Miraj

Miraj ( pronunciation ; Marathi:मिरज) is a city in southern Maharashtra, India, that was founded in the early 10th century. It was an important Jagir of the Adil Shahi Court of Bijapur. Chhatrapati Shivaji stayed in Miraj for two months during his South India Campaign. Because of its location, Miraj has been held as a strategic bastion: it was the capital of Miraj Senior and an important junction on the central railway network. The Pathwardhan family were the hereditary rulers of Miraj until independence. Miraj City is part of the Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad Municipal Corporation formed in 1999. The city is recognised for performance of Hindustani classical music, for its medical services and as a place of religious harmony. Marathi and Kannada is the most widely spoken language. The annual Ganesh visarjan procession is an attraction which lasts for an average of twenty hours. Miraj is mainly recognised for medical treatment and Indian string instruments.

Early history

In 1024 AD, Miraj was ruled by Narsimha of the Silahar dynasty. From 1216 to 1316, the Yadavas of Devgiri ruled the town. In 1395, the Bahamanis conquered Miraj. Between 1391 and 1403, Miraj was affected by the Durgadevi famine. From 1423, Malik Imad Ul Mulk ruled Miraj. 1494 was the year of Bahadur Khan Gilani's rebellion. For two months of 1660, Shivaji Maharaj and Adilshah battled for control of Miraj. In 1680, Santaji Ghorpade became Deshmukhi of Miraj and six years later, the town was captured by Aurangzeb. In 1730, Chatrapati Shahu of Satara instructed Pant Pratinidhi to attack the town. Shahu gains power in Miraj on 3 October 1739 and brings Maratha rule. In 1761, Harbhat Patwardhan's son, Gopalrao, took the Miraj Jagir from Peshwa Madhavrao. In 1801, the Miraj was divided into two parts, Miraj and Chintamanrao with Sangli. In 1819, British rule is established and in 1948, the Princedom of Miraj becomes part of the Republic of India.