What is Miraj and where is it located?

Miraj is a city situated in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, India, and is part of the Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad metropolitan region. It is known for its historical significance, cultural contributions, and as an emerging medical hub.

When was Miraj founded, and what was its historical administrative status?

Miraj was founded in the early 10th century and historically served as an important jagir, which is a type of feudal land grant, for the Bijapur Sultanate.

What role did Miraj play during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, stayed in Miraj for two months during his campaign in South India. The city's strategic location made it a vital bastion.

Who were the hereditary rulers of Miraj until Indian independence?

The Patwardhan family were the hereditary rulers of Miraj until India gained independence.

What are the primary cultural and economic contributions Miraj is known for?

Miraj is renowned for its contributions to Hindustani classical music and for providing medical services, emerging as a significant medical hub in India.

What makes Miraj an attractive destination for medical tourists?

Miraj attracts patients due to its low cost of medical treatment, comprehensive treatment facilities, and a high doctor-to-patient ratio. The presence of Kannada-speaking staff also draws many patients from North Karnataka.

What is a notable annual event in Miraj that attracts attention?

The annual Ganesh Visarjan procession in Miraj is a significant attraction, often lasting for an average of twenty hours.

Which dynasty controlled Miraj at the end of the 9th century and into the 11th century?

The Shilaharas of Kolhapur gained control of Miraj at the end of the 9th century. The city was ruled by Narasimha of this dynasty in 1024.

Who was Gonka, and what territories did he conquer according to inscriptions?

Gonka, son of Jatiga II and a Shilahara ruler, is described in inscriptions as the conqueror of Karahata (Karad), Miraj, and Konkan.

How did the Shilaharas manage to retain control of Miraj despite regional conflicts?

The Shilaharas were able to maintain their control over Miraj even amidst military actions by Chavan-raja, a general serving the Western Chalukya King Jayasimha II.

When did the Yadavas of Devagiri conquer Miraj, and who succeeded them in control?

In 1216, the Yadavas of Devagiri conquered Miraj, along with other Shilahara territories. The Bahmanis gained control in 1318.

What significant event occurred in 1347 related to the naming of Miraj?

In 1347, Hasan Gangu, the founder of the Bahmani dynasty, captured Miraj, defeated its subedar Rani Durgavati, and renamed the town Mubarakabad at the behest of Shaikh Muhammad.

What historical famine impacted Miraj between 1391 and 1403?

Miraj was affected by the Durga Devi famine between 1391 and 1403.

Who is credited with building the Miraj fort, and what was its historical use?

The builder of the Miraj fort is unknown, but it likely predates the Bahmani sultans, who may have repaired and fortified it. The fort was used as a base for military expeditions into South Konkan and Goa.

What happened to the fort's main entrance?

The main entrance of the Miraj fortress, which was a massive gate towering at 9 meters (30 feet), has since been destroyed.

When did Miraj come under the rule of the Sultanate of Bijapur, and why?

The rule of Miraj passed to the Sultanate of Bijapur in 1490 due to the waning power of the Bahmani rulers and the influence of provincial governors.

How did Miraj become involved in the succession struggles of the Bijapur Sultanate?

During the later years of his reign, Ibrahim Adil Shah I kept his son, Ali Adil Shah I, under house arrest in Miraj. Upon Ibrahim's death, Miraj served as an assembly point for Ali's troops, and later, Miraj troops fought against Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

What was the initial resistance faced by Shivaji Maharaj's forces when trying to capture Miraj?

Although the western Adil Sahi district was surrendered to Shivaji's finance minister Annaji Datto shortly after Afzal Khan's death, the Miraj fort itself resisted capture. Shivaji personally commanded a three-month siege before abandoning it due to other pressing military concerns.

During the Mughal Empire's rule, where did Maratha generals Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav keep their families?

While conducting guerrilla actions against Aurangzeb's forces, Maratha Empire generals Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav chose Miraj as a safe location for their families.

When was Miraj captured by Aurangzeb's forces?

Aurangzeb captured the town of Miraj six years after Santaji Ghorpade became Deshmukh in 1680, which would be in 1686.

When was Miraj finally captured by Shahu, marking the fall of Mughal defenses?

Miraj was captured by Shahu on 3 October 1739, after a two-year military campaign that signified the fall of the last Mughal defenses in the area.

Who took the Miraj jagir from Peshwa Madhavrao, and in what year?

In 1761, Gopalrao, the son of Harbhat Patwardhan, took the Miraj jagir from Peshwa Madhavrao.

