Thalner Fort

Thalner Fort is a historic riverside fort located in Thalner village, Shirpur taluka, Dhule district, Maharashtra. Established around 1370 CE by Malik Raja Faruqi, it served as the first capital of the Faruqi Sultanate of Khandesh and was a key trade center on the Surat-Burhanpur route. Situated on the banks of the Tapi River, the fort features dilapidated ramparts, five defensive gateways, and medieval royal tombs. It witnessed the Battle of Thalner in 1818 during the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Visitors can explore the ruins of a medieval riverside fort including massive stone ramparts overlooking the Tapi River, five sequential defensive gateways, and ancient water cisterns. The site contains ten domed Muslim tombs made of black stone and burnt brick, some with worn Arabic inscriptions, alongside British officers' graves from the 1818 battle. The fort is in a dilapidated condition with level terrain suitable for exploration. Nearby attractions include the Thaleshwar temple at the fort's foot and temples dedicated to Mahadeva and Khandoba within the village.

Founded in 1370 CE by Malik Raja Faruqi as the first capital of the independent Faruqi Sultanate of Khandesh. Served as a major commercial center on the Surat-Burhanpur trade route. Captured by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1600, later controlled by Marathas and Holkars. Site of the bloody Battle of Thalner in 1818 when British forces under Sir Thomas Hislop captured the fort after fierce resistance from the Arab and Maratha garrison. Handed over to the British under the Treaty of Mandesar.

The fort complex includes medieval Islamic funerary architecture representing early Gujarat Sultanate influence combined with Persian dome styles. The village preserves traditions linked to the sacred Tapi River. Lata Mangeshkar's maternal family originated from Thalner, adding cultural prominence to the town.