Chapter- IV

PROFILE OF

1) Historical Background.

2) Geographical Location.

3) Topography.

4) Water Resources.

5) Climate.

6) Soil and Agriculture.

7) Irrigation.

8) Industries and Transport.

9) Population.

10) Educational Facility.

11) Highlights.

147 Chapter IV

Profile of Raiqad District

The research study deals with the management of

Secondary Education in Raigad District. Hence, it is necessary to make a brief review of the growth of secondary education in the district after independence and the present scenario. At the same time it is also necessary to know the socio-economic position of the district which directly or indirectly influences the educational growth. The review covers general information in respect of historical background, geographical location, population, literacy, agriculture, Industry, educational progress and other related aspects.

1. Historical background.

The present Raigad district has been named due to the historical ' Raigad ' in state. ' The earlier name

' Kulaba ' was changed to ' Raigad ' on 1®' may 1981 by the

Maharashtra government*. The fort Raigad was the capital of

' Raje Shri ' during the 17'" century. The original name of the was ' Rairi ' . The fort Rairi was very lofty and an almost inaccessible plateau. ' Shri Chhatrapati

Shivaji Raje Conquered Rairi fort from the More's of Jawali in

1656 '} He then repaired the fort and strengthened it. 'It was named Raigad and made the seat of his Kingdom in 1664'. ^

148 It was believed that Kulaba port was one of the trading centers of . At that time, probably the entire Kulaba coast was an important trading center of the region. The

' Pandavs ' are said to have passed through this Konkan region in the thirteenth year of their exile and had settled in this area for some time.

'Kulaba became of full fledged district in 1869' '^ . 'It was in the hands of Marathas up to 1817 '.^ Kanoji Angre II was the last

Saradar of ' Sanstan '. After his death the Marathas transferred the Konkan including Kulaba to the British

Government.

Kulaba was made into a sub-district of the district in1830 and in 1869 it was made into an independent district with six tahasil namely , Pen, , Mangoan and .

Panvel and tahasils from were transferred to

Kulaba in 1883. In 1891 tahasil from Thane district was included in Kulaba. Pali and Janjira tahasils were ruled by

Santhas, joined to Kulaba in 1948 when the Indian government abolished Santhas.

With the reorganization of the state in 1950, the Kulaba district was incorporated in to Bombay state. In 1960, it formed part of Maharashtra State. There are at present 14 Tahasils in the district. They are Alibag, Uran, , Mahad, Mahasala,

Murud, , , , Pali, Karjat, Roha , Pen

149 and . The district is divided in to three sub-divisions with

Alibag as a district head quarter for administrative purpose.

2. Geographical Location.

Raigad district lies between 17 -51 and 19 -8' north latitude and between 73 -40 east longitude. The district has a length of about 160kms from North to South and the Breath varies between 24kms to 28kms. The district covers total area of

7152 sq. kms which is 2.4 percent of the state's geographical area. It ranks 27*^ in geographical area in the State of

Maharashtra. (The location of Raigad district is given in map no.1)

The district is one ©^ the costal districts of Maharashtra situated on the west coast with a coastal length of 240kms. It is bounded by Thane district to the north, district to the south, district lies to the east, district to south-east and the Arabian sea to the west. The harbor surrounded the district in the north-west. The Sahyadri hills pass through the district in the east and hence water flows originating from the

Sahyadri flow to the Arabian sea.

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RATNAGIRI 3. Topography.

An uneven topology Is an important feature of the district.