Under what oversight did the Patwardhan dynasty rule Miraj during the British Raj?

The Patwardhan dynasty ruled Miraj as the capital of a principality under the oversight of British rule.

When was the state of Miraj divided, and into what two parts?

In 1820, the state of Miraj was divided into two parts: Miraj Senior and Miraj Junior.

What was the population of Miraj Senior and the town of Miraj in 1901?

In 1901, the population of Miraj Senior was 81,467, while the population of the town of Miraj itself was 18,425.

What was Miraj Junction's significance in terms of railway gauges?

Miraj Junction railway station was historically significant as it was the only junction on the Central Railway network to have all three rail gauges: broad gauge, metre gauge, and narrow gauge.

When did the last narrow gauge train operate from Miraj Junction, and what is the current situation?

The last narrow gauge train departed from Miraj Junction on November 1, 2008. Currently, Miraj only has broad gauge railway tracks.

What are the main road connections for Miraj?

Miraj is located near the Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru highway, NH 48. Sangli and Miraj form a triangle with two exits of NH 48, each approximately 50 km away.

What is Miraj known for in the realm of Hindustani classical music?

Miraj is recognized as a popular venue for artists performing during urs (religious festivals). It is also known for its players and manufacturers of sitars.

Who developed the art of making string instruments in Miraj, and when?

The art of making string instruments like the sitar, sarod, and tanpura in Miraj was developed by Faridsaheb Shikalgar in the 18th century.

What is the significance of the dargah in Miraj?

Miraj is known for the Khwaja Shamna Mira dargah, which is over the tomb of Khwaja Muhammad Mira Hussaini Chishti, a Sufi mystic. The dargah is associated with stories of spiritual power and a tradition involving a shoemaker covering the first chadar during the urus.

What are the primary languages spoken in Miraj?

Marathi is the official language of Miraj, but Kannada is also widely spoken within the city. A form of Hindustani known as Hyderabadi Deccani is also spoken there.

What is the record high temperature recorded in Miraj, and in which month?

The record high temperature recorded in Miraj is 43.0 °C (109.4 °F), which occurred in April.

What is the average annual rainfall in Miraj?

Miraj receives an average annual rainfall of 681.8 mm (26.84 inches).

What is the average relative humidity in Miraj, and when is it highest?

The average relative humidity in Miraj is 51% (at 17:30 IST). It is highest in August at 76%.

What was the historical name given to Miraj by the Bahmanis?

When Hasan Gangu captured Miraj in 1347, he renamed the town Mubarakabad.

What is the significance of the Bal Gandharva connection to Miraj?

Bal Gandharva, a notable figure, made his debut performance at Miraj's Hans Prabha Theatre, and the Balgandharva Natyagruha was later named in his honor.

What is the role of the Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad City Municipal Corporation (SMKC)?

The Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad City Municipal Corporation (SMKC) is the governing body for the city, with Digvijay Suryavanshi serving as the current Mayor from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

What is the postal code for Miraj?

The postal index number (PIN) for Miraj is 416410.

What is the telephone code for Miraj?

The telephone code for Miraj is 0233.

What is the vehicle registration code for vehicles from Miraj?

Vehicles registered in Miraj bear the code MH-10.

What is the historical context of Miraj as a strategic bastion?

Due to its geographical location, Miraj has historically been considered a strategic bastion, influencing military campaigns and administrative decisions throughout different ruling periods.

What is the significance of the Patwardhan family in Miraj's history?

The Patwardhan family were the hereditary rulers of Miraj, governing it as the capital of a principality under British oversight until India's independence.

What is the meaning of the term Mirajkar?

Mirajkar is the demonym used for the inhabitants of Miraj.

What is the official language of Miraj, and what other languages are commonly spoken?

The official language of Miraj is Marathi, but Kannada is also widely spoken within the city.

What is the significance of the Sitarmaker surname in Miraj?

The surname Sitarmaker is followed by the descendants of Faridsaheb Shikalgar, who developed the art of instrument making in Miraj in the 18th century, indicating a continuation of this traditional craft.

What is the story associated with Khwaja Muhammad Mira Hussaini Chishti and the black magician Gangna Dhobi?

According to legend, when Khwaja Muhammad Mira Hussaini Chishti arrived in Miraj, the city was ruled by a black magician named Gangna Dhobi who practiced human sacrifices. It is said that Mira's spiritual power led Dhobi to convert to Islam.

What is the historical significance of Miraj Junction railway station regarding rail gauges?

