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Coordinates: 17°31′30″N 76°12′20″E / 17.52500°N 76.20556°E / 17.52500; 76.20556
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{{Short description|Town in Solapur, Maharashtra, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
⚫
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
{{More citations needed|date=April 2015}}
⚫
| name = Akkalkot
⚫
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
| settlement_type = City
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Akkalkot
| image_skyline =
| settlement_type = City
| image_alt =
| image_skyline =
| image_caption =
| image_alt =
| nickname =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Maharashtra#India#Asia
| nickname =
| pushpin_relief = yes
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map = India Maharashtra
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Maharashtra, India
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Maharashtra, India
| coordinates = {{coord|17|31|30|N|76|12|20|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[Country]]
| coordinates = {{coord|17|31|30|N|76|12|20|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Maharashtra]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Maharashtra]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Solapur district, Maharashtra|Solapur]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| subdivision_name2 = [[Solapur district, Maharashtra|Solapur]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date =
| established_date =
| founder =
| founder =
| named_for =
| named_for =
| government_type = City and Municipal Council
| government_type = Municipal Council
| governing_body = Akkalkot City and Municipal council
| governing_body = Akkalkot Municipal Council
| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_rank =
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 40103 <ref name="solapur.gov.in">{{Cite web |url=http://solapur.gov.in/census/cen2011-akk.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 August 2014 |archive-date=21 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821181420/http://solapur.gov.in/census/cen2011-akk.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫
| elevation_m =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_total = 40103 <ref name="solapur.gov.in">http://solapur.gov.in/census/cen2011-akk.pdf</ref>
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_rank =
| population_demonym = Akkalkotkar
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Language
| demographics_type2 =
Akkalakotekar
| demographics_type1 = Language
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics_type2 = Language
| demographics1_title2 =
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| demographics1_title2 = Local
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN CODE]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code = 413216
| registration_plate = MH-13
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN CODE]]
| postal_code = 413216
| website =
| registration_plate = MH-13
| footnotes =
⚫
| demographics1_info1 = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| website =
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info2 = Marathi
⚫
| demographics1_info1 = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| demographics1_info2 = Kannada, Marathi
}}
}}


'''Akkalkot''' {{audio|Akkalkot.ogg|pronunciation}} is a City and a [[municipal council]] in [[Solapur district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Maharashtra]]. It is situated 40&nbsp;km southeast of [[Solapur]] and very close to the border between [[Maharashtra]] and [[Karnataka]] states.
'''Akkalkot''' ({{audio|Akkalkot.ogg|pronunciation}}) is a city and a [[municipal council]] in [[Solapur district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Maharashtra]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Akkalkot {{!}} District Solapur, Govt. of Maharashtra, India {{!}} India |url=https://solapur.gov.in/en/tourist-place/akkalkot/ |access-date=2022-12-07}}</ref> It is situated 38&nbsp;km southeast of [[Solapur]] and close to the border of Karnataka state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Akkalkot - DOT-Maharashtra Tourism - Maharashtra Tourism |url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/-/akkalkot |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=DOT-Maharashtra Tourism}}</ref>


Akkalkot is the home to Shri [[Swami Samarth Maharaj]], a 19th-century saint who is believed by his devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.<ref>[http://www.shreeswami.org/about-shree-swami-samartha.htm || Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot || Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot, Sri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
City is the home to Shri [[Swami Samarth]], a 19th-century saint who is believed by his devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shreeswami.org/swami-samarth-of-akkalkot/|title=Swami Samarth of Akkalkot}}</ref>
[[Akkalkot State]] during the [[British Raj]], was a [[princely state]] ruled by the royal [[Bhonsale]] dynasty.
[[Akkalkot State]] during the [[British Raj]], was a [[princely state]] ruled by the royal [[Bhonsle (clan)|Bhonsale]] dynasty.


