While traveling from Pune to Nashik via the Pune–Nashik highway, one passes through many important medieval towns such as Chakan, Narayangaon, Sangamner, and Sinnar. Among them is the town of Manchar, located in Ambegaon Taluka of Pune district, approximately 70 kilometres from Pune. Since the road to the sacred site of Bhimashankar—one of the twelve Jyotirlinga—passes through this town, Manchar holds a special place of significance. However, even in ancient times, Manchar (then known as Manipur) was a prominent town on the trade route from Junnar to Paithan. Evidence of this is found in the Tapneshwar temple area, where there is an ancient stepwell and an inscription dating to the year 1344 CE carved on it. ... A town of such importance would naturally have been fortified, yet today, no remnants of any fort are visible in Manchar. It is said that a fort gate once existed at the present-day Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, but a newly built arch now stands there, with no trace remaining of the original gate. Additionally, some elderly locals mention the existence of a Holkar-era fortified mansion (Gadhi) in Manchar, but no one can pinpoint its exact location today. In short, due to increasing urbanization, most historical traces connecting Manchar to its past have been lost over time. Aside from the ancient stepwell near Tapneshwar temple, there are no surviving structures that visibly connect the town to its ancient history. The nearby Ram temple is said to have been built by the Holkar, and the Kulkarni family (descendants of Shaligram) from the area was appointed to conduct the temple rituals. Until 1960, the Indore princely state provided funds for the upkeep of this temple. After the decline of the Maratha Empire, records by Captain Clunes indicate that Manchar remained under Holkar control until 1827. By 1868–69, Manchar and its surrounding region had come under British control. (Note: Since no remains of the fort exist in Manchar today, there is no reason to visit Manchar for fort exploration.)
© Suresh Nimbalkar