Dadra & Nagar Haveli is described as the ` land of natural beauty`. It is the union territory of western Indian lying between Gujarat and Maharashtra states.The thriving green forests, zig zaging rivers, the mountain ranges, gorgeous landscaper all bewitches us. It`s a favorite spot of tourists and once you go there you will never feel like returning back. This is an ideal place for anyone who is hunting for tranquility and peace. The long network of trees, streams, rivers and the tranquil climate makes it an excellent holiday destination. One can see nature in all its beauty replenished here.

History of Dadra & Nagar Haveli
In AD 1262, the Kohli chieftains of the Dadar and Nagar Haveli was defeated by Rajput invaders and the region became under their clutches and they ruled Ramnagar, which was a small state that included Nagar Haveli in its territory. They dominated the region till the mid-18th century, when the Marathas acquired Nagar Haveli.

After prolonged encounters between the Portuguese and Marathas, the Maratha Government assigned aggregate revenue of Rs. 12,000 to the Portuguese as compensation to ensure their friendship. Their aim was to keep away from the English and to procure their support against the Mughals. The Marathas established friendship with the Portuguese and signed with them a treaty in 1779. According to this historic treaty of friendship, the Maratha-Peshwa agreed that the Portuguese would be allowed to collect revenues from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which consisted of 72 villages, then known as parganas. This treaty was signed to the extent that the Portuguese will only collect the revenue in compensation for their loss of a warship called `Santana` which had earlier been captured by the Marathas but not surrendered to the Portuguese inspite of their many entreaties.

The Portugese ruled the region till it was liberated on 2 August 1954. The people of Dadara and Nagar Haveli established a free administration, which was merged in to union of India in 1961. On 11 August 1961, Dadara and Nagar Haveli were merged with the Indian Union as a Union Territory. Ever since, its liberation from the Portuguese rule, a Varishtha Panchayat was working as an advisory body to the administration. The panchayat was dissolved on August 1989 and Pradesh Council for Dadra and Nagar Haveli was announced. As per the Constitutional amendments at all India level, Dadra and Nagar Haveli District Panchayat and 11 village Panchayats were constituted.

Geography of Dadra & Nagar Haveli
The Dadra and Nagar Haveli is one of the union territories in Western India. It is wedged between Maharashtra and Gujarat. Its capital is Silvassa. Its located on the western side of the foot hills of the Western Ghats and about 40% of the geographical area is covered with forests. It lies between the parallels of 20o and 20o25` of latitude north and between the meridian 72o50` and 73o15` of longitude. The major river Damanganga and its tributaries criss-cross the U.T and drain into Arabian Sea at Daman. The west, north and south of the territory is surrounded by the Valsad district of Gujarat and towards the south and southeast by Thana and Nasik districts of Maharashtra. Towards the northeast it is surrounded by the ranges of Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). The land has a hilly terrain and the soil is rich and fertile. The river Daman-Ganga and its three tributaries intersect the terrain. The climate of the region is warm and moist during the summer months but less warm during the monsoon months. The southwest monsoon is from June to September. During this time there is profuse rainfall. The rainfall is about 250 to 300cm. The winter months are generally pleasant.

Economy of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Agriculture is the main economy of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The region has about 23,627 hectares under cultivation. 40% of the geographical area is covered with forests. The major occupation of Adivasis who represent 79 percent of the total population is agriculture. The agriculture is dependent on the amount of rainfall. The main crops cultivated here are paddy, ragi, small millets, jowar, wheat, tuvr, oilseeds, sugarcane and pulses. Brinjal, tomato, cabbage, and cauliflower are the main vegetables grown here. Forestry is an important economic resource of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It consists of teak, sadra, khair, mahara, sisam etc. Forests constitute about 43 percentage of the total geographical area. A forest-based industry producing `Katha` out of Khair wood has also been set up. Besides agriculture, Government is running a poultry breeding / demonstration farm. There is a well equipped veterinary Hospital and two veterinary centers. The farm animals include cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and other animals.

There are four industrial estates in the territory. Manufacturing is the main economy in Dadra and Nagar Haveli as the taxes are low as there is no exice. The products that are manufactured here are spectacle frame, flooring tiles, art silk fabrics, chemicals, detergent powder, electrical fixtures, watches etc. The items that are exported are forest products, rubber foam etc. There are about 118 lift irrigation schemes at various places of the territory. A multiple irrigation project at Damanganga is in its final states. Here, power is made available from the from the Central sector power generating stations. The entire territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are electrified.

Government and Politics of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The Dadara and Nagar Haveli is a rich inheritance of Portuguese culture, with a generous measure of Indian ness mixed in. From 1954- 1961, the Varishta Panchayat of Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli administrated the country. It became a Union Territory in 1961 and at present is represented in the in the Parliament of India; the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The political parties of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are BJP, BSP, CPM , INC , NCP, SHS, SP ,BNP , etc.

There are 122681 electors and 128 polling stations in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The polling percentage is found to be 69.04. The Administrator is the head and under him comes the Secretary of Finance.

Division of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The territory consists of two sections: Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Dadra consists of three villages and Nagar Haveli consists of 69 villages. The headquarters of the district Dadar and Nagar Haveli is Silvassa.

Demographics of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
According to the 2001 census, there are 2.20 lakhs of people residing here and about 62% of the population consists of tribals. This territory is the homeland of various tribes as Dhodia, Kokna and Varli. The Dhodias and Dublas are mainly confined to the Northern part of the territory whereas the Koknas and Varlis and found all over. The Varlis constitute 62.94 % and the Koknas and Dhodias comprise 16.85 and 16.90 % respectively of the tribal population, 2.29 % Dublas, 0.08% Kathodis, 0.84% Kolghas and 0.08% Nayakas. The languages spoken by the people are Hindi, Marathi and Gujarathi.

Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The major population constitutes the tribals. They have their own rituals and colorful folklore. They celebrate a number of occasions and functions. No occasion for them is complete without a folk dance. The major dances are Tarpa, Dhol, Bhavada and Gherria. All feasts of Hindus, Muslims and Christians are celebrated in this territory. But the tribal celebrations differ. The Varli and Kokna tribals celebrate Diwali in the name of Barash. Kokna tribes celebrate Akhatrij where ladies are the main participants. Divaso is celebrated by Dhodia and Varli tribes. Rakhi-Bandhan is celebrated by Dhodia. Other festivals are Bhawada amongst Varli and Koli tribes, Kali Puja by all tribes after harvesting of crops and Gram Devi before harvesting.

Flora in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The climate favors the growth of forests in the region. 43% of the geographical area constitutes forests. The trees found here are teak, sadra, khair, mahara, sisam etc. The prominent places of tourist interest are the beautiful gardens on the banks of river at Silvassa and Khanvel. A tourist complex at Khanvel named `Van Vihar` has been set up. The major picnic points are Van Ganga , Vandhara Garden on the Damanganga River and Bai Udyam. There is also a Deer Park and a Tribal Museum.

Transport in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The nearest railway station is Vapi on the Western Railways. All major Mail/Express trains are available at Vapi including August Kranti Rajdhani, Satabdi, Ahinsa, Karnavati etc. The nearest airport is at Mumbai. Dadra and Nagar Haveli do not have its own road transport system. It avails of Gujarat and Maharashtra state transport system. Total road length is about 342 km.

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