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{{About|the city Thanesar| old Kurukshetra town the district headquarters|Kurukshetra}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
| name                     = Old Kurukshetra city ( Sthanishwar city)
| name = Thanesar
| other_name               =  
| other_name = Sthāṇvīśvara
| nickname                = old Kurukshetraurukshetra city
| settlement_type = City
| settlement_type          = city
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| image_skyline            = Brahma Sarovar.jpg
| border = infobox
| image_alt               =  
| total_width = 340
| image_caption           = [[Brahma Sarovar]]
| perrow = 1/2
| pushpin_map             = India Haryana#India3
| image1 = The holy bhram sarovar.jpg
| pushpin_label_position   = right
| caption1 =
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| image2 = Entrance kkr.jpg
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Haryana, India
| caption2 =
| coordinates             = {{coord|29|58|N|76|49|E|display=inline,title}}
| image3 =
| subdivision_type         = Country
| caption3 =
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}
}}
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| image_alt =  
| subdivision_name1       = [[Haryana]]
| image_caption = [[Brahma Sarovar]] and
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
[[Kurukshetra]] City Entrance Gate At [[National Highway 44 (India)]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Kurukshetra district|Kurukshetra]]
| pushpin_map = India Haryana#India3
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| pushpin_label_position = right
| established_date         =  
| pushpin_map_alt =  
| founder                 =  
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Haryana, India
| named_for               =  
| coordinates = {{coord|29|58|N|76|49|E|display=inline,title}}
| government_type         =  
| subdivision_type = [[Country]]
| governing_body           =  
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| unit_pref               = Metric
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| area_footnotes           =  
| subdivision_name1 = [[Haryana]]
| area_rank               =  
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| area_total_km2           =  
| subdivision_name2 = [[Kurukshetra district]]
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| elevation_m             = 232
| established_date =  
| population_total         = 154962
| founder =  
| population_as_of         = 2011
| named_for =  
| population_rank         =  
| government_type =  
| population_density_km2   = auto
| governing_body =  
| population_demonym       =  
| unit_pref = Metric
| population_footnotes     = <ref name=2011census/>
| area_footnotes =  
| demographics_type1       = Languages
| area_rank =  
| demographics1_title1     = Official
| area_total_km2 =  
| demographics1_info1     = [[Hindi]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| elevation_footnotes =  
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| elevation_m = 232
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| population_total = 154962
| postal_code_type         = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| population_as_of = 2011
| postal_code             =  
| population_rank =  
| registration_plate       = HR
| population_density_km2 = auto
| website                 = {{URL|haryana.gov.in}}
| population_demonym =  
| footnotes               =  
| population_footnotes = <ref name=2011census/>
| official_name           = Thanesar city or Sthanishwar city
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]], [[Haryanvi language|Haryanvi]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code =  
| registration_plate = HR
| website = {{URL|haryana.gov.in}}
| footnotes =  
| official_name = Thanesar city or Sthāṇvīśvara city
}}
}}
'''Thanesar city or old Kurukshetra city''' is a historic town and an important Hindu pilgrimage centre in the [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Haryana]] in [[North India|northern]] [[India]]. It is located in [[Kurukshetra district]], approximately 160&nbsp;km northwest of [[Delhi]]. Thanesar city means old name of kurukshetra city  .<ref name="Lochtefeld2002">{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch|url-access=registration|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4|pages=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/694 694]}}</ref><ref name=encystan/>
'''Thanesar''' ([[IAST]]: Sthāṇvīśvara) is a historic city and [[Hindu pilgrimage sites|Hindu pilgrimage centre]] in the [[Kurukshetra district]] of [[Haryana]], [[India]]. It is located approximately 160&nbsp;km northwest of [[Delhi]]. The city [[Kurukshetra]]'s area merges with Thanesar.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002">{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch|url-access=registration|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4|pages=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/694 694]}}</ref><ref name=encystan/>


