1.1 Background

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.1.1 Topic selection

Due to the limitation of the pandemic, native city was chosen to start with. Nagpur is a city in Maharashtra and also is the second capital of the state after Mumbai. The city lies at the geographical centre of india- the Zero Mile being the marker of this centre. Due to its strategic location it serves as a major junction for road and railway networks running through the country. In recent years the city is also developing towards becoming one of the largest logistics hubs of the country. Apart from these recent developments the city is also famous for oranges and is known as the Orange City. There are several other fields in the process of development which can benefit to expand the overall economy and image of the city.

Figure 1: Distinct characteristics of the city( Source: Author)

From the different potentials, weaknesses and strengths of the city, the topic was identified based on the potential, the need to explore and develop into an architectural intervention through the research process. Importance was given to the topic which has a great importance in the city but needs to be strengthened holistically in order to gain global importance by exploring through the architectural realm. Thus the identity of Orange city was chosen as the topic of research.

1.1.2 History of Oranges in Nagpur

Orange is a general term. Out of the several varieties grown worldwide, the Mandarin species is the one which is dominantly grown in India and Nagpur. While the origin of the fruit is said to be in the Himalayas, Northeast india and China, the mandarin species, called the santra, was brought to Nagpur by the then ruler, Bhonsla Raja, Raghuji II, towards the end of the 18th century from Aurangabad in Maharashtra and Sitakol in West bengal. The fruit soon became very popular and Nagpur got known for its orange cultivation establishing a certain reputation in the Indian market. The reason for this popularity was said to be the method of cultivation developed- grafting and budding at the initial stage. Due to this specific method the fruit grown has acquired unique qualities like the sour- sweet taste and is easy to peel and consume. These qualities were not easy to match with other varieties grown in different regions, and so is its popularity and demand.

Figure 2: Arrival of oranges in Nagpur( Source: Author)

1.1.3 Why the name Orange city?

The flavour and easy peelable qualities is what sets apart the Nagpur oranges from other varieties, let alone the imported ones too. Owing to these unique characteristics inherited by the fruit due to the geographical nature and climate of the region, in 2014 a Geographical Indication(GI) tag was given to the fruit, calling it the Nagpur santra or Nagpur Mandarin, from where it became popular. Thus, Nagpur is synonymously called the ‘Orange City’. The GI status has helped to secure the origin of this distinctive variety for the future.