Posted by: Just Bharat on: October 20, 2010
Nanded is one of the religious spots of India, which depict historical as well as religious aspects of India.
Nanded, which is one of the prominent districts of Maharashtra is situated in the south-eastern part of India and covers an area of 10,502 square kilometres. This district, which is also one of the prominent religious spots of the state is situated between 18 degrees 15 ‘ to 19 degrees 55′ north latitude and 770 to 78 degrees 25′ east longitude. This region is bounded by Yavatmal in its northern frontier, by Latur in its south-eastern direction and by Parbhani in its north-western part. This district is also the bordering region of the state and thus, faces Adilabad and Nizamabad districts of Andhra Pradesh in its eastern and south-eastern parts and is bounded with Bidar district of Karnataka in its southern part. Cartographically, this region is divided into two parts, which include the northern and the north-eastern part, which are dominated by the hilly terrains and the low lying areas, which are dispersed hastily on the banks of the rivers Godavari, Penganga, Manyad and Manjra. These areas are mainly devoured with crumpled bailiwick, along-with uneven hilly terrains, undulating valleys and plateaus and gentle slopes. This province is divided into 3 sub-divisions, which comprise of the region itself, Degloor and Kinwat. The district is further divided into 16 Tehsils and is comprised of 1,572 villages. The population of this region is about 28,76,259 and the mass density is around 275.98 per square kilometre. The province has an average literacy rate of 68.52%. Males comprise a major group, in terms of literacy, as around 10,06,271 men are educated. This district is situated at a distance of 617 kilometres from Mumbai.
Nanded is mainly agriculture oriented. The economy of this region is mainly dependent upon farming. Around 1,78,310 hectares of land are used for irrigation. 10 irrigation projects have been undertaken in Penganga and Manar regions. The major food crops of this place include cotton, soyabean, sugarcane, jowar, tur, moong, banana etc. Around 30,615 hectares of land have been used for horticulture. Besides, agriculture and cultivation, the region has also opened gates for various industrial arcades. There are around 7 big industries and around 1,578 small scale industrial sectors in the region. The fertility of this land is mainly rendered by the Godavari river, which flows across this landscape. The climate of this region also plays a vital role in enhancing the production of these cultivated crops. The temperature remains moderate throughout the year and the region also gets ample amount of rainfall, at an average of 928.90 mm. During summer, the mercury rises upto 40.2 degrees centigrade and during winters, the temperature drops to 12.1 degree centigrade.
This landscape is one of the important historical and mythological places of India. In the Hindu mythology, it is described that Nandi, the Vahan of Lord Shiv had performed penance on this auspicious soil, at the Godavari banks. This place was earlier known as Nandi Tat and later it was renamed as Nanded. This place is also described in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It is described that during their exile, Pandavas had stayed here fro some time-period. Other than these, this place is also a major religious spot for Sikhs. This was the permanent domicile of the last Guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh. He had his last breathe in this soil. This domain is enriched in religious shrines and asylums and have always attracted tourists from every corner of the nation. Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara, Mahur, Masjid of Biloli, Kandhra Fort, Nanded Fort, Hottal and Malegaon are some of the prominent attractions, depicting both historical and religious aspects of the soil.
Posted by: Just Bharat on: September 9, 2010
Thane: A ravishing quinta, anchored by vivacious marine bodies displaying medley everywhere
Summary: Thane is one such place in India, where one can witness a large diversity in terms of religion and lifestyle. Yet unity is the driving force, which runs in everybody’s blood and leads them to live a peaceful life.
