| Voice of Nagar Haveli
: Prashant Berde
Rank ( VoiceOfBharat.org Analysis
)
Backwardness : Does not figure in list of 447 backward
districts
Disability : NA
HIV : Does not figure in A & B Category dists
Minority : Does not figure in MCD
Literacy Ratio : NA
Brief About Nagar Haveli District
HISTORY
In order to keep the English at bay and to enlist
their support against the Moghals, the Marathas made friends with
the Portuguese and signed with them a treaty in 1779. According
to this historic treaty of friendship, the Maratha-Peshwa agreed
that the Portuguese will be allowed to collect revenues from Dadra
and Nagar Haveli which consisted of 72 villages, then known as parganas.
These territories were earlier ruled by the Koli chiefs who were
defeated by the Hindu kings of Jawhar and Ramnagar. The Marathas
conquered and annexed these territories to their kingdom. By and
large, this treaty was signed only to the extent that the Portuguese
will only collect the revenue in compensation for their loss of
a warship called ‘Santana’ which had earlier been captured by the
Marathas but not surrendered to the Portuguese inspite of their
many entreaties. The area of Dadra &Nagar Haveli spread over 491.00
sq.kms. land locked between Gujarat in North and Maharashtra in
South was liberated from Portuguese Rulers by people themselves
on 2nd August 1954 . The people of the U.T. established free Administration
of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which was finally merged in to Union of
India in the year 1961.
LAND, PEOPLE & CULTURE
The U.T. of Dadra & Nagar Haveli is located on
the western side of the foot hills of western Ghat and has undulating
terrain 40% of the total geographical area is covered with forests
and thus offers it a look of woodland. The major river Damanganga
and its tributaries criss-cross the U.T. and drain into Arabian
sea at Daman . The U.T. has population of 2.20 lakhs as per the
2001 census which has predominance of tribals forming a major chunk
of 62% of the total population. The major tribes are Varlies, Kokana,
Dhodia and Dublas. The tribals have their distinct culture of their
own consisting of curious rituals and colorful folk-lore. No occasion
in tribal life is complete, be it a marriage or harvest without
a folk dance. The major dances are Tarpa, Dhol, Bhavada and Gherria.
The performers of these foot-tapping dances are equally good in
other arts and art forms and are almost independent for most of
their daily requirements.
Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Endowed with nature's munificence,
it's a land of spell-binding beauty... lush green forests, winding
rivers, unimaginable waterfronts, gentle gurgle of streams, distant
dotting mountain ranges, a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna...
Owing to its serenity and quaint sylvan surroundings, this territory
is a heaven for those who hunt around for a tranquil holiday. Extending
over an area of 491 sq km, the populace in Dadra & Nagar Haveli
comprises simple, shy and yet valiant tribals with rich folklore
and vibrant lifestyles. Their unique traditions and customs, dances
and rituals, arts and crafts... create an aura of cheerfulness.
Climate
October to March is the ideal time to be in Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
But planning a holiday in monsoon is no less appealing and will
evoke a great deal of exhilaration and mirth.
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