Ichalkaranji

Ichalkaranji इचलकरंजी Manchester of Maharashtra
City
Nickname(s): Ichi
Ichalkaranji Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Kolhapur
Government
• Municipal President	Shubhangi Biranje
Area
• Total	29.84 km2 (11.52 sq mi)
Elevation	539 m (1,768 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	287,570
• Rank	151
• Density	9,600/km2 (25,000/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Marathi
• Business	Hindi, Kannada
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	416115/17
Telephone code	0230
Vehicle registration	MH-09

Ichalkaranji () is a city in Kolhapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is governed by a municipal council.

Ichalkaranji City is known for its export of Textile goods and textile manufacturing industry. The Nearest Airport from Ichalkaranji is Pune,Maharashtra (250 km) and Belgaum, Karnataka (110 km) . Kolhapur Airport (35 km) is currently under construction. After construction it will be the nearest airport.

Ichalkaranji is in western India about 425 kilometres (264 mi) south east of Mumbai. The City is growing rapidly and now merging with neighbouring Jaysingpur town to form a large satellite suburban township with Sangli city which is just 24 kilometres (15 mi) away.

The city of Ichalkaranji assumes a place amongst the cities having highest per capita income in the country.

History

Ichalkaranji State was a Maratha Princely state situated on the banks of Panchganga River (Marathi: पंचगंगा नदी). It was ruled by the Ghorpade dynasty for the last two centuries. The chief of state, His Highness Shrimant Narayanrao Babasaheb Ghorpade, who was responsible for developing the Ichalkaranji village Into an Important Industrial town and who contributed liberal donations to educational Institutions throughout the country. He was the main source of inspiration for the development of both the decentralized textile industry as well as the co-operative movement. He encouraged Mr. Vitthalrao Datar, a young entrepreneur of the town, to install a power loom in 1904. Perhaps this was the first power loom started in the decentralized textile industry of the country. Thus, Ichalkaranji has given a new concepts and dimensions to the textile field of India.

The foresighted ruler gave a royal patronage by extending financial assistance as well as free land to the desires weavers and other enterprising entrepreneurs. He deliberately invited lot of Marwari (Rajsthani) businessmen to Ichalakranji and start business. During his visit to Denmark and other western countries, the Chief had an access to the co-operative sector of these countries and he was very much impressed with the success of the Co-operative sector of these countries and on his return to India, he vowed to exercise this movement for the benefit of his only subject, that is reformation of the microeconomics of the town for Prosperity, growth and Self-sustainability of the society.

The dynasty of Maratha rulers of Ichalkaranji, having its origin in the middle of the seventeenth century, has had a long and honorable record. A Brahmin widow, by the surname of Joshi, failing to eke out a living in the village of Mhapan, near Vengurla, in the Sindhudurg district, decided to try her luck up over the ghats. So, taking her only son, Naro Mahadeo, a lad of about seven, she came to the village of Kapshi, where the brave Santaji Ghorpade, one of the faithful generals of Shivaji, lived. Naro Mahadeo early took a keen interest in the cavalry horses of the general, and one day persuaded a syce to allow him to ride a fiery war horse to the river to drink water. This stolen ride was observed by the alert Santaji, who roundly scolded the syce, but also began to take a deep interest in the prodigal boy, who rode so well without any formal a training.

Thus, Naro Mahadev, the lad was benefited by the general's personal attention. Naro in turn served Santaji loyally and both developed affection for each other. Naro performed heroically and gallantly. As Naro Mahadeo proved his ability, he was promoted and later on was rewarded with Inams. Out of gratitude to his benefactor, Naro went on to change his surname from Joshi to Ghorpade, which to this day is the surname of the dynasty of rulers of Ichalkaranji.

Venkatrao, the son of Naro Mahadeo, was married to Anubai, the youngest daughter of Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, who very soon became the Prime Minister, or Peshwa, of the Satara branch of the Shivaji's family, under the rule of Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj. It was not long after this that Pune became the political centre of Maharashtra. It was but natural that every year Venkatrao and his wife, Anubai, spent some of their time in Pune. Because of this alliance with the Peshwas, the rulers of Ichalkaranji came into more and more prominence. Venkatrao becoming a Sardar of Shahu Maharaj, and receiving additional Inams and grants from time to time because of his prowess and great ability as a general, fighting against the forces of Kolhapur and Portuguese from Goa.

