Akola

For other uses, see Akola (disambiguation).

City in Maharashtra, India

Akola

City

Akola City Tower Chowk, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Headquarters

Nickname:

The Cotton City,

Akola in Maharashtra

Coordinates: 20°42′N 77°00′E﻿ / ﻿20.7°N 77.00°E﻿ / 20.7; 77.00
Country|  India
State| Maharashtra
District| Akola
Named after| Maharaja Akolsingh
Government

• Type| Mayor-Council
• Body| Akola Municipal Corporation
• District Collector| Ajit Kumbhar (IAS)[2]
• Municipal Commissioner| Kavita Dwiwedi (IAS)
• Mayor| Archana Masne
Area

• Total

| 124 km2 (48 sq mi)
Highest elevation

| 324 m (1,063 ft)
Lowest elevation

| 287 m (942 ft)
Population

• Total

| 621,000 (Post-expansion of the city's municipal borders)[1]
• Rank| IN: 84th
MH: 14th
• Density| 4,331/km2 (11,220/sq mi)
Demonyms| Akolekar
Language

• Official| Marathi, Hindi and Urdu.
Time zone| UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN|

444001, 444002, 444003, 444004, 444005, 444006, 444007, 444104, 444109, 444302

Telephone code| 0724[3]
Vehicle registration| MH-30
Distance from Nagpur| 278.7 kilometres (173.2 mi) (land)
Distance from Mumbai| 565.2 kilometres (351.2 mi) (land)
Literacy| 91.9%
Sex ratio| 0.958
Human Development Index| High[4]
Website| akola.gov.in

Akola (/əˈkoʊlɑː/) is a major city in the Vidarbha region of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The third largest city in Eastern Maharashtra after Nagpur and Amravati, it is located about 580 kilometres (360 mi) east of the state capital, Mumbai, and 250 kilometres (160 mi) west of the second capital, Nagpur. Akola is the administrative headquarters of the Akola district located in the Amravati division.

Akola is located on the banks of the Morna River. Although it is not considered a common tourist destination, Akola is an important city due to its history, culture, politics, and agriculture. It also has a prominent road and rail junction in the Tapti River valley that functions as a commercial trading centre. A National Highway Number 161, which is also termed as NH6, passes through Akola.

Akola is an important educational centre with several colleges affiliated with Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. Recently, it has become a hub of the couching classes preparing students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE aspirational students come from all nearby villages and towns. The city is developing into a market centre. The primary language spoken by the people of Akola is  Varhadi Marathi while English is used mostly in educational institutions and Hindi being a lingua franca, including large number of Native Berari a branch of Deccani language which is formally recognized as dialect of Urdu language.

## Etymology

[edit]

The name "Akola" is believed to have originated from the Marathi word "Akol," which means "the end" or "the boundary." This term is thought to refer to the city's historical role as a boundary or administrative center in the region. According to local tradition, the city was named after Maharaja Akolsingh, who was an influential figure in the area.

The evolution of the name "Akola" reflects its historical and cultural significance in the Vidarbha region. The city's etymology encapsulates its role in regional governance and its geographical context as a prominent location in Maharashtra.[5][6]

## History

[edit]

### Early medieval history (Classical)

[edit]

Akola is mentioned to be a part of Berar province and the legendary kingdom of Vidarbha in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.[7]

### Late medieval history

[edit]

The period of Muslim rule began when Alauddin Khalji, Sultan of Delhi, conquered the region in the early 14th century.[8] Subsequently, the region became part of the Bahmani Sultanate, which had seceded from the Delhi Sultanate in the mid-14th century. By the end of the 15th century, the Bahmani Sultanate fragmented into smaller kingdoms, and in 1572, Berar was incorporated into the Nizam Shahi Sultanate of Ahmednagar. The Nizam Shahis ceded Berar to the Mughal Empire in 1595, and the Mughals ruled the Berar province during the 17th century.[9] The Akola fort was heavily fortified during Mughal king Aurangzeb's rule.[10] As Mughal rule started to unravel at the start of the 18th century, Asif Jah I, Nizam of Hyderabad seized the southern provinces of the empire (including Berar) in 1724 to form an independent state.[11]

### Maratha Empire

[edit]

The Battle of Argaon in 1803 was fought in Akola between the British and the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. In the third Anglo-Maratha War, the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was defeated. In 1853, the Akola district together with the rest of Berar, came under the administration of the British East India Company.[12]

### Post-independence

[edit]

After India's independence in 1947 from the British Government, the newly formed country was divided into different states. The Congress's proposed linguistic provinces plan before the Independence of India had positioned Akola as the headquarters of the Berar region.[13][14]

## Geography

[edit]

Akola is located on the banks of the Morna River in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. It is situated approximately 580 km (360 mi) east of Mumbai and 250 km (160 mi) west of Nagpur. The city lies in the Tapti River valley, which contributes to its significance as a commercial and agricultural hub. Akola also serves as an important road and rail junction.

