Waghali
Waghali
Vaghli | |
|---|---|
village | |
.jpg) Mudhai Devi temple at Waghali in 1890 | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Jalgaon district |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 6,784 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Waghali, spelled in historical records as Vaghli, is an village in Chalisgaon tehsil of Jalgaon district in the Khandesh region of Maharashtra, India.
Demographics
As per 2011 Census of India, Waghali village has 1415 households with population of 6784, of which 3485 are males and 3299 are females. [1]
Early references
Vaghali was known as Valkha in ancient scriptures.[2] It was also the capital of the feudal Maharajas Swamidasa, Bhulunda and Rudradasa in the third century AD, as mentioned in the copper inscriptions found in Khandesh.[3] One of the earliest references to the tradition of "brahmadeya" (land grants to Brahmans) is found here: two inscription plates dating to 317 and 357 AD refer to the kings Swamidasa and Bhulunda respectively.[4]
Siddhanath Temple and Prapa
A temple devoted to Lord Siddhanath (believed to be an incarnation of the god Shiva) was founded by Seunchandra II and his wife Nayaki in 1069 AD. A well constructed near the temple is one of the earliest remains of a stepwell (prapa) in the Deccan Plateau. The structure today is in ruins, but it is possible to discern the rectangular structure, broader on top and diminishing in size towards bottom.[5]
Last Mauryan Ruler Known to History
The Maurya Empire, the largest dynasty in Indian history, terminated with the assassination of Brihadratha.[6] However, the smaller rulers continued to rule in various capacities, and the last reference to such a ruler is found at Vaghli.[7] A ruler named "Govindraj" is mentioned in a stone inscription dating from 1069 AD;[8] some sources, however, identify "Govindraja" as the third Nikumbh ruler of Patana.[9]
Layout
The village has a typical ancient layout with two ramparts, one after the other, facing north. Two gates placed on these ramparts continue as the main road in the village. The house of the head family of the Suryawanshis is located in the center of the village on high ground, while to the side of the main road are traders' houses and shops. The general distribution of the village seems to be based on the caste system. The village had been a local capital since the third century AD.[3] The local rulers were feudatories of the Vakatakas, Abhiras, Yadavas and Mughals in their respective times in history.
References
- ^ "Census of India: View Population Details - Waghali". Census of India. 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
- ^ Evolution of Kautilya's Arthashastra,an incriptional approach, S C Mishra,ISBN 81-86565-17-5 Page 130.
- ^ a b Ancient Indian History And Civilization, Shailendra Nath Sen, ISBN 81-224-1198-3,page426.
- ^ Evolution of Kautilya's Arthashastra, an incriptional approach by S C Mishra,ISBN 81-86565-17-5 Page 130.
- ^ New Indian antiquary, Vol 9,page 308 & 309
- ^ Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300, ISBN 0-520-24225-4,Page 204
- ^ Indian History, Vol 2, By Indian History Society, published in 1910
- ^ Maharashtra State gazetteers, Volume 22, Page 53 & 74
- ^ Archaeological Survey of India annual report, 1924, page 80 & 82.