Bhandara

Bhandara is a district in the State of Maharashtra in India.

Bhandara district is encircled by Balaghat district (M.P.) in north, Gondia in east, Chandrapur, in South, and Nagpur in the West. Hilly region of the northern side consists of Satpuda range, Bhivsen Koka are small hillocks in this range. Gaymukh, Ambagad, these are the prominent hills in northern hilly region.

The District of Bhandara has an area of 3965 sq km. Total Population of this district as per census 2001 is 1135835.

There are 3648 small lakes and tanks in Bhandara district, whence it is called the lake region of Nagpur.

The number of Talukas in this district is 7, Panchayat Samiti 7, Cities 6, Villages 870, Populated villages 772 and Unpopulated villages 98.

History

Bhandara is the word derived from "Bhannara". Ratanpur (Dist. Bilaspur) excavation has confirmed the historical status of Bhandara. In the stone inscription of Ratanpur, Bhandara district was in existence in the 11th century.

Shri Chakradhar Mahapraphu the founder of Mahanubhav sect has visited and stayed in different villages of Bhandara district in 11th century, his long stay was at Bhandara and his first disciple Nilkantharai Bhandarekar hailed from Bhandara city. Lila charitra the main religious book of Mahanubhav Sect has several references regarding Bhandara district.

Bhandara district was governed by feudal dynasty of Lanji from 1818 to 1830 and Lanji was the head quarter of the dynasty. Bhandara district with its head quarter at Bhandara was formed in 1821. Bhandara district was again divided and New Gondia district was formed on 1st May 1999.

Tradition says that at a remote period a tribe of men, called the Gaulis belonged to the Gond raja of Deogarh. In 1743 it was conquered by the Mahrattas,who governed it till 1853, when it lapsed to the British government, the raja of Nagpur having died without an heir.

Politics

Assembly constituencies and their extent after delimitation order of 2008

60 Tumsar Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 1. Tumsar Tehsil 2. Mohadi Tehsil.
61 Bhandara Vidhan Sabha Constituency (SC) - 1. Bhandara Tehsil 2. Pauni Tehsil
62 Sakoli Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 1. Sakoli Tehsil, 2. Lakhani Tehsil, 3 Lakhandur Tehsil.

Places of interest

AMBAGAR FORT, ANDHALGAON, ADYAR, BONDGAON, BRAHMI, BAWANTHADI, CHAUNDESHWARI DEVI, COLLECTORATE, CHANPUR, CHICHGAD, DIGHORI, GOSIKHURD PROJECT, GAIMUKH, GONDUMRI, KOKA, KORAMBHI DEVI, PAWNI KILLA, PANDEY MAHAL, RAWANWADI, SANGADI KILLA, SHIVANI BANDH, SINDHPURI BODH VIHAR