As described by Horace George Franks in the book 'The Story of Ichalkaranji'(1929), it would be imprudent to say that there were no ups and downs. But it should be noted that the women of the House of Ichalkaranji rulers were always ready to defend and also advance the interests of Ichalkaranji with as much courage and shrewdness as the male members. An outstanding example of this is Anubai, the wife of Venkatrao.

Shrimant Narayanrao Babasaheb was the eighth successor. He ascended the seat in the year 1892. His rule has been marked with progressive measures in all departments of the administration. He himself, as a young man, had a very well-rounded and advanced education, making it a point to select those subjects which would be of special benefit in the administrative affairs. In addition, he had travelled far and wide, visiting Java, Malay Peninsula, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Burma. He had also visited England and the Continent three times. He had taken a keen interest in the cultural as well as material and social welfare of his people. He patronised the study of art and Indian classical music, from basic to the advanced stages, also offering prizes in the art exhibitions at Pune and Mumbai. He had established a good number of scholarships in several arts colleges of Maharashtra and for students going abroad for their professional education. Shrimant Narayanrao Babasaheb was a preceding patron of true culture and an enlightened ruler. Ref – "John L Goheen in Glimpses of Ichalkaranji";Publisher=J L Goheen|pages=41}.

Geography and climate

Ichalkaranji
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     2.8     29 12     2.1     32 14     3.3     36 19     3.5     38 22     24     38 25     114     34 24     116     30 22     120     29 21     122     30 21     61     32 19     11     30 15     6.5     28 12 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation totals in mm Source: MSN Weather
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D     0.1     84 54     0.1     90 57     0.1     97 66     0.1     100 72     1     100 77     4.5     93 75     4.6     86 72     4.7     84 70     4.8     86 70     2.4     90 66     0.4     86 59     0.3     82 54 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches

Ichalkaranji is located at . It has an average elevation of 538 metres (1768 ft).

Ichalkaranji (Hatkanangale T.; 16° 40' N; 74° 25' E; p. 27,423; a 8.7 square miles), lies in the Panchganga valley about eighteen miles (29 km) east of Kolhapur and half a mile north of the river. It is six miles (10 km) south east of Hatkanangale railway station. The town is formed of seven hamlets.

City Summary
City Area	29.84 km2
Total Length of roads in City	421.78 K.M.
Number of IMC Gardens	5
Number of IMC Cultural Centers	7
Air conditioned Drama Theatre	2
Number of IMC Vegetable Markets	3
Post Offices	5
Telephone Exchange	4
Police station	2
Electrical Sub Station	5
Total Hospitals in IMC area	197
Blood Banks	3
Number of IMC Swmming Pool	2
Sports Stadium	2
Wrestling ground with Stadium	1
IMC Yoga and Gymnasium Center	1
Number of IMC Bio-Medical West Centers	3
Number of IMC Sloughter House	1
Number of IMC Water storage reservoirs	9
Number of IMC water treatment plant	2
Total Number of IMC Buildings	75
Cinema Hall	16
Marriage Hall	35
Total numbers of Spining Mills	11
Total number of Yarn Sizing Units	150
Number of High-Schools	57
International Schools	3
Number of Colleges	13
Engineering College	3

Civic administration

The civic administration of the city is managed by the Ichalkaranji Municipal Council, which was established as a municipality in 1904. The municipality oversees the engineering works, health, sanitation, water supply, administration and taxation in the city. It is headed by a Municipal President who is assisted by municipal chief officer and council members. The city is divided into 65 wards and the council members (also known as councillors) are elected by the citizens of Ichalkaranji every five years. The council members in turn elect the Municipal President. The growth and expansion of the city is managed by the Ichalkaranji Municipal Council which is headed by a municipal chief officer. Its activities include developing new layouts and roads, town planning and land acquisition. The electrical supply to the city is managed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MAHADISCOM).

