The history of Solapur dates back to 1838 when it was constituted as the sub district of Ahmednagar. Prior to this it had been the part of Ahmednagar, Pune and Satara. With an objective of strengthening the administrative control over the region Solapur was made the sub division of Ahmednagar including the areas of Barshi, Mohol, Madha, Karmala, Indi, Hippargi and Muddebihal.
In 1864 its existence as sub district was discontinued and in 1871 it was reconstituted adjoining the sub divisions namely Solapur, Barshi, Mohol, Madha and Karmala and two sub division of Satara district i.e., Pandharpur and Sangola. In 1875 Malshiras was included as an additional sub division of the Solapur sub district. After Independence during the constitution of States in 1956 the district of Solapur was given the capacity of separate district of Maharashtra in 1960.
One of the most amazing incident about Solapur is that the people of Solapur has enjoyed the pleasure of Independence even before India got independence. It is the only example in the history of India where people at large scale celebrated the pleasure of Independence for three days i.e. from May 9th to 11th 1930, even before the actual Independence.
During India’s struggle for Independence Gandhiji was arrested in 1930 and against it demonstration were held through out India. These demonstrations took violent shape in Solapur sub district and many people lost their lives in the police firings. As the result of this people provoked vigorously and the police and other officers had to leave Solapur to protect their life. It was at that time when the situation of law and order totally came into the hands of Congress party leaders.
The responsibility of maintaining peace in city was properly handled by the then Congress President Ramkrishna Jaju. It was during this during which inspired from the Gandhiji’s Dandi March, citizens of Solarpur for the period of three days from 9th to 11th May 1930 hosted the National Flag on the Solapur Municipal Council for making the British Officers ran away from the city. This flag was hosted by the senior Freedom Figher from Pune Shri. Annasaheb Bhopatkar.
Some Facts about Solapur1. Geographical Location - 17.10 to 18.32 degrees North Latitude and 74.42 to 76.15 degrees East Longitude.
2. Geographical Area - 14844.6 Sq.Kms.
3. Temperature - Max. 46 degrees celcius and Min. 9 degrees celcius.
4. Average Rainfall - 545.4 mms. ( Min.415.3 mms and Max.1128.4 mms. in last 10 years )
5. Population – 38,49,543 as per 2001 census.
6. Total Net Cultivated Area - 1069 Hectares
7. Major Crops - Jawar, Wheat, Chana, Tur, Groundnut.
8. Major Cash Crop - Sugarcane.
9. Total Co-operative Societies - 8119.
10. Total Rail Length – 375.40 kms.
11. Total Road Length – 14087.12 kms.
12. Registered Small Scale Industries - 8516.
13. Total Primary Schools - 2886.
14. Total Talukas - 11.
15. Total Villages - 1150
16. Total Village Panchayats - 1027
17. Total Panchayat Samitis - 11.
18. Municipal Corporation - 1.
19. Municipal Councils - 9.
Tourist Destinations: The major tourist destinations of Solapur are:
Pandharpu: Pandharpur is a holy place of Shri.Vitthal and Shri.Rukmini. It is also known as the Southern Kashi of India and Kuldaivat of Maharashtra State. It is located at a distance of 72 kms by road. from Solapur District headquarters. The Pandharpur Railway Station falls on the Miraj-Kurduwadi-Latur railway track. The ancient temple of Shri.Vitthal was renovated in 1195 A.D.
Solapur: Shri.Siddheshwar is the Gramdaivat of Solapur city. A Siddheshwar Temple is located at the heart of the city. It is surrounded by a large water tank which resembles as view of an island. The brief history of Shri.Siddheshwar states that there was a great saint Shri.Siddaram, who preached the teachings of Shri.Basaweshwara.
A young girl, inspired by the teachings of this saint wished to marry the saint. Shri.Siddaram being a Brahamachari denied to marry her and gave permission to marry with his pupil Yogadanda. The same marriage function is celebrated every year on the Makar Sankranti for three days on Bhogi, Sankrant and Kinkrant. The Nandi Dhwajas are presumed as Bride and Groom for the marriage. This festival falls around 14th Jan. every year.
Akkalkot: Akkalkot is a Holy place of Shri.Swami Samarth Maharaj. It is located at a distance of 38 kms. By road from Solapur District headquarters. This Saint is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Dattatraya. The Samadhi of this Saint is worshipped by the devotees. The Death Anniversary is celebrated on Chaitra Shuddha Trayodashi every year. Large number of devotees visit the place everyday.
Kamaladevi Of Karmala: The Kamala Bhavani Temple is built by Rao Raje Nimbalkar in 1727. It is considered to be the second seat of Tulajapur Tulaja Bhavani. Built in Hemdpanthi style, the temple has entry doors in East South and North directions. The uniqueness of this temple architecture is, the temple is having well of 96 steps. The temple is constructed with 96 pillars.
Bhagwant Mandir At Barshi: The uniqueness of this temple is that, this is the only one temple of Shri Vishnu all over India having Shri Vishnu’s name as BHAGAWNT. The temple is build in Hemadpanthi style in the year 1245 A.D. There are four entries to the temple from all the four directions, but the main entry is east-facing. There is one GARUDKHAMB in front of Garbhagraha. The idol of main diety Shri Bhagwant is in black stone having SHANKH, CHAKRA and GADA in the hands and picture of devotee king Ambrish below the right hand. Shri Laxmi is on the back of Bhagwant idol. Shivlinga is there on the forehead and marks of Footsteps of Bhrigu Rishi on the chest of the God.
Connectivity: It is situated at a distance of 410 Kms. from Mumbai and is well connected by rail and road. It falls on the Mumbai-Chennai and Mumbai-Hyderabad railway track.
Solapur is at a distance of 245 kms from Pune, 305 Kms. from Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). The National Highways viz. NH-9, NH-13 and NH-211 pass through the city making Solapur on the frontline of the commercial map of India.
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