Thane, which is one of the prominent districts of Maharashtra is located in the northern part of the state. This important province is situated between 18 degrees 42 minutes to 20 degrees 20 minutes north latitude and 72 degrees 45 minutes to 73 degrees 48 minutes east longitude. This region covers an area of 9,558 square kilometres and falls under the Konkan division. This triangular shaped district is bounded by Pune and Ahmednagar in its eastern side and by Nashik in its north-eastern side. While it is bounded by Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban by south-western side, it is bounded by Raigad in its southern part. It is also the bordering region of the state and faces Valsad district of Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli Union Territory in its northern frontier. This district is also the coastal region of the state, as it faces the Arabian sea in its western profile. The mighty waterfront serves as a royal safeguard in its western side. This landscape proudly embraces the broad coliseum like Ulhas basin in its southern portion and its northern frontier is safeguarded by the Sahyadri mountainous slopes and is fondled with the Vaitama valleys and rocky plateaus.
Two major rivers, which include Ulhas and Vaitarna drain through this region and render maximum fertility to this piece of land. Ulhas river, which has its origins from the Tungarli is 135 km long and diverges into the sea at Varsa brooklet. Two major tributaries of this estuary , which are Barvi and Bhatsa drain the boundary region of the district. Some other major brooks and brooklets, which lend fertility to Thane are Vaitarna, Pinjal, Surya, Daherja, Tansa, Bhiwandi, Chinchani and Dahanu. The region also adorns several hot springs in the beds of the river Tansa. These are located near Vajreshwari, Akloli and Ganeshpuri. The temperature of these hot water ranges from 42 to 55 degrees centigrade. The province can be divided into two parts, on the basis of climate: the western coastal plain and the eastern slopes of Sahyadri. While the climate of the former part is tropical, humid and warm, the weather of the later part is comparatively less humid type. Generally, the temperature of the region remains at 32.9 degrees centigrade throughout the year. During summer, the temperature rises upto 42 degrees, while in winters, the mercury drops upto 8 degrees centigrade. Different parts of the zone receives different amount of rainfall. While average rainfall in Mahim ranges upto 1730.5 mm, the average rainfall at Shahapur ranges upto 2293.4 mm. The period from June to September receives maximum amount of rainfall.
This region comprises of 15 Tehsils and 24 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies. It is further divided into 4 Lok Sabha Constituencies and consists of 1,748 villages. There are 37 major cities and 23 desert villages. The population of this district is around 81,31,849 and has an average literacy rate upto 80.67%. In ancient times, Thane was known as Shristhanaka. It was the capital of the Shilahara kingdom. The history of this region dates back to 1300 A.D. From 1300 to 1500 A.D, the region was under the rule of the Mughal dynasty. The most powerful ruler of this period was Muhammad Tughlak. The beginning of the 15th century A.D witnessed the invasion of the Portuguese rulers. Vasai was the headquarter of their sovereignty. Some of the major attractions of this district include Ganeshpuri. This place is abode to one of the most ancient temples, which is built among four archaic tanks. These are also known as Kundas and are 800 years old. These contain hot water springs. Other spots include Bassein, Jawhar Palace, Masunda Talao lake, Dadara Kopra falls etc.
Posted by: Just Bharat on: September 1, 2010
Kupwara can be called as the land of mountains as around 17 mountain ranges guard this region as a Royal sentinel.
Kupwara is one of the backward districts of Jammu and Kashmir, which is situated at an altitude of 5,300 feet. This region covers an area of 2,379 square kilometres and has a population of 3.29 lakhs. Out of which the majority of the population i.e around 3.19 lakhs of people mainly belong to rural area and only 0.1 lakh of people belong to urban area. Males constitute 1.77 lakhs of the total people, while females comprise of 1.62 lakhs of the total population. The district is located between 34 degrees 17 minutes to 34 degrees 21 minutes latitude and 73 degrees 10 minutes to 73 degrees and 16 minutes longitude. It is a bordering district, as it faces Pakistan in its north-western side and is bounded by the Line Of Control in that profile. Baramulla is its neighbouring region in its southern side. This district comprises of 3 pocket areas, which remain closed for more than half a year. These are Karnah, Machil and Keran.