The district can be divided into three,natural regions :- a) Coastal Region :- It consists of low areas of Alibag, Uran,

Shrivardhan and Murud Tahasils. The region accounts for 18

to 20 percent of the district area. The main occupation in this

coast region is agriculture and fishery. b) Central Region :- The region consists of flat and fertile land

area. Panvel, Pen, Roha and western part of Mangoan

Tahasils are included in this region. It accounts 33 percent

of the total area of the district. Agriculture is the main

occupation of this region. c) Hilly Region :- It consists of the eastern part of Karjat and

Khalapur Tahasils, north-west corner of Mahad and Mangoan

Tahasils and some parts of Pali ( ) and Poladpur

Tahasils. This area accounts for around 48-50 percent of the

total area of the district. The region has heavy rainfall and a

large forest area. A large number of tribal populations known

as Katkari, Thakur, Gawali ( Milk men), Dhangar (Shepherd)

live in this area. The important hills of the district are

Mahalmeera (1100 ft from the sea level), Sudhagad (1357 ft),

Ratangad (1800 ft) and Raigad (2851 ft).

4. Water resources.

The northern part of the district covering Panvel, Pen,

Karjat, Uran and some part of Pali (Sudhagad) Tahasils

154 has three water streams namely, Ulhas, and

Amba. Uihas drainge receives the tail water of

Hydropower system and this regulated flow of water is used

for agriculture and industrialization. The Patalganga river

receives the tail water of Hydropower system. This

water is also used for agriculture and industry. Bhogawati

and Amba flow seasonally through Khalapur, Sudhagad and

Pen tahasils. Central Raigad including Roha, Murud

southern part of Sudhagad is drained mainly by Kundalika

and Mandal rivers. The southern part of the district covering

Mahad, Mangoan, Poladpur, Mahasala and Shrivardhan

tahasils are drained by the well developed system of Savitri,

Gandhari, Kaal and Nageshwari rivers. Most of the rivers

flow towards the east and join into the Arabian Sea. On few

rivers, small dams have been constructed for irrigation and

drinking water purpose. However, most of the rivers become

dry soon after the winter and many villages face acute

shortage of drinking water.

Climate.

Being a coastal district it is characterized by mild

warm and humid climate. Daily and seasonal variation in

temperature is not large. Summer is from March to May and

the May is the hottest month of the year with a temperature

of 40°c. Rains start in the month at June and continue till

the beginning of October. July and August are the month of

155 heavy rainfall. ' The average rainfall of the district is 3029 mm'.^

Rainfall is not uniform all over the district, it increases from the coast towards the Sahyadri. ' is receives the highest rainfall which is around 5167 mm while Uran receives the lowest rainfall of 2072 mm'. ^

Matheran and Karnala are famous as hill stations and tourist spots, many tourists visit the places mainly in the and in summer. Both the places have government rest houses and private hotels. Pali (Sudhagad) and Mahad are the centers of Ashtavinayak. The place Unere near Pali ( Sudhagad) has hot water springs.

6. Soil and Agriculture.

The soils of the district are essentially derived from the

Deccan Trap which is pre-dominant rock formation. The main types of soils are Forest soil, Varkas ( Slope) soil, Rice soil and

Khar (Salt) soil. The forest soil yields forest product like Plants

(Trees). Varkas soil is found just below the forest soil along with steeper slopes, it gives mainly grass. The rice soils are formed from the trap rock under heavy rainfall and humid conditions.

Khar soils are formed due to deposition of salts and salt is produced from this soil.

Rice is the main crop of the monsoon season. Few places grow rice during rabi ( winter ) hangam (December to March) wherever irrigation facility is available. 90 percent of the cultivable land in the district is under rice crop. Nachani (Ragi) ,

156 Warai, Til are some other crops which are grown in a very small quantity during rabi hangam. Around 28 percent of the total land of the district is cultivable . The percentage of cultivable land is going to be reduced in the coming few decades due to industrial development and urbanization. Few areas near towns and on the bank of rivers grow vegetables and water melon during winjter.

The land under forest was about 1, 53, 391 hectors in 1991 distributed among 1162 villages. Forest land constitutes around

21 percent of the total land. Maximum forest falls in Roha tahasil accounting for around 14 percent of the total forest land. The main trees found in the forest are Ain, Devdor, Teak, Mango,

Kinjal and Khair.

