Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Exploring Thane: A Heritage Tourist Destination

Dr. Indrani Roy
Assistant Professor ,Department of History
VPM’s Joshi-Bedekar College of Arts & Commerce, Thane
University of Mumbai

Abstract-: Thane city is developing rapidly into an II. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

industrial, commercial, and cosmopolitan city. Today
the city has been growing and expanding constantly by Thane city is located in the north-east of Mumbai and
catering the needs of residential, administrative, at an elevation of seven meters above sea level. From one
cultural, commercial, educational and recreational side it is surrounded by the Thane Creek which connects
activities. But in the course of development it is losing the Ulhash River and falls down into the Arabian Sea. The
its historical importance. In spite of old heritage city area covered by Thane city is 147 km1 which consisted of
and rich in natural beauty, tourism industry is yet to Kopri in the south, Wagle estate Lokmanya
develop in Thane. By giving informative insight into the nagar, Naupada, Panch-Pakhadi to the west, Kalwa to the
historical importance of Thane and its heritage sites, east and Manpada, Brahmand, Kolshet, Kasar-Wadavli,
this paper is a sincere effort to present Thane as a Owala, Gaimukh, Kapurbawdi to the north.
popular heritage tourist destination. The research paper
will explore the potentiality of heritage tourism in this III. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
city. A survey will be conducted to know the awareness
among local people towards heritage sites and historical The recorded history of Thane city reveals that it has
importance of Thane. been called by various names from ancient times. The
copper plate of 997 AD mentions that this city was called
Keywords:- Thane, Heritage, Tourism, History, Shilahara, as Shree-Sthanak.2 In 1344, Ibn Batuta visited the city and
Portuguese. called it as Kukin Tana. 3 Deuarte Barbosa, a noted
Portuguese traveler, called it by the name Tana Mayambu.
I. INTRODUCTION Portuguese gave it the name Cacabe de Tana. British
named it ‘Thana’.
Thane is the centre of numerous cultural, historical
and natural heritages. The city is characterized by cultural After Mauryan Empire, around 185 BC, Thane came
and religious diversity. This well-known port city of past under the rule of Satavahana which continued till 230 AD.
deserves to be acclaimed as heritage city. Existence of After the end of Satvahana’s rule, Abhiras ruled over Thana
different types of religious, civil and administrative from 167 AD to 417AD. The Kalachuri’s of central India
structures is the witness of arrival and dominance of ruled for 50 years during fifth century AD. In sixth and
different communities on this land. Being a port city and early part of seventh century, Thana was ruled by Konkan
connected to Arabian Sea, it drew many trading Maurya. The prosperity of the city attracted different
communities from the country, and abroad. Geographical plunderers. In 636 AD Thane was plundered by Usman bin
location and economic prosperity allured many invaders to Asi Sakifi the Governor of Bahrain and Oman.4
plunder and rule this land. The popularity of the city was at
the apex during the rule of Shilaharas. It was their capital The Shilahara ruled Thana from 810 AD to 1260 AD.
and known as Sristhanaka. Thane was also captured and Due to religiously tolerant Shilahara rulers many people of
ruled by Muslim rulers, Portuguese, Marathas and British different religions and communities settled down in Thane.
respectively. The changing ruling powers influenced the This gave a cosmopolitan nature to the city. Because of
architectural structures of the city. Trade connections with presence of many Buddhist caves in the outskirt area such
Arabians and other foreign countries increased the as Bhaja caves, Bedse cave, Karla cave, Kanheri caves and
importance of Thane in the past. Arrival of Parsi and Jews Nashik caves many Buddhist monks frequently visited to
trading communities added their cultural influence to this this city.
city. Thane is also blessed with beautiful natural
surroundings. The land is bounded by the Thane creek, The Explorer Marco polo who visited Thane in 1290,
Sahyadri range and Ulhās River. Abundant greeneries stated Thane as one of the best cities in the world. Ab-ul-
enhance the beauty of the city. The naturally beautiful and Fida (1273-1331) mentioned Thane as the best province
historically important city has great the potentiality to and popular for the production of a kind of cloth Tanasi and
develop tourism sector. Bamboo sugarcane. 5 Thane coast took a leading part in
foreign trade and commerce of western coast. It remained
under the domination of Muslim rulers of Gujarat from
1320 to 1534. After Muslim rule Thane was captured by
Portuguese. The Portuguese ruled the land for over 200
years till 1739. Under Portuguese, Thane gained popularity

