Nashik

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Nashik or Nasik ( Marathi: नाशिक, Nasik, Hindi: नासिक, Nāsik ) is an Indian city north-east of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. Nashik has almost 1.5 million inhabitants ( 2011 census ), making it to Mumbai and Pune, the third largest city in Maharashtra.

Location

Nashik lies on the holy river Godavari at an altitude of about 560 meters above sea level. inst Mumbai is located about 165 km ( driving distance ) southwest; the Indian capital Delhi is located about 1250 kilometers north-east.

Population

Of the nearly 1.5 million residents are about 64 % Hindu, 23 % Muslim, 10 % Buddhist, 1.5% Jains, Sikhs 1% and 0.5 % Christian. The illiteracy rate is still about 25 %, which is mainly due to the continued migration from rural areas due.

Economy

The region around Nashik is the center of wine production in India. Moreover, in the rural setting onions, tomatoes and sugar cane are grown. But Nashik is also an emerging industrial city - many national and international companies ( including Bosch) have branches in Nashik. The most important industrial employer with over 7,000 employees is the aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL ).

History

Some episodes from the Ramayana epic are located in Nashik (formerly Nasika or Nasikya ) have played. Excavations have shown that the location of an ancient trade route between the ports on the coast and the cities of the Ganges plain space has been continually inhabited since the 5th century BC. During the period of political dominance of Islam, the city was named Gulshanabad; shortly before the British takeover of India, the town's name was changed back under the Peshwas in Nashik. During the independence movement of India, the city played only a minor role.

Kumbh Mela

Besides Allahabad, Haridwar and Ujjain Nashik is one of the four cities of India, where every 12 years a Kumbh Mela is celebrated. On August 27, 2003 there was the ritual bath of millions of Hindus on the banks of the sacred river Godavari in Nashik to a stampede, 43 people were trampled to death. The next Kumbh Mela we held in 2015.

Attractions

Despite its long history and cultural significance Nashik has no important cultural and historical sights.

City

Environment

Pandavleni Caves