Pune: Encyclopedia - Pune

Pune

Pune (पुणे in Marathi), formerly known as Punavadi and Poona (पूना in Hindi), is located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. Called as the “Queen of the Deccan,” Pune is the cultural capital of Marathi people. According to the 2001 census provisional results, it has a population of 4,485,000 in 2005. This figure includes the population of the city of Pimpri-Chinchwad, which is the industrial twin of Pune. The combined population of the metropolitan region would be close to 5 million in 2005. Marathi is the language of the majority of people residing here. The city has witnessed a sizeable investment in the software and automobile sectors, propelling a huge influx of youths from all over the country in search of job opportunities. Several suburbs are now completely cosmopolitan and real-estate prices have boomed since mainly 2003 onwards.

Pune - Geography

Pune is situated near the Western margin of the Deccan Plateau. It lies on the leeward side of the Sahyadri ranges and Western Ghats, 560 m above the sea level, at the confluence of Mula and Mutha rivers. Two more rivers, Pavana River and the Indrayani River traverse the Northwestern outskirts of the urban area. The Sinhagad-Katraj-Dive Ghats range is the Southern Boundary of the urban area. The highest point in the city is Vetal Hill (800 m above msl) whereas the highest point just outside the urban area is the Sinhagad Fort (1300 m above msl).

Pune - Climate

Pune experiences three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Typical summer months are from March to May, with maximum temperature usually ranging from 35 to 39°C. However, it can be quite high at times and may exceed 40°C on some days. Contrary to the most of Deccan Plateau where May is the warmest month, the warmest month in Pune is April. The city often receives locally developed heavy thundershowers with sharp downpours in May. Though the temperatures plunge in this month, the summer heat accompanied by high humidity can be occasionally quite oppressive. Nevertheless, the nights in Pune are significantly cooler compared to most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude.

Monsoon winds blowing from the Arabian sea are a welcome relief in June, bringing with them heavy showers. Pune receives moderate rainfall. The city receives an annual rainfall of 722 mm, mainly between June and September as the result of southwest monsoon. [1] July is the wettest month of the year. Though the rainfall is comparitively lower than in the adjoining Western ghats, steady spells of heavy rain frequently disrupt normal life in the city. The spells of continous rainfall may stretch to many days or even a few weeks. Pune has, on record, received rainfall for 29 consecutive days. However, the weather is very pleasant in the city with temperature ranging from 20 to 28°C.

As the monsoon winds recede, the day temperatures rise again in October with cooler nights signalling the onset of winter. Pune experiences winter from November to February. This is the best season to visit Pune. Pleasant windy days, clear skies and cool nights make it the most enjoyable time of the year. The day temperature hovers around 29°C while night temperature is below 10°C for most of December and January, often dropping to 5 or 6°C. On particularly cold days, wind may appear to be very chilly due to the dryness of air. Rain is very rare in this season.

Temperature records: The highest temperature recorded was 110 °F (43.3 °C) on 30 April 1987 and 7 May 1889. The lowest temperature recorded during 1881-1940 was 35 °F (1.3°C) on 17 January 1935. [1]

Pune - History

In Pune, the past meets the present. It is one of those rare cities with a twin image: that of a tradition-bound place — generally considered the quintessence of Maharashtrian culture — and that of a modern industrial metropolis. Pune today straddles both banks of the Mula and Mutha rivers (tributaries of the larger Bhima River). The confluence (sangam) of the these in the heart of the city forms a spectacular scenic landmark. The oldest extant structure in the city is the rock-cut temple of Pataleshwar, from the 8th century AD. The cave-temple complex is also called Panchaleshvara cave. This cave, once situated outside limits of the old town, is now squarely in the middle of the city off the Jungli Maharaj road.

Earliest references to the city are from the 11th century, when there was a walled settlement known as "Kasbe Pune". This ward is the oldest part of the city, and today is known as Kasba Peth. Pune's medieval roots are also evident in number of temples and mosques. The present name "Pune" is derived from Punya Nagari (literally city of virtuous deeds). The Rashtrakutas are believed to be the earliest rulers of the city.