== Geography ==
==History==
{{Further|Akkalkot Taluka}}
=== Princely Akkalkot ===
⚫
[[File:Akalkot flag.svg|thumb|Flag of the Akkalkot state.]]
⚫
Akkalkot [[taluka]] is bordered by South Solapur tehsil to the west and by [[Karnataka]] state on all other sides. The tehsil covers an area of 1,407&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> and contains 138 villages, apart from the town. The total population of the taluka is approximately 314,570 (2011 census), giving a population density of 222 per km<sup>2</sup>. [[Sorghum|Jowar]], [[Pearl Millet|bajra]] and [[pulses]] are the main crops grown in the taluka. Akkalkot is routinely hit by drought as it falls in a [[rain shadow]] and also no major river pass through this taluka. Although the soil is classified as 'medium to deep black' and is of rich quality.
⚫
{{Main|Akkalkot State}}


⚫
During the British Raj, Akkalkot was a princely state of ruled by the royal [[Bhonsle (clan)|Bhonsale]] dynasty. The non-salute state came under the Deccan States Agency and was bordered by [[Hyderabad State]] and the presidency of [[Bombay Presidency]]. The area of the state was 498 sq. miles. In 1911, the state enjoyed a revenue estimated at Rs.26,586/- and paid a tribute to the [[British Raj]] of Rs.1,000/-.Its population in 1901 was 82,047, while the population of the town itself was 8,348 in that year.<ref name="EB1911">{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Akalkot|volume=1|page=454}}</ref> The population of the state in 1921 was 81,250, comparable to 1901 but having seen 9% growth followed by decline in the intervening 20 years; the population of the town in 1921 was 9,189.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |year=1930 |title=Akalkot |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] |edition=14|volume=1|page=482}}</ref> Between 1901 and 1911 the state's population grew by 9%, after which it declined to 81,250 by 1921.<ref name="Britannica" />
⚫
== Religious significance ==


The Royal Armory Museum in New Palace is a popular attraction in the area. It was collected by Fattehsing Bhosle who was the ruler at Akkalkot from 1894 A.D. to 1923 A.D.<ref>{{cite web
⚫
Akkalkot is widely known for its association with '''Shri [[Swami Samarth Maharaj]]''', held by his devotees to be a reincarnation of [[Dattatreya]]. Swami Maharaj lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of his ''disciple Cholappa'', where his samadhi (tomb) and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, which is known the ''Vatavruksh Mandir'' since it encloses the banyan tree beneath which the swami would preach his message, is the hub of devotions for his followers.
|url=http://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Solapur/places_Akkalkot.html|title=Akkalkot|website=maharashtra.gov.in|access-date=8 July 2023}}</ref>


⚫
=== Religious significance ===
The other local shrine is the samadhi of Akkalkoth Swami located some distance from the main shrine, but still within the city limits. Free accommodation and meals are provided to pilgrims by the Shri Swami Samarth Annachhatra Mandal.
⚫
Akkalkot is widely known for its association with [[Swami Samarth]], held by his devotees to be a reincarnation of [[Dattatreya]]. His temple, located in [[Gogaon, Akkalkot|Gogaon]], is the main tourist attraction in Akkalkot. Swami Samarth lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of his ''disciple Cholappa'', where his samadhi (tomb) and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, which is known the ''Vatavruksh Mandir'' since it encloses the banyan tree beneath which the swami would preach his message, is the hub of devotions for his followers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=अक्कलकोटचे वटवृक्ष स्वामी मंदिर राहणार 2 जानेवारीपर्यंत बंद ! मंदिर समितीने घेतला निर्णय |url=https://www.esakal.com/paschim-maharashtra/solapur/swami-samarth-temple-akkalkot-will-remain-closed-till-january-2-due |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=eSakal - Marathi Newspaper |language=mr-IN}}</ref>


