Ichalkaranji 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.^[1] 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 themicroeconomics 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, nearVengurla, 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 ofChattrapati 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 benefitted 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 center 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 enlighted ruler.