Pune is inextricably linked to the life of the great Maratha hero and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The era of Pune's fame began when Chhatrapati Shivaji came to stay here with his mother Jijabai in 1635-36. Shivaji and his mother lived in a mansion known as "Lal Mahal," a replica of which still can be visited at its original location in the city. According to local lore, the Kasba Ganapati Mandir, regarded as the presiding deity of the city (gramadevata), was built by Jijabai. In the early 18th century, prime minister of Chhatrapati Shahu, Peshwe Baji Rao 1 wanted to make Pune his home, which was agreed to by the king. He built his palace on a slightly raised ground near the Mutha river which is now known as Shaniwar Peth. The fortified palace that came up is known as Shaniwar Wada. Shaniwar Wada is considered by many to be the focal point of the old city of Pune.

1817 saw a war breaking out beteween the Marathas and the British. A battle was fought in Kirkee (now "Khadki"), a town earlier outside the main Pune (though at present is considered to be well within the city limits). The Peshwas were defeated and the British forces took over the town. The British realized the importance of the city and built a large cantonment to the east of the city. Later, Pune was pronounced the Monsoon Capital of the Bombay Presidency.

During the struggle for Indian independence, Pune took its place as an important center for social and religious reform movements that were sweeping the country. Pune was the home to some reformers who were stalwarts of the national movement, such as Mahadev Govind Ranade, R.G Bhandarkar and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. The presence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak dominated the political scene for three decades during this period. More infamously, Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Gandhi, was, in his own words, a thoroughbred "Puneri."

After Indian independence (1947), Pune's reputation as an educational and research node grew with the establishment of the University of Pune, the National Defence Academy (NDA), National Chemical Laboratory and other such institutes. However, certain schools and colleges, such as Fergusson College have exceeded the reputation of the city's far-known educational status from the late 1800s.

Pune - Economy

Pune is a major industrial centre, growing exceedingly in Detroit-like manner every year. It is home to one of the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturers, — Bajaj Auto. The world's second largest forging company Bharat Forge Ltd is also in Pune. It is also home to Kinetic Engineering, Force Motors (previously known as Bajaj Tempo). The manufacturing plant of India's largest car manufacturer, Tata Motors, is in Pune. DaimlerChrysler also has an assembly line for its Mercedes Benz brand in Pune. Cummins Engines Co Ltd has a Research & Technology India center in Pune in addition to its manufacturing plant. Whirlpool as well as LG have appliance manufacturing plants near Pune. Frito Lay and Coca Cola also have manufacturing plants in Pune. Pune is also home to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises.

Pune has a burgeoning software industry. Many of India's major software players such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Mahindra British Telecom, Mastek Ltd., Persistent Systems as well as smaller ones like Patni Computer Systems and Kale Consultants, Kanbay Software, Cybagehave their presence in Pune. Global majors like HSBC Global Technology, PTC, IBM, Sybase, EDS, I-Flex, Cognizant, Sasken, KPIT Cummins Infosystems Inc., Amdocs, Avaya, Veritas Software, Aftek Infosys, Syntel, Zensar and TIBCO Software have a major presence in Pune's various Software Technology Parks and other areas.

Pune is also emerging as a prominent city for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies. Companies like Convergys, WNS, Progeon, EXL and MphasiS have started their operations in Pune. Pune comes as a natural choice for the BPO companies due to the availability of skilled manpower.

Pune also houses the headquarters of the Bank Of Maharashtra.

With the construction of the six-lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a far cry from the contraflow motorways of other State Roads, this city is now about a three-hour drive from Mumbai by road.

To meet the demands of this explosive economic growth in Pune, the state is planning a 1,000 MW power plant exclusively for Pune. From December 2005, Pune's Lohegaon Airport has gone international with Air India flying directly to Dubai, and to Singapore via Hyderabad. MIDC is the lead agency for the Project. An International Convention Center is also underway at the Senapati Bapat Road and is being constructed by MCCIA. The international connectivity is going to help many volume produce growers in the surrounding districts to export their goods conveniently.

Notably, even though Pune is the seventh largest city in India, it has the sixth largest metropolitan economy and the highest per capita income in India, with the least income disparity between the rich and poor.

Pune - Civic administration

The city is administered by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The executive power of the corporation is vested in the Municipal Commissioner, an IAS officer appointed by the state government. The corporation consists of directly elected corporators headed by a titular Mayor. The mayor has few executive powers. The BMC is in charge of the civic needs and infrastructure of the metropolis. Pune is divided into forty-eight municipal wards, each overseen by an Assistant Municipal Commissioner for administrative purposes. The corporators of the administration are voted through a popular vote and almost all the state political parties field their candidates.

The metropolis is composed of two districts in Maharashtra, and each district comes under the jurisprudence of the District Collector. The collectors are in charge of property records and revenue collection for the Central government. They also oversee the national elections held in the city.