Around 0.46 hectares of land are sown for cultivation, while the forests cover 1,651 hectares of land. 0.07 hectares of land are used for grazing purpose. Agriculture, being the major mode of income, is the major occupation seen here. Some of the major food crops include rice, maize, pulses, moong, fodder, vegetables such as potato, tomato, brinjal, cabbage etc. Even fertilisers such as urea and DAP are produced here in a huge amount. Around 3000 mega tons of urea and 590 mega tons of DAP are produced everywhere. Horticulture is also a major activity seen here. Fruits such as apple and walnuts are a major production of this region. Other than agriculture, animal husbandry is also practised here. Around 0.07 lacs of animals are used and around 0.05 lacs of castration is done. Due to the dominance of the rural areas, the denizens of this region are mainly nomadic tribes and solely depend upon sheep and goat husbandry. Around 3.121 lacs of sheep are breaded and around 1.26 goats are breaded, in purpose of wool, meat and milk. The water reservoirs and lakes lead a great option for another occupation i.e fisheries. Fisheries cultivation is also active in some parts of the region. Forests play a pivotal role in preserving the most valuable assets of the dominion. Many valuable trees include chir, pine, teak, oak etc. There are 11 blocks in Kupwara, which include Kralpora, Sogam, Kalaroos, Tangdar, Kupwara, Teetwal, Langate, Tregham, Rajwar, Ramhal and Wavoora. There are even some other places, which remain aloof and closed most of the days. They are Lashdat, Kethanwali, Kumkadi, Budnambal and Jumgund.
Kupwara’s history is not so clear and is complex. Not much is known about this land, however, it is believed that during ancient times, in the nearby forest areas, people used to dwell in huts known as kopar. The region was later named after the name of these huts. It is also believed that a saint named, Zaiti Shah Wali had named this place as Ko-pore, as the children of this area used to throw stones at him. Saint Syed Mohammad Gabi, who had converted most of the people of this region into Islam, used to call this place as Kuferwari. This region is worth visiting, in order to witness the mighty and natural sky-scrappers, clad in sleet cloaks and safeguard the region as royal warriors. These mountains include Ainch, Bulbeer, Dajalongun, Feshiltong, Gazrandoor, Harwan Bal, Ismallindoor, Kajinag, Kalangmulng, Khazanmati etc. Some of the famous mountain passes include Babace Gully, Batanar, Dut, Dumari, Farkiyan, Haihom, Harwan, Kakwa, Lash Dutt, Putukhan, Sadhna, Tootimari etc.
Posted by: Just Bharat on: August 14, 2010
Raigad is one of the major tourist destinations, not only of Maharashtra, but also of India. It is one of the beautiful coastal areas of the country, which is a plethora of scenic beauties.
Raigad, which is one of the important districts of Maharashtra is situated in the western part of the state. This region is located between 18.39 north latitude and 72.55 east longitude. This district covers an area of 7,148 square kilometres and falls under the Konkan division. This landscape is bounded by Mumbai harbour in its north-western part and by Thane district in its northern frontier. While Pune is located in its eastern side, Ratnagiri lies in its southern part. This region faces Arabian sea in its western side. This coastal bailiwick proudly embraces the large inborn breakwater of Pen Mandwa, which faces the Mumbai harbour in its northern frontier. An average portion of this province is embraced into the planned megalopolis, Navi Mumbai. It has a famous port, which is called as the Jawaharlal Nehru port. This port, which is also known as the Nhava Sheva is considered to be the busiest port of India. This is situated on the mainland, across the Thane creek. The district is also fondled with some other prominent seafronts, which embraces some cities, such as Uran, Patalganga, Khapoli, Nagothana, Khalapur, Rasayani and Pen. Some of the major cities are also fondled with these waterfronts, such as Panvel, Mahad, Alibag and Karjat.