7. Irrigation.

The total irrigated land is distributed among 195 villages constituting around 10 percent of the villages in the district.. The major source of irrigation is canals from dams constructed by the government under various projects. The Kaal project in Mangaon tahasil is one such project. Canal irrigation alone accounts around 54 percent of the total irrigated land. Around 24 percent irrigation is done by rivers and the wells. The total land under irrigation is around 31 percent of the total cultivable land in the district.

8. Industries and Transport.

Raigad district was one of the fast industrially developing districts in the state during 1990s. Due to a number of

157 agglomerative factors like nearness of Mumbai and Pune Metros, industrial areas are developed by the private entrepreneurs.

Rasayani (Patalganga), Roha (Dhatav), Nagothane, Thai,

Mahad are some of the industrial areas developed. Due to the industrial policy of the government to disperse industries from heavily congested areas of Mumbai and Thane, some industrial estates have been established by the state government. Indian

Petro-Chemical Industries at Nagothane (IPCL), Hindustan

Organic Chemicals Ltd( HOC ), Rastriya Chemicals and Fertilizers

Ltd. ( RCF) are some of the big projects established under public sector. Reliance Industries Ltd.,( RIL), NIPPON Denro Ltd., Tata

Hydro Electric Co., Mahindra Steels Ltd., Zenith Ltd., Bombay

Dyeing are some notable units among the private sector.

However, the liberalization and privatization policy of the

Central Government has affected industrial development adversely in the district. Today large number of small and medium scale units in the private sector have closed down their activities and many of them are sick.

The district is well connected by roads and train to the near by two big metres Mumbai and Pune. The National Highway number four (NH4) and the Super Express Highway pass through the district. Mumbai-Bangalore-Chennai is an important road made transportation quick and fast. The district has few small ports at Revadanda, Revas, Mora, Rajapur. The Central government has constructed an international port at Nava-Sheva

158 known JNPT ( Trust) near Uran town. This helps in reducing the excess workload of Mumbai dock-yard port.

9. Population.

Population distribution - 1991 census.

Table IV - 1

Male Female & Urban Rural .

Rural Urban Total Male 7.35,388 1,72,519 9,07.907 Female 7.60.788 1.56,121 9,16.909 Total 14,96,176 3,28.640 18,24,816

Table IV.1 shows that the total population of the district as per 1991 census was 18.24.816 with 9,07,907 male and 9.16,909 female. Out of the total population 14,96,176 was rural which accounted around 82 percent and the remaining 3,28,640 was urban population. The proportion of urban population in the district was 18 percent corresponding to state average of 38.69 percent. The total population of the district was 23 percent of the state's population and it ranked 21®* in population in the state. As per the census 2001 (provisional) total population was around 21 percent of the state population. Among the 14 Tahasils of the district, Panvei Tahasil was most populous (3,32,491) which accounts around 15 percent and Poladpur Tahasil falls in the lowest rank of (66,913) around 3 percent of the district population, in 2001 (Provisional).

159 Table IV- 2

Decadal change In Population

Sex 1991 2001 Increase \

Male 9.07,907 11.16.821 2,08.914 1 ( 23.30)

Female 9.16,909 10,89.151 1.72.242 ( 18.49)

Total 1€,24,816 22,05,972 3,18,156 1 ( 20.89) !

Source : Census of India 1991, 2001 ( provisional) .

Figures in brackets show percentage .

The table IV-2 shows population of the district increased by

3,18,156. The growth rate of population during 1991-2001 was

20.89 percent which is lower than the rate of increase of previous decade, 1981-91, which was 22.76 percent. Growth rate of men during 1991-2001 was 23.30 percent which was higher than the growth rate of female 18.49 percent. The average growth rate of population of the district is lower comparing to corresponding growth rate of Maharashtra state which was 25.7 percent in 1991 and 22.57 percent in 2001.

a) Male - Female Ratios :-

The sex ratio of the district in 1991 was 1010 female for

1000 male and that of the state was 934 female for 1000 male.

