Overview
Bhandara district is an administrative district in the Vidarbha region of the state of Maharashtra in central India. The district takes its name from its headquarters town, Bhandara, which lies on the banks of the Wainganga river. The region is widely known for its numerous lakes and tanks, earning it the popular epithet the "District of Lakes" (Lakes' District), and for its long-standing brass-ware industry, which has given Bhandara town the additional sobriquet of "Brass City".
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Region | Vidarbha |
| Division | Nagpur Division |
| Headquarters | Bhandara |
| Major river | Wainganga |
| Known for | Brass industry, rice cultivation, lakes and tanks |
Geography
Bhandara district lies in the eastern part of Maharashtra, bordering the state of Madhya Pradesh to the north and Chhattisgarh to the east. It is bounded by Gondia district to the east, Nagpur district to the west, Chandrapur district to the south, and parts of Madhya Pradesh to the north. The Wainganga river is the principal river of the district, and several of its tributaries, along with extensive networks of irrigation tanks, drain the terrain. The landscape is generally undulating, with patches of forest, paddy fields, and low hills forming part of the Satpura–Maikal system.
Administration
The district forms part of the Nagpur revenue division. For administrative purposes, Bhandara is divided into tehsils (talukas), including Bhandara, Tumsar, Mohadi, Sakoli, Lakhani, Lakhandur and Pauni. Local self-government at the district level is exercised by the Bhandara Zilla Parishad, while urban areas are administered through municipal councils and nagar panchayats.
Subdivisions
- Bhandara
- Tumsar
- Mohadi
- Sakoli
- Lakhani
- Lakhandur
- Pauni
History
Bhandara has a long historical association with the Vidarbha region and was successively part of the Gond, Maratha, and later Bhonsle kingdoms of Nagpur. After the British annexation of the Nagpur kingdom in the mid-nineteenth century, Bhandara became a district of the Central Provinces. Following the linguistic reorganisation of Indian states in 1956 and the formation of the present state of Maharashtra in 1960, Bhandara was incorporated into Maharashtra. In 1999, the district was bifurcated, with its eastern tehsils being carved out to form the new Gondia district.
Economy
The economy of Bhandara is predominantly agrarian, with paddy (rice) being the principal crop; the district is among the major rice-producing regions of Maharashtra. Forest produce, fisheries from the district's many tanks, and tendu leaves also contribute to rural livelihoods. Bhandara town is historically known for its brass and bell-metal utensil industry, which gave rise to its identification as the "Brass City". An ordnance factory operated by the Government of India is located at Jawahar Nagar in the district, and is a significant industrial employer. Tumsar is a noted centre of the rice trade and milling.
Demographics and culture
Marathi is the principal language of Bhandara district, with Hindi also widely understood owing to the district's proximity to the Hindi-speaking states. The population includes Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with communities such as the Gond and Pawra forming part of the district's tribal heritage. Festivals common to Vidarbha—including Pola, Diwali, Holi and the Marbat traditions of the wider Nagpur region—are observed.
Places of interest
- Ambagad Fort – a hill fort near Tumsar, associated with the Gond and later Bhonsle rulers.
- Pauni – an ancient town on the Wainganga with archaeological remains linked to Buddhist and Satavahana-era settlement.
- Koka Wildlife Sanctuary – a protected area in the district known for its forest and wildlife.
- Brahmi / Khambli and other temple sites along the Wainganga.
Transport
Bhandara is connected by the Mumbai–Howrah railway trunk route, with Bhandara Road railway station serving the district headquarters. National