Miraj Junction railway station was historically unique as it was the only junction on the Central Railway network that accommodated all three rail gauges: broad gauge, metre gauge, and narrow gauge.

What is the current status of rail gauges at Miraj Junction?

Following the conversion of the Miraj-Pandharpur-Kurduvadi broad gauge track and the discontinuation of narrow gauge services, Miraj Junction now exclusively operates with broad gauge railway tracks.

What is the approximate travel time by car from Miraj to Mumbai and Bengaluru?

By car, Mumbai is approximately 7 hours away from Miraj, and Bengaluru is about 11 hours away.

Miraj Wiki: Miraj: A Nexus of History, Culture, and Modernity

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Overview

Geographic Context

Miraj is a city situated within the Sangli District of Maharashtra, India. It forms a significant part of the Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad metropolitan region, a testament to its urban and economic importance in the area.

Cultural Significance

Historically renowned for its contributions to Hindustani classical music, Miraj continues to be a center for artistic expression. It is also recognized as an emerging medical hub, attracting patients from surrounding regions due to its accessible and quality healthcare services.

Historical Foundation

Founded in the early 10th century, Miraj boasts a rich historical lineage. It served as a crucial jagir (fiefdom) for the Bijapur Sultanate and was a strategic stronghold during the rise of the Maratha Empire, visited by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself.

Historical Trajectory

Shilahara Dynasty (c. 1000–1216)

The Shilahara dynasty of Kolhapur established control over Miraj around the end of the 9th century. Rulers like Jatiga II and Narasimha were significant figures during this period, with inscriptions detailing their conquests in regions including Miraj and Konkan, despite regional conflicts.

Yadavas and Bahmanis (1216–1347)

In 1216, the Yadavas of Devagiri conquered Miraj. Later, in 1318, the Bahmani Sultanate gained control. Hasan Gangu, the founder of the Bahmani dynasty, captured the town and renamed it Mubarakabad in 1347. The region was also impacted by the Durga Devi famine between 1391 and 1403.

The Miraj Fortress

The origins of the Miraj fort remain unknown, though it likely predates the Bahmani sultans who may have enhanced its fortifications. It served as a strategic military base for expeditions into South Konkan and Goa. Historical accounts, such as those by Firishta, mention its role during rebellions.

Sultanate of Bijapur & Maratha Rise

By 1490, Miraj came under the Sultanate of Bijapur. It later became a point of contention during the rise of the Maratha Empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj personally commanded a siege, and later, Maratha generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav utilized Miraj as a secure base.

Mughal Era and British Raj

The city eventually fell under Mughal rule before being recaptured by the Marathas. Under the British Raj, Miraj became the capital of a principality, later divided into Miraj Senior and Miraj Junior. Its strategic location made it a vital junction on the railway network.

Independence and Modernity

Miraj Senior acceded to the Dominion of India on March 8, 1948. Since 1960, it has been an integral part of the state of Maharashtra, continuing its development as a significant urban center.

Climate Data

Meteorological Overview

Miraj experiences a tropical climate, with distinct seasons influenced by monsoon patterns. The following table provides detailed climate data based on historical records.

Climate data for Miraj (1981–2010, extremes 1968–2010)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	36.1 (97.0)	40.0 (104.0)	42.3 (108.1)	43.0 (109.4)	42.9 (109.2)	41.6 (106.9)	35.8 (96.4)	34.8 (94.6)	36.5 (97.7)	39.2 (102.6)	35.1 (95.2)	34.4 (93.9)	43.0 (109.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	31.8 (89.2)	34.1 (93.4)	36.8 (98.2)	38.5 (101.3)	37.3 (99.1)	31.5 (88.7)	28.9 (84.0)	28.4 (83.1)	30.5 (86.9)	32.1 (89.8)	31.7 (89.1)	31.0 (87.8)	32.7 (90.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	14.4 (57.9)	15.7 (60.3)	18.8 (65.8)	21.5 (70.7)	22.4 (72.3)	22.2 (72.0)	21.6 (70.9)	21.2 (70.2)	20.9 (69.6)	20.3 (68.5)	17.4 (63.3)	14.7 (58.5)	19.2 (66.6)
Record low °C (°F)	7.0 (44.6)	8.6 (47.5)	11.1 (52.0)	14.2 (57.6)	15.5 (59.9)	18.5 (65.3)	9.7 (49.5)	17.4 (63.3)	14.1 (57.4)	13.3 (55.9)	8.7 (47.7)	6.5 (43.7)	6.5 (43.7)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	0.3 (0.01)	0.2 (0.01)	6.5 (0.26)	21.6 (0.85)	51.9 (2.04)	137.9 (5.43)	108.1 (4.26)	89.2 (3.51)	124.0 (4.88)	115.6 (4.55)	22.2 (0.87)	4.5 (0.18)	681.8 (26.84)
Average rainy days	0.0	0.0	0.5	1.5	2.8	7.6	9.7	9.2	7.0	5.5	1.5	0.4	45.6
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST)	39	31	30	31	45	68	75	76	69	56	49	45	51
Source: India Meteorological Department
Source: Government of Maharashtra