Female ratio in the district was higher than the state ratio . The ratio of female has come down to 975 for 1000 male in the district, as per census 2001 (Provisional) . Female ratio in the

160 state also has come down to 922 for 1000 male during the same period.

b) Density : According to the 1991 census, the density of population for the district was 255 persons per sq.km., whereas the state density was 257 persons per sq. km. Uran Tahasil had highest density-562 persons per sq. km and Pali (Sudhagad)

Tahasil had lowest density 134 persons per sq. km. The Panvel

Tahasil had highest population in the district with around 16 percent of the total population. Poladpur Tahasil has lowest population of 55,300 which is around 3 percent of the population of the district. The total population is distributed in 19 towns and

1908 villages.

The density of population, both in the state and

Raigad district has increased during 1991-2001. As per the census 2001 ( Provisional) there are 308 persons per sq. km. In the district and 314 persons per sq. km. in the state. Raigad district ranks 9'^ in the Maharashtra state in density as per 2001 census (provisional).

The population of scheduled caste (SC) as per 1981 census was 1.69 percent of the district population that increased to 2.79 percent of the total population during 1981-91. Scheduled Tribe population reported to 12.82 percent of the district population as per 1991 census.

161 c) Literacy :-

The literacy rate in the district, according to the 1991 census was 63.95 percent which was slightly below the state literacy rate of 64.87 percent .However, the literacy rate of the district has climbed up to 77.32 percent as per 2001 census, this rate is slightly above the literacy rate of the state which is of

77.27 percent .

Table IV- 3

Literacy Rates of District and the States

District State

Literacy Rate Literacy Rate

Sex 1991 2001 Increase 1991 2001 Increase

Male 75.94 86.40 10.54 76.56 86.27 9.71

Female 52.20 68.06 15.86 52.32 67.51 15.19

• - Total 63.95 77.32 13.37 64.87 77.27 12.40

Sources : Census of India 1991 and 2001 ( Provisional)

It can be observed from Table no.lV-3 that the literacy rate has been increased in the district by 13.37 percent during the decade. The rate of increase in literacy is higher for female than rate of increase for male. The table denotes increase in literacy rate in the state which is 9.71 percent and 15.19 percent for male and female respectively. The district ranked 13"^ place in

162 literacy in the state of Maharashtra as per 1991 census and as per 2001 census, it ranked 12'^ position. Raigad district ranks

92""^ place in literacy among 593 districts in India as per 2001 census. Table IV- 4

Literacy Rate Rural / Urban in 1991

Sex Rural Urban Total i i Male 73.35 86.60 75.94 1

Female 48.21 71.51 52.20

Total 60.48 79.36 63.95 i

Source : Census of India 1991.

According to the table IV - 4 literacy rate of male was 75.94 percent and of female 52.20 which was lower than literacy rate of men by 23.74 percent. Literacy rate in the urban area was 79.36 percent and in the rural was less by around 19 percent .

Table IV - 5

Literacy Rate of SC & ST in 1991.

Category Male Female Total

1 S.C. 76.76 52.87 64.81 1

S.T. 33.97 17.30 25.74

1

The literacy rate of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in 1991 was 64.81 percent and 25.74 percent respectively. The

163 rate of literacy of scheduled casts was lightly higher than the general literacy rate of the district where as literacy rate of scheduled tribes was considerably low as- compared with the general literacy rate. The rate of literacy among the female in scheduled tribes was just 17.30 percent.

10. Educational Facilities.

As per the 1991 census, 90.87 percent of the total inhabited villages had some educational facilities. These facilities vary from Tahasil to Tahasil. Out of 1851 inhabited villages, 1682 have primary schools within a distance of 5 kms. Every village, on an average has one primary school. There were middle schools in 388 villages out of 1851 inhabited villages and 103 secondary schools were providing education up to X"^ standard.

