Overview
Jalgaon district is an administrative district in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra, India. It lies in the Khandesh region and forms part of the Nashik Division. The district headquarters is the city of Jalgaon. The region is known for its banana cultivation, cotton production, and as a gateway to the historic Ajanta Caves, which lie just across its southern boundary in the neighbouring Aurangabad district.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Region | Khandesh |
| Division | Nashik Division |
| Headquarters | Jalgaon |
| Major river | Tapi (Tapti) |
Geography
Jalgaon district occupies the eastern part of the Khandesh plain. The Tapi River flows through the district from east to west and is its principal watercourse, joined by tributaries such as the Girna, Waghur, Purna and Bori. The Satpura range lies to the north, separating the district from Madhya Pradesh, while the Satmala–Ajanta hills form parts of the southern boundary. The terrain is mostly flat to gently undulating, with black cotton soils that support intensive agriculture.
Neighbouring districts
- To the north: districts of Madhya Pradesh across the Satpura range
- To the east: Buldhana district
- To the south: Aurangabad district and Jalna district
- To the west: Dhule district
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector and is divided into several talukas, including Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Amalner, Chopda, Yawal, Raver, Muktainagar, Bodwad, Jamner, Pachora, Bhadgaon, Chalisgaon, Parola, Erandol and Dharangaon. Major urban centres include Jalgaon city, Bhusawal, Chalisgaon, Amalner and Pachora.
Economy
Agriculture is the backbone of the district's economy. Jalgaon is widely known as the "Banana City" of India, with the Raver and Yawal talukas producing a substantial share of the country's banana output. Cotton, jowar, wheat, pulses and oilseeds are other important crops. The district is also a centre for cotton ginning and pressing, edible oil, pulses processing, plastics and irrigation equipment. Jain Irrigation Systems, headquartered at Jalgaon, is among the prominent industrial enterprises associated with the district.
Transport
Jalgaon lies on the Mumbai–Bhusawal–Howrah trunk railway route of the Indian Railways. Bhusawal Junction, located in the district, is one of the most important railway junctions in central India and the headquarters of the Bhusawal Division of the Central Railway. National Highway 53 (Surat–Nagpur axis) passes through the district, providing east–west road connectivity, along with state highways linking it to Aurangabad, Nashik and Indore.
History
The area corresponds to the historical region of Khandesh, which was ruled successively by the Yadavas of Devagiri, the Faruqi sultans of Khandesh based at Burhanpur and Asirgarh, the Mughals, the Marathas and ultimately the British. Under British rule it formed part of the Bombay Presidency as part of East Khandesh district. Following independence and the reorganisation of states, East Khandesh was renamed Jalgaon district and incorporated into Bombay State, and from 1960 into the newly formed state of Maharashtra.
Culture and notable places
- Muktainagar – associated with the medieval Marathi saint Sant Muktabai, sister of Sant Dnyaneshwar.
- Patnadevi – a temple and pilgrimage site near Chalisgaon.
- Unapdev, Sunapdev and Nazardev – hot springs in the Chopda area.
- Farkande and other heritage sites with old temples and stepwells.
- Hatnur Dam on the Tapi, an important irrigation project.
Education
The district is served by Kavayitri Bahinab