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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
as an important trading Centre. During Portuguese period maintaining this temple since 1947. It was renovated in
Thana coast was popular for Ship building. 1972 by Shri Mai Ghokhale. 11

Marathas came into contact with Thane in the first Killa Maruti Temple is near Central Jail. Maratha
half of 17th century. They captured forts of Pasik, Arnala under the leadership of Chimaji Appa captured Thane fort
and Ghodbunder. The Thana fort was under the command in 1737. At that time this temple was inside the jail. Solider
of Chimaji Appa. To recapture Thane from Marathas, of this fort used to worship in this temple .It is said that
Portuguese send Pedro de Mello in 1738. The battle took Chimaji Appa shifted this temple outside the fort.
12
place between Maratha army and Portuguese. Portuguese Hanuman temple is situated at Ghokhale road, Naupada.
were defeated and Pedro De Mello was killed. From 1774 This temple was established in 1848.13
to till India’s independence in 1947, Thane remained under
British. During British rule Thane played a role as an Saint John Baptist Church is located in the north side
administrative centre. The English contributed a lot to of Masunda Lake. This is the oldest church of Thane. It is
revenue, judiciary and administration of Thane. constructed during 17th and 18th century. This church was
formerly known as Anthony Church. The church was
 Heritage Sites of the City: - originally dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua by
This historic city has abundant potentialities to Franciscan friar about 1540. References are found that in
develop heritage tourism. Many old structures are existed 1321 four Franciscan friars came to Thane to spread
as reminiscence of past. The Present study took effort to Christianity. It is said this was the place where the four
collect detailed information of few old heritages of Thane Franciscan friars were murdered in 1324 by Muslim
and has given an insight into their historical significance. Governor of Thane. It is also said that in order to build the
church, Antonio do Porto pulled down 12 pagodas which
Kopineshwer temple is located at station road, Thane. were around the big lake which was known as Anthony
This temple was constructed in 1760 by Ramji Bivalkar, lake.14 It was no doubt that lake was Masunda Lake which
Sur Subedar of Thane during Peshwa period.6 It is said that was then known as Anthony Lake. 12 temples which were
Shilaharas constructed the temple of Uttareshwer in devoted to lord Shiva were destructed by Portuguese. This
Uthalshwer. After capturing Thane, Portuguese destructed church was constructed by using the stones of the Hindu
the temple and threw out the remains in Masunda Lake. temple. In 1881 when the part of the lake was cleared of
According to one historical reference in order to build a silt, many mutilated and well carved images were found.15
church, Antonio do Porto pulled down 12 pagodas which They had probably been thrown into the lake by the
