Mahad

Mahad is a town with municipal council in Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. In the 2001 census the city had a population of 24,276 and its estimated 2012 population was 30,379. It is situated about 150 km to the south of Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay). It has become a tourist destination because of its surroundings and climate. Mahad taluka is the biggest in Raigad district by area.HistoryThe city was well known Mahad's history dates back to as far as Raigad fort, the capital of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Mahad is considered as the Land of freedom fighters. Many revolutionary freedom movements of India originated in Mahad. It is famous for the water satyagraha of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for Dalits at Chavdar Tale, which played as turning point in Indian sociopolitical history.Apart from this, it had a glorious history during the rule of the great Maratha King Shivaji. The capital of hindavi swarajya and samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj is at Raigad fort. which is around 24 km from city. It was part of Birwadi Subha (Tehsil) and was ruled by Birwadi Subhedar's Kadams (Mahamunkars). The samadhi of Shivaji's mother Jijabai is at Pachad situated at foothills of Raigad fort. The famous Hirkani was from Raigadwadi village. It is true and widely accepted that the Shivaji's political victory was followed by the social revolution carried out by his teacher Saint Tukaram. The village Umarath of Tanaji Malusare & Kinjaloli of Murarbaji are also in vicinity of Mahad.