There were twenty two degree colleges, five engineering colleges ( Including Technical University) Three teachers Training

Colleges and two Medical colleges and three Polytechnic colleges. There was also one Military school and a Navoday

Vidhyalay.

164 Table IV - 6

Tahasilwise Po pulation & Secondary Schools.

Sr . No. Tahasil Population Secondary One secondary j 2001 Schools School per'000' census ' population. ! * 1 1 Alibag 2,26.137 29 •7.80 '

2. Uran 1,31.110 j 17 7.71

3. Panvel 3.32,491 42 7.91

4. Karjat 1,89,828 24 7.91 1

5. Khalapur 1,75,716 26 6.76

6. Pen 1,79,712 22 8.17

7. Pali 74,776 10 7.48 i 8. Roha 1.67,831 24 6.99 1 i 9. Mangaon 2,20,733 39 5.66

10 Mahad 1,98,305 36 5.51 i j 11. Poladpur 66,913 14 4.78

12. Mhasala 70,179 13 5.40

13. Shrivardhan 94,431 17 5.55

14. Murud 77,810 11 7.07 1 i Total 22,05,972 324

* Projecte d population at 20.89 per<:en t increase as per 1991 census.

Source : District Education officer, Zilla Parishad, Raigad.

165 MURUO a \\

SRIVARDHAN i 17

M HA SLA a ^3

POLADPUR

MAHAD

MANGAON < ROHA H

< PALI 10 o PEN i 2.a on. KHALAPUR KARJAT B

PANVEL

URAN i 17

ALIBAG

0 10 15 20

NO. OF SCH TAHASILWISE POPUL

350000 • • 332491

300000 '

250000 • • 226137

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150000 • • 131110

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TAHASIL The table IV - 6 gives the details of Tahasilwise population

and number of secondary schools. It reveals that the Poladpur

Tahasil has one secondary school for per 4.78 thousand

population in 2001 and in Pen Tahasil there was one secondary

school for per 8.17 thousand population. One secondary school

exists in the district per 6.80 thousand population in 2001.

Table IV -7

Tahasilwise aided & unaided schools.

Unaided Schools Sr . No. Tahasil Aided Schools 1 Alibag 26 03

2. Uran 11 06

3. Panvel 33 09

4: Karjat 18 06

5. Khalapur 16 10

6. Pen 18 04

7. Pali 08 02

8. Roha 18 06

9. Mangaon 31 08

10 Mahad 29 07

11. Poladpur 14 -

12. Mhasala 17 01

13. Shrivardhan 13 04

14. Murud 09 02

Total 256 68

Source : District Education office, Zilla Parishad , Raigad.

167 According to the table IV - 7 around 79 percent of the secondary schools in the district were aided and the remaining 21 percent were unaided by the end of April 2002. Obviously the private aided schools are predominantly dominating the secondary education in the district.

Highlights - r- Pen town is famous in Maharashtra for manufacturing of

Ganesh idols. These Idols are also sent outside Maharashtra.

> Elephanata caves in Uran Tahasil is a famous Tourist Center.

Many tourists from abroad visit the center.

> The 125 years old famous observatory is locating at Alibag

town.

> Matheran and Karnala are hill stations very close to Mumbai

Metro.

> At Mahad and Pali are the temples of Ashtavinayak.

> Three oldest Hydro Electric Power centers are situated at

Khopoli, Bhivpuri and Bhira.

168 References

1) Census of India 1991 - ' District Census Haadbook ' - The

Director, Government Printing and stationary - Maharashtra

Mumbai - 400004 Published in 1993 - Page 15.

2) Ibid - Page 15.

3) Ibid - Page 15.

4) Raigad Zilla (1993) - ' Maharashtra Rajya Gazetiar

Darshnika Vibhag - Maharashtra Govt. Mumbai - Page -2.

5) Opcit census of India 1991 - Page 16.

6) Ibid - Page 19.

7) Opcit Raigad Zilla - page 278.

169