur is the third largest city in Maharashtra and serves as the Winter Capital of the state. It is also known as the Tiger Capital of India owing to its proximity to several major tiger reserves. Geographically, Nagpur is situated at the zero mile marker of India, making it the geographic centre of the country.
Geography
Nagpur is located in the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra. The city lies at the confluence of the Nag River and the Pili River, from which it derives its name. Nagpur sits at the geographic heart of India and is equidistant from the country's north and south extremes.
The city is surrounded by several important wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park and Navegaon-Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
History
Nagpur has a rich historical legacy. The city was founded in the early 18th century by the Gond king Bakht Buland Shah. It later became the capital of the Bhonsle dynasty of the Marathas. The British annexed Nagpur in 1853 following the doctrine of lapse, making it part of the Central Provinces.
After Indian independence in 1947, Nagpur became part of the Central Provinces and Berar state before being merged into Maharashtra following the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
Nagpur holds special significance in Indian history as the city where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with thousands of his followers on 14 October 1956, a landmark event in Indian social history.
Economy
Nagpur is a major commercial and industrial hub of central India. Key sectors of the economy include:
- Orange Trade – Nagpur is India's largest producer and exporter of oranges
- Cotton and Textiles – A historically important industry in the Vidarbha region
- Information Technology – MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur) is a major economic zone attracting IT and logistics companies
- Mining and Minerals – The Vidarbha region is rich in coal and mineral deposits
- Trade and Commerce – Nagpur serves as a major trading hub for central India due to its central geographic location
Tourism
Nagpur and its surrounding region offer several notable tourist attractions:
- Deekshabhoomi – A sacred Buddhist monument where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism; one of the largest stupas in Asia
- Dragon Palace Buddhist Temple – A serene Japanese-style Buddhist temple
- Ambazari Lake and Garden – A popular recreational spot in the city
- Sitabuldi Fort – A historic fort at the centre of Nagpur
- Raman Science Centre – An interactive science museum
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve – One of India's finest tiger reserves located near Nagpur
- Pench National Park – A renowned wildlife reserve on the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border
Culture
Nagpur is a vibrant cultural city with a strong Marathi identity. The city celebrates major festivals including Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Ambedkar Jayanti with great enthusiasm. Nagpur is also home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, making it a significant city in Indian political and social history.
The city has a rich tradition of Vidarbha cuisine, known for its spicy flavours and use of locally grown ingredients.
Education
Nagpur is home to several reputed educational institutions including:
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University
- Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT)
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur
- National Law University, Nagpur
Transport
Nagpur has a well-developed transport network:
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport – A major airport connecting Nagpur to domestic and international destinations
- Nagpur Metro – A modern metro rail system serving the city
- Railways – Nagpur Junction is one of the most important railway junctions in central India
- Roads – Located at the intersection of National Highway 44 and National Highway 6, Nagpur is a key road transport hub