Nashik - A Historical Perspective

Nashik is one of the most important cities of Northern Maharashtra. Nashik, in Maharashtra, is situated at a distance of 200 km from Mumbai (Bombay) as well as Pune. The city has become the center of attraction because of its beautiful surroundings and cool and pleasant climate. Nashik has a personality of its own due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. The city, vibrant and active on the industrial, political, social and cultural fronts, has influenced the lives of many a great personalities. The river Godavari flows through the city. Temples and ghats on the banks of Godavari have made Nashik one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the World.

A historic perspective: -

Ramayana Period

Rama-lakshman-sita-kalaram-mandir-nashik No one knows when the city of Nashik came into existence. It is stated to have been present even in the stone age. Lord Ramchandra along with wife Sita and brother Laxman settled down in Nashik for the  major time of their "Vanwasa". According to the mythology, Laxman cut the nose ("Nasika" in Sanskrita) of "Shurpanakha" and hence the city got the name 'Nashik'.  Long ago, Brahmadeva had meditated in  "Padmasana" here, so the city was also called "Padma-Aasana" for some time. It is also believed that, Lord  Vishnu had defeated the three demons and thus city also had the name "Tri-Kantak" (Tri = Three). 

During Peshwa's period

In the recent past, the Moguls were fascinated by the beauty of the city and renamed it as "Gulshanabad" meaning the city of gardens. Beautiful fresh flowers were sent to Aurangazeb from Gulshanabad i.e. Nashik. But it was during the rule of the Peshwas, when the place was finally renamed as Nashik. During the Peshwas period, Raghobadada and his wife Anandibai settled down at 'Anandwalli' in Nashik. There re some remains of Anandibai's fort. There is also a temple called 'Navasha Ganapati' built by Anandibai. It was during the British rule in April 1818, when Nashik once again regained its importance. The British fell in love with the beauty of the city and developed it in various fields. The Golf course, developed by  the British, was one of the largest in Asia.  Nashik is surrounded by nine hills, namely: Durga, Ganesh, Chitraghanta, Pandav, DingerAli, Mhasarul, Jogwada, Pathanpura and Konkani.  This beautiful city with  hills surrounding it has lakes, adding to its beauty.

Rise & Growth Of National Movement

In 1869 the region came to enjoy unbroken peace. In 1869 Nashik was made a full-fledged district with its present talukas. With the return of peace  Nashik flourished into prosperity. Reasons, political, religious, as well as commercial led to its rapid development. With the construction of the railway, going  from  Bombay to north-east, from very near the city, religious minded devotees came to be attracted to The town in ever increasing numbers where they made their purchases of various artistic & useful articles. This made Nashik a great trade centre where artisans skilled in manufacturing utensils & smiths  excelling in workmanship in silver & gold  crowded to ply their trade. Already Nashik was a highly flourishing town even under later Maratha rule & some time during that period  the sow car families like barves, Vaishampayans & Gadres of the locality started their financial  activity. Under Maratha rule they advanced sums to finance military campaigns of feudal Sardars  & in their later times their Pedhi’s gradually began to finance the flourishing  trade in metalware & fabrics as well as grapes & onions. By the middle of 19th century the British Rule  was firmly established & the public life of Nashik began to pulsating with activities suited to the times. In 1840 was established a ‘ Native Library  Nashik’ . In 1861 an Anglo-vernacular school was started & 1864, The town came to have a municipality of  its own.