Like other metropolises in India, the Pune Police is headed by a Police Commissioner, an IPS officer. The Pune Police comes under the state Home Ministry.

Pune - Culture

Pune is a vibrant cultural city and home to people of various religious denomination and demoninations. It also hosts various national festivals and cultural events throughout the year. During the month of August or September each year, the city celebrates the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival culminates in a carnival-like procession along the busy thoroughfares of the city. This is one of the most important yearly events in the city. Indeed, it was in Pune that Lokmanya Tilak initiated the concept of the "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav" - the collective communal celebration of the festival of Lord Ganesha. The city also has an active Marathi theatre community.

In the month of December, Pune hosts the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. Many renowned performers of Hindustani classical music perform through 3 consecutive nights creating a hype unique to this city. It is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in the city. People from other parts of Maharashtra and India also actively take part in it. It is a great treat for music lovers.

Pune is the cultural capital of Marathi people. The city has given birth to or attracted many popular writers and poets of Marathi language. Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, the central body of organization for the Marathi literati, also has its headquarters in Pune.

Pune is the birth place of Meher Baba as well as the home of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Rajneesh's Osho Ashram helps bring a very international flair to the city. Situated amidst thick, rather impenetrable flora, the centre boasts of a huge meditation center and two beautiful gardens, viz. Osho garden and Zen garden. These remain places of interest for many foreigners and people from elsewhere in the country.

Pune has been one of the centers of the neo-Buddhist revival movement begun by B. R. Ambedkar in 1956. It also houses the headquarters of the Trailokya Bauddha Mahasangha Gana, the Indian affiliate of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order.

Pune was also home to a considerable population of the Indian Jewish community, the Bene Israel. It is home to Asia's largest synagogue (outside Israel), The Ohel David Synagogue.

Close to Pune City are the villages Alandi and Dehu where Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram belong. Each year thousands of pilgrims from all over Maharashtra gather here and start 'Wari' which is procession carrying 'palkis' of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram to Pandharpur. Pandharpur is the home to Lord Vitthal and is about 300 km from Pune. All pilgrims walk this distance to reach Pandharpur on the auspicious day of 'Aashadhi Ekadasshi' when the 'Wari' ends.

The backhills of Pune are becoming known for their immense spiritual value. People from other countries and other parts of India go to these schools to study the Vedas and other holy scriptures of Hinduism.

Pune - Transport system

Pune has excellent road, rail and air connectivity to almost all important cities in India. It is extremely well connected to most of the important cities in India like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkota and Chennai.

Maharashtra state transport buses are most commonly used by people to travel to rural parts of India. They are the cheapest means of transport. State owned and private air-conditioned bus services run daily buses to most important cities to and from Pune. The bus frequency is extremely good.

Pune is very well connected by rail to all the major cities in India. The city has two main railway stations, Pune Junction and Shivajinagar Station; most trains halt at Pune Junction. The pune suburban trains also run from Pune Junction to industrial towns of Khadki, Pimpri, Chinchwad etc.

Pune now has an international-deemed airport, with flights to Singapore and Dubai. New flights to New York, London, Paris and Shanghai (via Mumbai) have also been announced. Domestic flights are available to most metropolitan cities.

Locally, the Pune Municipal Transport (PMT) is Pune's public transport service, Pune Municipal undertaking. PMT is an important mode of transport. In addition to this however, is the Auto Rickshaw, which is used in great numbers all across Pune. It is used so frequently because of its quick ride. However, this option works out to be rather expensive nowadays because distances in Pune have become large and the fares are constantly going up.

The merger of the PMT and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Transport (PCMT) is also on the cards which would give birth to the much larger PMTU or Pune Metropolitan Transport Undertaking. This is expected to improve the public transportation problem that currently plagues the city. Buses are very old and their drivers have a habit of being careless about the safety of smaller vehicles or pedestrians; thus earning it the title of "Pune Murder Transport".

More than PMT, traffic is generally a problem, in the form of congestion, a wide variety of vehicles, bad roads and a general disregard of traffic rules. Road accidents, quite often fatal, are not uncommon in Pune because of all these factors combined.

Pune - Education

Schools in Pune are either run by the PMC, in which case they are called public schools, or privately by trusts and individuals. Private schools have been preferred by a majority of city residents because of better facilities and the use of English language as the medium of instruction. All private schools are affiliated either with the Maharashtra state SSC board or the all-India Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and CBSE boards. Demand is especially high for ICSE, CBSE affiliated schools and those run by convents or by the Jesuits. The government-run public schools lack many facilities, but are the only option for most of the poor who cannot afford the fees in private schools.

