Nashik has a singular importance in the history of Maharashtra and is the holy city of Hindus on the banks of the sacred river Godavari. The history of the city is related to many of the Hindu Gods. Rama the Lord of Justice roamed the forests of Nashik during the fourteen year exile from Ayodhaya. The name Nasik has originated from a Sanskrit word “nasika” which means nose. It is believed that the brother of Rama, Laxman had chopped off the nose of the devil woman Shurpnakha and that gave the name to the place.

The Mythological Period

It is believed that the city of Nashik had existed during the Stone Age too as seen from certain archeological finds in the area. The city was named “Tri-Kantak” on the three demons who were defeated by Lord Vishnu. It was also called Padma-Aasana when the Saint Brahmadeva meditated in the Yoga position Padmasana. The famous Hindu Saint Agatsya crossed the Vindhyas to establish his abode in the region near the river Godavari and then welcomed Rama during his exile

The Moguls and Peshwa Period

The Moguls were deeply impressed by the beauty of the city, especially the gardens and named it Gulshanabad. The Mogul Sultan Aurangzeb was sent fresh flowers from the Nashik gardens. The Peshwas after defeating the Moguls renamed the city Nashik. Peshwa Raghobadada constructed a fort for his queen Anandibai, the remains of the Fort can be seen even today. The Queen built the famous Navasha Ganapathi temple in the city.

British Period

The British were enamored by the verdant gardens of the city of Nashik. They established a cantonment and training center in Deolali in the Nashik District. The Nashik Golf Course made during the British period was one of the largest courses in Asia. Today Deolali has the Artillery Training Center and developed into a major cantonment. The British made it a district in 1869 and the railway route from Bombay, now Mumbai, to north-east passed through Nashik. The trade opened for the artisans, metal workers, knitters, weavers and farmers in a big way. The Nashik onions, grapes and wine made its way to the nooks and corners of the country. The British also gave the city its first library in 1840 and an Anglo-Indian School in 1861.

Nashik During the Indian Freedom Struggle

The people of Nashik were actively involved in the freedom struggle with famous personalities like Lokmanya Tilak and Veer Savarkar. The youth of Nashik joined the Abinav Bharat movement in hordes after the fiery speech of Tilak on August 26, 1906. The movement started gaining ground and overnight the city of Nashik and Anant Kanhere shot to fame with the murder of British District Collector on 21 Dec 1909. Many were caught and were sentenced to death by the British. Mahatama Gandhi also organized numerous forest movements or Satyagrehs against the British.

The city of nine hills, numerous lakes and gardens today is a bustling metropolis famous for the Shirdi Saibaba a little distance from it. The peaceful city of yore has today transformed into an unplanned property development market. Is someone concerned?