History

Legend has it that the name "Nashik" has a rather... colorful origin. It all started when Lord Ram, the Hindu deity, was in exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. A wicked demoness named Shoorpanakha tried to charm Lord Ram, but he wasn't impressed. In fact, he was so annoyed that he asked Lakshman to cut off her nose! This incident, according to the epic Ramayana, is where the name "Nashik" (meaning "nose") comes from.

Nashik's history doesn't just revolve around nose-cutting legends. It also has a rich political past. In 1818, the Peshwas, powerful Hindu rulers, took control of the city. But their reign was short-lived. The British arrived on the scene and captured Nashik in the same year.
Even though the British took over, Nashik continued to grow and develop. In 1840, one of the first modern libraries in the entire state of Maharashtra was established right here in Nashik.

Long before the Peshwas and the British, Nashik was part of a vast empire ruled by the Mauryans. Evidence of this comes from an inscription issued by Dharma Maha Matra, a high official of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. This inscription, found in Chandrapur district, mentions the capture and killing of animals in the Nashik region.

Ashoka's rock edicts also refer to the Rashtrika and Bhoja-Petenika dynasties. Many historians believe that the Petenikas lived in Pratishthana (modern-day Paithan), the Rashtrikas ruled as powerful warriors, and the Bhojas controlled Vidarbha.

Just a few decades after the fall of the Mauryan Empire, a new dynasty rose to power in Western Maharashtra: the Satavahanas. Their founder, Simuka, laid the groundwork for a prosperous and influential kingdom.

It was during the reign of Simuka's brother, Krishna (circa 180 BCE), that the Nashik region became part of the Satavahana Empire. Krishna left a lasting legacy by excavating a cave near Nashik to house Buddhist monks. This act of patronage reflects the Satavahanas' commitment to religious tolerance and cultural development.

The dynasty continued to flourish under the leadership of Satakarni I (circa 170 BCE - 130 BCE) and his wife, Nayanika. Their son, Vedishri (circa 130 BCE - 110 BCE), was renowned for his bravery and military prowess, earning the title "lord of Dakshinapatha" (Deccan).

However, the Satavahana empire faced challenges from foreign invaders. The Shaka Kshatrapas, led by Nahapana (circa 110 BCE - 120 CE), conquered parts of Western Maharashtra, including Nashik. Nahapana's rule was marked by significant cultural contributions, as evidenced by the Pandu-lena caves excavated during his reign.

The tide turned when Gautamiputra Satakarni (circa 120 CE - 170 CE), a descendant of Satakarni I, defeated Nahapana and reclaimed Satavahana territory. His victory over the Shakas solidified his reputation as a powerful and capable ruler.

Under the leadership of Yajnashri Satakarni (circa 170 CE - 190 CE), the Satavahana empire reached its zenith. His reign extended across a vast region, from the western coast to the eastern Deccan. Nashik, under Satavahana rule, became a thriving trade center, renowned for its silk production. The city's prosperity and cultural significance during this period left a lasting mark on its history.

Unfortunately, the Satavahana dynasty eventually fragmented, and its power waned. However, their legacy of patronage, cultural development, and economic prosperity continued to shape the region's identity.

Following the decline of the Satavahanas, the Abhira dynasty rose to prominence in the region. The Abhiras ruled in the northeast, while the Chutus controlled Maharashtra and Kuntala. According to Puranic texts, ten Abhira kings ruled for a total of 67 years.

The Nashik inscription of King Madhuriputra Ishvarasena, an Abhira ruler and son of Shivadatta, provides valuable insights into the dynasty. This inscription dates back to circa 249-250 CE, a period that later became known as the Kalachuri or Chedi era.

During this time, Nashik was referred to as Trirashmi by some Sanskrit poets. The founder of the Abhira dynasty, Rajan Ishvarasena, son of Shivadatta, left an inscription in cave IX at Nasik. This inscription records his charitable contributions to the Buddhist mendicants residing in the Viharas of Trirashmi.