Alibag, which is the Rajgad’s headquarter This coastal zone is the historic boondock of the Bene Israili Jews. The beauty of this city is enhanced with the presence of a prodigious Synagogue, which is erected in the ‘Israel Ali’ area of the town. This city was established in the 17th century, by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s naval chief Kanhoji Angre. This is one of the major industrial sectors of the state, which include Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ispat Industries, Birla Groups, Gas Authority of India Limited and HP LPGare. However, the mainstay of the town’s economy relies on tourism, as this city is one of the major tourist attractions because of its magnificent beaches and spectacular spots. Some of the major waterfronts, which are always over-crowded by the tourists include Alibag, Varsoli, Akshi, Nagaon, Kihim, Awas, Saswane, Rewas, Chaul Revdanda, Mandawa and Kashid beach. Other than sea-fronts, the other tourist spots include Kolaba fort, which is panoramic bellicose fortification in India, Kanakeshwar temple, which is situated on a protuberance, near Mapgaon village, St. Barbara tower, Chaul, Birla temple, Sagargarh, Magnetic Observatory, Murud Janjira fort etc.
The history of Raigard dates back to 225 B.C, when this centre was a major trading concourse. This place was earlier ruled by Kshatrapas in the first century A.D. The Kusana emperor, Kaniska had embraced this region into his territory. This dynasty along-with Yavanas and Pallavas, was entirely uprooted by the Satavahana king, Gautamiputra Satakarni. This monarchy was then followed by various dynasties, which include Satavahanas, Simukas, Vakatakas, Mauryas, Nalas, Traikutakas, Shilaharas and Yadavas of Devgiri. Soon after the decline of this dynasty, Ala-ud-din Khilji rose to power in 1307 A.D. By the end of the 14th century, the Muslim Sultanate had completely embraced this territory into their monarchy. This region was also the capital of the Maratha leader, Shivaji. He had established his kingdom in the western spur of the Western Ghats. This region was earlier embraced in the Thane region. This landscape has a population of 22,07,929 lacs, out of which the major portion is dominated by the rural mass. The literacy rate of this region is around 77%. While 86% of males are educated, 67.7% of females are illiterate. This region is comprised of 15 Tehsils and 2 Lok Sabha Constituencies. Some of the major tourist destinations include various holy places such as Ballaleshwar Ganpati temple, Varad Vinayak temple of Mahad, Birla Ganesh Mandir and Elephanta caves.
Posted by: Just Bharat on: August 4, 2010
Leh, which is the largest district of India, is undoubtedly an exquisite masterpiece of the nature, which devours beauty and elegance everywhere.
Leh, which is the capital of Ladakh is also one of the prominent districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It proudly boasts its existence in the Himalayan Kingdom and is one of the unparallelled exquisite of the nature. It is located at an altitude of 3,500 metres and covers an area of 45,110 square kilometres. Its largest landscape enables it to become the largest district of India. This terrain is situated between 75 degree to 80 degree East longitude and 32 to 36 degree North latitude. It faces Pakistan in its western side and China in its northern and eastern side. The rest of the region is bounded by the Lahul Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Srinagar is located at a distance of 434 kilometres from this region. The region comprises of 3 sub-divisions, 6 number of blocks and 112 number of villages. The 6 major blocks are the region itself, Kharu, Nyoma, Durbuk, Nobra and Khaltsi. The total population of this magnificent terrain is about 1.17 lacs. Around 87.25% of the total mass resides in the rural cores.
A majority of population here are Buddhists and comprise of 81.2% of the total population. Muslims constitute only 15.32%, whereas Hindus comprise of only 3% of the total denizens. Agriculture is the main occupation of the natives. Around 59% of the people depend upon agriculture and cultivation. Other than farming, people are also involved in other occupations such as livestock, animal husbandry, hunting, forestry, small scale industries etc. Being in the Himalayan ranges, the climate here is cold and freezing. The topography of Leh has a distinct fusion of arctic and desert areas. The dry and barren plateaus are laden with sleet cloaks, which has persuaded the travellers to refer it as the Cold Desert. In such cold deserts, the following features are seen: There is always a fluctuation in the temperature, ranging from -40°C to +35°C. The precipitation is always low, at an average of only 10cm. The humidity ranges from 6-24%. Due to the high altitude, the radiation level is ultimately high. Twisters and storms are common, when temperature rises. The global solar radiation of this place is considered to be the highest in the world, which ranges from 6-7 Kwh/mm. There is scarcely any trace of natural vegetation due to the unfavourable climatic conditions. Irrigation is mainly carried out with the help of artificial channels which carry the melted sleet.
