Nagpuris the largest city in central India (2001 Census) and the second capital of the state of Maharashtra. It is headquarter of Nagpur district and Nagpur division. Nagpur UA population 2,420,000; is 13th largest urban conglomeration in India and 114th largest city in world. It ranks as 143rd largest urban area in world in terms of population. It is the seat of annual winter session of Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha. The city is the commercial and political center of the state's eastern Vidarbha region. Nagpur lies in central India with Zero mile marker, (indicating the geographical center of India) located here. City was founded by Gond people but later became part of Maratha Empire under the Bhonsles. British East India Company took over the city in 19th century and made it the capital of Central Provinces and Berar. After first state reorganization, it lost the capital status but was made second capital of Maharashtra. Nagpur is an important location for Dalit Buddhist movement and Hindu nationalist organizations like RSS and VHP. Nagpur is strategically important as it is situated at the cross-roads of India's North-South and East-West routes by road, rail and air.
