About BAMU

Marathwada, part of Maharashtra, India, was under Nizam's rule from the early 18th century until 1948, when police action merged Hyderabad State into India. Initially founded as a military base, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the region's cultural and trading hub, has a rich historical tradition. After India's independence and state reorganization in 1956, Marathwada became part of the Bombay state, later joining Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.

Marathwada is renowned for its rich arts, culture, and literary heritage. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves attract global scholars and visitors. The region is home to notable Marathi literary figures like Dnyaneshwar, Namdeo, and Ramdas, earning it the title "cradle of Marathi Literature." Early Urdu poets Siraj and Wali, the father of modern Urdu poetry, also hailed from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Before Marathwada University was established in 1958, the region had 3686 primary schools, 231 middle schools, and 95 high schools. By 1956, several colleges were set up, including education, medical, agriculture, and science institutions, marking significant educational growth.

The Demand For A University For Marathwada :

Marathwada faced significant educational neglect, with only nine intermediate colleges and 95 high schools serving a population of 5.3 million before November 1, 1958. All colleges were affiliated with Osmania University, Hyderabad, requiring students to travel there for higher education, which was unaffordable for many. The lack of postgraduate and research facilities further highlighted the need for an independent university. After the merger of Marathi-speaking areas of Hyderabad into Bombay State, the people of Marathwada freely expressed their aspirations, demanding a university to foster the region's educational, cultural, and overall development.

At Osmania University, established in the Nizam State, Urdu was the medium of instruction. After India's independence in 1947, the regional language was adopted for secondary education. This created a need for higher education in the regional language. Consequently, the people of Marathwada demanded a new university to address this issue and support the region's educational and socio-economic development.

The Movement

On December 12, 1954, the Marathwada Shikshan Samiti organized a meeting emphasizing the need for a separate university for cultural and educational activities. In 1955-1956, two conventions of Members of Parliament and State Legislature strongly supported this demand. On July 29, 1956, a delegation from Marathwada submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Hyderabad State, calling for a new university. The Hyderabad Government appointed a committee, which recommended the establishment of a separate university for the region.

In January 1957, Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Y.B. Chavan, toured Marathwada and received numerous representations urging the creation of a university. On April 27, 1957, the Marathwada Government appointed a committee under Justice S.M. Paluitkar to examine the establishment of a university. The committee's report, submitted on December 1, 1957, recommended the creation of a regional university focusing on the needs of Marathwada.

The Marathwada University Act was passed on May 5, 1958, and Shri S.R. Dongerkery was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor. The university was inaugurated on August 23, 1958, by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in a ceremony attended by over 3,000 people, including notable figures such as the Governor of Bombay and Minister of Education, Shri Hitendra Desai. Despite being present in Bombay, Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan could not attend due to illness. This day marks the foundation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.

Location

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was chosen as the seat for the Marathwada University over other suggested locations like Nanded and Mominabad due to its strong cultural and historical significance. The city is close to key historical sites: Deogiri (Daulatabad), the Yadava capital, is just 8 miles away, while the famous Ellora Caves are 12 miles further, and the Ajanta Caves, known for their frescoes, are 64 miles away. Paithan, an ancient city of cultural importance, is 34 miles away. Additionally, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar had been a division center during the Hyderabad regime, making it a fitting location for the university. The committee, therefore, strongly recommended Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as the university's seat.

University Buildings

The Government of Bombay lent the two-storied building belonging to the middle school situated in Aurangpura (New Zilla Parishad) with its annexes. Until such time as the University is able to construct its own buildings on the University campus. It was proposed to utilize the existing building for the office, the meeting of the University bodies, for accommodating the University departments and library and for holding some of the post graduates classes.

Affiliation

All the eight colleges in Marathwada were affiliated to the Osmania University. when the Marathwada University was established in June-1958, one more college at Jalna was affiliated in the month of July of the same year.The affiliation of nine colleges with the Osmania University terminated on October 31, 1958. The nine colleges are as follows:

• The Government college of Art & Science, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Established on 1923).
• The Milind Mahavidyalaya, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Established on 1950).
• The People’s college, Nanded (Established on 1950).
• The Government college of education, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Established on 1954).
• The Marathwada college of Agriculture, Parbhani (Established on 1956).
• The Manikchand Pahade law college, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Established on 1956).
• The Government Medical college, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Established on 1956).
• The Yogeshwari Science college, Mominabad (Established on 1956).
• The Arts & S.B.L. commerce college, Jalna (Established on 1958).

Name

A Many names were suggested for the proposed University such as Marathwada, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Paithan, Pratishthan, Daulatabad, Deogiri, Ajanta, Shalivahana, Satawahana, Shivaji etc.

The university was named "Marathwada University" on January 14, 1994, to emotionally connect with the people of Marathwada, as the name Marathwada held cultural significance. Later, it was renamed "Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University" to honor Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to the educational development of the region. The campus spans over 650 acres, with a scenic approach road from the south, approximately a mile and a quarter long. The hills surrounding the campus provide a picturesque backdrop, with small cascades during the rainy season. The campus houses the famous Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Caves, with the Suneri Mahal (Golden Palace) at the foot of the hills, and the Bibi Ka Makbara adding charm to the landscape.

The design adopted for the coat of arms bears the following emblems

• Ajanta Arch: Symbolizing the glory of painting and sculpture, particularly the art of the Ajanta Caves, which continues to inspire visitors worldwide.
• Open Book on a Book-Rest: Representing learning and education.
• Jowar Plant: Signifying agriculture, the primary occupation of Marathwada's people.
• Two Elephants: Symbolizing the strength and determination of Marathwada's people.
• Wheel: Representing progress, particularly industrial development.

This coat of arms reflects the university's commitment to education, agricultural roots, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of economic and industrial progress. The motto affirms the enduring power of knowledge.