Thalner

Thalner is an Shirpur Tahsil's Village, the first capital of the Faruqi kings, stands on the banks of the Tapi river, in Shirpur tehsil about 46.67 km. (28 miles) north-east of Dhule in Maharashtra state, India. It was fortified and played a significant role in the history of Khandesh. At the foot of the fort is an old stone temple dedicated to Thaleshwar. The name ''Thalner'' probably derived from this temple. The capital was once a significant commercial centre.

Thalner fort

Thalner Fort, located in the Dhule district of Maharashtra, is one of the oldest forts in the region. Situated on the banks of the Tapi River, it has a rich historical legacy spanning several centuries.

The fort was established during the early medieval period and gained prominence under the Yadava dynasty. It later came under the Bahmani Sultanate and was fortified further. In the 16th century, Thalner Fort was captured by the Mughals under Emperor Akbar and became a strategic military outpost in the Deccan region.

During the 18th century, the fort was controlled by the Marathas and played a role in their resistance against the Mughals and the British. However, its significance declined with the advent of modern warfare. The British eventually took control of the fort during their conquest of India, using it primarily for administrative purposes.

Today, Thalner Fort lies in ruins but remains a site of historical and cultural importance, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists.

History

According to a local grant, in 1128, while the country for 32.18 km (20 miles) around was ' without a light', and twenty-seven of its forts were deserted, Thalner prospered under Javaji and Govaji of the Tale sub-division of ''Gavali rajas'' or the Abhira kings. At that time, Daulatrao, son of Bajirao of Daulatabad came to the people of Khandesh, and finding Thalner flourishing established Javaji's family as headmen of the town.

In 1370, when Firozshah Tughluq (1351–1388) granted Malik Raja Faruqi an estate on the south border of Gujarat, Malik chose Thalner as his headquarters. In 1371, defeated by the Gujarat king, Malik was forced to take refuge in Thalner fort. On his death in 1399 Malik left Thalner to his second son Iftikar Khan. But in 1417 with the aid of the Sultan of Malwa, Nasir Khan, the elder son, wrested it from his brother. In 1498 Thalner was invaded by Mahmud Begada, king of Gujarat, whose army laid waste the district and would not retire till arrears of tribute were paid. In 1511 Mahmud Begada granted Thalner with about one-half of Khandesh to Malik Hissamuddin, a noble of his court. But in the next year, Hissamuddin was murdered and Thalner was restored to Khandesh. In 1566 it was the scene of the defeat of the Khandesh king Miran Muhammad Shah II by Changiz Khan of Gujarat. In 1600, when it passed to Emperor Akbar, Thalner was noticed as being of great strength though in a plain. In 1660 Tavernier mentioned it as one of the places of trade on the Surat and Burhanpur line.

In 1750 it was a strong fort, the centre of thirty-two little governments. Shortly after this, it passed to the Peshwa, and was by him made over to Holkar, who, around 1800, pledged it to the Nimbalkars. It was recovered the following year and kept by the Holkar family until in 1818, under the terms of the Mandesar treaty, it was handed over to the British.

Battle of Thalner, 1818

Sindva was a place with a much greater name for strength in the Khandesh region, but it surrendered to the British at once, hence no resistance was expected at Thalner. However, its capture proved to be one of the bloodiest incidents in the conquest of Khandesh.

File:Assault on Taulneir.jpg, Plan of the assault of the fort of Thalner, 27 February 1818
Kalakriti Archives
File:Plan of fort of Talneir.jpg, Plan and section elevation of Thalner's gates, 27 February 1818
File:Fort Talnier, Lt Col MacGregor-Murray withstanding his adversaries.jpg, Lt Col Murray withstands his adversaries. Artist: William Heath
British Museum
File:Rescue of Colonel Murray during the Assault on Thalner.jpg, Capt M‘Craith drags Lt Col Murray clear of the wicket whilst warding off blows with his sword.
File:Thalner 4.jpg, Tombs of British officers killed in the battle, 2017

Present condition

The fort of Thalner is in a dilapidated condition. Besides the tombs of Major MacGregor and Captain Gordon, the chief objects of interest are ten Muhammedan domed tombs of common country black stone and two of burnt brick. Of the whole number, one is eight cornered and the rest are square. They vary in size from eleven feet by eleven to three and a half feet square. Though more or less damaged outwardly and with the inside part of their domes partly destroyed, they are in good order. The eight-cornered tomb has some Arabic writing, but so worn as to be unreadable.

Tourist attractions

In Thalner there are two temples, one dedicated to Mahadeva and the other to Khandoba's Temple. The Mahadeva temple is located at Tapi riverside, and Khandoba temple is located near the Thalner bus stand.

Notable personalities

Lata Mangeshkar's mother, affectionately called 'Mai', was from Thalner. She was the daughter of Seth Haridas Ramdas Lad, a prosperous businessman of the town.

References

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{{Forts of Khandesh

Villages in Dhule district
Forts in Maharashtra
Former capital cities in India
Tourist attractions in Dhule district
Ahir history