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Harilal Vihuvidas Desai, Lallubhai Pranvallabhdas, Khushaldas Gokuldas, etc have made a name for themselves as politicians. Dahilaxmi library and female hospital represent the women participation in Nadiad’s civic life.
Description of James Forbes.
Major James Forbes writes in his Oriental memories that (1813 edition; page 88) Nadiad was the town of Khanederao Himmat Bahadur. Khederao in league with Fatehsinh had plotted against Raghoba and planned to loot the town of Nadiad. (This incident had occurred in 1775) Nadiad is one of the finest towns of Gujarat.
It has an area of three miles. On the east is the fort with burz at regular distance. Outside there is a ‘khai’ Nadiad was a major center of business in the 17th century. Both Dutch and English merchants used to come there often. Today there are around 12000 families living in Nadiad. Cotton manufacturing is the main business of the town.
The ‘basta’ cloth of Nadiad is well known as the best. Agate work is also done very well here. On reaching Nadiad, Khadevrao gave the keys of the fort to Raghoba respectfully. Meanwhile the British captured the town. As we arrived at Nadiad, the army of Khanderao and Fatehsinh was watching our movement at least for a day.
We came closer to the fort; our tents were pitched under the shades of ‘chandan’ and ‘ambli’ trees. There were many wells here. There was also a large lake near us. (That lake must have been today’s ‘ser’ lake) Raghoba warned the people of town to pay Rs.60000 of face torture of his people. The town agreed t pay the amount.
But Brahmins said that they were exempted from any kind of taxation. The Barots and Bhatts of the town are of noble birth. The town was looted twice and taxed twice before Raghoba’s arrival. There were miserable sights on each street. Families tried to pay taxes. Even household property was looted if the tax amount was not paid.
At times even clothes were taken off from the bodies of people and they were left naked. Many would be tortured ruthlessly under pressure of not giving money and hiding wealth. This loot of Nadiad was a loot of extraordinary ruthlessness. English soldiers were revolted by such instances of cruel Maratha behavior their entreaties feel on deaf ears of Raghoba’s officers.
Description in the Bombay Gazetteer
The description of Nadiad after fifty or sixty years of the British rule in the Bombay gazetteer. This description contains an outline of the history of Nadiad between 1612 and 1872. Moreover there are details of population and businesses. This gazetteer has to be seen if particular information is sought for the year 1872.
Some Important Dates of Nadiad AD 1814 to 1879
‘Janmabhoomi’ magazine in its issue of 1-10-1925 (page 11) had published an article, ‘some important dates of Nadiad after.
Samvat 1870 (1814) saw the first ‘talati’ (collector of taxes, a petty official of the Government) appointed by the British. First survey was completed by 1820-26. In AD 1865 second survey was completed.
The population of Nadiad in 1854 was 20762. In the same year the collector recommended withdrawal of ‘babashahi ‘ coins (Baroda currency). In the same year half share of the produce was of the farmer was declared. In AD 1826 first Gujarati school opened. In 1856 first Government English school opened. In 1877-78 eight government schools opened.
These included 1 high school, 1 Anglo Vernacular School, 4 schools of Gujarati boys and one each for girls and for Urdu medium. In 1866 the first dispensary was opened. In 1857 the municipality of Nadiad was established. The population of Nadiad in 1872 was 24551 with 9088 houses. 87.74 percent of the population was that of Hindus and 12.19 percent population was that of Muslims.
A weekly magazine called ‘Duniadad’ was published in Nadiad between 1875 to 1878.Seven students of Nadiad passed matriculation examination in 1873. This number came down to 3 in 1874. During 1875-76-77, four, five and three students matriculated from Nadiad high schools. Nadiad was considered a prosperous town in 1865. The spread of area of Nadiad in 1879 was approximately 71,675.
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