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.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Sunrise over Thane City

Golden Sunshine over Thane city from Yeoor Hills.

Indian Flag Tricolor Thane City, Manpada, Thane West

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Gaimukh Creek, Thane West

Gaimukh temple is situated aside this creek. This is Gaimukh gaon hence Gaimukh creek.

Mighty Kamadurg Peak seen behind Gaimukh Creek.

Monsoon Clouds over Thane Creek

Gaimukh Creek, Thane West

Winter Morning at Gaimukh Creek

Gaimukh Creek, Thane Vasai Creek from NH8 bridge.

Gaimukh, Thane West

Evening at Gaimukh Creek, Thane West

See more photos of Thane Creek

Gaimukh Chowpatty Promenade

Haware City, Thane West

One of the society built in close proximity to National park.

Smog over Thane City

Smog during early hours over Thane City. Pollution and dust over the city has increased considerably. Suspended particulate have increased and is clearly visible. Visibility of air has reduced. Increased vehicular pollution, construction, road pavements, rock mining, etc have led to such problems. The city air as well as its creek waters are getting heavily polluted day by day. As a responsible citizen stop polluting and spreading waste.

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

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