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.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Aerial view of Thane City




1. The first photo is of Bhiwandi City
2. The second photo is of Hiranandani Estate and Patlipada with Mahuli Fort seen behind
3. The third one is of Matheran Plateau far behind
4. The fourth one is of whole Thane City with Parsik hill, Tavli peaks and Haji Malang seen behind.
5. The fifth one is the Trombay BARC Hill
6. Below is of Upvan Lake in Thane City.





For More Aerial Views Of Thane City: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Ovala, Thane West



Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple is a decade old temple located in Ovala just aside of Ghodbunder Road. The Panchamukhi hanuman is rare idol of Hanuman. There are many legends and interpretations to same. It is on the way to Blue roof club. There is also Poornawad Vidyapith situated here. There are also temple of Ganesh and Datta mandir.  

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Waghbil Creek, Thane West




Waghbil creek is situated in Waghbil village, Thane west. It is also Thane creek. It is a beautiful creek. The waters of Thane creek are polluted due to waste and sewage from town and sand mining. Mangroves are being destroyed all along the coast. One should keep the city surroundings clean so the waters of the sea are also clean. It will make the beautiful place more beautiful. In first photo one can also see Tavli Peaks, Haji Malang Peak on the background. See Thane creek for more


Monday, May 13, 2013

Chena River, Ghodbunder Road, Thane

Chena River source is from the hills of National Park. Most people call it china river but it is Chena River. In monsoon it flows fiercely and causes flood in the nearby region. Its mouth is in Thane creek. There is an old chena bridge over it and a new bridge which is Ghodbunder road. Chena village is aside of this river. There are many hotels nearby. During summer small rock dams are built to collect water. During monsoon area is full of greenery  One can reach Chena river by TMT bus or Mira Road Bhayandar Bus and get down at Chena village. From there it is walkable. Slowly the river area is being destroyed due to excessive constructions, encroachments and destruction of mangroves nearby. See Bhendi Nala





Above photo is of dried Chena River bed. Since the river is not perennial, it dries up quickly after the monsoon. Water is collected by building small dams like below. But the picnickers leave all the waste behind thus polluting it. 

Chena River during monsoon

PLEASE DO NOT THROW WASTE. 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Janka Devi Temple, Vartak Nagar



Jankadevi temple is a 400-year-old shrine believed to be built during the rule of the Shilahar dynasty in Thane. Destroyed by Portuguese rulers, temple then was rebuilt by local residents. Temple had sheltered saint Ramdas. This temple is near the little flower school at vartak nagar. Also an Old Portuguese church is situated near it. There are many dogs and hens around and they come near you for food.  
Click here to know more