After ten years of schooling, students enroll for two years in a Junior College where they choose from one of the four popular streams: Arts, Commerce, Science and Law. This is followed by a professional degree course in the corresponding stream. All professional colleges in Pune are affiliated to the University of Pune, one of the largest universities in the world in terms of matriculation. The Government College of Engineering, Pune, one of India's premier engineering universities, and the SNDT Women's University, open to women only, are the other universities in Pune.

National Defence Academy (NDA), which trains officers of India's armed forces, is located at Khadakwasla, on the outskirts of Pune.

Students from all over India and the world come to Pune for higher education, particularly in engineering and management. Pune is also rapidly becoming a major center for Information Technology (IT) in India. With numerous engineering and management institutes it was called the Oxford of the East by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.

Pune - Hospitals

• Sassoon Hospital
• Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital
• Poona Hospital
• Sanjeevan Hospital
• Jahangir Hospital
• Krishna Hospital
• Ruby Hall Clinic
• Hardikar Hospital
• Joshi Hospital
• Inlaks & Budhrani Hospital
• Sancheti Hospital
• King Edward Memorial Hospital

Pune - Places of interest

• Parvati Temple
• Shaniwarwada
• Fergusson College
• Aga Khan palace also famous as Gandhi Museum
• Alandi for Sant Dnyaneshwar Temple
• Dehu for Sant Tukaram Temple
• Kelkar Museum
• Kamala Nehru Park
• The art Gallery at Balgandharva Rangamandir
• Osho Rajneesh Ashram
• Sinhagad Fort
• Handmade-Paper Factory
• Lonavala and Khandala hill stations
• Panshet Dam
• Koregaon Park
• Khadakwasla
• Poona Club
• Kayani Bakery
• Pubs/Discs: Kiva, 10 Downing Street, Cactus, Thousand Oaks, Leather Lounge, Aqua Lounge, Nirvana, Ola, Ivo's, Scream, Fire N Ice, Curve, Elysium, Wunderbarr, Not Just Jazz by the Bay, Soho, Palazzo, Area 51
• Durga Cold Coffee
• Laxmi Road
• Bhimashanker temple (around 120 km from Pune)
• And the really famous Vaishali and Roopali, the most popular hotels since the 1970s

Pune - Important roads

Pune - Important phone numbers

• City (STD) Code- 020
  
• Police- 100 , 26123825/ 26122202
  
• Hospitals- Sassoon 26128000, Ruby Hall Clinic 26123391, K.E.M 26125600 / 26125601
  
• Fire Stations- 101, 24458950
  
• Pune Municipal Corporation- 25532521
  
• Railway- 131, 26126575
  
• Airlines- 140, 26138670
  
• State Road Transport- 26126218
  
• MSEB (Power Supply)-

Pune - Current Events

• 80 of the world's top scientists met in Pune in November 2005 to decide how and where to set up the world's biggest radio telescope. Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope Project(NDTV)

Pune - Famous personalities

• Sant Dnyaneshwar
• Sant Tukaram
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• Shreemant Baji Rao Peshwe
• Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
• Pralhad Keshav Atre
• B.K.S. Iyengar
• P.L. Deshpande
• Osho - Rajneesh
• Nathuram and Gopal Godse
• Dhondo Keshav Karve
• Dr.Jayant Narlikar
• Vinod Dham - Father of the Pentium chip
• Shantanurao Kirloskar - Kirloskar Brothers
• Baba Kalyani - Bharat Forge
• Rahul Bajaj - Bajaj Auto
• Dr.B.V.Rao - Venkateshwara Hatcheries/Venky's-Worlds 2nd Largest Organised Poultry Farm

Pune - Pune District

Pune - Pune Division

Pune Division is one of the six divisions of Maharashtra. Pune Division is bound by Konkan Division to the west, Nashik Division to the north, Marathwada (Aurangabad Division) to the east, and the state of Karnataka to the south.

• Area: 58,268 km²
• Population (As of 2001 census): 9,973,761
• Districts: Kolhapur, Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur
• Literacy: 76.95%
• Area under irrigation: 8,896 km²
• Main crops: Jowar, wheat, bajra, sugarcane, rice, soybean, onion, groundnut, vegetables, turmeric, grape, pomegranate

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Pune", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki