Chikhli, Maharashtra

Chikhli is a city and a municipal council in Buldana district in Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra state, India. It is located on the Pune-Nagpur highway. It is situated at the westernmost border of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and is 500 km from the state capital, Mumbai. Chikhli is situated on the border of the Marathwada Region and Vidarbha Regions of Maharashtra.

Chikhli has an MIDC located on Nagpur-Pune highway that houses many SMEs in automotive, chemical, fibres and plastic, iron casting and other sectors.

The headquarters town of the tahsil bearing the same name is situated at a distance of fourteen miles from Buldhana, the district headquarters. The old Gazetteer of Buldhana district has to say the following about this town: "There is a dargah or a tomb of Madan Shah Wali in whose honour an urus is held every year at which about 500 people assemble from the surrounding villages. The dargah has some inam land for its support. A temple of Mahadeva to the west of the town is of some archaeological importance. The top was rebuilt about 40 years ago, and other buildings have been added to it."

The municipal council was established at Chikhli in 1930 and administers an area of 14.29 square kilometres. The municipal council is composed of 17 members, two seats being reserved for women and one for scheduled tribes. The municipal administration is divided into various sections such as office, collection, octroi, sanitation, education and dispensary.

The total income of the municipality excluding extraordinary and debt heads amounted to Rs. 5,37,245.92 during the year 1965-66 [During: 1972-73 the income and expenditure amounted to Rs 9,02,000 and Rs. 9,48,000.] and was composed of municipal rates and taxes, Rs. 2,18,443.73; realisations under special Acts, Rs. 1,973.61; revenue derived from municipal property and powers apart from taxation, Rs. 7,986.00; grants and contributions for general and special purposes, Rs. 3,04,187.33 and income from miscellaneous sources Rs. 4,655.92. During the same year, the total expenditure of the municipality excluding extra-ordinary and debt heads came to Rs. 5,20,960.54. comprising general administration and collection charges, Rs. 1,32,788.89; public safety, Rs. 15,20,232: public health and convenience. Rs. 1,41,362.27; public instruction, Rs. 2,25,695.11; contributions, Rs. 200.00 and miscellaneous expenditure. Rs. 5,711.54. During the year under review the municipality had an income of Rs. 24,913.76 under extra-ordinary and debt heads and under the same head the expenditure was Rs. 36,803.83.

For the convenience of the public the municipality maintains a fruits and vegetables market as also fish and mutton markets. It also conducts a library. The municipality maintains two dispensaries, one general and one veterinary. Wells form the main source of water-supply to the town. Primary education has been made compulsory in the town and is managed by the municipality. Besides primary schools there are two colleges and four high schools in the town. The total length of roads maintained by the municipality is 7 km. of which a length of 2 km. is asphalted, of 1 km. metalled and the rest i.e., of 4 km. unmetalled. The municipality maintains four cremation grounds and five burial places. There is also a municipal garden and a meeting hall in the municipal office building.

Among the objects of interest in the town may be mentioned the maths of Udasi Maharaj and Mauni Maharaj, the Nazreen Mission Church and the temples of Mahadeva, Devi and Ganapati. A very big fair is held in honour of the Goddess Ranuka Devi on Chaitra full moon day (April). More than 20,000 people attend the same.

Chikhli has an average elevation of 606 metres (1988 feet). Chikhli has a moderate climate. The annual rainfall averages 800 mm. Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season between June and September.

As of the As of 2011 India census,^[1] Chikhli had a population of 57,889. Males constituted 52% of the population, while females made up 48%. The city has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy stands at 81%, and female literacy at 67%. About 13% of the population is under the age of six. Marathi is the main language of communication.

The Chikhli Assembly Constituency in Maharashtra has a rich political history, represented by leaders from different political parties since its inception in 1962. Initially dominated by the Indian National Congress (INC), the constituency saw a shift with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the late 1990s. Prominent leaders include Bharat Rajabhau Bondre, who served multiple terms representing the INC, and Rekha Purushottam Khedekar of the BJP. Currently, the constituency is represented by Shweta Vidyadhar Mahale from the BJP, who has been serving since 2019.