Cultural Tapestry

Hindustani Classical Music

Miraj is a celebrated locale within the Hindustani classical music tradition. It serves as a venue for esteemed artists during urus festivals and hosts the administrative center of the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a prominent institution dedicated to classical music education.

Instrument Craftsmanship

The city is particularly known for its skilled artisans who craft Indian string instruments, including the sitar, sarod, and tanpura. This tradition, dating back to the 18th century with Faridsaheb Shikalgar, is passed down through generations, with many families now bearing the surname 'Sitarmaker'.

Notable Musicians

Miraj has been associated with numerous influential figures in Indian music. Among them are Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, Hirabai Badodekar, Vinayakrao Patwardhan, and Bal Gandharva, who made his debut at the city's Hans Prabha Theatre. The legacy of Abdul Karim Khan, a master of the Kirana gharana, is honored with an annual music festival at his dargah.

Notable Landmarks

Khwaja Shamna Mira Dargah

Miraj is home to the dargah of Khwaja Muhammad Mira Hussaini Chishti, a Sufi saint originally from Kashgar. The site is associated with local legends, including the conversion of a local ruler and a unique tradition involving a shoemaker covering the tomb during the annual urus festival, highlighting the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural significance of the place.

Connectivity

Railway Hub

Miraj Junction railway station is a pivotal junction on India's Central Railway network. Historically, it was unique for accommodating all three rail gauges. Currently, it operates exclusively on broad gauge, providing vital connections to cities like Pune, Solapur, Belgaum, and Goa, and serving as the origin point for trains towards Bengaluru.

Road Network

Strategically located near National Highway 48 (NH 48), Miraj benefits from excellent road connectivity. It forms a triangle with Sangli, with exits from the highway approximately 50 km away. This facilitates travel to major metropolitan areas, with journeys to Mumbai typically taking around 7 hours and to Bengaluru approximately 11 hours by road.

Administration

Local Governance

Miraj is administered by the Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad City Municipal Corporation (SMKC). The current Mayor is Digvijay Suryavanshi of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The city's legislative representation in the state assembly is held by Suresh Khade, MLA from the Miraj constituency, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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References

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date. While efforts have been made to ensure quality, users should consult official sources for critical information.

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Miraj: A Nexus of History, Culture, and Modernity

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🌍

📍 Geographic Context

🎶 Cultural Significance

🏛️ Historical Foundation

Historical Trajectory 🏛️

📜 Shilahara Dynasty (c. 1000–1216)

⚔️ Yadavas and Bahmanis (1216–1347)

🏰 The Miraj Fortress

👑 Sultanate of Bijapur & Maratha Rise

🕌 Mughal Era and British Raj

🇮🇳 Independence and Modernity

Climate Data ☀️

🌡️ Meteorological Overview

Cultural Tapestry 🎻

🎵 Hindustani Classical Music

🎼 Instrument Craftsmanship

🎤 Notable Musicians

Notable Landmarks 📍

🕌 Khwaja Shamna Mira Dargah

Connectivity 🚂

🚆 Railway Hub

🛣️ Road Network

Administration 🏛️

🧑‍⚖️ Local Governance

Further Exploration 🔗

📚 Related Topics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Geographic Context

Cultural Significance

Historical Foundation

Historical Trajectory

Shilahara Dynasty (c. 1000–1216)

Yadavas and Bahmanis (1216–1347)

The Miraj Fortress

Sultanate of Bijapur & Maratha Rise

Mughal Era and British Raj

Independence and Modernity

Climate Data

Meteorological Overview

Cultural Tapestry

Hindustani Classical Music

Instrument Craftsmanship

Notable Musicians

Notable Landmarks

Khwaja Shamna Mira Dargah

Connectivity

Railway Hub

Road Network

Administration

Local Governance

Further Exploration

Related Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice