Vidarbha
| Vidarbha | |
|---|---|
| Region | Eastern Maharashtra |
| Largest City | Nagpur |
| Country | India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Districts | 11 |
| Official Language | Marathi |
Vidarbha is the eastern region of Maharashtra, India, comprising 11 districts. Nagpur, the third largest city in Maharashtra, serves as the largest city and the administrative capital of the Vidarbha region. Vidarbha is known for its rich natural resources, cotton cultivation, dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and significant historical heritage.
Geography
Vidarbha is bordered by Madhya Pradesh to the north and east, Telangana to the south and the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions to the west. The region is divided into two divisions — Nagpur Division and Amravati Division — comprising 11 districts in total.
The Wardha, Wainganga, Penganga and Purna rivers flow through the region. Vidarbha is home to some of Maharashtra's most significant forests and wildlife reserves, including Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park and Navegaon-Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
Districts
Vidarbha comprises the following 11 districts:
- Nagpur Division — Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli
- Amravati Division — Amravati, Akola, Washim, Buldhana and Yavatmal
History
Vidarbha has a rich and ancient history. The region was part of the ancient Vidarbha Kingdom mentioned in Hindu epics and Puranas. It was subsequently ruled by the Vakatakas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas and the Gond kings. The Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur ruled Vidarbha during the Maratha period before the region came under British control as part of the Central Provinces.
After Indian independence, Vidarbha was merged into Maharashtra following the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. There has been a longstanding demand for a separate Vidarbha state among sections of the region's population, citing underdevelopment and regional imbalances.
Economy
Vidarbha's economy is primarily agrarian, with cotton being the most important crop — earning the region the title of the Cotton Bowl of India. Other important crops include soybean, orange, wheat and pulses. Nagpur orange is a globally recognized variety cultivated extensively in the region.
Key economic sectors include:
- Agriculture — Cotton, oranges, soybeans and pulses are major crops
- Mining — Vidarbha is rich in coal, manganese and other mineral deposits
- Forestry — A significant source of timber and forest produce
- Industry — Nagpur is the industrial hub of Vidarbha with manufacturing, IT and logistics sectors
- Wildlife Tourism — Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve attracts significant domestic and international tourism
Wildlife and Nature
Vidarbha is one of India's richest regions in terms of biodiversity and wildlife:
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve — One of India's finest tiger reserves, located in Chandrapur district
- Pench National Park — A renowned tiger reserve on the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border
- Navegaon-Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary — A rich wildlife sanctuary in Gondia district
- Melghat Tiger Reserve — Located in Amravati district
Culture
Vidarbha has a distinct cultural identity within Maharashtra. The region has its own dialect of Marathi, known as Varhadi, and a rich tradition of folk arts, music and cuisine. Vidarbha cuisine is known for its spicy and robust flavours, distinct from the cuisine of western Maharashtra.