Ishvarasena established a new era, beginning in 250 CE, which later became known as the Kalachuri-Chedi era. The earlier dates of this era are found in Northern Maharashtra, Gujarat, Central India, and Vidarbha. The widespread use of this era suggests that Ishvarasena and his descendants ruled over a significant territory, encompassing Gujarat, Konkan, and Northern Maharashtra.

Ishvarasena was succeeded by nine other Abhira kings, who collectively ruled for 167 years. The Abhira dynasty's rule in Nashik marked a new chapter in the region's history, leaving its own mark on the cultural and political landscape.

The Traikutaka dynasty, named after the Trikuta mountain bordering the Nasik district, ruled for a relatively brief period. Three Traikutaka kings, Indradatta, Dahrasena, and Vyaghrasena, are known from their inscriptions and coins found in Nashik and Gujarat. Dahrasena, an independent king who performed an Ashvamedha (a prestigious horse sacrifice), made a significant donation to a Brahmana. This donation was recorded in a copper-plate grant discovered at Pardi in the Surat district.

Vyaghrasena, Dahrasena's son, succeeded him as ruler. However, Vyaghrasena had to acknowledge the supremacy of the Vakataka king Harishena. A copper-plate grant dated 490 CE (in the Abhira era), found at Surat, records Vyaghrasena's donation of a village. The Traikutaka dynasty's rule in Nashik was relatively short-lived, but their presence left a mark on the region's history. Their inscriptions and donations provide valuable insights into the political and social landscape of Nashik during this period.

Following the decline of the Vakatakas in the early 6th century CE, Vidarbha came under the control of the Vishnukundin king Madhavavarman I. He married a Vakataka princess, strengthening his ties to the region.

Taking advantage of the political vacuum created by the Vakatakas' downfall, Madhavavarman I expanded his dominion significantly. He performed numerous Vedic sacrifices, including eleven Ashvamedhas, a prestigious ritual symbolizing his sovereignty.

A copper-plate grant discovered at Khanapur in the Satara district indicates that Madhavavarman I's rule extended to Western Maharashtra. His grandson, Madhavavarman II, described himself as the lord of Trikuta and Malaya, suggesting that the Vishnukundins may have had a presence in the Nashik region for a period.

While the Vishnukundins' rule in Nashik was relatively brief, their presence added another layer to the region's complex history. Their influence and conquests contributed to the evolving political landscape of the time.

Following the Vishnukundins, the Kalachuri king Krishnaraja rose to power around 550 CE. He ruled from Mahishmati, modern Maheshvara, in the former Indore State. His coins have been found across a vast territory, from Rajputana in the north to Maharashtra in the south.

Krishnaraja's coins, known as Krishnarajarupakas, were in circulation for over 150 years, as mentioned in the Anjaneri plates dated 710-711 CE. This suggests the enduring influence of the Kalachuri dynasty.

Krishnaraja was succeeded by his son Shankaragana, whose copper-plate grant was discovered at Abhona in the Nasik District. Dated 597 CE, this grant indicates that Shankaragana ruled over an extensive kingdom, stretching from Malva in the north to the Nasik and Aurangabad districts in the south.

Shankaragana's son, Buddharaja, faced challenges from the Chalukya king Mangalesha on the southern frontier of his kingdom soon after his accession. The Kalachuris' rule in Nashik was relatively brief, but their impact on the region's history is evident through their coinage and administrative practices.

The Chalukyas of Badami emerged as a dominant force in the first half of the 6th century CE. Pulakeshin I, the dynasty's first independent ruler, ruled from 543 CE. He performed various Vedic sacrifices, including the Ashvamedha, a symbol of his sovereignty. His son, Kirtivarman I, expanded the Chalukya empire through conquests in South India. He was known for his military prowess and was described as a "night of destruction" to his enemies.

Mangalesha, Kirtivarman I's younger brother, succeeded him but faced internal strife and lost his life in a civil war. Pulakeshin II, Mangalesha's nephew, ascended to the throne and established Badami as his capital. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang referred to Pulakeshin II as the "lord of Maharashtra," indicating his influence in the region. Scholars have debated the exact location of Pulakeshin II's capital, but Nasik is considered the most likely candidate.