Not much is known about the history of Leh. However, its history dates back to 7th century A.D, when this terrain was converted into a battle field. Frequently battles were fought between the Chinese, Tibetian, Arabians and the Turkish. The 7th and the 8th centuries frequently witnessed fierce battles and consistently, this soil sustained tremors and destruction. However, the region saw a new sunrise with much harmony and peace during the rule of Laltadita. After this flourishing ruler, the region was embraced under the rule of the Arabians and Persians, who thus, left a great influence of Islamic religion over this soil. Thus, this soil was fused with a perfect amalgamation of Buddhism and Islamic cultures. The legacy of these rulers and their respective cultures are graciously witnessed in historical and religious shrines. Some of the important monasteries include Hemis, Alchi, Spituk, Phyang, Shey, Thikse, Jama Masjid, Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan etc. Ladakh even offers a tremendous option for those tourists, who mainly tour the hilly terrains for adventurous sports. River rafting is enthralling and is a first preference for the expediters. The white water of Indus, which flows through Spituk, Nimu and Saspol is the best place for rafting. Trekking is also seen in most parts such as Nun-Kum, Stok-Khangri, Markha valley etc.
Posted by: Just Bharat on: July 26, 2010
Mandi, which is also known as the miniature Kashi is famous for its religious shrines and great ethnicity. The shrines wearing the sleet blankets, the trodden avenues, scantily clad in snow reflect tranquillity in every aspect.
Mandi is the central most district of Himachal Pradesh of India. This ethnic town covers an area of 3,950 square kilometres. It is scantily dispersed on the banks of the river Beas and fondles the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. It is located at an elevation of 2,495 feet. Kangra lies to its north-western side, Kullu surrounds its eastern side, Arki village of Solan is bounded to its south, Shimla lies in its south-west and Hamirpur and Bilaspur lie in its western side. Beas and Sutlej are the two main rivers, which enter the region via Kullu and Bajaura. Most of the parts of this terrain is dominated by mountain ranges, which are in between interfered with irregular thwart shafts. Amongst all the ranges, the most distinct is the Jalori range which is connected to Shimla and Kullu through a pass known as the Jalori Pass. This range dissects the Sutlej and the Beas rivers and is generally covered with beryl pine trees. The highest peak of this range is the Shikari Devi, which is situated at an elevation of 11,060 feet. This compass is flaunted with three other ranges which are the Nargu, which is located at a height of 13,000 feet and is a continuance of the Bir Bhangal. The second one is the Ghoghar-Ki-Dhar and the last one is the Sikandar range, which originates from the meeting point of Bilaspur and Suket. This place is named after the great Turkish invader Sikandar Lodhi. The highest point of this district is about 13,000 feet, which is situated on the Kullu border, while the lowest point, which is situated near Sandhol is of 1,800 feet. The plain area of this region comprises of the Balh valley. Due to the abundance of precipitous land in this hilly terrain, cultivation is impossible and as a reason, the terrain is covered with forests which are enriched in beryl pine, deodhar, spruce, chil, silver fir, oaks etc.
The history of Mandi dates back to pre-historic era. Earlier, this district was merged with Suket. The name of this region was derived from the Rishi Mandavya as this great saint had practised severe penance and austerities on this soil. The rulers of this region are believed to be the descendants of Pandavas of Mahabharata. There brave warriors mainly belonged to the Chandravanshi group of Rajputs. They had their origins from the Sena dynasty of Bengal. This dynasty had ruled over Delhi for over 1,700 years in Indraprastha, which is the present day Delhi. During their reigning period, the then ruler Khemraj was defied by this own ministers and was forced to leave Delhi. He then settled in Bengal and he, with his successors ruled over this eastern region for 350 years. But his successor could not maintain the legacy and was forced to driven out to the northern hills. It was here in the Suket region, that Bir Sen had established his kingdom. Both these princely states were administered separately by various rulers. Finally, after India got freedom, on 15th April, 1948, the district was formed by merging Suket into its territory.
