Nagpur, pronounced as Nag-pur, emerges as the third-largest metropolis in the Indian state of Maharashtra, trailing behind Mumbai and Pune. Acknowledged as the “Citrus Hub,” Nagpur stands as the 13th most populous city in India. According to Oxford’s Economics report, Nagpur is poised to become the fifth fastest-growing city globally from 2019 to 2035, boasting an impressive average growth rate of 8.41%. It has been nominated as one of the Smart Cities in Maharashtra, securing its position among the top ten cities executing the Smart City Project in India.

Functioning as the venue for the annual winter session of the Maharashtra state assembly, Nagpur stands as a pivotal commercial and political hub in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Furthermore, the city garners distinct significance as a focal point for the Dalit Buddhist movement and houses the central offices of the right-wing Hindu organization and public services entity RSS. Nagpur also boasts Deekshabhoomi, accredited as an A-class tourism and pilgrimage site, showcasing the most extensive hollow stupa among all the Buddhist stupas globally. The regional branch of the Bombay High Court adds to the city’s legal prominence.

As per a survey by ABP News-Ipsos, Nagpur earned the accolade of being identified as the premier city in India, excelling in livability, greenery, public transport, and health care indices back in 2013. The city secured the 20th position in the cleanliness ranking in India and emerged as the top performer in the western zone in Swachh Sarvekshan 2016. In 2018, Nagpur was recognized for innovation and best practices in cleanliness, and it was proclaimed open defecation-free in January 2018 under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The city also boasts its standing as one of the safest cities for women in India, ranking 25th in the Ease of Living index 2020 among 111 cities nationwide. Additionally, it clinched the 8th position as the most competitive city in the country for the year 2017, according to the Institute for Competitiveness.

Renowned for Nagpur oranges, the city is often referred to as the Citrus Hub, acting as a major trading center for oranges cultivated across a large portion of the region. It has also earned the titles of the Tiger Capital of India and the Tiger Gateway of India, with numerous tiger reserves in and around the city. Additionally, Nagpur hosts the regional office of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Established in 1702 by Gond King Bakht Buland Shah of Deogarh, the city later became part of the Maratha Empire under the royal Bhonsale dynasty.

The British East India Company took control of Nagpur in the 19th century, designating it as the capital of the Central Provinces and Berar. Following the initial state reorganization, the city lost its capital status. Subsequently, through the informal Nagpur Pact between political leaders, it was designated the second capital of Maharashtra.