Pulakeshin II's reign was marked by significant achievements, including the grant of villages to Brahmanas. However, his reign was tragically cut short by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman, who conquered Vatapi and defeated Pulakeshin II in battle around 642 CE. Pulakeshin II's son, Vikramaditya I, succeeded him after a prolonged struggle. Vikramaditya appointed his younger brother Dharashraya Jayasimha to govern South Gujarat, North Konkan, and the Nasik district. Jayasimha's rule is documented in his Nasik plates, dated 685 CE. These plates record his grant of the village Dhondhaka.

Another significant family, descended from Harishchandra, ruled over Northern Konkan and the Nasik district during the 7th and 8th centuries CE. Founded by Svamichandra during the reign of Vikramaditya I, this family's influence extended through three generations: Svamichandra, Simhavarman, and Bhogashakti. Bhogashakti's rule was marked by his resettlement efforts and grants to merchants. However, his successor was likely overthrown by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga, who occupied the Nasik district around 715 CE. The Chalukyas of Badami's influence on Nashik was significant, lasting through multiple generations. Their rule marked a period of political and cultural development in the region.

The Rashtrakutas, who succeeded the Chalukyas in the Deccan, originally hailed from Lattalura. Their rise to power is closely linked to Dantidurga, who expanded their territory through extensive conquests. Dantidurga's uncle, Krishna I, completed the conquest of the Early Chalukyas, establishing the Rashtrakutas as a dominant force in the region.

The Rashtrakuta dynasty produced several renowned conquerors, including Druva and Govinda II, who led successful military campaigns in North and South India. Govinda III's rule is documented through several copper-plate grants found in Maharashtra. One such grant, discovered at Wani in the Nasik district, dates back to 808 CE and records his donation of a village to a Brahmana.

Amoghavarsha I, Govinda III's son, succeeded him. Despite his peaceful nature, Amoghavarsha's reign was marked by internal struggles and rebellions. His successor, Govinda IV, was eventually overthrown by his uncle Baddiga-Amogha varsha III, who placed his son Krishna III on the throne.

Krishna III, known for his ambition and administrative skills, led an expedition in North India and captured the forts of Kalanjara and Chitrakuta. His reign marked the continuation of the Rashtrakuta dynasty's power and influence in Nashik and the surrounding regions.

The decline of the Rashtrakuta dynasty created a power vacuum in the region. Tailap II, a Mahasamanta of the Rashtrakutas, seized this opportunity to establish the Later Chalukya dynasty.

The Paramara king Vakpati Munja planned to invade Chalukya territory but was dissuaded by his wise minister Rudraditya. Ignoring this advice, Munja was captured by Tailapa and imprisoned. The story goes that Munja fell in love with Tailapa's sister Mrinalavati and revealed his escape plan to her. She betrayed him, and Tailapa had him punished.

One of the most notable successors of Tailapa II was Vikramaditya VI, the founder of the Chalukya-Vikrama Samvat. He ascended the throne in 1075 CE. The Later Chalukya dynasty's rule in Nashik continued until 1157 CE, when the last Chalukya king, Tailap III, was overthrown by his Commander-in-Chief, the Kalachuri Bijjala.

The Yadavas of Devagiri emerged as a prominent force in the late 12th century CE. Previously ruling as feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the Yadavas established their own kingdom in Seunadesha (Khandesh). Dridhaprahara, the family's founder, ruled from Shrinagara, later identified as Chandradityapura (modern Chandor in the Nasik district). His son Seunachandra expanded the Yadava territory, establishing the city of Seunpur/Sindiner (Sinnar). A minor branch of the Yadava family ruled over a small district centered around Anjaneri. Seunadeva, the ruler of this branch, made grants to a Jain temple.

