Akola lies in the Vidharba region of Maharashtra and is situated approximately 600 km away from the state capital, Mumbai. Spread across an area of 54 square km, it is known as the ‘cotton city' of India. Akola produces the most amount of cotton in the country. Apart from cotton, Akola is also known for its oil, pulses and textile mills.
Akola, together with Berar, was part of the magnificent kingdom of Vidarbha. The region, until the 14th century, saw the rule of many dynasties, viz. the Mauryans, the Chalukyas, the Satvahana, the Rashtrakuta and the Yadava dynasty. In the late 14th century, the region came under Muslim Rule with the coming of Alauddin Khilji. It remained under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate until the late 15th century.
Apart from being an industrial hub, Akola also holds religious significance. A large number of devotees make a pilgrimage to Raj Rajeshwar Temple here, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some other significant temples of the city include the Birla Mandir, Jain Temple, Shreenath Dutta Mandir and Swami Samarth Temple.
Akola also holds a cultural significance. It has played host to the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan twice which is a significant conference on Marathi Literature.
