Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri Ratnagiri (रत्नागिरी)
City
Population  (2001)
• Total	70,335

Ratnagiri (Marathi:रत्नागिरी) is a city in India, located in the southwestern part of Maharashtra State on the Arabian Sea coast, in the Ratnagiri district. It forms a part of the greater tract known as Konkan. This tract is historically famous for it long coastline and convenient harbours.

The surrounding area is bordered by the Sahyadri Hills on the West; the heavy rainfall results into highly eroded landscape in the coastal region. Fertile alluvial valleys produce rice and coconut as the main crops; fruit and cashew nut cultivation is being promoted.

Ratnagiri is noted for the delicious golden Haapus (Alphonso) mangoes that are produced here.

It is here that the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born.

Geography

Ratnagiri is located at 16.98°N 73.3°E / 16.98; 73.3. It has an average elevation of 11 metres (36 feet).

• Climate: Tropical
• Clothing: Cotton Clothes
• Food: Rice, fish and wheat are the staple diet of the people.
• Language: The principal language is Marathi
• STD code: 02352

Demographics

As of 2001 India censusTemplate:GR, Ratnagiri had a population of 70,335. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Ratnagiri has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 76%. In Ratnagiri, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

In 1731 it came under the control of Satara kings; in 1818 it was surrendered to the British. A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. It is one of the ports of the Konkan coast. It has a palace where the last king of Burma, Thibaw, and later Veer Savarkar, were confined.

It is also believed that the Pandavas having performed their pilgrimage on the 13th year had settled in the adjoining territory of the Ratnagiri district and when the Pandavas and the Kauravas had the famous war at Kuruskshetra, the king of this region Veeravat Ray had accompanied then there.

Buddhist monastery

Ratnagiri was once the site of a mahavihara, or major Buddhist monastery. According to Amit Jha, a lecturer in the Department of History at Sri Aurobindo College, Delhi University, "Ratnagiri comprises two magnificient monasteries, also rebuilt more than once. One of them was double-storeyed and had an extensive courtyard with two-sides of it having a number of cells for habitation of monks. Besides, we have archaeological remains of six temples, thousands of small stupas, 1386 seals, myriad sculptural relics and architectural pieces of daily use. The largest stupa was 47 feet square and 17 feet high surrounded by four minor stupas. There are hundreds of miniature votive stupas decorated with lotus, petal and beaded tassels."[1]

Prime Attractions

Jaigadh fort Main Gate

Jaigadh fort Buruj

Inside the Jaigadh fort

Plasent view of Jaigadh fort

Depth of History

Inside the fort

Killeshwer Maharaj Mandeer

Jaigadh fort Wall

Parashuram Temple near Chiplun, Ganapatipule and Pavas draw many visitors. Caves in the Chiplun, Khed, Dabhol, Sangameshwar, Gauhani Velgaum and Vade Padel are also worth visiting. The Buddhist legend in the Papanch, Sudan and Srath Appakasini record the conversion of Konkan to Buddhism as early as the lifetime of Gautama (BC 560-481). Chiplun, Kol, and Pabol caves indicate that the Sarthawalas or Caravan-men donated some of them. Shivsamarth gad at sawarde near chipalun is also worth visiting with all sculptures from Shivaji Maharaj era.

The "Ganga (Ganges) of Rajapur" is a natural phenomenon believed by many locals to be a miracle. Nearly every 3 years the well forms 14 small pools of water of different temperatures about 3 ft apart. It is believed that the holy Ganga Mata appears to the devotees there. Geologists have theorized that this is a rare case of a large natural syphon from a nearby mountain.

Thebaw Palace :' Constructed in 1910-1l, the Thebaw Palace wasbuilt for the exiled king and queen of Burma (now Myanmar). They lived in this palace from 1911 till their death in 1916. The five years of their stay are now immortalised in stone with their tombs.In future, this palace might be converted into a regional museum or a heritage hotel

Malgund : Birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Keshavsut. Itis a small peaceful village about 1 km away from Ganapatipule. The poet's house was recently renovated and converted into a students' hostel. The Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavsut Smarak in his memory.

Jaigad Fort : Nestled on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and 35 km from Ganapatipule is the Jaigad Fort.This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea. Jaigad's sea fort is situated at a sheltered bay. Its beach is small and safe.

Pawas : Besides its natural beauty and serenity, Pawas achieved prominence when Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influencedan entire generation of Maharashtrians) had made it his abode. The place where he used to reside is now converted into an ashram. A visit there is still like a journey through time.

Velneshwar : 170 km from Ratnagiri is the sleepy, village of Velneshwar. Its adjoining beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees. It is possible to swim there as the beach is free from rocks. There is an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by pilgrims; a haven for those in search of quiet mysticism in the ethereal presence of the master mystic - Lord Shiva.

Ratnagiri Fort : Built during the Bahamani rule. Later to become the property of Adilshah. In 1670, Shivaji conquered the fort.1761 saw the fort fall into the hands of a man impersonating Sadashivrao Bhau. In 1790, Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi rebuilt the fort and strengthened its ramparts.The fort has never witnessed any decisive, or historically notable battles.

The fort is horseshoe shaped, with a length of 1300 metres and width of 1000 metres.Surrounded by sea on three sides, with land touching it on the fourth side. On one of the sea facing sides, part of the cliff has collapsed to reveal a cave. One of the fort's bastions, the ' Siddha Buruj ', still has a lighthouse, that has stood here for years. A picturesque temple of The Goddess Bhagwati is one of the important places of worship in the area of the fort. A well near the temple has steps leading down.

Ganpatipule Ganpatipule is a famous place for clean sea beaches. It is 21 kilometers from Ratnagiri city on the way to Purnagad and 4.5 kilometers from Pawas. It is also famous for Lord Ganesh Temple.

External links

• Places of Interest in and around Ratnagiri
• Luxury Trains of India: Ratnagiri Travel Guide
• Ratnagiri District Homepage