Kurukshetra (Sthanishwar city ) was the capital and seat of power of the [[Pushyabhuti dynasty]], whose rulers conquered most of [[Aryavarta]] following the fall of the [[Gupta Empire]]. The Pushyabhuti emperor [[Prabhakarvardhana]] was a ruler of Thanesar in the early seventh century CE. He was succeeded by his sons, [[Rajyavardhana]] and [[Harsha]].<ref name="Sadasivan2011">{{cite book|author=Balaji Sadasivan|title=The Dancing Girl: A History of Early India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=980SAvbmpUkC&pg=PT110|year=2011|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-4311-67-0|pages=110–}}</ref> Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, consolidated a vast empire over much of North India by defeating independent kings that fragmented from the Later Guptas.
Thanesar was the capital of the [[Pushyabhuti dynasty]], whose rulers conquered most of [[Aryavarta]] following the fall of the [[Gupta Empire]]. The Pushyabhuti emperor [[Prabhakarvardhana]] was a ruler of Thanesar in the early seventh century CE. He was succeeded by his sons, [[Rajyavardhana]] and [[Harsha]].<ref name="Sadasivan2011">{{cite book|author=Balaji Sadasivan|title=The Dancing Girl: A History of Early India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=980SAvbmpUkC&pg=PT110|year=2011|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-4311-67-0|pages=110–}}</ref> Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, consolidated a vast empire over much of North India by defeating independent kings that fragmented from the Later Guptas.
 
==Demographics==
The [[2011 census of India]] noted that Thanesar had a population of 154,962.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref><ref name=2011census>{{cite web |title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above, Census 2011| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |publisher=Census of India, 2011| page=1|access-date = 9 August 2014  }}</ref> Males constituted 55% of the population and females 45% (83,655{{snd}}71,307). Thanesar had an average literacy rate of 85.73%, higher than the national average of 74.04: male literacy is 89.89%, and female literacy is 80.85%.<ref name=2011census/> In Thanesar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
 
==Geography==
{{mapframe|frame=yes|type=point|zoom=SWITCH:12, 9, 6|switch=zoomed in, zoomed mid, zoomed out}}
Thanesar is located at {{coord|29|58|N|76|49|E|}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Thanesar, India |url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/10/Thanesar.html |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=www.fallingrain.com}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Harsha Ka Tila.jpg|thumb|''Harsha Ka Tila'' mound west of [[Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]] complex, with ruins from the reign of 7th century ruler [[Harsha]].]]
[[File:Harsha Ka Tila.jpg|thumb|''Harsha Ka Tila'' mound west of [[Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]] complex, with ruins from the reign of 7th century ruler [[Harsha]].]]
[[File:Brahma Sarovar.jpg|thumb|[[Brahma Sarovar]].]]
The name Thanesar is derived from its name in [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]], ''Sthanishvara'' which means ''Place/Abode of God''. (Sthana-Place/region, Ishvara-Lord).{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}
The present town of old Kurukshetra city ( Thanesar city) is located on an ancient mound. The mound 1&nbsp;km long and 750 m wide known as "Harsh ka Tila" (Mound of Harsha), west of [[Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]] complex in old Kurukshetra city. It has ruins of structures built during the reign of [[Harsha]], 7th century CE. Amongst the archaeological finds from the mound include [[Painted Grey Ware]] shards in the pre-[[Kushana]] levels and  [[Pottery in the Indian subcontinent|Red Polished Ware]] from post [[Gupta period]].<ref name=asi>{{cite web| title = Sheikh Chilli's Tomb, Thanesar|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India| url = http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_haryana_thanesar.asp| access-date = 2014-08-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Harsh Ka Tila |publisher= Kurukshetra district website| url = http://www.kurukshetra.nic.in/tour/Archeologysite/harsh_ka_tila.htm | access-date = 2014-08-08}}</ref>
In the post-[[Gupta period]], the ancient city of Sthanishvara was the capital of the [[Vardhana dynasty]], which ruled over a major part of [[North India]] during the late-6th and early-7th centuries. [[Prabhakaravardhana|Prabhakarvardhana]], fourth king of Vardhana dynasty and successor [[Adityavardhana]], had his capital at Thanesar. After his death in 606 CE, his eldest son, [[Rajyavardhana]], ascended the throne. Not long after, Rajyavardhana was murdered by a rival, which led to Harsha ascending to the throne at age 16. In the following years, he conquered much of North India, extended till [[Kamarupa]], and eventually made [[Kannauj]] (in present [[Uttar Pradesh]] state) his capital, and ruled till 647 CE. His biography ''[[Harshacharita]]'' ("Deeds of Harsha") written by Sanskrit poet [[Banabhatta]], describes his association with Thanesar, besides mentioning the defence wall, a moat and the palace with a two-storied ''Dhavalagriha'' (white mansion).<ref name=encystan>{{cite web | title = Sthanvishvara (historical region, India) |publisher= Encyclopædia Britannica | url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/566090/Sthanvishvara | access-date = 2014-08-09 }}</ref><ref name=asi/><ref>{{cite web| title = Harsha (Indian emperor)|publisher= Encyclopædia Britannica|url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/256065/Harsha | access-date = 2014-08-09 }}</ref>
The town was sacked by [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] in 1011, due to Mahmuds call of [[jihad]] as the [[casus belli]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Kurukshetra (India)|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica | url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/325415/Kurukshetra | access-date = 2014-08-09 }}</ref> This led to a drastic decline in prosperity in the region during the Sultanates.
During [[Mughal era]], the [[Battle of Thanesar|Battle of Sthanishwar]] also known as Battle of the Ascetics took place in summer of 1567, between Mughal Emperor [[Akbar]] and Rajputs near Thanesar on the banks of the Sarsawati Ghaggar River.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}


