Latur district General information
Latur District is situated in Maharashtra state of India. Latur city is the district headquarters. In the last census on 2001, the total population of the district was 2,080,285. Urban population comprises 20.08% of the total population. The current population of Latur urban agglomerate is over 4 lacs.
History
Latur has a long history which probably dates to the Rashtrakuta period. The first Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga was from Lattalur, probably the ancient name for Latur. Anecdotally, Ratnapur is also mentioned as a name for Latur.
The King Amoghavarsha of Rashtrakutas developed the Latur city, originally the native place of the Rashtrakutas. The Rashtrakutas who succeeded the Chalukyas of Badami in 753 A.D called themselves the residents of Lattalut.
Before 1948, Latur was a part of Hyderbad state under Nizam. The chief of Nizam's Razakar army Qasim Razwi was from Latur. Until 1981 Latur was a Taluqa town in Osmanabad district in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. On 16 August 1981, a separate Latur district was carved out of Osmanabad district.
Location
The Latur District is in the south-eastern part of the Maharashtra state. Latur town is situated on the 18.7° latitude and 73.25° longitude. The district is situated on the Maharashtra Karnataka boundary. On the eastern side of the Latur is Bidar district of Karnataka, whereas Nanded is on the northeast, Parbhani on the northern side, Beed on the Northwest and Osmanabad on the western and southern side
The entire district of Latur is situated on the Balaghat plateau, 540 to 638 mtrs from the mean sea level
River
Manjara is the main river which flows on the Balaghat plateau along with its tributaries: Terna, Tawarja and Gharni. The other three tributaries of Manjara are Manyad, Teru and Lendi which flow on the northern plains.
Manjara : This is the main river. Its origin is near the Gaukhadi Village of Beed district. The river flows from the nothern boundaries of the Osmanabad district and cutting across the Latur district goes to Karnataka State
Terna : This is the main tributary of Manjara which flows on the southern boundary of the Ausa taluka .
Manyad : This river takes its origin at Dharmapuri in Beed district and flows through the Ahmadpur taluka into Nanded district
Lendi : The river has its origin in Udgir taluka and flowing through the Ahmadpur taluka joins the Tiru river in Nanded district .
Gharni : The river has its origin near Wadval and flows through Chakur taluka.
Tawarja : Tawarja originates near Murud in Latur taluka and joins the Manjara river at Shivani on the Latur-Ausa boundary
Area and Division
The area of Latur district is 7372sq.kms. The district is divided into three sub-divisions and 10 Talukas. The number of village in Latur district according to the 2001 census, is 943
Climate
Average rainfall in the district is 600 to 800 mm. This is usually during the monsoon months from July - October. Moderate temperatures are mainly observed here. The rainfall is unpredictable in tune with the Indian monsoon. Summers here begin from early March to July. Summers are dry and hot. The temperature ranges from 24°C to 39.6°C, though at the peak they may reach 41°C. From November to January, is the winter season. Temperatures at the peak drop to single digits but usually they hover around 13.9°C to 21.8°C sometimes lowers up to 11°C. January to March are the months with moderate temperatures.
Culture
Fairs and festivals: Shri Siddeshwar fair at Latur is held every year. Thousands of people attend the Gangaram Maharaj Samadhi every Ekadashi at Hattibet in Udgir tehsil. Religious places: Ausa, Hattibet, Nilanga, Renapur, Shirur Anantpal, Tambala, Ujani History: Latur has an ancient history. It was home to the Rashtrakutas and was part of Ashoka's empire. It was, over the centuries, variously ruled by the Satavahanas, the Sakas, the Chalukyas, the Yadavas of Deogiri, the Delhi Sultans, the Bahamani rulers of South India, Adil Shahi, and the Mughals. Later in the 19th century it became part of the independent princely state of Hyderabad. Earlier known as Naldurg tehsil, in 1905 it was merged with surrounding areas and renamed Latur tehsil, and became part of Osmanabad district. After independence and the merger of Hyderabad with the Indian Union, Osmanabad became part of Bombay Province. In 1960, with the creation of Maharashtra, it became one of its districts. On August 15, 1982, Latur was separated from Osmanabad to form a separate Latur district. The district may be divided into two regions -- the Balaghat plateau, and the northeastern region consisting of Ahmadpur and Udgir.
Education
Higher education
Latur has developed as a good educational center in Maharashtra over the years.
From Past few Years, Latur have emerged as a strong Educational hub for Secondary School and Higher Secondary School. Students from Latur are always in top spot when it comes to results. In last decade almost all Maharashtra Topers comes from Latur.
Famous colleges include Rajarshi Shahu college, Dayanand College, Udaygiri College, Hawagi Swami College, Mahatma Gandhi College, M.S. Bidve Engineering College, M.I.M.S.R.Medical College, Govt. Medical College, Manjara Ayurvedic College, Dayanand Law College and several others to name a few.
Primary and secondary education
Public education in Latur District is administered by the Zilla Parishad. There are a number of Primary and Secondary Schools in the district.
Economy
Latur was one of the important trading hub during the time of NIZAM OF HYDRABAD. It is an industrial center as well as agriculture based economy. Latur is the rising Industrial Hub Of Marathwada.
Latur is known all over India for the Quality and Quantity of Pulses that it produces and especially TOOR DALL a.k.a. Arhar dal or Pegion Peas. Latur is also a major trading center for Urad, Moong and Channa along with TUR. Also it is known for trading in Oil Seeds mainly Sun-flower and Soya Bean, nutcrackers, locks, brassware, milk powder, ginning and pressing.
