Introduction
About Zilla Parishad Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The Panchayati Raj system is a unique experiment in the development of modern India. The Balwantrai Mehta Committee recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj system to involve rural people in the process of rural development. Accordingly, the Government of Maharashtra passed the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, which came into force on May 1, 1962. This led to the establishment of a three-tier system comprising the Zilla Parishad at the district level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Gram Panchayat at the village level. The Zilla Parishad of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was established on May 1, 1962.
Currently, there are 9 Panchayat Samitis and 870 Gram Panchayats (See GP List) working towards rural development. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment has given more power to women and strengthened the Gram Sabhas. The Zilla Parishad of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has always played a leading role in the implementation of any new government schemes, missions, and campaigns.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district is an important district in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Centrally located in Maharashtra, the city is considered the gateway to Marathwada. It is bordered by Jalgaon in the north, Jalna in the east, Beed and Ahmednagar in the south, and Nashik in the west.
| Sr. No. | Description | Figures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Area of the district | 10,100 sq. km |
| 2 | Total population (2011 census) | 3,701,282 |
| 3 | Rural population | 2,081,112 |
| 4 | Population density | 366 persons/sq. km |
| 5 | Gender ratio | 923 females/1000 males |
| 6 | Child gender ratio | 858 females/1000 males |
| 7 | Literacy rate | 79.02% |
| 8 | Total talukas | 9 |
| 9 | Total villages | 1,356 |
| 10 | Total Gram Panchayats | 870 |
| 11 | Average annual rainfall | 725.8 mm |
| Taluka | Pincode | Population | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | 431001 | 357,234 | Panchayat Samiti Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar |
| Khultabad | 431109 | 357,234 | Panchayat Samiti Khultabad |
| Soygaon | 431103 | 113,087 | Panchayat Samiti Soygaon |
| Sillod | 431101 | 301,733 | Panchayat Samiti Sillod |
| Gangapur | 431107 | — | Panchayat Samiti Gangapur |
| Kannad | 431111 | 300,260 | Panchayat Samiti Kannad |
| Phulambri | 431112 | 161,012 | Panchayat Samiti Phulambri |
| Paithan | 431120 | — | Panchayat Samiti Paithan |
| Vaijapur | 421701 | — | Panchayat Samiti Vaijapur |
History
In the year 1610, Malik Ambar, a general of the Nizam Shahi dynasty, established the city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The city is also known as the “City of Gates.” When the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb made Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar his capital, 54 roads were interconnected using fortified walls. In 1682, a large wall was constructed for protection against the Marathas. This wall had a total of 54 gates, categorized into main and secondary gates.
To ensure a drinking water supply, 14 canals were built, of which two are still operational today. Aurangzeb lived in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar until his death. After his death, the city became part of the Hyderabad Nizam’s rule. Following India’s independence, Hyderabad was liberated from the Nizam on 17th September 1948. On 1st November 1956, the Marathwada region, including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, was merged into the then Bombay State from the Hyderabad State.
In the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Taluka of the district, there is a bench of the Bombay High Court, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, the Divisional Commissioner’s office, the District Collectorate, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, and several historical sites such as Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad’s Devgiri Fort, Panchakki, Buddhist caves, and 52 Mughal-era gates.
In Soygaon Taluka lies the world-famous Ajanta Caves, and in Khultabad Taluka, the globally renowned Ellora Caves and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga are located. In Paithan, you’ll find the Samadhi (memorial) of Saint Eknath Maharaj and the Jayakwadi Dam — all within this district.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is the only district in India with two world-famous heritage sites — the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The historical town of Paithan in the district is well-known for the Paithani sarees, and the district is also famous for Himroo shawls.
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves
Kite flying is a major attraction in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar during the Sankranti festival. Kites from this region are flown all over the country. The specialty of these kites is that they can fly efficiently even in low-pressure wind zones.
The district covers an area of 10,100 sq. km and has a population of 3.701 million.
Major crops grown in the district include: cotton, pearl millet (bajra), maize, pigeon pea (tur), green gram (moong), sorghum (jowar), and wheat.
Major rivers flowing through the district are: Godavari, Tapi, and Purna.
Information about Public Representatives in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District
Political Structure
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Lok Sabha Constituency: The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Lok Sabha constituency is formed by combining six Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituencies—Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kannad, Khultabad, Gangapur, Vaijapur, and Sillod. Additionally, three assembly constituencies—Paithan, Phulambri, and Soygaon from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district are included in the Jalna Lok Sabha constituency.
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Vidhan Sabha Constituencies: The district has eleven Vidhan Sabha constituencies—Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Central), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (East), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (West), Kannad, Khultabad, Gangapur, Vaijapur, Sillod, Paithan, Phulambri, and Soygaon.
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Zilla Parishad Constituencies: There are 62 Zilla Parishad (District Council) constituencies in the district. Click here for the list of constituencies . There are also 124 Panchayat Samiti (Block Council) constituencies. Click here for the list of constituencies .
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Municipal Corporation Constituencies: The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation is located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar taluka. It consists of 113 constituencies of the municipal corporation and 2 newly added areas—Satara and Deolai—making a total of 115 constituencies.
Industries
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, industrial estates are located in Waluj, Chikalthana, and Shendra in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar taluka, and in Paithan taluka as well. The Shendra Industrial Estate is a five-star industrial zone. These estates house several multinational companies in the fields of automobile, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and alcohol production. There is also an IT park in Chikalthana. Additionally, there are many call centers and small IT companies in the district.