Dharur, Beed
Dharur
Kille Dharur | |
|---|---|
city | |
  Dharur Location in Maharashtra, India | |
| Coordinates: 18°49′N 76°07′E / 18.82°N 76.12°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Beed |
| Elevation | 739 m (2,425 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
• Total | 18,350 |
| Demonym | Dharurkar |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 431124[1] |
Dharur is a city and a municipal council in Beed district in the state of Maharashtra, India. Dharur, also known as Kille Dharur (किल्ले धारूर), derives its name and historical significance from the prominent fort located in the town. The fort has played a vital role in shaping the town's history and economy. The distance between Ambajogai (city of temples)[2] and Dharur is approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) by road. The travel time typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.[3]
Dharur Fort
[edit]Dharur Fort,[4] also known as Mahadurga, is a historic fort located in Dharur, a town in Beed district, Maharashtra, India. The fort holds significant historical importance and reflects the architectural and cultural influences of various dynasties that ruled the region.
History
[edit]The origins of Dharur Fort[5] date back to the Rashtrakuta period (8th–10th centuries), during which it was originally constructed and known as "Mahadurga." Rashtrakuta king Govinda III (793–814 AD) mentioned Dharur in one of his grant deeds, highlighting its early prominence. The fortifications of this era were built using simple stone stacking techniques also known as Rock balancing.
Over time, the Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Yadavas of Devagiri controlled the fort and surrounding region. During the Bahmani Sultanate, Dharur evolved into a flourishing trading center, owing to its strategic location on the trade routes.
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In 1567 AD, Kishwar Khan Lari, a prominent commander of the Adil Shahi dynasty i.e. Sultanate of Bijapur, reconstructed the fort using the stones from the original Mahadurga. This fortified structure stands today as Dharur Fort. However, it became a contested site between the Adil Shahi and Nizam Shahi dynasties. In 1569 AD, Murtaza Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar captured the fort, renaming it Fatehbad. this is how muslamic kings change hindu names of city.
The fort later came under Mughal control during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630–31 AD. It remained a vital stronghold, with a mint established at the fort to produce coins for about 100 years. During the 18th century, the fort also witnessed episodes involving Maratha leaders such as Netaji Palkar and was briefly under Maratha control following the Battle of Kharda in 1795.
Following India's independence, Dharur Fort was under the Nizam of Hyderabad until the merger of Hyderabad State with India. After the Hyderabad Liberation Movement in 1948, Dharur, along with the rest of the Hyderabad State, was integrated into India. Following the reorganization of states in 1960, it became part of Maharashtra.
Architecture
[edit]Dharur Fort is uniquely positioned, offering natural protection on three sides due to the deep valleys surrounding it. A wide moat, approximately 4.2 meters wide and 4.5 meters deep, was constructed on the fourth side near the village for added defense. The fort also features an extensive wall that helps retain water in the moat, extending to the valleys on either side.
Nearby attractions
[edit]Dharur Fort is surrounded by several significant landmarks, which can be visited in a day:
- Ambajogai - Temple city[6]
- Ancient Kedareshwar Temple[7]
- Dharmapuri Fort[8] - Dharmapuri is a Village in Parli Vaijnath Taluka in Beed District of Maharashtra State.
- Caves near Dharur
These sites collectively offer insight into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Accessibility
[edit]The fort can be directly accessed by car from Dharur village. Despite its age, the fort and its ruins remain well-preserved, showcasing its historical importance and architectural resilience.
Geography
[edit]Kille Dharur (Dharur) is located at 18°49′N 76°07′E / 18.82°N 76.12°E.[9] It has an average elevation of 739 metres (2424 feet).
Demographics
[edit]As of 2001[update] India census,[10] Dharur had a population of 18,350. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Kille Dharur has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74% and, female literacy is 55%. In Dharur, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ "PinCode: DHARUR, BEED, MAHARASHTRA, India, omsaisoft.com". omsaisoft.com. 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
PinCode: 431124
- ^ रापतवार, सुदर्शन (15 August 2024). मंदिराचे गाव (in Marathi). Madhyam Publication. ISBN 978-81-902787-7-5.
- ^ "Balchand - Azam Khan captures Fort Dharur (January 1631)". www.rct.uk. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ "Dharur Fort – Marathwada Tourism Development Chamber (MTDC)". Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ Joshi, Soham. "dharur-fort – Directorate of Tourism Maharashtra". Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ रापतवार, सुदर्शन (15 August 2024). मंदिराचे गाव (in Marathi). Madhyam Publication. ISBN 978-81-902787-7-5.
- ^ वृत्तसेवा, सकाळ (12 August 2024). "Kedareshwar Temple : केदारेश्वराच्या मंदिरात दर्शनासह मिळतो अद्भुत स्थापत्यशैलीचा अनुभव". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi). Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ "Dharur Fort – Marathwada Tourism Development Chamber (MTDC)". Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Dharur
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.