Nagpur history

The history of Nagpur is the tale of a group of small villages transforming into one of the key cities of central India. Its emergence was driven by dynastic changes, a strategic location, and the development of trade.

Foundation and first mentions. Modern Nagpur was founded at the very beginning of the 18th century, around 1702. Its creator is considered to be Bakht Buland Shah, a ruler from the Gond dynasty of Deogarh. He united twelve scattered settlements into a single entity, laying the foundation for the future city. His successor, Chand Sultan, continued this development, fortified the city, and moved the capital of his domains here.

Key factors of formation. The city's development was defined by several important stages. The transition to Maratha rule occurred in 1743, when, following dynastic disputes, the city came under the control of the Bhonsle clan. Nagpur became the capital of a powerful princely state, which significantly strengthened its political influence. Later, during the British period, following the annexation of the princely state in 1853, Nagpur became the administrative centre of the Central Provinces of British India. A significant role was also played by its geographical position: its location in the centre of India made Nagpur a natural crossroads for trade routes and a vital logistics hub.

Early cultural and economic features. From the very beginning, Nagpur developed as a multicultural and economically active centre. Its founder, Bakht Buland Shah, invited both Hindu and Muslim architects for construction. During the reign of the Bhonsle dynasty, the city flourished as a capital. In the second half of the 19th century, Nagpur turned into one of India's main centres for the cotton industry, laying the foundation for its industrial development. The city was also known for traditional crafts, particularly the production of fabrics with gold and silver threads.

Key Dates in the History of Nagpur

Nagpur's history is rich in events that transformed it from a small settlement into one of the most important cities in central India. Here are the main milestones of its development:

• Early 18th Century (c. 1702): The Gond ruler Bakht Buland Shah founds modern Nagpur by uniting several villages.
• 1743: The city comes under the control of the Bhonsle dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy and becomes the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Nagpur.
• 1817: The Battle of Sitabuldi takes place, after which the influence of the British East India Company in the region increases significantly.
• 1853: Following the death of the last Raja of the Bhonsle dynasty without an heir, the Kingdom of Nagpur is annexed by the British under the "Doctrine of Lapse".
• 1861: Nagpur becomes the capital of the newly formed Central Provinces of British India.
• 1867: The Great Indian Peninsula Railway reaches the city, turning Nagpur into a major trade and logistics hub.
• 1877: The first factory workers' strike in Indian history takes place in Nagpur, marking the beginning of the labour movement.
• 1923: Nagpur University is founded, cementing the city's status as an important educational centre.
• 1947: After India gains independence, Nagpur and the surrounding territories become part of the new nation.
• 1950–1956: Nagpur temporarily serves as the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• 1956: On October 14, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, along with hundreds of thousands of his followers, converts to Buddhism in Nagpur, turning the city into a centre for the Neo-Buddhist movement.
• 1960: As a result of the reorganization of states on linguistic lines, Nagpur becomes part of the state of Maharashtra and its second, "winter" capital.

Key Development Milestones of Nagpur

Throughout its history, Nagpur has journeyed from being the capital of a princely state to becoming one of the key economic and political centres of modern India. These transformations were driven by a series of landmark events and projects.

• 19th Century Industrial Boom: With the arrival of the railway in 1867, Nagpur transformed into India's main centre for cotton trade and the textile industry. The opening of the Empress Mills factory by Tata in 1877 laid the foundation for its industrial development, which continues today.
• Capital of the Central Provinces: In 1861, the city became the administrative centre of the Central Provinces of British India, leading to large-scale urban planning: administrative buildings like the Vidhan Bhavan were constructed, and modern urban infrastructure was laid out.
• Geographical and Logistics Hub: The installation of the "Zero Mile" monument by the British symbolically established Nagpur as the geographical centre of India. This position has always made it a strategically important transport and trade node.
• Educational and Cultural Growth: The founding of Nagpur University in 1923 affirmed its role as a vital educational hub for the region. The event of 1956, when Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with thousands of followers, turned Nagpur into a landmark site for the Neo-Buddhist movement.
• Winter Capital of Maharashtra: After the reorganization of states, Nagpur lost its capital status, but under the "Nagpur Pact" of 1953, it was declared the second capital of the state of Maharashtra. The annual winter session of the state legislature held here maintains its political significance.
• MIHAN Project: The modern phase of the city's development is defined by the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project. This special economic zone is transforming Nagpur into one of India's largest logistics, aviation, and IT hubs, attracting significant investment and creating thousands of jobs.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Nagpur represents a unique fusion of traditional Indian masonry, colonial grandeur, and modern urbanism. The city is historically and visually divided into two parts: the old city with narrow streets and temples, and the more spacious, green western part designed during the British period.

