1

Name ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

School -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

City --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPLORING CITIES AND THEIR

UNIQUE HERITAGE…..

Nanded

A historic city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra …..

2

Situated on the banks of Godavari

River in the state of Maharashtra,

the geographic coordinates for the

Nanded are 19.15°N 77.30°E and

19.15°N 77.30°E.

The city is divided into two parts

with the Godavari river flowing in

between and is located in the

Marathwada region (established in

1610). The Nanded District shares

its border on the West with a few

other Marathwada districts – Latur,

Yavatmal and Parbhani.

Did you know?

The city is home to the Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, the

second holiest place for Sikhs, next only to the

Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara (the much-revered

Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab.

Today, Nanded is an important socio-political-

economic centre in Maharashtra. In addition, it is a

regional education centre and renowned for its health-

care facilities as well.

Geographic location

3

History and background

Nanded was built on the Deccan and references to its irrigation practices are recorded in the

Leela Charita. In the 4th - 5th century, Nanded was ruled by the Nanda dynasty. It was part of

the Maurayan Empire, the Andrabhrtyas and Satvahanas. In 1725, Nanded was part of

Hyderabad state until 1948. In 1960, when Maharashtra was created Nanded district became

part of the state.

Did you know?

Lord Shiva once performed penance on the banks of the

Godavari and hence, it came to be known as Nanditat.

Nandi is Shiva’s vahana or vehicle.

The name Nanditat eventually evolved into Nanded.

It was ruled by the Chalukya king Nanda Deva during

the 4th century CE. The Chalukyas left a great

impression in Nanded. The Siddheshwar temple in

Hottal (around Nanded), made of stone, stands as a

classic example of Chalukyan art and architecture.

Nanded Fort

Nanded fort is enclosed by the Godavari

River on three sides. The compound has a

garden and water works.

Mahur

It is part of the Saade Teen

Shaktipeeth (three and a half seats of

power of the deity). It also has a

Parshuram Mandir. The Mahur fort is

situated closeby and was an important site

on the Deccan route.

4

Sikhism and Nanded

Nanded is associated with important Sikh gurus. For example, Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539 CE) passed through

Nanded on his way to Sri Lanka. Guru Gobind Singh (1666 – 1708 CE) arrived in Nanded with

the mughal emperor Bahadur Shah I (1643 – 1712 CE).

In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh commissioned the construction of a gurdwara at Nanded. It was built on the

site of Guru Gobind Singh's cremation. The gurdwara is part of the Hazur Sahib.

The Hazur Sahib is one of the Panj Takht (the five seats of higher authority for Sikhs).

Heritage of Nanded

Hindu temples

Kaleshwar temple

Shani Temple, in Mondha on Ram Ghat

Yagyavalkya Vedpathshala Saraswati Temple

in Shree Nagar

Rajput Sangh Renuka Mata Temple

Marwadi Dharma Shala Hanuman Temple

Temples in Trikut village form the

Nabhishthan (centre point) of the River

Godavari

Siddheshwar Temple, Hottal – built by

Chalukyas.

Lord Shiva Temple, Tadkhel Village (Degloor

Taluka) – built with large stones displaying

scripture by the Hindu king, Senapati.

Siddheshwar Temple, Hottal

5

Explore Nanded ….…….. Name some interesting heritage found in Nanded?

Forts

1. _________________________

2. _________________________

Waterfalls

1.__________________________

Religious sites

1. _________________________

2. _________________________

3.__________________________

Masjid of Biloli

The Hazrat Nawab Sarfaraz Khan

Sahid Masjid was constructed 330

years ago. Sarfaraz Khan was an

officer in the army of Aurangzeb.

The Masjid in stone has four

minarets on the southern side, which

collapsed when it was hit by a

lightening in 1960. The one on the

north has eight chains. Below the

chains is a figure in the shape of a

bell. To the northwest corner of the

Masjid is a barrow (a well square in

shape).

Sahasrakund waterfalls in Islapur village.

Unkeshwar village has hot water springs with containing sulphur and phosphate with

medicinal properties.

6

Name the river and waterfall found in Nanded. Find out names of aquatic and

marine life found there. What is the condition of the water-body? What can be

done to protect it?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Imagine you are ruler of the historic Nanded kingdom in the ancient or medieval

times. Describe your surroundings and the state of your kingdom. Draw references

from myths and legends associated with Nanded.

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

7

Imagine you are taking a heritage walk across a fort in Nanded. Draw your own

fort. Do remember to label the architectural features and landscape

(hills/mountain/plains/plateau) you may find there.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Can you describe your experience at an observatory or a planetarium?

Write the name of the sacred Sikh site found in Nanded. Find out its history and

significance.

Content, Research, and Development: INTACH Heritage Education and Communication Service

INTACH, 71, Lodi Estate, New Delhi-110003

References:

https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/destination/nanded

http://nanded.nic.in/

https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/ot-getaway-guides/nanded-historical-city/

http://www.tourismguideindia.com/nanded.htm

https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g968669-Activities-Nanded_Nanded_District_Maharashtra.html