Thanesar is listed in the [[Ain-i-Akbari]] as a [[pargana]] under the [[sarkar (country subdivision)|sarkar]] of [[Sirhind]], producing a revenue of 7,850,803 [[dam (Indian coin)|dam]]s for the imperial treasury and supplying a force of 1500 infantry and 50 cavalry. It had a brick fort at the time.<ref name="Ain-i-Akbari">{{cite book |last1=Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak |last2=Jarrett |first2=Henry Sullivan (translator) |title=The Ain-i-Akbari |date=1891 |publisher=Asiatic Society of Bengal |location=Calcutta |page=296 |url=https://archive.org/details/ainiakbarivolum00mubgoog |access-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
Present-day Thanesar is located on an ancient mound. The mound (1km long and 750m wide) is known as ''Harsh ka Tila'' (Mound of Harsha). It has ruins of structures built during the reign of [[Harsha]], seventh-century CE. Among the archaeological finds from the mound include [[Painted Grey Ware]] shards in the pre-[[Kushana]] levels and [[Pottery in the Indian subcontinent|Red Polished Ware]] from the post-[[Gupta period]].<ref name="asi">{{cite web| title = Sheikh Chilli's Tomb, Thanesar|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India| url = http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_haryana_thanesar.asp| access-date = 9 August 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Harsh Ka Tila |publisher= Kurukshetra district website| url = http://www.kurukshetra.nic.in/tour/Archeologysite/harsh_ka_tila.htm | access-date = 8 August 2014}}</ref>


