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, April 21, 2013

Ambe Ghosale Lake, Thane

Ambe Ghosale Lake is situated near Castle Mill. It is a beautiful lake with many recreational activities inside. There are some stalls too. It is said that this lake extended till the end which are now covered with slums made by dumping garbage. Hence the length of the lake was cut short. One can walk around the lake as there is paved path. Ducks are also seen in this lake.
There was once a floating hotel named Abhiruchi here and hence was also known as Abhiruchi Lake.
Length: 240 meters appx
Breadth: 110 meters appx

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Our Lady of Mercy Church, Thane West

Around 17th Century old portuguese church is in ramshackle. Its near by little flower school. Its not maintained properly. Surrounded by ground, its stand in the center with broken walls. Arches and Crosses can be seen. Nearby are the slums from where people come here to crap. Its a very old church and should be rebuilt or at least maintained. It is 400-year-old Portuguese-era Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Kasheli Bridge, Thane

Kasheli Bridge built since British time lies on the Old Agra Road over the Thane Creek. This bridge is 460 meters long and connects the Thane mainland to Bhiwandi.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Shesha Shahi Mandir, Kasarvadavali

Shesha Shahi Mandir is situated in Kasarvadavali, Thane West on the side of Kasarvadavali Lake. Its a Shesh Nag Mandir. One can reach here by taking a turn from Kasarvadavali naka (500 meters from temple) in Ghodbunder Road. Also it is last bus point. Being main attraction the lake here is in very very poor condition with full of garbage and also having swarm of mosquitoes. This lake needs utmost maintenance.

Old Non functional Society Near Kapurbawdi

An Old Non functional Society near Kapurbawdi, Thane West. Don't know the name of the society. There's a board outside saying that this property belongs to Greenwood. These buildings can be said as the skyscrapers of its time. Its more than a decade old. It was constructed full and then left to decay. I think some case is going on and is still pending but not sure about it. No one knows about this society. Though there are some guards around. If anyone knows about this please comment.

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