were around a big lake known as Antony Lake.7 The lake Portuguese. The building is originally dedicated to Saint
was later renamed as Masunda Lake. During Peshwa period Anthony of Padua. Saint Anthony’s church was made the
the lake was cleared of silt, many mutilated and well carved parish church and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The
images along with a big Shiva-linga were found. The building originally belonged to a church of Saint John the
Shiva-linga was installed by Marathas in newly built Baptist. There is one of the largest Portuguese bells in
temple. India. The church bears the date 1609 at one side of the
door way of the south end. The church has the date 1663
Shri Dutta Temple is located at Chendani, near CIDCO, and at the entrance 1725.16
Thane. The temple was constructed in 1880 AD. It was
renovated in 1921 and in 1985 respectively. In 1866 Saint James Church is a British architectural structure,
Ananda Bharti a devotee of Akkal kot Swami installed located near jail reservoir and Thane head post office. It
Swami’s Padukas in the temple. was constructed in 1825 after the name of St. James, a
Vitthal Sayna Dutta mandir is dedicated to Lord Datta Raya disciple of Jesus Christ at the cost of Rs 48,039(£4804).17 It
which is popularly known as the Vitthal Sayna Dutta was consecrated by Bishop Heber who was invited from
temple. The temple is named after the person who Calcutta.There were British soldiers and officers in charge
undertook construction work of the temple. The deity was of the Jail inside Thane Fort. They had an additional duty to
consecrated on 8th September 1912. 8
safeguard the mercantile ships from sea pirates. It was for
Laxmi Narayan Mandir is situated at Gokhale road Thane. this small group of British Christian soldiers and their
It is a private temple constructed in 1905.9 Ghantali Devi families, the need of protestant church arose. The initiative
Mandir is situated at Ghantali, Thane. Originally it was a was finally taken up in 1825 by the wife of the Governor of
Shiva temple. The whole area was covered with green Bombay, Mount Elphinstone. With the help of Captain Tete
shrubs. It is said that this temple was established almost an architect in the Army, this church was constructed.
120-150 years ago in this isolated place. It is said that Bishop Heber was invited from Calcutta to consecrate the
Ghantali devi’s idol was found near shrubs. 10 This temple church. The church was constructed in rich Gothic
became famous as Ghantai temple because sound of bell of architecture. The church had tall pillars in Gothic style. To
temple attracted many people to assemble here at the time the west side of the church, there is a big cemetery for the
of puja. No references has been found regarding the members of the church. There are some old tombs inside it
construction of the temple. It is said that ancestor of Rao such as tomb of John Vhon dated 1780, tomb of James
Sahib Keshav Rao Bhashkarji Kothare built this temple. Driffeld dated 1784 and tomb of Stephen Babinton dated
Sripad Anil Bhargav Joshi and others have been 1822.18

