History

Since ages it has been recognized that at Mahabaleshwar lies the source of  the great Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri. Mahabaleshwar, from the beginning of the 17th century, was under the subjection of different rulers. Hindus and Muslims.

The first European visitor to the Mahabaleshwar hills, the late General P.Lodwick, on hearing from the Late Raja of Satara of the boundless beauty of this place, explored the region in the summer of 1824. The celebrated promontory of Sidney point is re-named after him as he first set his foot there. He made his way, with a walking stick in hand, through the dense and tigerish forest, to the edge of the grand precipice, without any encounter with the wild beasts that then infested the place in numbers ; but a day or two after, his dog, when close to him, was carried off by a panther. He was also the first to bring the subject before the public through the medium of newspapers. he was followed by General Briggs, Resident of Satara, who in 1826 built a cottage and prevailed on the Raja to construct an excellent carriage road from his capital to the present station. Little further was done till Sir J. Malcolm, Governor of Bombay (1827-1830), zealously took up the matter, established an experimental convalescent hospital for European soldiers, and by his personal residence at the hills in the hot season of 1828, attracted a crowd of visitors. In the same season, Colonel Robertson, the successor of General Briggs, built a house at the station. In November 1828, Sir J. Malcolm returned to the hills bringing with him Dr. Williamson specially appointed to the duty of reporting on the climate and fitness of the locality for a sanatorium. Sites were now selected for some public buildings ; the Governor's residence on Mount Charlotte, called later after Lady Malcolm, was commenced ; and proclamation was soon afterwards issued by the Raja of Satara, inviting settlers to his newly founded village of Malcolm Peth or 'Malcolm-Ville'. The Raja also undertook to continue the high road onward over the hill and down the Radtondya or Rotunda pass to the boundary of the British territory in the Konkan, from which point the former English Government agreed to construct a similar road down the Par Pass through Mahad to Dasganv in Kolaba, the most convenient harbor on the Savitri or Bankot river. These works were completed in 1830. Next season, Parsee shopkeepers made their appearance and Government employed a number of Chinese convicts in cultivating an extensive garden whence supplies of the finest vegetables, especially potatoes, were speedily drawn. The convicts, about twelve in number, came from the English settlements to the East and after working out their time in chains remained at the place, married, and improved their condition. With the proverbial frugality and industry of their race. A public subscription was raised to make bridle roads to the most picturesque points and in a few years the station reached a flourishing condition. Mahabaleshwar was ceded in 1828, by the Satara Raja in exchange for the village of Khandala in Wai, and in 1848 was incorporated in the Satara collect orate on the lapse of the Satara State to the ex-British Government.

Ancient History of Mahableshwar

Mahableshwar is one of the ancient and legendary places in Maharashtra, India.  The  Krishnamai temple is the oldest temple from Vaai-Mahableshwar region.  The tribal people  residing in this area are mainly shepherds and farmers.  The word Mahableshwar has been originated from the word Mamleshwar which means “God of Mavalas” who is none but Lord Shiva.

Till A.d. 1209  this region was under the rule of Raja Bhoj-II  from Shilaher Royal family.  After 1209 A.D. the Emperor  “Singham yadav “  from  Devagiri captured this region from Raja Bhoj-II after defeating him in war.  His Vazir named “Hemadripant”  built many Hemadpanti temples with beautiful architecture in this region.  During 1220 to 1230 A.D. he built up the Mahableshwar temple for the Mahadev Koli tribals.  For this temple and the nearby Panchganga temple the Koli tribals have specific rights and they were the administrators for the trust of the temple.  After the fall of Yadava’s reign, shirke and the Moray royal family had the major rights on the temple trust.  They repaired and developed these temples from time to time.  During the reign of Raja Shivaji the temple was said to be ornamented with a golden top.

 New Mahableshwar was set-up and developed by  the Britishers.  And  British representative ‘Charles Malet’ visited Mahableshwar for the first time. British Emperors were in search of a cool and pleasant surrounding for training their soldiers.

In about 1824 A.D. Commanding Officer General P. Lodwick visited this place after hearing about its beauty.  A point has been named in his memory as the “Lodwick Point”.

 In 1826 General Briggs built up a cottage in Mahableshwar and requested the king of Satara to construct a road from Satara to Mahableshwar.

In 1827, then Governor of Bombay Sir John Malcolm visited Mahableshwar and established a hospital for European soldiers.  He appointed Dr.William for studying the weather and to report on the climate of Mahableshwar.  When  it was found that the climate in Mahableshwar is pleasant and favorable for patients he decided to set up a sanatorium  and hill station at Mahableshwar.  In  this way it was  the first hill station found by British rulers in Maharashtra.  This new Mahableshwar  was called as ‘Malcolm Peth” (Malcolm Ville).  A residential complex was set-up for attracting the tourist.

 In 1830 A.D. Dr. Murray  was superintendent of Mahableshwar.  In 1834  a prison was built  for holding 120 prisoners arrested from China.  These prisoners were given the duty of cultivating vegetables and fruits for government officials.  IN 1864  this prison  was shut down.  However, the prisoners released from here preferred to settle in Mahableshwar.

 In 1864  this prison was converted into Frayer Hall.  It contains a large reading room, and a library with a well chosen collection of books.  IN 1867  a corporation was set-up for Mahableshwar.

Presently  Mahableshwar is attracting  numerous tourists as paradise of Maharashtra.