== Geography ==
Akkalkot Taluka is also famous for "Khwaja Daud Dargah" staying for peace in between Muslim religion, many people assemble to visit the mosque and for the Urdu month of Muharram people join and perform tasks as their religion.
{{Further|Akkalkot Taluka}}
⚫
Akkalkot [[taluka]] is bordered by South Solapur tehsil to the west and by [[Karnataka]] state on all other sides. The tehsil covers an area of 1,407&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> and contains 138 villages, apart from the town. The total population of the taluka is approximately 314,570 (2011 census), giving a population density of 222 per km<sup>2</sup>. [[Sorghum|Jowar]], [[Pearl Millet|bajra]] and [[pulses]] are the main crops grown in the taluka. Akkalkot is routinely hit by drought as it falls in a [[rain shadow]] and also no major river pass through this taluka. Although the soil is classified as 'medium to deep black' and is of rich quality.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070223160300/http://solapur.nic.in/htmldocs/ggraphy.htm Geography and demographics]</ref>


⚫
==Demographics and languages==
Akkalkot is also famous for Gajanan Maharaj's Shivpuri, where [[Agnihotra]] is performed.<ref>https://www.wellness.vishwafoundation.com/</ref>
⚫
As of 2011 India census, Akkalkot had a population of 40,103 out of which 20,051 were male and 20,052 were female. Akkalkot has an average literacy rate of 63%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.<ref name="solapur.gov.in"/>


While Marathi is the official language, [[Kannada|Kannada language]] is the most spoken language in [[Akkalkot Taluka]]. In December 2022, 10 gram panchayats of Akkalkot tehsil in [[Solapur district]] passed resolutions to join [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/96013926.cms | title=In office in Maharashtra & Karnataka, BJP comes under fire on border row &#124; Mumbai News - Times of India | website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref>
⚫
==Demographics==
⚫
As of 2011 India census, GR India Akkalkot had a population of 40,103 out of which 20051 were male and 20052 were female.<ref name="solapur.gov.in" /> Akkalkot has an average literacy rate of 63%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.


==Languages==
==Education==
⚫
Shri Shahaji High School is a 125 years old school. [[Karnatak Lingayat Education Society]]'s Mangrule High school, [[Indian Model School Akkalkot ]] & Kashiraya Kaka Patil High School are some of the large schools. [[Indian Model School ]] is said to be best School in Akkalkot Besides C.B. Khedgi's Basaveshwar Science Raja Vijaysinh Commerce & Raja Jaysinh Arts College, Shri Vatavriksha Swami Maharaj Devashtan's Polytechnic offer higher education.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.swamipolytechnic.com/contact-us.html |title=Contact Us &#124; S. V. S. M. D's Polytechnic, Akkalkot |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325113420/http://www.swamipolytechnic.com/contact-us.html |archive-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Akkalakot taluka has large number of Kannada schools.

Marathi is the official language, [[Kannada|Kannada language]] is also most spoken widely in villages of [[Akkalkot Taluka|Akkalkot taluka]].

== Princely Akkalkot ==

⚫
[[File:Akalkot flag.svg|thumb|Flag of Akkalkot.]]
⚫
{{Main|Akkalkot State}}

⚫
During the British Raj, Akkalkot was a princely state of ruled by the royal [[Bhonsale]] dynasty. The non-salute state came under the Deccan States Agency and was bordered by [[Hyderabad State]] and the presidency of [[Bombay Presidency]]. The area of the state was 498 sq. miles. In 1911, the state enjoyed a revenue estimated at Rs.26,586/- and paid a tribute to the [[British Raj]] of Rs.1,000/-.Its population in 1901 was 82,047, while the population of the town itself was 8,348 in that year.<ref name="EB1911">{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Akalkot|volume=1|page=454}}</ref> The population of the state in 1921 was 81,250, comparable to 1901 but having seen 9% growth followed by decline in the intervening 20 years; the population of the town in 1921 was 9,189.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |year=1930 |title=Akalkot |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] |edition=14|volume=1|page=482 |language=en}}</ref> Between 1901 and 1911 the state's population grew by 9%, after which it declined to 81,250 by 1921.<ref name="Britannica" />

==Education institutions==
⚫
Akkalkot has numerous educational institutes. [[Shri Shahaji High School]] (125 years old institute), [[Karnatak Lingayat Education Society]]'s Mangrule High school & Kashiraya Kaka Patil High School are some of the large schools. C.B. Khedgi's Basaveshwar Science Raja Vijaysinh Commerce & Raja Jaysinh Arts College, Shri Vatavriksha Swami Maharaj Devashtan's Polytechnic offer higher education.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.swamipolytechnic.com/contact-us.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325113420/http://www.swamipolytechnic.com/contact-us.html |archive-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Akkalakot taluka has large number of Kannada schools.