Mandi is famously referred as the Varanasi of the northern hilly region. While Kashi or Varanasi has 80 temples, this hilly terrain proudly flaunts 81 temples on its holy soil. This miniature Kashi is worth visiting not only for attaining religious harmony, but also to enjoy the splendid work of the nature. Some of the religious spots include the famous temples such as Trilokinath Shiva, Bhutnath, Shyamakali, Ardhanarishvara, Panchvaktra etc. Besides, Sundernagar, Jogindernagar, Prashar, Rewalsar lakes are also worth seeing.
Posted by: Just Bharat on: July 19, 2010
Poonch, though it is limited in terms of area, yet it has managed to embrace elegance and grandeur in her womb.
Poonch is the smallest district of Jammu. It covers an area of 1,674 square kilometres and is located between 73°58′ to 74º35′ longitude and 33°25′ to 34º01′ latitude. Its neighbouring regions, in its north-eastern sides are Anantnag, Badgam, Pulwama and Baramula. The district of Rajouri lies in its southern side. It is also a bordering region of the state and faces Pakistan in its western side. This region is totally dominated by mountain ranges and thus, this place is hilly and consists of rocky plateaus. These hilly terrains are covered with emerald meadows and the lush, green valleys are beautified with the presence of numerous brooks and water reservoirs. This district is bounded by Actual Line of Control from three frontiers. This line stretches from Sawjian at Mandi to Tarkundi at Balakote. This region is also similar to other parts of the Jammu and Kashmir, in terms of culture and religion. As people from various religions, Hindu and Musilm, being the major religions, dwell here, a great ethnic diversity is witnessed in this soil. People belonging to various Hamlets such as Punjabis, Kashmiris, Rajputs, Gujjars and Bakerwalas reside here. This is the reason, why a varied folklore is seen here, which always depict the legacy and grandeur of the bygone times of this landscape. Poonchi/Pahari and the Gojri are the official languages spoken here. Due to the favourable climatic and geographical conditions, this region is rich in wildlife. The forests of this place are inhabited by leopard, ghioral, musk deer, markhor, brown bear, chakurs, pheasant, snow cock kohlas and partridge.
The history of Poonch dates back to the mythological era, when this region was under the rule of the Kambojas, who had fought against the Kauravas in Mahabharata. During Alexendar invasion, its name was Dravabhisar. This place has also been described in the books written by the famous Chinese traveller, Yuan Chawang. This region also shares a space in Rajtarangini, which was written by Kalhan. During 850 B.C, it was under the rule of Raja Nar, who was initially a horse trader. The 15th century witnessed the invasion of the Mughal Sultanate over this soil. However, after its decline, this region was embraced under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. This region was however, administered under the Khalsa Darbar. During 1850, this province became an independent princely state, under the Governance of Raja Moti Singh. Then this land was converted into Jagir, under the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu. The period between the18th century and the 19th century, is considered to be the golden period of this region. This province mainly flourished under the rule of Raja Baldev Singh. This region sustained a black period, when this land was divided into two halves, during partition.
Poonch, though small in terms of area, is enriched in nature’s bounties. The lush, emerald shaded valleys, the beautiful mountain ranges, which safeguard the terrain etc. enhance the beauty of this province. This place is also known as the mini Kashmir. There are numerous religious spots, which attract tourists and pilgrims every year. The Gurudwara Nangali Sahib is an important religious shrine for Sikhs and also for other devotees. It is situated on the banks of the Drungali Nallah and is one of the ancient shrines of Sikhs. Mandir Budha Amarnath Ji is also a prominent religious spot for Hindus. This holy asylum is bounded by snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panchal range and is fondled with beautiful brooks, which are Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. Other major tourist places include Noori Chamb, Girgan Dhok, Poonch Fort, Mandi, Loran, Nandi Shool, Surankote, Dehra Gali etc.
