History and Cultural Heritage

Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak as well as the workplace of Swatantryaveer Savarkar and Ratnagiri is known as the land of Vardamuni, Parshuram. In the Middle Ages, many European travelers and religious preachers visited the coast of Konkan. The ancient Konkan was ruled by Maurya, Satvahan, Trakootak, Chalukya, Rashtrakut, Shilahar, Kadamba and Yadav dynasties. During the Satavahana, the caves of Panhalakaji were the center of the study and spread of Buddhism. It is also mentioned at many places that there was sea trade between Ratnagiri and overseas. Ratnagiri is the land of three ‘Bharatratn’, such as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, P.V. Kane and Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve. Apart from this, King Thiba of Bramhadesh was imprisoned in the Ratnagiri district by the then British government. Citizens of Myanmar and high officials visit from time to time to Thiba Palace and Thiba King Tomb in Ratnagiri city. Ratnagiri district has become well known, due to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who had been captured in Ratnagiri by the British government.

Ratnagiri district is an area rich in ancient importance and historical heritage. During the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this land made a significant contribution to establishing the Swarajya (self-rule), and the brave warriors here showed great courage. Many sons of this district have done remarkable work in the army and various other fields. Great personalities like Lokmanya Tilak, Sane Guruji, Maharshi Karve, Swatantryaveer Savarkar, S.M. Joshi, Hutatma Anant Kanhere, poet Keshavsut, and famous actor Kashinath Ghanekar have brought honor to this land. The British imprisoned Swatantryaveer Savarkar in Ratnagiri, which adds to the district’s historical importance.

Ratnagiri truly represents the local culture of the Konkan region. The lifestyle here beautifully blends North and South Indian cultures. Traditional tiled-roof houses, customs, traditions, and festivals reflect the rich cultural heritage. Holi and Gauri-Ganpati are the main festivals, during which people living abroad often return to their villages. Folk arts are preserved through traditional dance forms like Jakhadi, as well as plays like Naman and Dashavatar.
Thus, Ratnagiri district is a perfect blend of history, culture, and tradition.