# Thalner

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 21.250000, 74.966700

Thalner Fort, also known as Thaleshwar, is a historic military installation located in the Shirpur tehsil of Dhule district, Maharashtra, India. Situated on the banks of the Tapti River approximately forty-seven kilometers northeast of Dhule, the fortress was originally built in 1128. Constructed primarily from stone, lime, and lead, the structure represents early medieval architecture that evolved through centuries of occupation. The site derives its name from an ancient stone temple dedicated to Thaleshwar located at the foot of the fort. Historically, Thalner served as the first capital of the Faruqi dynasty and functioned as a significant commercial center during the reign of the Abhira kings, prospering even when surrounding regions faced decline.

The fort holds substantial historical significance due to its strategic role in the Khandesh region and its involvement in major political shifts across South India. Over the centuries, it changed hands among various powerful entities, including the Yadava dynasty, Bahmani Sultanate, Mughal Empire under Akbar, and the Maratha Empire. It was a focal point during the Battle of Thalner in 1818 before eventually coming under the administrative control of the British East India Company. The site witnessed the rise and fall of several ruling families, including the Ahirs, Faruqis, and Holkars, marking it as a witness to the turbulent military history of the Deccan plateau.

Currently, the fort is owned by the Government of India and remains open to the public, though it stands in a dilapidated condition. Despite its state of disrepair, the location retains cultural importance as a landmark of regional heritage. Visitors can explore the remnants of the fortification and the adjacent temple, which offer insights into the architectural and political history of medieval Maharashtra. While modern warfare eventually diminished its strategic value, Thalner remains a testament to the area's rich past as a flourishing hub of trade and military power.

![Photo of Thalner](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Thalner_Fort.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalner (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)