== Transport ==
== Transport ==

It is served by Akalkot Road Railway Station which is 7&nbsp;km away from the city. [[Mumbai Chennai Mail|Chennai Mail]] and [[Udyan Express]] for [[Mumbai]], [[Mumbai Chennai Mail|Chennai Mail]] for [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Mantralayam]], [[Raichur]], [[Gulbarga]], Udyan express for [[Bangalore]], [[Hyderabad]] Passenger for [[Hyderabad]] have stop here.
It is served by Akalkot Road Railway Station which is 7&nbsp;km away from the city. [[Mumbai Chennai Mail|Chennai Mail]] and [[Udyan Express]] for [[Mumbai]], [[Mumbai Chennai Mail|Chennai Mail]] for [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Mantralayam]], [[Raichur]], [[Gulbarga]], Udyan express for [[Bangalore]], [[Hyderabad]] Passenger for [[Hyderabad]] have stop here.
It is also served by [[Tadawal railway station]] on [[Solapur]] -[[Hubli]] line around 20&nbsp;km away, with trains to [[Bijapur]], [[Hubli]], [[Bagalkot]], and [[Gadag]]. It is more convenient to board trains from these stations than Solapur station which is 40&nbsp;km away as this saves time. There is a great demand to stop trains such as [[Hussainsagar Express]], [[Dadar Chennai Egmore Express]], [[Konark Express]], [[Shatabdi Express]], [[Rajkot Express]], and [[Karnataka Express]].
It is also served by [[Tadawal railway station]] on [[Solapur]] -[[Hubli]] line around 20&nbsp;km away, with trains to [[Bijapur]], [[Hubli]], [[Bagalkot]], and [[Gadag]]. It is more convenient to board trains from these stations than Solapur station which is 40&nbsp;km away as this saves time. There is a great demand to stop trains such as [[Hussainsagar Express]], [[Dadar Chennai Egmore Express]], [[Konark Express]], [[Shatabdi Express]], [[Rajkot Express]], and [[Karnataka Express]].


The nearest airport to Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple is [[Solapur Airport]] which is 31&nbsp;km away from Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple. However, {{as of|2016|lc=y}} there is no scheduled commercial air service available.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2012/05/akkalkot.html|title = Amazing Maharashtra: AKKALKOT}}</ref>
The nearest airport to Akkalkot is the [[Solapur Airport]] which is 31&nbsp;km away. However, {{as of|2016|lc=y}} there is no scheduled commercial air service available.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2012/05/akkalkot.html|title = Amazing Maharashtra: Akkalkot}}</ref>

== Important tourist sites in and around Akkalkot ==

The main tourist attraction in Akkalkot is Shri [[Swami Samarth Maharaj]] temple, in [[Gogaon, Akkalkot|Gogaon]]. Other attraction includes The Royal Armory Museum in New Palace which is a collection by Fattehsing Bhosle who was the ruler at Akkalkot from 1894 A.D. to 1923 A.D.<ref>http://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Solapur/places_Akkalkot.html</ref>

