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History of Buldhana: From Prehistoric Times to the Present Day

History of Buldhana
History of Buldhana

In the heart of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region lies Buldhana, a district shaped over millennia by natural phenomena, ancient dynasties, and shifting political tides.


Its story unfolds through geological wonders, mythological mentions, empire expansions, colonial shifts, and modern administrative transitions, forming a distinctive part of central India's historical landscape.


Prehistoric Origins and Early Settlements


Buldhana's ancient significance is deeply linked to a dramatic natural event. Around 570,000 years ago, a meteorite struck the Deccan basalt, carving the Lonar Crater, which remains one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock worldwide.


The crater, now a saltwater lake with unique ecological features, stands as a physical reminder of prehistoric activity, even though early human records in this part of Vidarbha remain sparse.



The linguistic roots of the district's name hint at the earliest human settlers. "Buldhana" is believed to derive from "Bhil Thana," pointing to early habitation by Bhil tribes.

Though archaeological evidence in the district is limited compared to other regions, such tribal roots suggest an ancient continuum of human life before recorded history fully grasped the region’s presence.


Ancient Dynasties and Cultural Flourishing

Ancient Dynasties and Cultural Flourishing in Buldhana
Ancient Dynasties and Cultural Flourishing in Buldhana

Buldhana formed a key part of the broader Vidarbha region during ancient times, finding mentions in India’s epic, the Mahabharata. Over successive centuries, the region saw a sequence of dominions that reflected the larger historical movements shaping the subcontinent.


During the 3rd century BCE, Buldhana came under the Mauryan Empire's expansive reach, governed by Emperor Ashoka's policies.

After the Mauryas, the Satavahana dynasty, active between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE, administered the region.


The area later transitioned to the rule of the Vakatakas, who maintained cultural and administrative continuity in Vidarbha until the 6th century CE.



Subsequently, Buldhana fell under the sway of the Badami Chalukyas, known for their advancements in art, architecture, and governance.


Their influence extended until the rise of the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century, who continued to administer much of the Deccan Plateau, including Buldhana.


The subsequent centuries saw the Chalukyas of Kalyani asserting control before the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri rose to prominence in the 12th century.


Architectural footprints from this ancient phase endure. The Daityasudana Temple at Lonar stands as a prominent example, showcasing early Hemadpanthi construction techniques with intricate stone carvings, linking mythology, religion, and artisanal excellence.


Political Transitions Through the Medieval Period


As northern influences grew, Buldhana witnessed new shifts. Alauddin Khalji’s expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into the Deccan in the early 14th century marked the first substantial intrusion of northern Islamic rule into the region.


Over time, Buldhana integrated into the Bahmani Sultanate's dominions, a significant Deccan power through the 14th and 15th centuries.

Following the disintegration of Bahmani authority, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate briefly held Buldhana before the Mughal Empire absorbed Berar in 1595 under Emperor Akbar’s territorial expansion. The Mughals introduced administrative reforms that realigned taxation and governance structures across the Deccan, with effects rippling into Buldhana’s agrarian economy.



In the late 17th century, Maratha forces led by Shivaji’s successors mounted assertive campaigns across Berar, including Buldhana. Although the Marathas achieved significant military successes, the Nizam of Hyderabad later entrenched control over the district after defeating Mughal remnants and emerging as a semi-autonomous ruler.


A historical landmark that defines Buldhana’s medieval prominence is Sindkhed Raja, the birthplace of Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Shivaji.

The small town retains structures and memories that connect it with the Maratha empire’s formative narrative.



Colonial Reordering and Agricultural Growth

The colonial era ushered in a new phase of administration and economic reorientation for Buldhana.


Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War, British forces consolidated control over Berar, and in 1803, Buldhana came under the authority of the East India Company. Initially nominally ruled under the Nizam’s dominion, Berar was directly managed by British officials to ensure efficient revenue collection and military security.


By 1903, Berar, including Buldhana, was fully integrated into the Central Provinces and Berar under direct British governance.

This period saw a gradual transformation of agriculture, with cotton emerging as a dominant cash crop. Towns such as Khamgaon and Malkapur evolved into important cotton trading hubs, connecting the district to broader imperial markets.



Other crops such as sorghum, wheat, peanuts, and oilseeds thrived, supporting local economies and providing subsistence for the rural population. Infrastructure improvements, particularly the extension of railway lines and better road connectivity, supported the expansion of trade. However, large-scale industrialisation bypassed the district, preserving its agrarian character.


Despite these economic developments, the district remained largely rural, with small-scale industries only modestly supplementing the agricultural base. The social fabric, rooted in Marathi cultural traditions, sustained a slow but steady continuity through British rule.


Post-Independence Developments


When India achieved independence in 1947, Buldhana became part of Bombay State, as provincial boundaries continued to reflect colonial administrative divisions.


The linguistic reorganisation of states in 1960 led to the creation of Maharashtra, bringing Buldhana firmly under a new, Marathi-majority administration.


Agriculture remains the backbone of Buldhana’s economy today, with cotton still holding prominence alongside traditional crops.

Government-backed irrigation schemes and rural development programmes have supported farmers, although industrialisation in the district has remained limited compared to other parts of Maharashtra.


Modern Buldhana also hosts significant cultural and religious centres. Shegaon has grown into a pilgrimage hub centred around the Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple, attracting thousands of devotees annually.


Traditional arts such as bhajan, kirtan, and the ritualistic Gondhal performance continue to be practised across the villages, preserving the district’s cultural vitality.


Today, while developments in infrastructure, education, and communication have connected Buldhana more closely to national currents, its essential character remains grounded in its agricultural rhythms, historical sites, and Marathi traditions.


References




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