The citizens of Ichalkaranji elect one representative, currently Mr. Suresh Halvankar, to the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha through the constituency of Ichalkaranji. The 21 letterboxes have been installed in the city by Mr. Halvankar on 18 July 2010 to communicate with the people of his constituency and address their grievances. He have been receiving numerous complaints and suggestions. Ichalkaranji city, being a part of the larger Ichalkaranji Lok Sabha constituency, also elects one member, currently Mr. Raju Shetti, to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Politics in the city are dominated by three political parties: the Indian National Congress (INC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Nationalist Congress Party. City is on the brink of public health and environmental emergency, requiring immediate remedial action.

Demographics

As per provisional reports of Census India, population of Ichalkaranji in 2011 is 287,570; of which male and female are 149,691 and 137,879 respectively. Although Ichalkaranji city has population of 287,570; its urban / metropolitan population is 325,709 of which 169,870 are males and 155,839 are females. Ichalkaranji has an average Literacy Rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 91%, and female literacy is 66%. In Ichalkaranji, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. According to the 2011 census estimate the population of the city is 287,570, making it the 151st most populous city in India.
The city's population as shown above is excludes newly developed industrial and residential areas, villages that have been annexed by Ichalkaranji (known as part of the city) but having gram panchayat such as Kabnur, Yadrao and Korochi etc. Village Shahapur, Ichalkaranji was included in Ichalkaranji Municipal Council in 1985. Considering this city’s metropolitan population is over 3 lakh. Marathi is the official language. Marathi and Kannada are spoken widely in the city. Other languages used are Hindi, Gujarati and Marwari.

Business and economy

Considering the ₹150 billion sale of the textile products and nominal 20% net profit and 257,572 Population of the city, per capita income of Ichalkaranji is 116,472, amongst the cities having highest per capita income in the country. Ichalkaranji also ranks among city's with high ownership of consumer products such as home appliances and fast-moving consumer goods. Hypermarket such as Big Bazaar & D mart, Apnaa Bazaar has a store in city. Brands such as The Raymond Shop, Peter England, John Hill, Samsung, Fujifilm and Kodak have authorized showrooms in the city of Ichalkaranji.'Big Bazar' shopping mall is also opened in year 2010 in Ichalkaranji. Also by the end of year 2011 many new brands like Mufti, Allen Solly, Van Heusen,Just I, Fastrack, Reliance Footprint, Titan have their showrooms in the city and many new showrooms are being opened in the city along with it Dominos, Naturals, Ice n Spice, Carnival pizza, Cafe Coffee Day have there outlets in the city. A three-screen multiplex has also been started in the city.

Approximately 40% of new automobile sales in Kolhapur district is from Ichalkaranji Catchment area. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hero, Bajaj, Honda and TVS Motor have authorized sales and services centers in Ichalkaranji. Suzuki and Yamaha also have their service centres in Ichalkaranji.

Ichalkaranji today is one of the fastest growing industrial areas in Maharashtra and has even been termed the "Manchester of Maharashtra". Having mixed community from all parts of India this is a cosmopolitan town by true means. The city's economy is driven predominantly by the textile industry. The textile industry is mainly dominated by local manufacturers and marwari (Rajasthani) traders. Engineering is the second largest industry of the city. There is much progressive agriculture in the area surrounding the city. Almost all banks in India have a branch in the city. Textile goods manufactured in city are sold all over India as well as exported to various parts of the world. Traders use Centralized Online Real-time Exchange Core Banking facility for financial transactions. Indian Settlement Systems such as Real time gross settlement RTGS and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) System is also available in almost all branches of banks in the city. Despite of all these Bankers clearing house in the city processes approximately 12000 Cheques on each working day. Clearing house is managed by the State Bank of India. Most of the Insurance and companies in India have offices in the city.

Textile industry

Ichalkaranji is home to one of the oldest textile industries in India. Home to nearly 5,000 textile factories, it is also one of India's largest centres of small-scale industries. The town has as many as 120,000 power looms employing 3,00,000 power loom workers and 15,000 dependents and with a daily turnover of nearly ₹10 billion (US$150 million).

Before 1980 Ichalkaranji was known for cotton poplin, dhoti, and cotton saris. In mid-1980s, weavers of the city started producing denim, canvas, chiffon, and fabric for school uniforms (khaki drill). Fabrics such as seersucker, Oxford, herringbone, ripstop, chambray, tweed, and twill made in or around the Ichalkaranji city are used by many domestic and international fashion brands such as Raymond’s of India, Armani, Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, and Paul Smith.

