Thane - The Lake City

The city of Thane is situated on the western banks of Thane creek with Parsik hills on the east and Yeoor hills on the west. The city was then know as Shreesthanak. It was more popularly known as the Capital of the Shilahar dynasty. The history of Thane city can be broadly categorized into 5 eras.

‘Aparant’ is the ancient name of the geographical area hosting Thane city. During the Indian expedition of the Greek Emperor Alexander, a number of philosophers, historians and geographists visited India. Among them a Greek historian ‘Tolemi’ has mentioned about the city of Thane in his writings. A famous sailor named Marcopolo had also visited Thane in 1290 ‘A.D. and noted it to be one of the best cities in the world. A place called | ‘Ghodbunder was famous for horse trading thus deriving its name from the word ghoda i.e. horse and bunder meaning port.

During this period a fabric called ‘Tansi’ was exported from Thane. During the period from 13 A.D. to 17 A.D., the Muslims, Portuguese, Marathas, & the British dynasties ruled Thane. From 810A.D. to 1260A.D. the Shilahar Dynasty ruled over Thane. The Emperors of Shilahar dynasty were disciples of Lord Shiva and the Kopineshwar Temple has been built during their reign. During this period, At this time the Shilahars also divided the city into different sections and named them as ‘padas’. it is seen that these padas exist even today by names of Naupada, Patlipada, Agripada etc.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Ghodbunder Road, Thane City

City development alongside Ghodbunder Road. Kamandurg peak (610m) can be seen at background. Early morning photo of Thane City. Ghodbunder road can be said as the silk route of Thane. This road strip is developing at great speed and is a beautiful stretch from creeks to hills and to the city. Mangroves have been destroyed along side this road.

Many big projects have come up today in deserted Ghodbunder Road once upon a time.

Click for aerial view photo of Ghodbunder Road

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Hiranandani Park, Hiranandani Estate, Thane West

Hiranandani Garden is a large open public garden inside Hiranandani complex in Forest Avenue lane.

Also light works are done on Hiranandani Gardens during Diwali.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Upvan Lake Festival, Thane West

During Upvan lake arts festival the Upvan lake was made scintillating by using many light effects. The lake was glowing with millions of hues.

Upvan lake stalls and art stalls during the festival

Shiva idol in meditating position in the lake.

Upvan Lake Arts Festival Light Effects

Upvan Lake Arts Festival Video

See More:
Upvan Arts Festival 2015 Photos
Upvan Arts Festival 2016 Photos

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Kajupada Hill, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West

Kajupada is a small hill situated near Thane creek in Kajupada village. It lies opposite to the Coca cola company. There is a temple on top of the local people who go up there during Nag Panchami. Hill height is about 130 meters. There are multiple ways to climb up. The hill though not of much height, but is quite deceiving. The climb is steep and rocky. During rains its very slippery and risky. Top part of hill is also rocky as seen in picture. At the base of hill, vegetation is quite dense. The leaves brush against you and you feel the itch. Its better to go in winter up there. There are no parking's available.

At base there is a temple, shri munde aakri devi as shown above and road towards it is extremely muddy and slushy. Some dumping also goes around here. The road is very bad and you might sink your whole feet inside the dumped mud. There are quite interesting tales about the hill though as one can ask the locals around.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Nagoba Temple, Waghbil, Thane West

Nagoba Mandir is situated along side of Thane Creek in Waghbil. It is the local deity of the fisherman people living in Waghbil. It is situated in between the rocks. A very windy place.

Some Facts about Thane City

Ptolemy, who, in his writings ( 135 - 150 AD) refers to a place called Chersonesus, which, according to researches, is the area around Thane creek.

Thane Fort in 1787, dated 1078 AD, is apparently a land grant from Arikesara Devaraja, sovereign of the city of Tagara, wherein he address the inhabitants of a city called Sri Sthanaka.

Portuguese came to Thane about 1530 and ruled for over 200 years till 1739. Thane was then known as Cacabe de Tana.

The Thane Municipal Council was formed in 1863 when the city had a population of 9000 souls.

The first train ran in India between Bombay and Thane, a stretch of 34 km. on April 16 1853

First Railroad Tunnel In India - Parsik Tunnel

First Railway Bridge: Dapoorie Viaduct on the Mumbai-Thane route

Kopineshwar Temple was built in 1760

Thane Central Jail is oldest fort of Thane built in 1730 by Portuguese