Nashik History
Nashik: A City of Mythology, History, and Heritage
Nestled on the banks of the sacred Godavari River, Nashik holds immense significance in Indian mythology, history, and culture. Known as the city where Lord Rama spent a major part of his exile and where Laxman cut Shurpanakha’s nose, giving the city its name, Nashik boasts a storied past that dates back to ancient times.
The city, referred to as ‘Trikantak’ in Kritayuga, ‘Janasthana’ in Dwaparyuga, and ‘Navashikh’ in Kaliyuga, has been celebrated by poets like Valmiki and Kalidasa. It flourished under Maratha and Mughal rule, once called ‘Gulshanabad’ for its gardens. During the Peshwa period, Nashik saw architectural marvels like the Navasha Ganapati Temple and later thrived under British development, including the creation of one of Asia’s largest golf courses.
Nashik’s role in India’s freedom struggle is equally significant, marked by revolutionary acts like the assassination of British officer Jackson in 1909. The city became a hub for patriotism, with songs and movements that inspired many.
Surrounded by hills and lakes, Nashik is not just a historical gem but also a cultural and natural paradise, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike.
The Nashik Conspiracy: A Tale of Revolution
Mitra Mandal Movement
In the early 1900s, Nashik witnessed the rise of the Mitra Mela, a revolutionary group led by Ganesh and Vinayak Savarkar. This association, primarily of young Brahmin men, ignited patriotism through inspiring songs for Ganapati and Shivaji festivals, public gatherings, and physical training sessions. They drew inspiration from historical revolutionaries like Mazzini, Shivaji, and Ramdas, promoting Indian independence through lectures, books, and covert arms collection.
Departure of Vinayak Savarkar
A pivotal moment came in June 1906 when Vinayak Savarkar left for England on a scholarship from Shamji Krishna Varma. Before departing, Savarkar delivered speeches in Nashik and Pune, urging mental and physical preparedness for India’s freedom struggle.
The Jackson Murder Case
The movement reached a critical juncture with the assassination of Mr. Jackson, the Collector of Nashik, on December 21, 1909. Key figures, including Anant Laxman Kanhere and Krishna Gopal Karve, were arrested, marking a turning point in India’s revolutionary history.
This story highlights the spirit of resilience and sacrifice that shaped India’s path to independence.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: The Revolutionary Patriot
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a fierce advocate of India’s freedom, played a pivotal role in the struggle against British rule. After matriculating in 1901, he joined Fergusson College, Poona, where his nationalist fervor grew, inspired by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In 1904, he founded “Abhinav Bharat,” an international revolutionary society. His bold actions, such as burning foreign clothes in 1905, provoked the British, leading to his expulsion from college.
In 1906, Savarkar went to London to study law but turned it into a base for uniting Indian students against British oppression. Despite passing the Bar exam, his anti-British activities led to his arrest in 1910. After an attempted escape in Marseilles, he was sentenced to 50 years in the Andaman Cellular Jail, where he endured solitary confinement. Released under strict conditions in 1924, he focused on social reforms and continued his patriotic work until his death on February 26, 1966, through “Prayopveshana” (fast unto death).
Nashik Conspiracy: A Brave Chapter
In Nashik, rising British atrocities fueled patriotic resistance. Ganesh Savarkar faced life imprisonment for publishing revolutionary songs. In 1909, Anant Kanhere, armed with a pistol sent by Savarkar, assassinated Collector Jackson during a farewell event. The act, carried out with the help of accomplices, led to brutal crackdowns but remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
Legacy
Savarkar’s legacy includes inspiring revolutionary songs, galvanizing youth, and creating a network of patriots. Despite relentless oppression, his life symbolizes unwavering dedication to India’s freedom.