Dharur, Beed

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) 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.

Dharur Fort

Dharur Fort, 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

The origins of Dharur Fort 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.

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.

Dharur is historical place and one of tahasil of Beed district. Dharur is cosmopolitan city. There are two forts in Marathwada region which are called impregnable forts. 1. Devgigiri (Daulatabad) fort and second is Dharur fort nowadays Dharur is called by name Killedharur. Once upon a time, Dharur was very famous for Kapada Bazar and for pure gold and ornaments. About 400 villages were covered by the businessmen of Dharur with the help of their thousands of horses. Sweet Sitphals and mangos of Dharur are very famous.

There is water fountain named "Sita ki Nahani" all young Turks go there at early in the morning do yoga and take bath there. Gram Daivat of Dharur is "Ambachandi" and "Nath Maharaj Matth"

135 years old, Aryasamaj is in heart of the city arya samaj showered all the communities of Dharur with ved dnyan, sanskar. achar, vichar and vyavahar also. Devotion of Hutatma Kashinath Chinchalkar, Aryabhanu, Indramohan Tiwari, Rampalji toshniwal and Uddhavraoji, Vithalraoji Indurkar, Gangadharappa Nadgire and Haveliwale Raja Banshilal for Aryasamaj is great. Balaji Mandir at somwar chowk is and its Chhabina Mohotsav is very famous.

People who served Dharur are hon. Chandiprasadji Mishra, Deshpande and chandre family from Kasba vibhag, madhavrao Thorat, Shyamrao master, sunderrao darekar, Pandurangrao gore, Shankasingh Hajari, Narendraprasad Shukla, Cptn.Rajpalsingh Hajari, Vithalrao Jadhav, Dr.Swarupsingh hajari, most active lady Pethwali Bai(deshmukh), Baburao Shete and others.

Notable person and bhumiputra who also served Dharur is Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil ex. Union Minister of State GOI and ex. Minister of State Govt. of Maharashtra. He was elected two times as an MLC from Marathwada graduate constituency 1990 and 1996. He was also elected three times to loksabha from Beed loksabha 1998, 1999 and 2004.

Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil is from an ordinary farmer's family and a first son of Dharur who made record victory continuously five times with the blessings of citizens of Dharur and support of Marathwad region. He constructed roads, Sanskritik Bhavans and shadikhanas in every part, Galli and Mohalla of the Dharur as well as in the hole Beed District.

Architecture

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

Dharur Fort is surrounded by several significant landmarks, which can be visited in a day:

* Ambajogai - Temple city
* Ancient Kedareshwar Temple
* Dharmapuri Fort - 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

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

Kille Dharur (Dharur) is located at . It has an average elevation of 739 metres (2424 feet).

Demographics

India census, 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

* Beed
* Maharashtra
* Kalamb, Osmanabad
* Sonesangavi
* Ambajogai
* Kaij
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References

Cities and towns in Beed district
Talukas in Maharashtra