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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
From independence to till date Church is maintained armed with more than a hundred cannons. It was
by Bombay Diocesan Trust association. The trust surrounded by stone built wall from 16 to 21 feet high. It
association has incurred expenditure of Rs.3, 22,000/ in the had a regular bastion and towers which enclose an area of
renovation of the church. 13/12 acres (5.463) hectres. To the west and south west of
the jail, there is an esplanade, which in 1776, was formed
Jama Mosque is the oldest mosque of Thane city. It is by order of the directors by clearing away the houses. On
located at Mahagiri. It is a large building of an unknown the southern end of the esplanade, there were the police
date. It was repaired during seventies by Widow Jusab lines. Between the lines and the Liberi landing place, there
Menun of a cost of 10,000. It formerly enjoyed an were large houses used by Portuguese. Some inscribed
allowance of Rs.20.19 Portuguese gravestones were found while clearing away
one of the fort buildings. In 1857 fort was converted into
A Synagogue was constructed by Jews at Thane in 1879 Jail. The building has ample room to accommodate
which is popular as “Shaar Hashamaim” Gate of Heaven. thousand prisoners.
The Synagogue was renovated and beautified in 1999. A lot
of change is made in the old structure but inner prayer hall There was great historical significance of Thane
still possesses its past look. Shaar Hashamaim is an Railway station. It was constructed in 1853. The first
important centre of Jewish activities. Today 40 percent passenger train in India started on 16 April 1853 which
Jewish population in India are residing in and around the connected Bombay to Thane.
city of Thane.
Ghodbunder Fort is located in Ghodbunder village, Thane.
Parsi Agyari, the Fire temple of Parsi was constructed From ancient time to British period this fort played an
in1780 by Cawsji Sorabji Rustomji Patel. After Muslim important role in horse trade. Horses were brought by sea
invasion Parsi migrated from Gujarat to Thane. In 17th route and unloaded at this fort. References are found that
century the population of Parsi increased in Thane. Three horses from Persia and Arabia were imported and kept in
decades ago there were only handful Zoroastrian families in this fort for supply. Horses were supplied to Bahmani
old Thane. The burden of keeping alive the holy fire along Kingdom and Delhi Sultanate. It was captured by British in
with the regular ceremonies were managed by one Modeb 1774.22 This valuable heritage is at present lying in pitiable
Saheb. Later it was managed by community members. This condition.
structure remained under dilapidated condition for several
years. Recently renovation work has been done to make it Bivalkar’s Wada was constructed in 1754.Ramji
more spacious and elegant. Bivalkar was appointed as Sur subedhar of Thane during
Peshwa period. His residence was popular as Bivalkar’s
There are two Jain temples in Thane. These temples wada. It was a grand residential bungalow. It consisted of
are located at Tembhi naka. One is very old and other is Diwan khana, Khalbat khana, Chafekan, room to keep
new, facing each other with a road in between. The new books, rooms to keep arms and weapons, store house
temple took about twenty years to complete. The ,kitchen etc. When British captured Thane and converted it
construction started before First World War. At the into court .From British period to present time it has been
entrance of the temple there are statues of two majestic used as Thane court. The whole structure got renovated by
elephants. It has an inner chamber with a dome. There is a Maharashtra Government. 23
considerable place in the inner chamber. The entire space
on the walls enclosing the inner chamber depicts in Buvaji Naik’s Wada is at present known as
pictorial forms the various episodes in the life of Jain Collector’s office. This is situated at court naka, Thane.
Tirthankar. Use of different colours in sculptures gives a This old architectural structure is one of the example of
magnificent appearance to the temple. Hirakot or Maratha style.
Diamond Fort is located at the centre of the town. It is
located at station road near Marathi Granthashala. It was Some other heritages of Thane are Kalwa Bridge
formerly used as the town jail. 20 In 1861 British constructed in 1863, B.H School in 1821, M.H. high school
Government abolished it as a town jail. All prisoners were in 1890, Collector’s office in 1824-27, Thane civil hospital
removed to fort jail. This building was offered to Mauritius building in 1835-36, Railway Station Bridge in 1855 etc.
government as an emigration depot. 21 However, the offer All these heritage structures revive the memory of Thane in
was not accepted. Since 1862 it has been used as past.
Mamlatdar’s office and collector’s record room.
Lack of Awareness of local people about the
Thane Fort: In 1719 the Marathas established history and heritage sites of Thane cityIn spite of so
themselves in Kalyan and extended their activities into the many heritage sites, Thane has not yet been developed as a
Portuguese territories. Realizing threat from Marathas, the tourist spot.
Portuguese constructed Thane fort in 1730. In 1737
Maratha army attacked Thana fort and occupied it. The fort A survey conducted over 100 samples of residents to
was renamed as Fateh Buruj or the tower of victory. It was know their knowledge about history of Thane and heritage
unfinished till the attack of Marathas later it was completed sites.
by them. When it was captured by British in 1774, it was

