Phaltan

Phaltan is a city, a taluka and a municipal council in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The town is about 59 kilometres (37 mi) north-east of the city of Satara and about 110 km from Pune.

History

Phaltan State was one of the non-salute Maratha princely states of British India, under the central division of the Bombay Presidency, under the states of the Kolhapur-Dekkan Residency, Satara Agency and later the Deccan States Agency. It was one of the Satara Jahagirs. The state measured 397 square miles (1,028 km²) in area. According to the 1901 census, the population showed a decrease of 31% in the decade at 45,739. The population of the town itself was 9,512 in that year. In 1901, the state enjoyed revenue estimated at £13,000- and paid a tribute to the British Raj of £640. Its flag was a rectangular bicolor, orange over green.

The Hindu ruling family was descended from Naik Nimbaji Nimbalkar (1284–1291), a Maratha who received a grant from a Mughal emperor in the 14th century. The ruler had the title of Raja, or Naik Nimbalkar. The first wife, SaiBai, of 17th century emperor Shivaji was from Phaltan. Major HH Raja Bahadur Shrimant Malojirao Mudhojirao Nanasaheb Naik Nimbalkar IV was the last Ruler of Phaltan.

Phaltan acceded to the Dominion of India on 8 March 1948 and is currently a part of Maharashtra state.

List of Rulers

Nimbraj I Nimbalkar, Naik 1284-1291

Padakhala Jagdevrao Dharpatrao Nimbalkar, Naik 1291-1327

Nimbraj II Nimbalkar, Naik 1327-1349

Vanang Bhupal Nimbalkar, Naik 1349-1374

Vanangpal Nimbalkar, Naik 1390-1394

Vangoji I Nimbalkar, Naik 1394-1409

Maloji I Nimbalkar, Naik 1409-1420

Baji I Nimbalkar, Naik 1420-1445

Powwarao Nimbalkar, Naik 1445-1470

Baji II Nimbalkar, Naik 1470-1512

Mudhoji I Nimbalkar, Naik 1512-1527

Baji Dharrao Nimbalkar, Naik 1527-1560

Maloji II Nimbalkar, Naik 1560-1570

Vangoji II Jagpalrao Nimbalkar, Naik 1570-1630

Mudhoji II Nimbalkar, Naik 1630-1644

Bajaji I Nimbalkar, Naik 1644-1676

Vangoji III Nimbalkar, Naik 1676-1693

Janoji Nimbalkar, Naik 1693-1748

Mudhojirao III Nimbalkar, Naik 1748-1765

Sayajirao Nimbalkar, Naik 1765-1774

Maloji III Rao Nimbalkar, Naik 1774-1777

Janrao II Nimbalkar, Naik 1777-1827

Bajaji II Rao Nimbalkar, Naik 1827-1841

Mudhoji IV Rao Naik Nambalkar, Raja Shrimant, 1841-1916(longest-reigning monarch in India)

Maloji IV Rao Mudhojirao Naik Nimbalkar, Raja Bahadur Shrimant 1916-1948

Geography

Phaltan is located at 17.98°N 74.43°E. It has an average elevation of 568 meters (1,863 feet).

Places of interest around Phaltan are: Vimantal (Airport); Goddess Maljai Mandir; Saibaba Mandir; Nimblak (which has been named after Naik-Nimbalkars as Nimblak) and Nimblak Naka, the oldest place in ancient Phaltan; Dhumalwadi (15 km or 9 mi from Phaltan, famous for waterfall)and Jabareshwar Mandir There are some forts around Phaltan, such as Wadgaum Nimbalkar, Santoshgad, Varugad, Mahimangad and Vardhangad. The fort Vardhangad can be reached from Satara also.

Phaltan's climate is an inland climate of Maharashtra. The temperature has a relatively high range between 15 to 45 °C (59 to 113 °F).[1] Summer in Phaltan is comparatively hot, and dry, compared to neighboring inland cities. Maximum temperatures exceed 40 °C (104 °F) every summer and typically range between 38–45 °C (100–113 °F). Lows during this season are around 25–28 °C (77–82 °F).

The city receives much less rainfall from June to September, and it has been declared as a drought-prone place by the Government. The city sometimes gets nil rainfall during the rainy season.

Winter starts in Phaltan from November to February. The winter temperatures are significantly higher compared to other cities in Maharashtra such as Pune and Nasik. Lows range from 14–16 °C (57–61 °F), while highs are in the range of 29–32 °C (84–90 °F). Humidity is low in this season, making weather much more pleasant.

Phaltan crosses a drought-prone area, and going towards the south and south-west of Phaltan, a dry area begins. Water supply to Phaltan for drinking and irrigation is done by water from Veer Dam on the Nira river. Nira Right Bank Canal (NRBC) flows through Phaltan, making it a partially green town.

Culture

Phaltan is a very ancient city. It has a Temple of Shri Ram, who is said to be Gram daivat of the city. There is a Temple of lord shiva, which is called as Jabreshwar Mandir, this temple has beautiful stone carvings. Other temples in the city are Maljai Temple, Nageshwar temple, Sri Dnyaneshwar Mandir, Upalekar Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, Haribaba Samadhi mandir, Sai mandir in Jadhavwadi. There are many beautiful Jain temples in Phaltan. People of Mahanubhav panth identify Phaltan as South Kashi. The city has a mosque called Badshahi Masjid. A village named Rajale is home for an ancient temple of goddess Janai. Festivals like Diwali, Ganesh chaturthi, and Nagpanchami are celebrated here, mainly. In the month of November or December, the annual fair will be celebrated which is called as Shri Ram Rathostav. The idols of Lord Sri Ram and Sita made up of five metals (Panchdhatu) are placed in a decorated rath worshipped and is taken on a procession all over the city, this procession is called as Nagar pradakshina. The city is also an important center for Mahanubhav (Jaykrishni) Sampraday.

Places of Entertainment at Phaltan are: Namvaibhav Theater; Rajvaibhav Theater (Both theaters are non operative as of now) and Indira Gandhi Sanskritik Bhavan (for art and cultural celebrations).

Places of shopping are: Sriram Bazar,City Bazar, local shops near Ambedkar chowk and Shankar market.

Industry

Phaltan Tehsil has two Sugar Factories: New Phaltan Sugar Works Ltd., Sakharwadi[3] and Shri Ram Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Pvt. Ltd., Phaltan.[4] Sakharwadi's sugar factory is the 2nd sugar factory of Maharashtra and moreover, the 1st private sugar factory in Maharashtra State.

Sakharwadi's sugar factory is currently run by its own management under guidance of Mr. Prahlad Patil. The Phaltan sugar factory is working under management of Mr. Sanjeevraje Naik Nimbalkar.

Cummins India Ltd.[5] has its 300-acre 'mega-site' plant in Phaltan, which is being used to manufacture engines.