The presence of a qualified workforce and the level of technical know-how and easy accessibility to finest weavers of Ichalkaranji for outsoaring and over all good social ambiance were among the factors that influenced Italian textile major Tessitura Monti, Turkish textile maker ‘Soktas’, Bombay Rayon Fashions Ltd (BRFL), Raymond Zambaiti Ltd (A joint venture of Raymond’s Ltd and internationally renowned Cotonificio Honegger S.P.A., part of Gruppo Zambaiti), German Menswear brands Liebe, Boys R Bad and Looty etc.. while planning investment near Ichalkaranji city.

Spinning

In 1962 the Deccan Co-operative Spinning Mill Ltd. came into existence in Ichalkaranji, which was the first Co-operative Spinning Mill in Asia. As of 2010 over 20 modern spinning mills this region has become one of the major centre for spinning mills in India. Some of these spinning mills are 100% Export Oriented Units of Cotton Yarn.

Sizing

Yarn sizing is a preparatory process before weaving. This process gives strength to yarn. City has approximately 175 sizing units,
working 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Engineering industry

File:UTM ich.jpg

Universal Testing Machine made in Ichalkaranji

Tata Nano small car is very similar to Meera, a small car developed in 1970 by Shankarrao Kulkarni of Ichalkaranji. The city is also known for Fundamental Measuring instrument manufacturing industry. These testing machines are used in engineering and other manufacturing industries, engineering institutes and research institutes for analysis. These measuring instruments are marketed in India as well as some other countries. Measuring instruments manufactured in city by varies companies include compression testing machines, torsion testing machines, horizontal chain and rope testing machines, spring testing machine, impact testing machine, Erichsen testing machines, universal testing machines, Rockwell scale hardness tester, Brinell scale hardness tester, and computerised Vickers hardness test.

The city's economy. driven by the engineering goods manufacturing industry (which has been around since the 1950s). Several automotive component manufacturers have plant's in or around the city, who are venders for companies such as: Maruti Udyog Ltd, Honda Motorcycle, Bajaj Auto, TVS Suzuki, Kehin Fie, Tata Motors, Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Mahindra & Mahindra, MICO. Emmel Vheelers has a manufacturing unit of hybrid three-wheeler, e-motorcycle, high-power scooters, and electric scooters in Ichalkaranji.

Agriculture

File:Chrysanthemum morifolium.JPG

Sugarcane is the main Cash crop. The city is surrounded by five Sugar refinerys, Annually they processes Over 5000000 metric ton of Sugarcane, as of 2009 Sugarcane prices of 2600 per ton Sugarcane farmers itself bring in approximately Rs.13000000000 (13 billion) to the economy of the city's Catchment area. Four out of five sugar mills have Co-generation plants. The oldest of these five sugar mills is Deshbhakta Ratnappa Kumbhar Panchaganga Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd, founded by Dr. Ratnappa Kumbhar, an Indian independence activist who signs the final draft of the Constitution of India. Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd, one of the leading sugar companies in India, has set up a Bagasse based 30 Megawatt Cogeneration power plant in Ichalkaranji.

Shrivardhan Bio–Tech, known throughout India for the quality of their cut flowers, operates a computer controlled floriculture unit. Shrivardhan Bio-tech is the first project in the country, and perhaps in the world, using environment friendly, hand-made baked clay containers, made by artisans in rural India, providing much-needed employment. These containers help keep the root zone cool during summer, stimulating the growth of white roots, by evaporating water cool in earthen pot. Coco Peat (Cocus nucifera) is used as a growing medium, which is an organic matter with excellent aeration and eco-friendly thus helping an infertile, rocky land to be put under productive use. With a view to control, monitor, and correct the quality of nutrition in terms of volume, frequency, pH, and EC, Shrivardhan Bio-tech has installed a computer controlled nutrition system. Ghodawat Agro Pvt Ltd produces floriculture Gerbera, Chrysanthemum, Carnation Lilium, Gypsophila and Roses like Grand Gala, Royal Class, Passion, Marie Claire, Ice Burge, Poison, African Dawn, Tube Rose etc. production capacity of over 100,000 exotic flowers per day. Has been acquired the most coveted Global Gap, SEDEX and ISO 9001:2000 accreditation.

People and culture

Ichalkaranji is also well known for cultural activities.

• Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar

Pandit Pioneer of classical vocal singing in Maharashtra.Born in 1849, Balkrishnabua received his training from Pandit Vasudeobua Joshi, who belonged to the school of Haddu-Hassu Khan. He also received his guidance from Ustad Mahmed Khan, the elder brother of Rahimat Khan and eldest son of Haddu Khan.After his training in Gwalior, Balkrishnabua came to Mumbai and the Miraj. As the climate of Miraj seemed to suit him he desired to settle down there. Balkrishnabua's fame began to draw disciples from surrounding places. His disciples included Gundubua, Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, Mirashi buwa, Anant Manohar Joshi of Aundh, Nilkanthabua Jangam, Vamanbua Chaphekar, his son Annabua Ichalkaranjikar, etc. His style of singing was pure Gwalior of Haddu Hassu Khan vintage. His contribution is remarkable in bringing the Gwalior gharana gayaki to Maharashtra and for popularising it. Pandit Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar died in 1926 at the age of 77 years.City has an arts school name after him 'Gayanacharya Pandit Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar Sangeet Sadhana Mandal', which is devoted to Indian Classical Music hosts cultural programmes throughout the year which help in spreading cultural awareness amongst Society.

• Rajsthani festivals

About more than 15% population being migrated from Rajsthan, all the major festivals of Rajsthan like Gan Gour, Teej, Holi are celebrated here with great joy. The Diwali of Ichalakranji sees a cash turnover (by sales of clothes and gift articles and pooja material) more than Rs.200 million within last five to six days of Diwali. Other festivals like ' Ramdev Baba ki Dooj ', Ramnavami, Mahesh Navami are celebrated with large participation of all the communities. Almost from each and every village or town or city from Rajsthan at least one person is residing at Ichalakranji.

• Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

In 1974 the city of Ichalkaranji proudly hosted Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the conference for literary discussions by Marathi writers. President of this Sahitya Sammelan was Mr.Purushottam Laxman Deshpande. Popularly known by his initials पु. ल. ("Pu. La.") a legendary writer and film and stage actor, music composer, harmonium player, singer, and orator.

• FIE Foundation

The FIE Foundation, a charity trust established in 1970, belongs to the 'Fie Group of Industries' in Ichalkaranji. The Chairman of the Fie Group, Shri P. D. Kulkarni, established the 'Fie Foundation' trust to recognize and reward eminent personalities and budding talents in a variety of fields. The awards are generally selected from the following fields: Engineering, Science and Technology, Humanities, Education, Agriculture, Music and Arts, Sports, Literature, Child Artist, and local talents.The highest award conferred is the Rashtrabhushan Award. The awards are given annually in a grand ceremony held in Ichalkaranji in January or February. A few of chief guests who have graced the occasion are honorable Ex. Prime minister of India Shri. Chandrashekhar, hon'ble Ex. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Manohar Joshi, cine actor Shri Dilip Kumar, and industrialist Shri Rahul Bajaj.

Some of the 'Rashtrabhushan' awardees how visited Ichalkaranji for receiving the awards are Dr. Raja Ramanna, Ratan Tata, Lata Mangeshkar, T.N. Seshan, Brijmohan Munjal. Kamal Hassan

• Medical Association of Ichalkaranji

Medical Association of Ichalkaranji is a local Medico-Social service organisation of qualified and duly registered medical practitioners of all systems of medicines practising in Ichalkaranji and outskirts of Ichalkaranji. It was started by Dr Vilas M Shah and a few doctors of his same age. The main aim of this association is to make available medical treatment either free or at minimum cost by establishing charitable institutes like T.B. Clinic, T.B. Sanitorium, General Hospital, Adhar Kendra and to organise and develop all socio-medical activities and face local problems unitedly. So the Medical Association of Ichalkaranji came into existence in 1975. Activities of association includes, Free Counselling for underprivileged s, Elisa Testing for HIV in concessional rate, Symptomatic Treatment for opportunistic infections, Free Ante-natal ARV treatment to HIV+ve mothers and child, Free T.B. treatment to HIV+ve patients, Free Nirodh (condoms) supply and Social Awareness.