For much of the 18th century, Thanesar was under the suzerainty of the [[Maratha Empire]], who collected revenue from the local rulers. Thanesar came under the British rule after the British victory in the [[Second Anglo-Maratha War]] in 1805. Under the British, it was part of the [[Cis-Sutlej states]] province from 1809 to 1862.
In the post-Gupta period, Sthanishvara was the capital of the [[Vardhana dynasty]], which ruled over a major part of [[North India]] during the late-sixth and early-seventh centuries. [[Prabhakaravardhana|Prabhakarvardhana]], fourth king of the Vardhana dynasty, had his capital at Thanesar. After his death in 606 CE, his eldest son [[Rajyavardhana]] ascended the throne, who was later murdered by a rival, which led to Harsha ascending to the throne at age 16. In the following years, he conquered much of North India, extended to [[Kamarupa]], and eventually made [[Kannauj]] his capital, and ruled until 647 CE. His biography ''[[Harshacharita]]'' ("Deeds of Harsha") describes his association with Thanesar.<ref name="encystan">{{cite web | title = Sthanvishvara (historical region, India) |publisher= Encyclopædia Britannica | url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/566090/Sthanvishvara | access-date = 9 August 2014 }}</ref><ref name="asi" /><ref>{{cite web| title = Harsha (Indian emperor)|publisher= Encyclopædia Britannica|url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/256065/Harsha | access-date = 9 August 2014 }}</ref>


After the [[partition of India]] Thanesars population greatly increased. On January 23 1973, a new district named [[Kurukshetra district]] was created, of which Thanesar was the main city. Now Thanesar is a Municipal Council. Thanesar is a [[Legislative Assembly of Haryana]] constituency within the [[Kurukshetra (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ceoharyana.nic.in/pdf/ERoll%202009.pdf|title=Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency wise Electors in Final Roll 2009|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409213734/http://ceoharyana.nic.in/pdf/ERoll%202009.pdf|archive-date=9 April 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> People now tend, erroneously, to refer to Thanesar town as "Kurukshetra".{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}
Thanesar is listed in the [[Ain-i-Akbari]] as a [[pargana]] under the [[sarkar (administrative division)|sarkar]] of [[Sirhind]], producing a revenue of 7,850,803 [[dam (Indian coin)|dam]]s for the imperial treasury and supplying a force of 1500 infantries and 50 cavalries. It had a brick fort at the time.<ref name="Ain-i-Akbari">{{cite book |last1=Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak |url=https://archive.org/details/ainiakbarivolum00mubgoog |title=The Ain-i-Akbari |last2=Jarrett |first2=Henry Sullivan |date=1891 |publisher=Asiatic Society of Bengal |location=Calcutta |page=296 |access-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>


Majority of architectural remains including [[Caravanserai|Karavan serai]], cells, and various arched and vaulted structures date from the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal period]]. Building remains of a large palatial structure from the pre-Islamic era were also found with two distinct phases of construction which exposed brick covered drains and rooms situated around a central courtyard.<ref>{{Cite book|title=textsThanesar|last=Pande|first=B.M.|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|year=2016|pages=19–21}}</ref>
Majority of architectural remains including [[Caravanserai|Karavan serai]], cells, and various arched and vaulted structures date from the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal period]]. Building remains of a large palatial structure from the pre-Islamic era were also found with two distinct phases of construction which exposed brick covered drains and rooms situated around a central courtyard.<ref>{{Cite book|title=textsThanesar|last=Pande|first=B.M.|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|year=2016|pages=19–21}}</ref>


=== Sack of Thanesar by Mahmud of Gazni ===
=== Sack of Sthaneshwar by Mahmud of Gazni ===
Thanesar was sacked and many of its temples were destroyed by [[Mahmud of Ghazni]].
Thanesar was sacked and many of its temples were destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1011.<ref>{{cite web | title = Kurukshetra (India)|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica | url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/325415/Kurukshetra | access-date = 9 August 2014 }}</ref>


{{cquote|'The city of Taneshar is highly venerated by Hindus. The idol of that place is called Cakrasvamin, i.e. the owner of the cakra, a weapon which we have already described. It is of bronze, and is nearly the size of a man. It is now lying in the hippodrome in Ghazna, together with the Lord of Somnath, which is a representation of the Mahadeva, called Linga."<ref>Abu Rihan Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Biruni al-Khwarizmi, Tarikhu'l-Hind</ref>}}
{{cquote|'The city of Taneshar is highly venerated by Hindus. The idol of that place is called Cakrasvamin (Chakra Swami), i.e. the owner of the cakra, a weapon that we have already described. It is of bronze and is nearly the size of a man. It is now lying in the hippodrome in Ghazna, together with the Lord of Somnath, which is a representation of the Mahadeva, called Linga."<ref>Abu Rihan Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Biruni al-Khwarizmi, Tarikhu'l-Hind</ref>}}


