HINGOLI

The name Hingoli is believed to have originated from the word "Hingula", which refers to red vermillion powder. Some locals suggest that the name is linked to a Ganpati mandir in the region, while others associate it with the natural presence of Hingula in the area. Over time, this name became associated with the district. Although the exact origin is uncertain, these local traditions provide insight into its possible roots.

Shirad Shahapur, a village in Maharashtra's Aundha Nagnath taluka, Hingoli District is home to a mandir with a special place in the hearts of the Jain community. This mandir, dedicated to Guru Mallinath, houses a wonderful figure that has been worshipped for over three centuries.

The story of this mandir's founding is nothing short of amazing. Years ago, the murti of Guru Mallinath was installed at Ardhapur, where it stayed among other murtis. The respected Bhattarak Shree Premanand visited the mandir one day and was shocked to see Mallinath's murti in such disrepair. Determined to offer the dev a more appropriate abode, Bhattarak Shree Premanand requested permission from the Nizam to relocate the murti to Karanja.

The Nizam, understanding the significance of Guru Mallinath, granted Bhattarak Shree Premanand's request. As the procession approached Karanja, it stopped at the village of Shirad Shahapur. That night, Bhattarak Shree Premanand had a dream in which he received a supernatural message, Guru Mallinath wanted to stay in Shirad Shahapur.

Bhattarak Shree Premanand heeded the dev's request and established the murti at Shirad Shahapur, kicking off the mandir's storied history. Over time, the temple was magnificently constructed, providing visitors with a place to stay and pray.

Jains from all across India travel to this location attracted to the remarkable story and the chance to pay their respects to the 300-year-old murti.

As the Nizam's control spread across the Deccan, the small village of Hingoli became increasingly important. With its strategic location in the Marathwada region, the Nizam made Hingoli one of his military outposts.

The stories of Hingoli's military history have been passed down through the years, whispered in the town's winding streets. It is reported that the Nizam, always on the lookout for potential dangers, created a formidable presence here, stationing his most experienced troops and equipping the town with all the trappings of a refined military installation.

Soldiers from across the Nizam's empire settled in the town, and the locals took interest in their discipline and valour. Along with the barracks and parade grounds, the town had a cutting-edge military hospital that treated the wounds of the injured troops who protected the Nizam's honour.

Hingoli was more than just a place of bloodshed and struggle. The Nizam, in his wisdom, also built a veterinary hospital within the town's walls, demonstrating his care for the welfare of the animals who served alongside his army.

Hingoli's reputation as a formidable military outpost continued to grow. The town's strategic location and the Nizam's continuous backing converted it into a thriving hub of activity, attracting merchants and artisans, from all over.

As history moved, Hingoli's military prowess disappeared into the shadows of time. The Nizam's rule came to an end, and the town's military importance declined. However, vestiges of its past remain, whispered in the shadows of the town's antique structures and the memories of its elderly.

The Bhill tribes were known for their bravery, exceptional hunting abilities, and strong connection to the land. Among them was a warrior named Bhim, whose story of valor has been passed down through generations.

Bhim was renowned for his exceptional archery skills. He could launch an arrow with such accuracy that it could break a leaf in midair. His strong instincts and keen senses made him the guardian of his village, a role he embraced with unwavering dedication.

A group of daakus known for their cruelty had set their sights on Bhill village, intending to raid it, steal its resources, and wreak havoc on the peaceful population. Bhim sensed this threat; his instincts told him something was wrong. He climbed to the top of a hill overlooking the settlement and surveyed the horizon. In the distance, he spotted the flickering torches of the approaching daakus. Swiftly, he descended the hill and gathered the locals.

"The daakus are on their way," he announced, his voice firm and resolute. "We must protect our home and our families."

Everyone looked to Bhim for guidance. He quickly devised a strategy, instructing the men to assume defensive positions while the women and children sought refuge. Bhim's knowledge of the forest and strategic thinking provided them with an advantage; he was familiar with every tree, rock, and hidden trail in the area.

As the daakus approached, they were met with a hail of arrows expertly fired by Bhim and his fellow fighters. The element of surprise, combined with Bhim's unmatched archery skills, gave the villagers the upper hand. Caught off guard and unable to match the accuracy of the Bhill archers, the daakus began to falter.

Bhim moved through the jungle like a shadow, his arrows striking their targets with deadly precision. When the daakus realized they were no match for the courageous Bhill warriors, they began to retreat. However, Bhim was not one to show mercy to anyone who threatened his village. He pursued them relentlessly, ensuring they would never return.

The battle was fierce, but Bhim's bravery and leadership inspired the people to fight with all their strength. By dawn, the daakus had been driven out, and the community was safe. Bhim returned with his quiver empty but his spirit unbroken. The locals surrounded him, their faces filled with gratitude and admiration.

 Bharud's origins can be traced back to the writings of the sant Eknath, whose words have the power to move the soul. It is stated that during the major yatras to the city of Pandharpur, weary travellers found consolation in the rhythmic beats of the dholak and the beautiful vocals of the Bharud dancers.

As the artists reach the stage, their movements merge with the music, their bodies swaying in perfect rhythm with the words. The dancers, dressed in bright costumes, serve as conduits for the stories of the sants who have moulded the history of the Marathwada region. The dholak's steady pulse creates the tempo, and the dancers respond by moving their feet in intricate patterns and their hands in refined curves in the air.