The Yadava dynasty witnessed several notable rulers. In 1294 CE, Alauddin Khalji invaded the kingdom of Ramachandra, forcing him to pay a heavy ransom. Ramachandra continued to rule until at least 1310 CE, when he was succeeded by his son Shankaragana.

Shankaragana's defiance of Delhi led to his defeat and death at the hands of Malik Kafur. Ramachandra's son-in-law, Harapaladeva, briefly ousted the Muslims but was unable to maintain control. The Hindu kingdom of Devagiri ultimately fell in 1318 CE. The Yadava era witnessed a unique architectural style known as Hemadpanti, named after Hemadri or Hemadpant, a minister of Mahadeva and Ramachandra. Temples built in this style are prevalent throughout Maharashtra.

Marathi literature also flourished during the Yadava period. Chakradhara, the founder of the Mahanubhava cult, used Marathi as the medium of his religious teachings, inspiring other writers to follow suit. The Yadavas' rule in Nashik marked the final chapter of Hindu dominance in the region before the arrival of Muslim rule. Their legacy is evident in the architectural and cultural developments that shaped the region's identity.

The Nashik region remained under Mughal control until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 CE. Following this, the Marathas gained control of the area.

During the Maratha period, Nashik witnessed significant development and construction. Chieftain Naroshankar Raje Bahadar built the Rameshwara temple and hung the Naroshankar bell there. The Kapaleshwara temple was constructed in 1738, and Chieftain Chandrachud built the Sundar Narayana temple in 1756. Chieftain Aadekar rebuilt the Kalaram temple in 1790.

The Maratha period was also marked by conflicts with the Nizams of Hyderabad. Despite these tensions, Nashik gained prominence and became an important city under Maratha rule. In 1751, after Nizam's death, the Marathas adopted the name "Nashik" for the city, replacing its previous name, "Gulshanabad."

The Marathas continued to rule Nashik until 1818. In that year, Thomas Hyslow and the British army conquered Kopargaon and the northern part of Chandwad. They followed this by capturing Thalner and the Chandwad fort in March 1818, ultimately gaining control of the entire Nashik region.

The British conquest of the Maratha kingdom led to Nashik being declared an important city and division. However, British rule was met with resistance from the local Bhilla community. Led by Magoji Naik, the Bhilla people staged a significant protest, involving thousands of participants. Despite facing opposition from the British army, the Bhilla people continued their struggle. Bhogoji Naik emerged as another prominent leader of the resistance movement. Although the British ultimately regained control of the region, the Bhilla people's resistance left a lasting mark on Nashik's history.

In 1860, Nashik was granted the status of a separate district. The British established an Anglo-vernacular school in 1861 and granted Nashik city Nagar Parishad (municipal council) status in 1864. The first newspaper in Nashik, the "Nashik News," was also launched during this period. Prominent social reformers Gopal Hari Deshmukh and Nyayamurthi Mahadev Ranade became active in Nashik's social life in 1877. The Nasik Tram, operating from the Old Municipal Building to Nasik Road railway station, served the city for nearly 44 years, starting in 1889.

Veer Vinayak Sawarkar, a native of Bhagur in Nashik, secretly founded the Rashtrabhakta organization in 1899. The "Mitramela" group also gained prominence in Nashik. Sawarkar's activities led to his arrest and imprisonment by the British government. Lokmanya Tilak conducted a protest march against British rule in Nashik on May 31, 1907. Another notable figure involved in the freedom movement was Hutatma Anant Kanhere, who participated in the Mitramela group and social work.

Kanhere's assassination of Mr. Jackson, a cruel collector of Nashik, in 1909 led to his arrest and execution. Other activists like Krishna Gopal Karve, Narayan Joshi, and Ganesh Joshi were also implicated in the case and faced imprisonment. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer, contributed significantly to Nashik's development. He fought for the rights of untouchable people and led the Kalaram Satyagraha, a movement demanding their entry into Hindu temples.

The British period in Nashik was characterized by both resistance to colonial rule and social and economic development. The city's history during this time reflects the struggles and aspirations of its people.