[[Firishta]] records<ref>''Farishta Vo1.'' Page 29 Translation by John Briggs.</ref> that {{cquote|In the year A.H. 402 (A.D. 1011) Mehmood Gazini resolved on the conquest of Thanesur, the most sacred Hindu place, in the kingdom of Hindoostan. It had reached the ears of the King that Thanesar was held in the same veneration by idolaters, as Mecca by the faithful; that they had there set up a number of idols, the principal of which they called Jugsoma, pretending that it had existed ever since the creation.}}
[[Firishta]] records<ref>''Farishta Vo1.'' Page 29 Translation by John Briggs.</ref> that {{cquote|In the year A.H. 402 (A.D. 1011) Mehmood Gazini resolved on the conquest of Thanesur, the most sacred Hindu place, in the kingdom of Hindoostan. It had reached the ears of the King that Thanesar was held in the same veneration by idolaters, as Mecca by the faithful; that they had there set up a number of idols, the principal of which they called Jugsoma, pretending that it had existed ever since the creation.
}}


Mahmood having reached Punjab, required, according to the subsisting treaty with the [[Hindu Shahi]] king Anandpal, that his army should not be molested on its march through his country. An embassy was accordingly sent to inform the Raja of his intentions, and desiring him to send safety guards into his towns and villages, which he would take care to be protected from the followers of his camp. Anandpal the Shahi king, agreeing to this proposal, prepared an entertainment for the reception of the King, at the same time issuing orders for all his subjects to supply the camp with every necessity of life.
Mahmud, having reached Thanesar before the Hindus, had time to take measures for its defence; the city was plundered, the idols broken, and the idol Jugsoma was sent to [[Ghazni]] to be trodden underfoot. According to Haji Mahommed Kandahary, a ruby was found in one of the temples weighing 450 [[Mithqal|mithqals]]. It was allowed by everyone who saw it to be a wonder that had never been heard of. About the attack on Thanesar, [[Tarikh Yamini|Utbi]] wrote "The blood of the infidels flowed so copiously that the stream was discoloured, notwithstanding its purity, and people were unable to drink it."<ref>{{cite web | title=The History of India |year = 1869| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RZBkGsFMrxcC&q=Utbi%2C+The+blood+of+the+infidels+flowed+so+copiously+that+the+stream+was+discoloured%2C+notwithstanding+its+purity%2C+and+people+were+unable+to+drink+it.&pg=PA40| last1=Elliot | first1=Henry M. }}</ref>[[File:Sheikh Chilli's Tomb HR.JPG|thumb|Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]]
 
[[File:Basawan. Battle of rival ascetics. Akbarnama, ca. 1590, V&A Museum.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.89|[[Battle of Thanesar (1567)|Battle of Thanesar]] (1567)]]
The Raja's brother, with 2,000 horses was also sent to meet the army and to deliver the following message:
 
"My brother is the subject and tributary of the King of Gazni, but he begs permission to acquaint his Majesty, that Thanesar is the principal place of worship of the inhabitants of the country: that if it is required by the religion of Mahmood to subvert the religion of others, he has already acquitted himself of that duty, in the destruction of the temple of Nagrakote. But if he should be pleased to alter his resolution regarding Thanesar, Anandpal Tuar promises that the amount of the revenues of that country shall be annually paid to Mahmood, that a sum shall also be paid to reimburse him for the expense of his expedition, besides which, on his own part, he will present him with fifty elephants, and jewels to a considerable amount."
 
