Historical Places in Raigad District

Chavdar Tale, Mahad :

Historical Chavadar Tale (lake) lies in the Mahad city of Raigad District of the state of Maharashtra. It is well known in world for the satyagraha done by Mahamanav (great person) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on 20th March, 1927. The lake measures 100 meters in length, 100 meters in breadth and has depth of 5.5 meters. Its approximate area is about 2.5 acres. Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar along with his followers drank the water from the lake, thereby allowing everyone to drink water from it. This satyagraha lead to the initiation of struggle for social equality.

Mahad city is situated in the vicinity of Raigad Fort which was the capital of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The population of the Mahad city is 27,536. Chavdar Tale is in the center of the city. The city has witnessed rich historical past associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Chavdar Tale satyagrah is well known part of history and to commemorate it and as a symbol of equality, every year 20 March is celebrated as Chavdar Tale satyagrah anniversary. To celebrate the day lakhs of followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and tourists visit the place. Beautification works of Chavdar Tale has been completed by Mahad Municipal corporation.

The inauguration and beautification work of this historical Chavadar Tale had taken place on June 02, 1992. Today all four sided boundaries of Chavdar Tale has been beautified and electric poles are set up in its proximity. Approximately 100 feet away from the west side wall of of of Chavdar Tale the bronze statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has been built which has height of 10.5 feet. Separate bridge is built for visiting the same statue and famous quotes of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar are marked on the ramparts. On the west side of Chavdar Tale,one multipurpose auditorium has been built and on the ground floor of that auditorium, important life events in the form of memory images and oil paintings are shown. Also this auditorium is used for different types of programs and meetings. There is library on the first floor. The steps on which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar walked to do satyagraha, are beautified and one main flexure has been built on the based of Sthoopa of Sanchi. Also the wall painting scene of that satyagraha has been created . In the front of auditorium , a fascinating garden has been built and high mast lights are set up in the center.

On the December 25, 1927 , near Chavdar Tale, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had burnt the Manusmriti with his followers and denounced the social inequality. A Krantisthamb has been built the land owned by Peoples Education Society, Mumbai as a memory refresh of this event. This Krantisthamb is symbol of social equality.
The place of this historical Chavdar Tale is located in the heart of Mahad city ,which is located on the banks of river Savitri. The distance of different important locations from this city are as follows.

1. Mumbai to Mahad- 175 Km
2. Pune to Mahad- 110 Km
3. Mahad to fort Raigad- 24 Km

Mumbai – Goa national highway passes nearby the boundary of this city.

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