PLACES

RAKSHASABHUVAN

Raksasabhuvan, with 1,859 inhabitants, in 1961, is an historically important village in Gevrai tahsil, situated on the banks of the river Godavari. It was in this village on the banks of the Godavari that the memorable battle was fought between the Marathas and the Nizam, Nizam Ali. It is known as the battle of Raksasabhuvan. The Maratha armies were under the command of Pesva Madhavrav and his uncle Raghunathrav alias Raghobadada. The Nizam's army and artillery were under the command of his minister Vitthal Sundar. On the morning of 10th August 1763, a little before sunrise, the Marathas made a surprise attack on the Nizam's army. Vitthal Sundar could not withstand the charge of the gallant Marathas and he, along with several other prominent chiefs, either fell fighting or were made prisoners. Within two hours of a severe engagement at close grips, the' Marathas won a decisive victory. Vitthal Sundar's severed head was brought to the camp. His nephew Vinayakdas, and Gopaldas, the Raja of Kandhar were killed in action. Murad Khan along with 16 other chiefs was taken prisoner. About eight thousand of Nizam's troops and four thousand trained infantry perished. Fifteen elephants, twenty-five pieces of cannon and a large number of animals and quantities of material fell into the hands of the victorious Marathas. Nizam Ali escaped a similar fate as he had crossed the flooded river to the other bank, the previous day.

There is a temple of Sani, built on the banks of the Godavari. A big fair attended by over 25,000 persons is held annually. It is by far the biggest fair held anywhere in the Gevrai tahsil.