Rajapur is a city and a municipal council in Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Rajapur is located at 1640N 7331E / 16.67N 73.52E / 16.67; 73.52. It has an average elevation of 72metres (236feet). As of 2001 India census, Rajapur had a population of 10,499. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Rajapur has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 74%. In Rajapur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Rajapur has been an important centre in maritime trade for all times in the history of the subcontinent. The town has a creek which was navigable. In colonial times the English and French East India Companies had factories which were located near the creek. It is known that these factories were abandoned in the early 18th century and appear to be used later for offices (kacheris). Rajapur is mentioned in novel "Parashuramachi Savli" by famous author...