* Shri [[Swami Samarth Maharaj]] Temple :- 1.5&nbsp;km away from [[Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation|MSRTC]] bus station.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131211005105/http://www.jagrutmaruti.com/ Shri Jagrut Maruti Temple] :- 14&nbsp;km away from MSRTC bus station.
* Ballappa Math :- 1&nbsp;km from MSRTC bus station.
* Shri Swami Samarth Rajerai Math :-2&nbsp;km from MSRTC bus station.
* Joshi Buwa Math :- 1.5&nbsp;km from MSRTC bus station.
* Khandoba Temple :- This temple is to the north direction of MSRTC bus station.
* Mallikarjun Temple :- This temple is located between shri. Swami Samarth Samadhi math and MSRTC bus station.
* New Palace & Armory Museum :- Near the MSRTC bus station.
* Shivpuri :- 2.5&nbsp;km from MSRTC bus station.
* Hatti Tank :- 1&nbsp;km. from MSRTC bus station.
* Kashi Vishweshwar, Jeur:- 12&nbsp;km from Akkalkot MSRTC bus station.
* Hydra:- 30&nbsp;km from Akkalkot MSRTC bus station.
* Burhanpur :-15&nbsp;km from Akkalkot MSRTC bus station.
* 'Kurnur' :- 14&nbsp;km from Akkakot MSRTC bus station.
* 'Railway station', [[Akkalkot Road railway station]] is 10&nbsp;km from the city.
* 'Mahalaxmi Temple' in Bhurikavathe Village 26&nbsp;km from MSRTC Bus stand.
* 'Tolambabai Mandir', Bypass Road Akkalkot.
* 'Shri Swami Samarth Samadhi Math', near MSRTC Bus Stand Akkalkot.
* 'Sonya Maruti Mandir', central chowk Akkalkot.
* Shir Swami Samarth Annachatra - It is inside Shri Swami Samarth Temple.
* Shaikh Nuroddin Baba Chisti Dargah. 1km from MSRTC bus stand.


== See also ==
== See also ==

* [[Bhonsle]]
* [[List of Maratha dynasties and states]]
* [[List of Maratha dynasties and states]]
* [[Shri Swami Samarth]]
* [[Shri Swami Samarth]]
Line 134: Line 98:


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://sites.google.com/site/akklakotstation/ Akkalkot road station]
*[https://solapur.gov.in/en/tourist-place/akkalkot/ Official Tourism Website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070223160246/http://solapur.nic.in/htmldocs/akkalkot.htm Vital statistics]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070223160300/http://solapur.nic.in/htmldocs/ggraphy.htm Geography and demographics]
*[http://www.SwamiSamarth.com Swami Samartha Maharaj of Akkalkot]


{{Solapur district topics}}
{{Solapur district topics}}
{{Maharashtra}}
{{Maharashtra}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akkalkot}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Solapur district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Solapur district]]
[[Category:Talukas in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Talukas in Maharashtra]]

Revision as of 11:44, 19 February 2024

Akkalkot
City
Akkalkot is located in Maharashtra
Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Location in Maharashtra, India
Akkalkot is located in India
Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot (India)
Akkalkot is located in Asia
Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot (Asia)
Coordinates: 17°31′30″N 76°12′20″E / 17.52500°N 76.20556°E / 17.52500; 76.20556
Country India
StateMaharashtra
DistrictSolapur
Government
 • TypeCity and Municipal Council
 • BodyAkkalkot City and Municipal council
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
40,103 [1]
DemonymAkkalkotkar
Language
 • OfficialMarathi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN CODE
413216
Vehicle registrationMH-13

Akkalkot (pronunciationⓘ) is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.[2] It is situated 38 km southeast of Solapur and close to the border of Karnataka state.[3]

City is the home to Shri Swami Samarth, a 19th-century saint who is believed by his devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.[4] Akkalkot State during the British Raj, was a princely state ruled by the royal Bhonsale dynasty.

History

Princely Akkalkot

Flag of the Akkalkot state.
Main article: Akkalkot State

During the British Raj, Akkalkot was a princely state of ruled by the royal Bhonsale dynasty. The non-salute state came under the Deccan States Agency and was bordered by Hyderabad State and the presidency of Bombay Presidency. The area of the state was 498 sq. miles. In 1911, the state enjoyed a revenue estimated at Rs.26,586/- and paid a tribute to the British Raj of Rs.1,000/-.Its population in 1901 was 82,047, while the population of the town itself was 8,348 in that year.[5] The population of the state in 1921 was 81,250, comparable to 1901 but having seen 9% growth followed by decline in the intervening 20 years; the population of the town in 1921 was 9,189.[6] Between 1901 and 1911 the state's population grew by 9%, after which it declined to 81,250 by 1921.[6]