[[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmood]] replied, "The religion of the faithful inculcates the following tenet: 'That in proportion as the tenets of the Prophet are diffused, and his followers exert themselves in the subversion of idolatry, so shall be their reward in heaven;' that, therefore, it behooved him, with the assistance of God, to root out the "worship of idols" from the face of all India. "How then should he spare Thanesar?"<ref>{{cite book|publisher=University of Chicago Press |year=2013 |title=From Stone to Flesh: A Short History of the Buddha |last= Lopez Jr. |chapter=1 |page=55 |first=Donald S. |isbn=9780226493206}}</ref>
 
This answer was communicated to Raja Anandpal Tuar of Delhi, who, resolving to oppose [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmood]], sent messengers throughout Hindoostan to acquaint the other rajas that Mahmood, without provocation, was marching with a vast army to destroy Thanesar, now under his immediate protection. He observed, that if a barrier was not expeditiously raised against this roaring torrent, the country of Hindoostan would be soon overwhelmed, and that it behooved them to unite their forces at Thanesar, to avert the impending calamity.
 
Mahmood, having reached Thanesar before the Hindus, had time to take measures for its defence; the city was plundered, the idols broken, and the idol Jugsoma was sent to [[Ghazni]] to be trodden underfoot. According to Hajy Mahommed Kandahary, a ruby was found in one of the temples weighing 450 miskals. It was allowed by everyone who saw it to be a wonder that had never been heard of. About the attack on Thanesar, [[Tarikh Yamini|Utbi]] wrote "The blood of the infidels flowed so copiously that the stream was discoloured, notwithstanding its purity, and people were unable to drink it."<ref>{{cite web | title=The History of India |year = 1869| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RZBkGsFMrxcC&q=Utbi%2C+The+blood+of+the+infidels+flowed+so+copiously+that+the+stream+was+discoloured%2C+notwithstanding+its+purity%2C+and+people+were+unable+to+drink+it.&pg=PA40}}</ref>
 
[[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmood]], after the capture of Thanesar, was desirous of proceeding to [[Delhi]]. But his nobles told him that it would be impossible to keep possession of it, till he had rendered [[Multan]] a province of his own government and secured himself from all apprehension of Anundpal, the Hindushahi Raja of [[Lahore]]. The king resolved, therefore, for the present, to proceed no further, till he had accomplished these objects. Anundpal Shahi, however, conducted himself with so much policy and hospitality towards Mahmood, that he returned peaceably to Ghazni. On this occasion, the [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmood's]] army brought to Ghazni 200,000 captives, and much wealth, so that the capital appeared like an Indian city, no soldier of the camp being without wealth, or without many slaves.
 