• Seva Bharati

Established in 1990 the organization works as a project based non-governmental organization (NGO). In the year 1989, the birth centenary year of late Hon’ble K. B. Hedgewar, the founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the idea transpired that some work, related to the service of the under privileged people should be initiated in city of Ichalkaranji. This is the inspiration of Seva Bharati, Ichalkaranji and from 1990 Organisation is working in the field of health, education and related dimensions for the last 20years. Seva Bharati has been able to spread its SEVA initiatives (service) in Ichalkaranji city itself and surrounding 12 villages, two of which are from Karnataka state.

Activities of Seva Bharati are Dr. Hedgewar Mobile clinic visiting nearby 12 villages, twice a week, treating @ 25000 patients every year. Pathological lab, established in 1993, serving for @ 5000 beneficiaries annually at nominal rates. OPD registering @ 6000 patients per year. Polyclinic having 8 specialist doctors on its panel, each one offering service of check up and advice once in a week for needy patients. Day care indoor unit 24-hour ambulance service at subsidized rates. Blood donation camps. Free health camps. Nutritious food for the malnourished children in Lalnagar slum of Ichalkaranji city. Free Child health checkup camps. Rescue and relief work for the victims of earthquakes in Killari (Dist. Latur) in September 1993 and Kutch (Gujarat) in 2001. Relief and rehabilitation work in 2005 and 2006 for the flood affected people and medical treatment at the time of epidemics in Kolhapur district. Participation in periodic health campaigns like pulse polio, special health checkup camps for women and general checkup camps.

International clubs such as Rotary club, Lions Club organizing the humanitarian service projects every year which are beneficial to community. Sri Ramakrishna Satsanga Mandal, Ichalkaranji a branch of Ramakrishna Math, Pune is doing humanitarian service projects such as dispensary and Tuition classes for school going boys from nearby slum area.

Cuisine

Suke Mutton

Ichalkaranji is popular among Veg and non vegetarians of this part country for its unique homemade Dinner of Goat mutton called Suke Mutton severed with Rassa (a thin and spicy soup of goat), handmade Bhakri and onion salad. City has more than 100 such Gharguti Bhojanalay (Small Hotels), including Jambu Bugad, Jadhav, Savairam. City has a road known as Khanaval galli (Hotel Road).

Vegetarian Maharashtrian cuisine such as Misal Pav, Vada sambar, Vada pav, Pohay is accessible 24 hr/day as city's textile mills work 24 hr/day and workers have it as a refreshment during 12 hr shift. City has plenty of dhabas Jain Bhojanalay and Marwari Bhojnalaya serves vegetarian Rajasthani food. City also has around 125 Beer Bar serve Punjabi cuisine.

Infrastructure

City has a water supply network in existence since 1873.

• Indira Gandhi Memorial hospital : It is a 300-bed hospital with 4 AC operation theaters. The built-up area on ground floor and first floor each 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m²).
• Drama Theater : Shrimant Narayanrao Babasaheb Ghorpade Natyagrah. It is the unique theater in western Maharashtra. Seating capacity for 1200 persons. Fully air-conditioned theater. This is the only air-conditioned theater in south-west Maharashtra. It can be compared with "Kalidas Theatre" in Nashik. The plans where prepared by kisloskar consultants, Pune. The plot area is about 19,129 ^m.
• Rajaram Stadium : Work Started – 31 January 1987 – Work completed – 7 August 2002, Cost Rs.35,000,000 The cricket ground having radius of 70 metres. The plans are prepared by Pratap Achalkar, well known Architect and Ranaji Player. Ranaji Trophy matches are played on this ground. The total plot area is about 25436 sq m that with the capacity of Auditorium is 20,000
• Olympic Size Swimming pool : Work Started – 16 August 1992 – Work Completed – 23 December 1998, Cost – Rs.16,164,017, To encourage the city's swimmers Municipal Council has constructed an Olympic-size swimming pool. State-level swimming Tournaments are held every year. Maintenance of this Swimming pool is done properly by municipal authority.

Textile Development Cluster : To enhance and improve the infrastructure facilities of the city, Municipal Council along with Ichalkaranji Co-operative Industrial Estate, Laxmi Co-operative Industrial Estate, Parvati Industrial Estate and DKTE Textile and Engineering Institute have jointly come together and formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company viz. “Ichalkaranji Textile Development Cluster Limited (ITDC). The individual members will contribute to the extent of about 50% of the project cost and the balance amount would come in from the grant in aid from Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy, Government of India, under the Industrial Infrastructure up-gradation Scheme (IIUS).