The city is connected to other major cities of Maharashtra by State Highway 24 (Betul, Madhya Pradesh to Chandwad, Nashik and State Highway 176 (Malkapur to Solapur) and National Highway 753A (Buldhana to Shirdi). There is a state project to build a 4-lane highway between Chikhli and Malkapur, but has been postponed due to some problems in the Rajur Ghat near Buldana.

Chikhli is not connected to the Railway Network. The nearest Railway Stations are Malkapur 72 km (45 mi), Nandura 77 km (48 mi), and Jalna 90 km (56 mi). The nearest Railway Junctions are Akola 110 km (68 mi), and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 140 km (87 mi). However, in 2016 railway budget NDA government sanctioned and allotted Rs 3000 crores for Khamgaon -Jalna railway line. After completion of this project Chikhli will be a major railway station on Khamgaon-Jalna railway line. Chikhli-Burhanpur and Malkapur-Solapur railway lines have been proposed.

The nearest airport is at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport formerly Aurangabad, 140 km (87 mi).

Chikhli is well-connected by road and has a significant role in regional transport. The city is home to the largest MSRTC bus stand in Maharashtra. This expansive facility serves as a major hub for intercity and interstate travel, accommodating a high volume of passengers daily. The bus stand connects Chikhli to major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad as well as to smaller towns and villages within the region.

The bus stand is equipped with modern amenities, including waiting areas, ticket booking counters, food stalls, and clean restrooms, ensuring convenience for travelers. It also has dedicated parking zones for buses and private vehicles, enhancing traffic management in the area. The facility plays a vital role in facilitating economic activity by supporting trade and mobility across Buldhana district and beyond.

Apart from road transport, Chikhli is located along state highways, which connect it to other key cities in Maharashtra. The nearest railway station is at Malkapur, approximately 45 kilometers away, and the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, located around 140 kilometers from the city.

The ancient historical temple of Renuka Devi is situated in the heart of city. The only one temple of Pandava is situated in the nearby village Kavhala.

There is a large celebration on Hanuman Jayanthi, where thousands of people join the rally and celebrate their faith towards Renuka Devi. There is Panchmukhi Mahadeo Temple on Khamgaon road near Vishwabramha Shelake Mala. Shri Siddha Science Temple near Gondhane Complex on Mehkar Phata Road, which is famous for lord Shiva and Siddha Science, which is scientific spirituality or yoga. There is Shriram mandir in the old city, Ram Navami is celebrated each year with pleasure by peoples. It has Jain Temple also near hanuman temple, which is 100 years old.

Jewelry Market

Local Market

Chikhli hosts its own Krishi Utpanna Bazar Samiti (APMC Market).

Animal Market

Chikhli is also known for its Bail Bazar, an animal market held every Monday.

Renuka Devi Temple

Renuka Devi is deity of Chikhli. Renuka Devi t emple is located in the heart of the town. Chaitra pournima and Hanuman Jayanti is a day when Renuka Devi "Yatra" is organized.

The Hemadpanthi Mahadeo Temple in Sakegaon is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in the Hemadpanthi style. Sakegaon located 10KM away from the main city, This architectural tradition, introduced by Hemadri Pandit in the 13th century under the Yadava dynasty, is known for its use of black stone without mortar or cement. The temple exemplifies the simplicity and durability of this technique, with intricately carved details adorning its walls and pillars.

Like other Hemadpanthi temples, the Mahadeo Temple serves as a center for religious activities and local festivals, particularly during Mahashivratri.

Khairullah Shah Miyan Dargah is a religious place located in Chikhli. Peoples from all over Maharashtra visit over there for "ziyarat" at the time of URS and Sandal. This Sandal is held exactly after three days of Holi festival.

17 July 2009 - Felicitated by President Smt. Pratibha Patil at Chikhali on inauguration of "Maharana Pratap" statue.

The oldest and the main Bank in the city is BDCC Bank located at Khamgaon Chowk. In the 2000s (decade), almost all public sector and private banks have opened up branches including the State Bank of India, State Bank of Hyderabad, Axis Bank, Saraswat Bank, Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Overseas Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Other Co-Operative Banks also available. Many banks also provide with ATM services.The Chikhali Urban Co Op Bank Ltd provides best service in the financial sector

Chikhli is well known for its medical facilities in a nearby area. The city has the largest number of hospitals and clinics in the region. A government hospital is also available to citizens. A hospital with 24-hour services is available.

• Buldhana District Gazetteer - Chikhli