Sport
The Maharashtra Cricket Association is planning to construct their home ground near Latur City. Also a Divisional sports complex have been sanctioned for Latur region, which would cater to the needs of players in Latur, Osmanabad and Nanded districts.
National Level Kabaddi and Basket Ball were held in Latur district. Latur Region is still awaiting to get a Krida Prabodhini.
Medical Facility
Latur District is served by 12 government hospitals, 46 Primary Health Centers, 19 dispensaries and 234 primary health support groups. A Super Specialty Hospital is taking place in Latur which would benefit to the patients in 11 adjoining districts.
In addition to these there are a large number of private hospitals; Jatal Hospital & Research Center, Gugle Memorial Hospital, Yeshwantrao Chavan Rural Hospital and Latur Cancer Hospital are the famous ones.
Places of interest
LATUR
This city has a historical background. King 'Amoghvarsha' of Rashtrakutas developed this city, originally the native place of the Rashtrakutas. Latur city has the famous 'Ganjgolai' as the central place of the city. The town planner Shri Faiyajuddin prepared the plan for the 'Ganjgolai Chowk'. The main building of the Golai is a huge two-storeyed structure which was constructed around the year 1917. In the middle of the circular structure is the temple of Goddess Ambabai. There are 16 roads connecting to this Golai and along these roads are separate markets selling all kinds of traditional localware such as gold ornaments to footwears and food items from chilli to jaggery.. Thus, the 'Ganjgolai' has become the main commercial and trade centre of this city. The Latur city has the beautiful Siddheswar temple built by King Tamradwaj. The temples of Ramlingeswar, Bhuteswar, Keshavraj, Ram, Dutta add to the ancient cultural heritage of the city. The Darga of Surat Shahvalli and temples of Astavinayak and Parshavanath also deserve mention as the beautiful monuments of the city.
In the year 1881 Lokmanya Tilak started a ginning and pressing factory at Latur. The development of Latur city received a boost after 1982 when it was declared as the district Headquarters. The growth of industries through the medium of Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation has been a boon for Latur. As a part of the infra-structure development, an air strip is also constructed and maintained by the MIDC at Latur.
Latur is an important centre of trade and commerce as it is well connected by railway and road network. Latur city is connected to Kurduwadi Junction through narrow gauge railway track. A broad gauge railway track connecting Manmad-Secundrabad stations is situated at Latur road, 32 kms. away from Latur city. An air strip is also constructed 12 kms from Latur along the Latur- Barshi road, which is maintained by the MIDC at Latur.
The Ashram of Namanand Maharaj at Mahapur just 8 km away from Latur city. Every year thousand of pilgirms are visiting for darshana of the Samadhi of maharaj. The Manjara river is flowing near by the Ashram or Math. An island is inside the river srrounding the river water and on this island the Temple of Datta is situated. The river and the green surrounding makes the area pleasent and attracts pilgirms to visit again.
UDGIR
Udgir is one of the most important towns of Latur district. Udgir has a great historical significance. It has witnessed the war between the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad which took place in 1761. The Marathas led by Sadashivrao Bhau defeated the Nizam and the treaty of Udgir was signed. The fort of Udgir stands in all its glory speaking volumes about the Indian history and Indian culture. The fort is bounded by a 40 feet deep trench as the fort is built at the ground level. In the fort are several palaces Durbar halls and most importantly the Samadhi of Udaygir Maharaj which is 60 feet under the normal ground level. This is a place of great reverence to the people of the region. The fort has some rare inscriptions written in Arabic and Persian.
AUSA
This is a taluka headquarter, just 20 kms away from Latur. Ausa also has a old historical fort which today is in ruins. The pace has a huge temple of Virnath Maharaj, built by his son Mallinath Maharaj about 300 years ago..
AHMEDPUR
It is a taluka headquarter known for the samadhi of the Guru of Swami Samartha of Akkalkot. The town has beautiful temple of the Renukadevi Goddess of Mahur, Mahadeo, Datta and Balaji.
NILANGA
This is a taluka headquarter well-known for the magnificently sculpted temple of Nilkanteswar. Nilanga got its name from the name of Nilkanteshwar, Gramdaivat of this place.
SHIRUR ANATPAL
This is a newly formed taluka place well know for the Temple of Lord Shiva. The another well known and famous Temple of Lord Shiva is situated at Hippalgaon village 12 km away from Tahsil place and 26 Km from Latur city. The temple is built in the 11th century. The linga of Lord Shiva and the statue of Devi Mahishasur is finely sculputred in the black stone. The sides and corners are full of carved statues of different gods and godesses . Approximatley 2.5 lac pilgrims are visiting this place for Darshana every year and a big ustava or holi retual is performed on every Chaitra Ekadash and Dwadashi (Marathi Calender).
CHAKUR
The chakur is Taluka place and on the state highway of Latru-Nanded. It is 35 Km far from Latur city. A temple of Loard Shiva with amusement park is situated near by the Chakur city.
The Wadwal Nagnath Bet (Hill) is very famous for its unique feature of producing a very rare species of Ayurvedic bushes and plants. It is 16.5 km away from Chakur and 39 Km from Latr city.
The hill is of 600- 700 feet height from the ground and is 3 km near the Wadwal-Nagnath village. The rare species of Ayurvedic plants grows in the Uttara Nakshatra and hence the well known ayurvedic practitioners from nearest states are visiting this hill inthe same period.