The Royal Armory Museum in New Palace is a popular attraction in the area. It was collected by Fattehsing Bhosle who was the ruler at Akkalkot from 1894 A.D. to 1923 A.D.[7]

Religious significance

Akkalkot is widely known for its association with Swami Samarth, held by his devotees to be a reincarnation of Dattatreya. His temple, located in Gogaon, is the main tourist attraction in Akkalkot. Swami Samarth lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of his disciple Cholappa, where his samadhi (tomb) and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, which is known the Vatavruksh Mandir since it encloses the banyan tree beneath which the swami would preach his message, is the hub of devotions for his followers.[8]

Geography

Further information: Akkalkot Taluka

Akkalkot taluka is bordered by South Solapur tehsil to the west and by Karnataka state on all other sides. The tehsil covers an area of 1,407 km2 and contains 138 villages, apart from the town. The total population of the taluka is approximately 314,570 (2011 census), giving a population density of 222 per km2. Jowar, bajra and pulses are the main crops grown in the taluka. Akkalkot is routinely hit by drought as it falls in a rain shadow and also no major river pass through this taluka. Although the soil is classified as 'medium to deep black' and is of rich quality.[9]

Demographics and languages

As of 2011 India census, Akkalkot had a population of 40,103 out of which 20,051 were male and 20,052 were female. Akkalkot has an average literacy rate of 63%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.[1]

While Marathi is the official language, Kannada language is the most spoken language in Akkalkot Taluka. In December 2022, 10 gram panchayats of Akkalkot tehsil in Solapur district passed resolutions to join Karnataka.[10]

Education

Shri Shahaji High School is a 125 years old school. Karnatak Lingayat Education Society's Mangrule High school, Indian Model School Akkalkot & Kashiraya Kaka Patil High School are some of the large schools. Indian Model School is said to be best School in Akkalkot Besides C.B. Khedgi's Basaveshwar Science Raja Vijaysinh Commerce & Raja Jaysinh Arts College, Shri Vatavriksha Swami Maharaj Devashtan's Polytechnic offer higher education.[11] Akkalakot taluka has large number of Kannada schools.

Transport

It is served by Akalkot Road Railway Station which is 7 km away from the city. Chennai Mail and Udyan Express for Mumbai, Chennai Mail for Chennai, Tirupati, Mantralayam, Raichur, Gulbarga, Udyan express for Bangalore, Hyderabad Passenger for Hyderabad have stop here. It is also served by Tadawal railway station on Solapur -Hubli line around 20 km away, with trains to Bijapur, Hubli, Bagalkot, and Gadag. It is more convenient to board trains from these stations than Solapur station which is 40 km away as this saves time. There is a great demand to stop trains such as Hussainsagar Express, Dadar Chennai Egmore Express, Konark Express, Shatabdi Express, Rajkot Express, and Karnataka Express.

The nearest airport to Akkalkot is the Solapur Airport which is 31 km away. However, as of 2016 there is no scheduled commercial air service available.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ "Akkalkot | District Solapur, Govt. of Maharashtra, India | India". Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  3. ^ "Akkalkot - DOT-Maharashtra Tourism - Maharashtra Tourism". DOT-Maharashtra Tourism. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Swami Samarth of Akkalkot".
  5. ^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Akalkot" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 454.
  6. ^ a b "Akalkot". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Vol. 1 (14 ed.). 1930. p. 482.
  7. ^ "Akkalkot". maharashtra.gov.in. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  8. ^ "अक्कलकोटचे वटवृक्ष स्वामी मंदिर राहणार 2 जानेवारीपर्यंत बंद ! मंदिर समितीने घेतला निर्णय". eSakal - Marathi Newspaper (in Marathi). Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  9. ^ Geography and demographics
  10. ^ "In office in Maharashtra & Karnataka, BJP comes under fire on border row | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  11. ^ "Contact Us | S. V. S. M. D's Polytechnic, Akkalkot". Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  12. ^ "Amazing Maharashtra: Akkalkot".


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