'SPV BACKGROUND'

Ichalkaranji Textile Development Cluster (ITDC), a company, incorporated under the companies Act, 1956, is a Special Purpose Vehicle promoted by Ichalkaranji to undertake infrastructure development project under the IIUS. The main objects of the SPV company are:

• To form a Textile Cluster, a local agglomeration of small, medium and large textile and ancillary enterprises, which are engaged in production, marketing range of related and complementary products and services
• To provide adequate water supply, roads, drainage system, power facilities, common infrastructure facilities such as Waste processing plant for Textile Industries.
• To develop markets, raw material bank, common processing center, industrial training center, common facility center, communication center etc.
• To provide facilities for quality improvement, common testing facilities, research and development
• To provide fire-fighting facilities, common effluent treatment plant and to promote and develop critical infrastructure facilities for textile trade, commerce and industry

Education and research

Schools in Ichalkaranji are either "municipal schools" (run by the IMC) or private schools (run by trusts or individuals), which in some cases receive financial aid from the government. The schools are affiliated either with the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE), The all-India Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) boards. Marathi or English is the usual language of instruction. The government run public schools lack many facilities, but are the only option for poorer residents who cannot afford the more expensive private schools.

Number of High-Schools – 100
Number of International Schools – 3
Number of Arts, science and commerce colleges – 20
Number of Engineering colleges – 3
Number of Research Institute – 1

Some of them are :

• The Modern High School (MHS). First English medium school in Ichalkaranji founded by Late Dattajirao Kadam (Ex MP) and Late Mahadevrao Mali (Diamond Mali) a businessman cum philanthropist.
• St. Alphonsa School.
• Shri Gangamai Vidya Mandir.
• Antar Bharati Vidyalaya.
• Vyankatrao High School.
• govindrao highschool and junior collage
• D.K.T.E. English Medium School .
• Shahapur Highschool Shahapur.
• Anantrao Bhide Vidya Mandir.
• Ichalkaranji Highschool.
• D.K.T.E.S.'s Textile and Engineering Institute For Diploma, Degree, Post Graduate, and PHD courses in various branches of engineering and Textiles.
• Kishore Musale Charitable Trust (KMCT). The trust provides educational help and utilities to 25,000 students and 350 schools, in the areas of Vasai, Manor-Palghar and Thane. It has begun an ideal high school and junior college named Tatyasaheb Musale Vidyalaya at Ichalkaranji, equipped with facilities such as computer and science laboratories and a modern sports ground. This trust has also provided computers, classrooms, bore wells, etc. to mentally retarded and handicapped students in Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji and Thane.
• Sharad Institute Of Technology which has Diploma and Degree courses in various branches of engineering.
• Vyankateshwara English School and Junior College
• Sri Sai's New Millennium Public School (state board curriculum) run by Dr. Vijaya Mohan.
• Sai English high school
• K.L.E. Society's D.E d College, Ichalkaranji. Offers Diploma In Education (D.Ed.)(Marathi Medium)
• Sri Sai's New Generation Innovative School(cbse curriculum) run by Dr. Vijaya Mohan.
• Mount Litra Zee School
• Sanjay Ghodawat International School
• Dattajirao Kadam Arts, Science and Commerce college.

Engineering research

FIE Research Institute – An advanced stage Research Institute formed to assist the activities of FIE and the surrounding engineering goods manufacturing industry in 1979.

• Approved by Govt. of India's department for Scientific and Industrial Research, as Anautonomous R & D Unit.
• Accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), in an accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
• The main objectives of Research Institute
  1. Extension of knowledge in the field of natural and applied sciences.
  2. Conducting experiments with a view to develop new raw materials,
  3. processes, components, equipments &machines which are mainly import substitution.
  4. Improvisation in the existing materials, processes and machines.
  5. Encouragement to the activities of thesurrounding industries.

Medical research

Research on non-laparoscopic abdominal hysterectomy has been done By Dr. Vijay Benadikar, MD of the city and he has developed a new modification of the abdominal hysterectomy called "modified mini-Pfannenstiel hysterectomy" (non-laparoscopic). He has done more than 600 such procedures in last 6–7 years. He have been invited and presented this lecture at:

• The Silver Jubilee Congress of Medical Women's International Association, held in Sydney, Australia, in April 2001
• South Korea (Asia Pacific Menopause Federation Meet)
• American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists AAGL in USA, 2001 and 2002 (The Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology)

Media and communication

Mahasatta is the local newspaper of the City, while other Marathi language newspapers such as Sakaal, Pudhari, Loksatta, Lokmat, Kesari, Maharashtra Times, and Saamna are popular. Major English dailies in the city are The Times of India, The Indian Express Business Standard and The Economic Times. Major Hindi dailies in the city Navbharat Times, lokamat samachar (By lokamat group) and Vyapar (Hindi) of Janmabhoomi Group.

Star Maajha, Zee Marathi, Doordarshan Sahyadri, ETV Marathi, and Me Marathi are popular television channels. English and Hindi entertainment and news channels are watched as well. Ichalkaranji has had FM Radio services running for the last few years. Though Radio Tomato (Pudhari Publications). 94.3 MHz, Radio Mirchi (98.3 MHz) tops the popularity rating along with All India Radio FM (102.7 MHz).

Broadband Internet access, provider in the city is DataOne by BSNL Fixed Line telecom services are offered alongside GSM and Code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile services. Cell phone coverage is extensive, and the main service providers are Vodafone Essar, Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Communications, Idea Cellular, Aircel and Tata Indicom.Recantly 3G service is launched by Vodafone Essar, Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Communications, Idea Cellular, Aircel and Tata Indicom. The work for laying Fibre optics for 4G is in progress.

Transport

Transport is provided by MSRTC city buses and also there are many prominent private buses which serves to all major destinations in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. City has excellent connectivity with a number of major cities. private buses is a more preferred mode of transport due to its wider network and speed. Buses run by private companies are generally considered more comfortable and reliable, with most offering sleeper and air conditioned coaches such as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo Buses. From Kolhapur, routes are connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Solapur. MSRTC provides bus service from Ichalkaranji to Kolhapur and Miraj every 15 minutes.

Nearest railway junction : Miraj Miraj railway junction is a very busy junction and entry point to Ichalkaranji. Miraj lies on Mumbai Bangalore main line and has daily connectivity to important cities. Miraj junction has 4 broad gauge branches connecting it. Long distance trains like Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express, Goa express, Chalukya Express, Poorna express, Swarna Jayanti Express, Ajmer Bangalore Express, Jodhpur Bangalore express, Gandhidham Bangalore express, Hubli express and numerous other passenger trains are available from Miraj junction. Miraj railway station is about 30 km from Ichalkaranji. One can get down at Miraj and then take a bus to Ichalkaranji. It takes 40–55 minutes from Miraj railway station to Ichalkaranji.

Nearest railway stations

• Hatkanangale – 7 km
• Miraj – 30 km
• Kolhapur – 34 km

MSRTC buses, Taxi cars and auto rickshaws are available from all above railway stations to Ichalkaranji.

Nearest airport

• Kolhapur – 22 km (Maharashtra) (Under Construction)
• Belgaum – 110 km (Karnataka)
• Pune - 250 km (Maharashtra)

Notable people

• Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar Great Indian vocalist of Khayal-genre of Hindustani classical music
• Subhash Khot 2014 Rolf Nevanlinna Prize winner mathematician and theoretical computer scientist

Further reading

• Glimpses of Ichalkaranji – Mr. John Lawrence Goheen (Administrator of Ichalkakaranji 1930–1934)
• The Story of Ichalkaranji – Mrs. Horace George Franks 1929
• Impressions of British life and character on the occasion of a European tour, 1913 – Meherban Narayanrao Babasaheb, chief of Ichalkaranji, Bombay presidency, with an introduction by the Right Hon. Lord George Hamilton, G. C. S. I.
• What has Britain done for India? : A Paper Read Before a Meeting of the East India Association by Narayanrao Babasaheb, Chief of Inchalkaranji by East India Association.

See also

• Ichalkaranji (Lok Sabha constituency)
• Maratha Empire
• List of Maratha dynasties and states
• List of Indian princely states
• Textile

External links

• Cotton Times