Maharashtra Tourism
Have a quick look at the history and origin of Nashik city of Maharashtra.

Nashik History

Nashik was included also under Ashok's mighty empire. Later, Nashik district became very prosperous during the era of the Satavahana as it lay on the trade route to Broach (Gujarat). During Mughal period, the city was named as Gulshanabad appreciating its beauty. The old name was restored when Peshwas took over in 1751. By 1818, Nashik became an important town with two palaces, magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens and vineyards. Nashik surrendered to the British on April 19,1818. Nashik too was in great disturbance during the freedom struggle of 1857. But it retained its peace after the struggle ended in 1860.

Nashik Municipality was formed in 1864. Nashik was made a full-fledged district with its present 13 talukas in 1869. Railway tracks were constructed around that time. The city gained its popularity with the construction of Central Jail. India Security Press and the Distillery, which then existed for the English soldiers at Deolali. Then, artisans skilled in making utensils and smiths excelling in silver and gold ornaments were beginning to launch their trade, and Nashik grew to be a flourishing commercial center.

As far as revolutionary activities during freedom struggle were concerned, Nashik was always prominent as a centre. Great revolutionist, Anant Kanhere fired at Mr. Jackson, the then Collector of Nashik, on the night of 21st December 1909, while he was watching a play at Vijayanand Theatre. Mr Jackson died on the spot, which resulted in arrests, trails and sentences.

Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement found its share of forest satyagrahas and underground activities here in Nashik as well. Dr. Ambedkar has organized his temple entry movement for the abolition of untouchability and mass satyagraha was organized in 1932. In 1950, Session of India National Congress was held at Nashik at a place now called Nehrunagar (between Nashik and Nashik Road).