=== Mughal era ===
[[File:Sheikh Chilli's Tomb HR.JPG|thumb|Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]]
[[File:Basawan._Battle_of_rival_ascetics._Akbarnama%2C_ca._1590%2C_V%26A_Museum.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.89|[[Battle of Thanesar]] (1567)]]
[[File:Palace ruins 2.JPG|thumb|220px|Karawan serai ruins at "Harsh ka tila" mound area spread over 1 km, [[Mughal Empire|Mughal period]]]]
[[File:Palace ruins 2.JPG|thumb|220px|Karawan serai ruins at "Harsh ka tila" mound area spread over 1 km, [[Mughal Empire|Mughal period]]]]
[[Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]] is located in Thanesar. This is [[tomb]] of [[Sufi]] Abd-ur-Rahim Abdul-Karim Abd-ur-Razak, popularly known by the name of Sheikh Chilli. He was Sufi master of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[Dara Shikoh|Prince Dara Shikoh]]. The architectural plan shows considerable [[Persian people|Persian]] influence. This tomb and attached Madarsa are associated with the Sufi Saint Abd-ur-Rahim.
Mughal Emperor [[Akbar]], accompanied by his court historian [[Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak|Abul Fazl]], visited Kurukshetra during the solar eclipse in 1567. Abul Fazl's [[Akbarnama]] refers to the eclipse in Kurukshetra and the pilgrims bathing in the [[Brahma Sarovar]]. The French traveler [[François Bernier]] of the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan's era also mentions the sacred baths at the Indus, Ganges and the sacred tanks of Thaneshwar (Kurukshetra) on the occasion of the solar eclipse.<ref name="Kurukshetra">[http://kurukshetra.nic.in/KurukshetraSolar/Solar%20Eclipse%20at%20Kurukshetra.htm "Solar Eclipse at Kurukshetra"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724153221/http://kurukshetra.nic.in/KurukshetraSolar/Solar%20Eclipse%20at%20Kurukshetra.htm |date=24 July 2009 }}</ref>
==== Sikh Guru's visits ====
Sikh Gurdwara is equally significant for the [[Sikh]]s. It was visited by [[Guru Amar Das]], [[Guru Hargobind]], [[Guru Har Rai]], [[Guru Har Krishan]], [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] and [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. Four [[Gurdwara]]s are there in their memory: Gurdwara Dasvin Patshahi, Gurdwara Tisari and Satvin Patshahi and Gurdwara Navin Patshahi.
When Guru Amar Das Ji went on the 'long journey to Hardwar to see his old friends and acquaintances; and, as he went, scattered the blessings of Nam. On his way he halted at Thaneshwar, where the people asked why he composed hymns in the unknown Punjabi dialect and why not in
Sanskrit-the only language in which great truths can be expressed. The Guru said, "Sanskrit, now that is no longer the people's tongue, is like well water-sufficient for the irrigation of a small tract of land; whereas Punjabi, being the living language of the people, even if it be nothing but a dialect, is as the rain, which falls in showers all over the country."
===British era===
===British era===
{{see also | History_of_Haryana#Colonial_period | Ballabhgarh#History | Farrukhnagar#Under_British_Raj | Nahar Singh | Rao Tula Ram | label 1 = Haryana in 1857| label 2 = Ballabhgarh history | label 3 = Farrukhnagar history | label 4 = Nahar Singh | label 5 = Rao Tula Ram }}
{{see also | History_of_Haryana#Colonial_period | Ballabhgarh#History | Farrukhnagar#Under_British_Raj | Nahar Singh | Rao Tula Ram | label 1 = Haryana in 1857| label 2 = Ballabhgarh history | label 3 = Farrukhnagar history | label 4 = Nahar Singh | label 5 = Rao Tula Ram }}


For their participation in [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|first war of independence]], the [[Chaudhary]]s and [[Lambardar]]s of villages who participated in [[History of Haryana#Colonial period|rebellion in Haryana]] were also deprived of their land and property, including 368 people of [[Hisar district|Hisar]] and [[Gurugram district|Gurugram]] were hanged or transported for life, and fine was imposed on the people of Thanesar (Rs 2,35,000), [[Ambala]] (Rs. 25, 3541) and [[Rohtak]] (Rs. 63,000 mostly on [[Ranghar]]s, [[Punjabi Shaikh|Shaikh]]s and [[Qassab|Muslim Kasai]]).<ref name=balidan1>Satish Chandra Mittal, 1986, [https://books.google.com/books?id=2RKTigrrP1cC Haryana, a Historical Perspective], p58.</ref>
For their participation in the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|first war of independence]], the [[Chaudhary]]s and [[Lambardar]]s of villages who participated in the [[History of Haryana#Colonial period|rebellion in Haryana]] were deprived of their land and property. 368 people from [[Hisar district|Hisar]] and [[Gurugram district|Gurugram]] were hanged or transported{{Clarify|date=November 2023}} for life, and fines were imposed on the people of Thanesar ([[Indian rupee|Rs]] 235,000), [[Ambala]] (Rs. 253,541) and [[Rohtak]] (Rs. 63,000 mostly on [[Ranghar]]s, [[Punjabi Shaikh|Shaikh]]s and [[Qassab|Muslim Kasai]]).<ref name="balidan1">{{Cite book |last=Mittal |first=Satish Chandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2RKTigrrP1cC |title=Haryana, a Historical Perspective |date=1986 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distri |language=en}}</ref>
 
