Did you know Nagpur is the Winter Capital of Maharashtra?

Nagpur is the third largest city of Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune. What many Indians do not know is that it is also the second capital of the state and the government actually works from there every winter.  Let’s learn more about this surprising but important aspect of our governance.  

How did Nagpur become the winter capital of Maharastra? 

The Nagpur Pact was drawn up between Indian political leaders in September 1953, leading to the creation of the state of Maharashtra carved from Marathi-speaking areas of the former Bombay State, Madhya Pradesh State and Hyderabad state. On the other hand, the separate state of Vidarbha was merged with the newly formed Maharashtra, resulting in Nagpur losing its standing as an existing capital to what had been the state of Vidarbha. Tension began to flare in Nagpur. And in 1960, one more pact between political leaders made Nagpur the second capital of Maharashtra, complete with its own High Court and legislative body. The act also required that one session of the Maharashtra state assembly would be held in Nagpur every year, with a minimum duration of six weeks, to deal with issues regarding the Vidarbha region. 

What makes Nagpur important? 

Apart from being the seat of annual winter session of Maharashtra state assembly, Nagpur is also a major commercial and political centre. It is famous as the Orange City, thanks to its massive orange cultivation and export trade. At a very famous public ceremony on 14 October 1956 in Nagpur, B. R. Ambedkar and all his supporters converted to Buddhism, starting the Dalit Buddhist movement which is still active in Maharashtra. 

What is the political background of Nagpur?

The city was founded by the Gond rulers. It then became part of the Maratha Empire. The British East India Company took over Nagpur in the 19th century. This was when it was made the capital of the Central Provinces and Berar. Nagpur is also called the Tiger Capital of India, as it connects many Tiger Reserves of India. Interestingly, the non-cooperation movement was launched in the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1920.