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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

Fig 1

Survey (Figure 1) clearly reflects low awareness Parsi Agiyari because these are the religious monuments of
among the people about the heritages of Thane city. The Jews and Parsis which are restricted only to their religious
analysis shows that 100% people have visited Thane communities. Thane fort is prohibited for local people
railway Station not because of its historical significance but because it is used as Jail. Since British period Bivalkar’s
because of the necessity to commute by the local trains. Wada and Buvaji Naik’s Wada have been used for
Kopineshwar temple, Ghantali temple, Dutta temple and administrative purposes. Hence, it is observed that heritage
Jain temple has gained popularity because of religious sites existed in Thane are still not recognized for their
fervent. Churches are popular only among Christian historical importance.
community. Less number of people visited Synagogue and

Fig 2

An inference (Figure no. 2) can be clearly drawn about the lack of historical knowledge of people regarding these heritage
sites.

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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

Fig 3

The study (Figure 3) recommended what measures to Regarding involvement of government to protect
be taken to create awareness of heritages and history of heritage sites following recommendations were given by
Thane city. The investigation also collected consent of local investigators. Almost all suggestions were admitted by
people on these recommendations through questionnaire. residents.
The analyzed data shows that most of the suggestions given
by investigator were agreed by respondents.

Fig 4

 Some Innovative Ideas of Local Residents to Promote  Connecting Thane tourism with some outskirt heritage
Tourism in Thane sites for example, Kanheri Caves.
This study also tried to collect some innovative ideas  Putting hoardings in public places displaying the
of residents to promote Thane as a tourist place. Different photographs and mentioning the historical importance
suggestions were given by Local residents. of heritages in Thane
 Starting water route connecting Vasai, Kalyan, Thane
 Heritage walk across Thane city and Belapur on similar lines as of Kerala Back water
 Starting Thane Darshan tourist buses for city tour.

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Volume 4, Issue 7, July – 2019 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Starting ferry services through Thane creek connecting
Gateway of India. 1
Thane Municipal Corporation, Official website
 Establishing a tribal museum at Yeoor hills 2
Gazetteer of India, Maharashtra State, Thane
 Setting up museum for heritage objects, old city district,1982,p1079
3
photographs and arts & craft museum Ibid,p1080
 Encouragement to publish books and articles on history 4
Gazetteer of India, Maharashtra State, Thane
and historical places of Thane district,1982,p1079
 Collaboration with the Government, Stakeholders, 5
Ibid,p1079
6
historians, curators etc. Ibid, p1086
7
 Including history of Thane city as well as heritage sites Ibid,p1085
8
in curriculum Ibid,1086
9
 Publicizing local handicrafts and folk culture of Thane 10
Ibid,1087
 Promoting local fairs and festivals Ibid,p75
11
 Restricting heritage sites for administrative use. Kute Vijaya & Kute Moreshwer,Dev Darshan Jila
Thane,p 75
12
IV. CONCLUSION Ibid 93
13
Ibid,95
14
The present study tried to explore the potentiality of Gazetteer of India, Maharashtra State, Thane
Thane city to remake it as heritage tourism Centre. A district,1982,p1085
15
profound observation of the heritage sites led to a Ibid, p 1085
16
conclusion that lack of maintenance of heritage sites and Ibid, p 1085
17
poor awareness local people were major reasons behind Ibid, p 1085
18
less development of Tourism in Thane. It is noted that Bombay Gazetteer p,352
19
many architectural structures have been still used for Gazetteer of India, Maharashtra State, Thane
administrative purposes. Some structures are present in district,1982, p 1084
20
dilapidated condition due to negligence of government and Ibid, p 1084
21
lack of awareness of public. Though heritage committee Ibid, p1084
22
has been formed to look after the condition of heritage Tetvilkar Sadashiv ,p Vikhurla Itihas Khunha, P 138-139
23
structures yet it is not very active so far. Few historians Dawood Dalvi ,Ase Gadle Thane, p 89
have been constantly taking efforts to revive the history of
Thane and to create awareness among the people of the city
in various ways. A survey was undertaken by the present
study to understand the level of awareness among the local
residents regarding the heritage sites which clearly reflects
very less awareness among the people about the heritages
of Thane city. According to historical evidences, Thane
creek had played an important role in ancient trade. It is
also a valuable natural heritage for Thane city. Today
continuous growing slum area and encroachment on the
both the sides of creek, is alarming not only for its natural
beauty but also destruction of natural habitats and marine
life. Rapid urbanization has taken place in Thane city. The
city is booming with new constructions. Suburb areas are
growing fast far beyond its former limits. Thane Municipal
Corporation has a broad plan for its development but over
emphasis is given on road and flyover construction and
infrastructure development. There is no significant planning
to protect and preserve this historic sites of the city. This
research work highlighted the potentiality of Thane to be a
good heritage tourism centre. To boost tourism sectors in
Thane it is essential to connect heritage tourism to cultural
tourism, religious tourism, mall tourism, adventure tourism,
water tourism etc. This work strongly recommends
government, stakeholders and community involvement in
development of tourism sector.

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