### Climate

[edit]

Akola experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures and significant variations in rainfall throughout the year. The climate includes hot, dry summers, a monsoon season with substantial rainfall, and relatively mild winters.

The highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded were 47.8 °C and 2.2 °C, respectively.

Climate data for Akola (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2024)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °C (°F)  | 38.2
(100.8)  | 40.5
(104.9)  | 44.4
(111.9)  | 47.0
(116.6)  | 47.8
(118.0)  | 47.2
(117.0)  | 40.6
(105.1)  | 40.0
(104.0)  | 40.0
(104.0)  | 40.0
(104.0)  | 38.9
(102.0)  | 36.7
(98.1)  | 47.8
(118.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 30.0
(86.0)  | 33.2
(91.8)  | 37.4
(99.3)  | 41.0
(105.8)  | 42.4
(108.3)  | 37.5
(99.5)  | 32.2
(90.0)  | 30.8
(87.4)  | 32.3
(90.1)  | 33.8
(92.8)  | 32.4
(90.3)  | 30.7
(87.3)  | 34.5
(94.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)  | 21.9
(71.4)  | 24.9
(76.8)  | 28.7
(83.7)  | 33.0
(91.4)  | 35.3
(95.5)  | 31.9
(89.4)  | 28.3
(82.9)  | 27.3
(81.1)  | 27.8
(82.0)  | 27.4
(81.3)  | 24.8
(76.6)  | 22.1
(71.8)  | 27.8
(82.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | 13.7
(56.7)  | 16.3
(61.3)  | 20.1
(68.2)  | 24.7
(76.5)  | 28.0
(82.4)  | 26.4
(79.5)  | 24.5
(76.1)  | 23.7
(74.7)  | 23.3
(73.9)  | 20.8
(69.4)  | 17.1
(62.8)  | 13.5
(56.3)  | 21.0
(69.8)
Record low °C (°F)  | 3.9
(39.0)  | 2.2
(36.0)  | 5.6
(42.1)  | 11.1
(52.0)  | 11.9
(53.4)  | 19.8
(67.6)  | 20.0
(68.0)  | 18.3
(64.9)  | 15.4
(59.7)  | 10.0
(50.0)  | 5.6
(42.1)  | 3.9
(39.0)  | 2.2
(36.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches)  | 10.6
(0.42)  | 5.5
(0.22)  | 14.2
(0.56)  | 4.2
(0.17)  | 10.1
(0.40)  | 146.8
(5.78)  | 215.0
(8.46)  | 181.8
(7.16)  | 137.7
(5.42)  | 42.5
(1.67)  | 11.8
(0.46)  | 3.1
(0.12)  | 783.4
(30.84)
Average rainy days  | 0.8  | 0.5  | 1.3  | 0.6  | 1.0  | 7.4  | 12.4  | 9.9  | 7.0  | 2.8  | 1.1  | 0.2  | 44.9
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) | 37  | 27  | 23  | 19  | 21  | 46  | 67  | 72  | 65  | 47  | 45  | 41  | 42
Source 1: India Meteorological Department,[15] Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)[16]
Source 2: Government of Maharashtra

Akola has been ranked 34th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.[17]

## Demographics

[edit]

According to the 2011 Census of India,[18] Akola City had a population of 425,817 and an area of about 128 square kilometres (49 sq mi). After the city's municipal limits were extended in August 2016, the estimated population of Akola city is above 603,000. The population estimate for the Akola metropolitan area is currently not available. The most recent census, conducted in 2011, recorded a population of [last known census figure]. The scheduled 2021 census for Akola city was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Current estimates are based on historical growth rates.[19]

Year | Male | Female | Total Population | Change

|
|
|
|

2001[20] | 206,649 | 193,871 | 400,520 | \-
2011[21] | 217,393 | 208,424 | 425,817 | 6.3%

