Revdanda
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2008) |
Revdanda | |
---|---|
Village | |
UTC+5:30 (IST ) | |
Nearest city | Alibag ,Murud,Roha |
Revdanda is a village near
Directions
India. It is connected through a coastal highway (Sagari Mahamarg) 17 km (11 mi) away from Alibag, 125 km (78 mi) away from Mumbai, 37km away from Roha and 33km away from Murud.
Until a few years ago the coastal road that goes south from Alibag used to terminate at Revdanda where it encountered the Kundalika creek. A bridge now spans the creek and the whole stretch southward of Revdanda up to Murud-Janjira has now become accessible. Part of the town is situated within the premises of
History
The history of Revdanda and the surrounding villages are quite similar to Chaul, due to their close proximity to the town.
Muslim Rule
In 1490 the area fell under the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
Portuguese Era
In 1505, Portuguese commander Dom Lourenço de Almeida defeated the Muslims and conquered the area around Chaul. In 1508,
Maratha Era
The Marathas led constant raids against their neighbors, for more land and wealth. Chaul and Revdanda fell to the Marathas during the
British Era
Revdanda became a British territory after they successfully defeated the Marathas in 1818, and took control of the
Notability
Portuguese Fortresses
The
Portuguese Church
It is where
Russian presence
Revdanda came into limelight when Russian historians found out that the first Russian traveller to India landed in Revdanda. A monument was raised in his memory on 23 November 2000. A foundation stone for the monument in memory of Afanasy Nikitin, the first Russian traveller to India was laid at Revdanda. A high level delegation from Russia, accompanied by Mr. V.T. Trubnikov, the first deputy of the minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. A.M. Kadakin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, all senior diplomats from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, attended the function. [1].
Indian Jewry
Revdanda is one of the most important places of Konkan, Maharashtra for the Indian Jewish community. Almost 700 years ago after the destruction of the Holy Temple of Israel in Biblical era, a group of Jews who already knew about India and had been in contact with India. This group of people arrived in Nagão which is 8 km north of Revdanda. They adopted Indian culture, names, lifestyle and founded an Indian Jewish community.
Flora
The area is known for the coconut and beetlenut plantations in the region.[citation needed] The plantations of coconut trees is called "naralachi baag" or "wadi" in Marathi language. The place is also known for a species of aromatic flower called "Bakuli". It's a small flower with a wonderful fragrance. Apart from the plantations of coconut and beetlenut the livelihood of people in this region comes from the production of rice. The best time to visit Revdanda is December and during the Monsoon season.[citation needed]
Temple
Datta Mandir located in the Chaul part of Revdanda. It is a temple dedicated to Datta, who is mainly worshipped by Marathi immigrants to the Konkan. The temple is situated at the top of the peak with almost 1500 steep stairs to be climbed to reach the peak. The entire region around the Revdanda can be viewed from the temple. The temple is said to have been built during Shivaji's reign to keep an eye out for hostile forces.
The red-domed temple of Datta Mandir situated at the hill top is said to have been constructed by a Swami Bramhendra. The temple has a three-headed statue of ShriDatta and this idol represents the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
References
- ^ "Agarkot Fort".
- ^ "Journey of church bells to temples". 3 December 2016.