Historical Eras and Styles

The development of Nagpur's urban environment can be traced through the change of authorities, each bringing their own aesthetic and town-planning principles:

• Gond and Maratha Era (18th – mid-19th century): This period is characterized by traditional Indian style. The main type of residential development is the wada, fortified mansions with courtyards, wooden columns, and carved balconies. The Mahal area has preserved the dense, chaotic layout of this era. An important urban planning legacy was the system of artificial lakes for water supply.
• British Colonial Period (1853–1947): A time of radical transformation. The British introduced European styles: Victorian Gothic, Neoclassicism, and the eclectic Indo-Saracenic style. The Civil Lines area was created—a zone with wide avenues, bungalows, and abundant greenery, which is still considered one of the greenest and most well-maintained districts in India.
• Post-Independence and Modernism (from 1947): Concrete, glass, and functionalism entered the architecture. The city's development shifted towards creating infrastructure facilities and modern religious architecture symbolizing a new identity.

Landmark Buildings and Architectural Dominants

The city's appearance is shaped by several monumental structures reflecting different stages of its history:

• High Court Building: The jewel of the city, built from local sandstone. This monumental structure is in a style close to the Renaissance and Greco-Roman classics, featuring massive columns and a dome, symbolizing the administrative power of the colonial era.
• General Post Office (GPO): A striking example of the Victorian style. The building is made of red brick and is distinguished by characteristic arches, verandas, and a clock tower, adapted for the region's hot climate.
• Railway Station: A building made of pink sandstone, combining elements of classicism and local architecture. Its facade is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
• Deekshabhoomi: A grand Buddhist stupa built in 2001. It is an example of modern monumental architecture, crafted from granite, marble, and sandstone. The immense dome, which has no internal supports, is an engineering masterpiece.

The city of Nagpur has given India and the world many talented people whose achievements have left a significant mark in various fields—from politics and science to art and sports. Here are a few outstanding individuals associated with this city.

Politics and Public Service

• Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1889–1940) — a doctor and social activist, founder of the influential Indian nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur in 1925. His ideas and activities had a huge impact on the political and social life of India. His memorial home-museum, the House of Doctor Hedgewar, is located in the city.
• Madhav Shrihari Aney (1880–1968) — a prominent politician and fighter for India's independence. He was one of the founders of the Congress Nationalist Party and served as the Governor of Bihar. His contribution to the formation of modern Indian statehood is highly valued.
• Nitin Gadkari (born 1957) — a modern Indian politician who has served as the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India. He is known for his large-scale infrastructure projects that have transformed the country's transport system. Gadkari hails from Nagpur and started his political career here.

Arts and Culture

• Rajkumar Hirani (born 1962) — one of the most successful and acclaimed film directors and screenwriters in modern Bollywood. Born and raised in Nagpur. His films, such as "3 Idiots" and "PK", have won numerous awards and the love of audiences worldwide thanks to their humanism and subtle humour.
• Vasudeo S. Gaitonde (1924–2001) — one of the greatest Indian abstract artists. Born in Nagpur, he became a pioneer in his field and achieved international recognition. His works, inspired by calligraphy and Zen Buddhism, are highly valued at global auctions.
• Suresh Bhat (1932–2003) — a distinguished poet who wrote in the Marathi language. He is considered a master of the ghazal genre and made a huge contribution to modern Marathi literature. His work is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the region.

Other Notable Figures

• Jyoti Amge (born 1993) — an actress recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's shortest living woman. Born in Nagpur, she became internationally famous after appearing in the American television series "American Horror Story".