Religion in Akola (2011)[22]

1. Hinduism (58.51%)
2. Islam (21.32%)
3. Buddhism (18.53%)
4. Jainism (1.01%)
5. Christianity (0.32%)

Religion in Akola City (2011)[23]

Religion |  | Percent
Hinduism |

| 54.93%
Islam |

| 29.93%
Buddhism |

| 12.91%
Jainism |

| 1.46%
Others |

| 0.76%

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±%

|
|

1981 | 225,412| —
1991 | 328,043| +45.5%
2001 | 400,520| +22.1%
2011 | 427,146| +6.6%
Source: Census of India[24]

## Government and politics

[edit]

Main article: Akola Municipal Corporation

The local government of Akola is administered by the Akola Municipal Corporation, which operates under a Mayor-Council system. The Mayor, assisted by a Deputy Mayor, heads the corporation, with elections occurring every five years.[25] The corporation was established on 1 July 1967 and governs an area of approximately 124 km².[26]

The city's administrative functions are managed by a District Collector. As of the latest update, Ajit Kumbhar (IAS) serves in this role.[27] The Municipal Commissioner, currently Kavita Dwiwedi (IAS), is responsible for overseeing the executive functions of the Akola Municipal Corporation.[28] The Mayor, Archana Masne, oversees the implementation of policies and administrative functions within the Akola Municipal Corporation.[29] Additionally, Akola has a range of local administrative services and multiple police stations operating under the jurisdiction of the Akola Police.[30]

## Governance

[edit]

### Police administration

[edit]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

Akola Police maintains eight police stations in the Akola city subdivision that cover the metropolitan area of the city.[31]

The government also approved the creation of a new Railway Police Akola subdivision that will include Akola, Wardha, and Badnera railway police units. The Akola Police subdivision falls under the Nagpur District of Railway.[32]

## Education

[edit]

See also: List of schools in Akola

## Notable people

[edit]

* Vasantrao Deshpande
* Anand Modak
* Vijay P. Bhatkar
* Patrick Barr
* Hasnain Aaqib
* Vitthal Wagh
* Sudharak Olwe
* Shivdeep Lande
* Ranjit Patil
* Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre
* T. S. Korde
* Vallabhdas Aidan Mohta
* Mahesh Kakde
* Swaminathan Aiyar

## See also

[edit]

* Akola railway station
* Akola Airport
* Vidarbha
* Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth
* Varhadi language
* List of cities in Maharashtra

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Akola Population Estimate". census2011.co.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
2. ^ "Who's Who | Akola District | India".
3. ^ "STD and Pin Codes | Akola District | India".
4. ^ "Economic survey of Maharashtra" (PDF). maharashtra.gov.in. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
5. ^ V. S. Khandekar (2000). The Place Names of Maharashtra. Marathi Vidnyan Parishad. p. 45.
6. ^ "Economic Survey of Maharashtra" (PDF). Retrieved 30 April 2023.
7. ^ "Mahabharat Map - Come, let us create a Mahan Bharat". www.mahanbharat.net. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
8. ^ TheIndianTrip. "Akola excursion Guide - India Information & Tips on Travel, Tourism & FAQs". TheIndianTrip. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
9. ^ TheIndianTrip. "Akola excursion Guide - India Information & Tips on Travel, Tourism & FAQs". TheIndianTrip. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
10. ^ "Friends of Forts". Archived from the original on 5 April 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
11. ^ "Berar | region, India". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
12. ^ "Akola District Gazetteer, Mediaeval Period History". Maharashtra State Gazetteers, Akola District. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
13. ^ "101". Retrieved 19 September 2014.
14. ^ "101a". Retrieved 19 September 2014.
15. ^ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
16. ^ "Normals Data: Daltonganj – India Latitude: 20.70°N Longitude: 77.03°E Height: 281 (m)". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
17. ^ "Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024" (PDF). Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024. 7 September 2024.
18. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
19. ^ "Akola Population Estimate". census2011.co.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
20. ^ Census India 2001.
21. ^ Census India 2011.
22. ^ "C-1 Population By Religious Community – Maharahstra". Census. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
23. ^ "Akola Population 2011". census2011.
24. ^ "Mahapopulation" (PDF). Census of India (in Marathi). maharashtra.gov.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2008.
25. ^ "Akola Municipal Corporation Official Website". akola.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
26. ^ "Akola District Overview". akola.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
27. ^ "District Collector Profile". akola.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
28. ^ "Municipal Commissioner Profile". akola.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
29. ^ "Mayor Profile". akola.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
30. ^ "Akola Police". akolapolice.gov.in. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
31. ^ "Akola Police". akolapolice.gov.in.
32. ^ "Akola Railway Police". 13 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Akola.

* Official website
* Bharat Krushak Samaj
* Akola Regional Transport Office

Places adjacent to Akola

| Telhara, Shegaon | AKOT | Daryapur, Amravati district

|
|

|  |
Balapur |

Akola

| Murtizapur
|  |
| Patur | Barshitakli

* v
* t
* e

Akola district topics

Cities and towns|

* Akola
* Akot
* Balapur
* Barshitakli
* Murtajapur
* Patur
* Telhara

Monuments|

* Akola Fort
* Balapur Fort
* Narnala Fort

Transport|

* NH 6
* NH 161
* NH 161A
* NH 161E
* NH 361C
* NH 548C
* Akola Junction
* Murtajapur Junction railway station
* Akola Airport

Lok Sabha constituencies|

* Akola

Vidhan Sabha constituencies|

* Akot
* Akola East
* Akola West
* Balapur
* Murtizapur

Education|

* Akola Education Society, Akola
* Government Medical College (Akola)
* Shivaji Engineering College, Akola
* Mount Carmel High School (Akola)
* List of schools in Akola
* Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth
* Shri R.L.T. College of Science

Industry|

* Paras Thermal Power Station

People from Akola|

* K.M. Asghar Husain
* Patrick Barr
* Anwar Agewan
* Shivdeep Lande
* Siddhant Nagdeote
* Keshav Meshram
* Ranjit Patil
* Prakash Pohare
* Govardhan Mangilal Sharma
* Ravikumar Thakur
* Vijay Bhatkar
* Vasantrao Deshpande
* Anand Modak

* v
* t
* e

Vidarbha

Districts|

* Akola
* Amravati
* Bhandara
* Buldhana
* Chandrapur
* Gadchiroli
* Gondia
* Nagpur
* Wardha
* Washim
* Yavatmal

Cities|

* Akola
* Amravati
* Chandrapur
* Nagpur
* Bhandara

Related|

Vidarbha movement

* v
* t
* e

State of Maharashtra

* Capital: Mumbai
* Second capital: Nagpur

Topics|

* History
* Geography
* Economy
* Tourism
* Highest point
* Marathi language
* Culture
* Marathi people
* Marathi literature
* Marathi cinema
* Maharashtrian cuisine
* Sports

Regions|

* Desh
* Khandesh
* Konkan
* Mumbai Metropolitan Region
* Marathwada
* Vidarbha
* North Maharashtra

Divisions and
Districts|

| Amravati division|

* Akola
* Amravati
* Buldhana
* Washim
* Yavatmal

|

Konkan division|

* Mumbai
* Mumbai Suburban
* Palghar
* Raigad
* Ratnagiri
* Sindhudurg
* Thane

Aurangabad division|

* Beed
* Aurangabad
* Osmanabad
* Hingoli
* Jalna
* Latur
* Nanded
* Parbhani

Nagpur division|

* Bhandara
* Chandrapur
* Gadchiroli
* Gondia
* Nagpur
* Wardha

Nashik division|

* Ahmednagar
* Dhule
* Jalgaon
* Nandurbar
* Nashik

Pune division|

* Kolhapur
* Pune
* Sangli
* Satara
* Solapur

Million-plus cities
in Maharashtra|

* Mumbai
* Pune
* Nagpur
* Thane
* Pimpri-Chinchwad
* Nashik
* Kalyan-Dombivli
* Vasai-Virar
* Aurangabad
* Navi Mumbai

Other cities with
municipal corporations|

* Ahmednagar
* Akola
* Amravati
* Bhiwandi
* Chandrapur
* Dhule
* Ichalkaranji
* Jalgaon
* Kolhapur
* Latur
* Malegaon
* Mira-Bhayandar
* Nanded
* Panvel
* Parbhani
* Sangli
* Solapur
* Ulhasnagar

Government|

* Chief Ministers
* Legislature (Legislative Council
* Legislative Assembly)
* Police
* Bombay High Court

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