===Post-independence===
An archaeological museum run by [[Archaeological Survey of India]], was set up in [[Sheikh Chilli's Tomb]] complex. It consists of archaeological finds, like seals and sealings, terracotta figurines, plaques, ornaments, and swords from sites in nearby regions of [[Kurukshetra]] and [[Bhagwanpura, Haryana|Bhagwanpura]]. These objects are notably from [[Kushana]] (1st-3rd century CE), [[Gupta period]] (4th-6th CE), and from post Gupta period on [[Harsha|Vardhana dynasty]] period (6th-7th CE).<ref>{{cite web| title = Archaeological Museum, Thanesar|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India| url = http://asi.nic.in/asi_museums_thanesar.asp | access-date = 2014-08-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Thanesar Archaeological Site Museum |publisher= Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited| url = http://haryanatourism.gov.in/showpage.aspx?contentid=5328 | access-date = 2014-08-09}}</ref>
 
==Geography==
{{mapframe|frame=yes|type=point|zoom=SWITCH:12, 9, 6|switch=zoomed in, zoomed mid, zoomed out}}
Thanesar is located at {{coord|29|58|N|76|49|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/10/Thanesar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Thanesar]</ref> It has an average elevation of 232&nbsp;metres (761&nbsp;feet).
 
==Transport==
[[Kurukshetra Junction railway station]] is a [[junction station]] at the junction of [[Delhi–Kalka line]] and Kurukshetra–Jind branch line.<ref>{{cite web | title = KKDE/Kurukshetra Junction Railway Station |work=India Rail Info| url = http://indiarailinfo.com/departures/kurukshetra-junction-kkde/668 | access-date = 2014-08-29}}</ref> It is located in [[Kurukshetra]] city limits, It serves Kurukshetra and Thanesar city. Thanesar City railway station is a smaller station but located in the city limits at {{coord|29|58|N|76|49|E|}}.
 
==Demographics==
As of [[2011 census of India]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Thanesar had a population of 154,962.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web |title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above, Census 2011| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |publisher=Census of India, 2011| page=1|access-date = 2014-08-09  }}</ref> Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45% (83,655{{snd}}71,307). Thanesar has an average literacy rate of 85.73%, higher than the national average of 74.04: male literacy is 89.89%, and female literacy is 80.85%.<ref name=2011census/> In Thanesar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
 
==Education==
The modern city of Thanesar is an important educational center; it is home to [[Kurukshetra University]], the [[National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra]] (Formerly Regional Engineering College), University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Kurukshetra University and world's first AYUSH University [[Shri Krishna AYUSH University]]. The University Institute of Engineering and Technology [http://www.uietkuk.org] (U.I.E.T.) is situated in lush green campus of Kurukshetra University with about 1000 students on its roll. It has grown into a big institute with excellent placement record right from its inception. The [http://www.kitm.in Kurukshetra Institute of Technology & Management] (KITM) is located 10&nbsp;km from Kurukshetra University on Pehowa road, near Bhor Saidan village.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}
 
==Administration==
Thanesar now has a Municipal Council from 1994. In 1994 the municipal elections were conducted by the state government after a long time.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}


== Tourism ==
== Tourism ==
[[File:Bheeshma Kund, Narakatari.jpg|thumb|Bhishma Kund at Narkatari.]]
[[File:Bheeshma Kund, Narakatari.jpg|thumb|Bhishma Kund at Narkatari.]]
Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium and Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre are located here.<ref name="Haryana Tourism">{{cite web |last1=Corporation |first1=Haryana Tourism |title=Places of Interest {{!}} Kurukshetra {{!}} Destinations {{!}} Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited. |url=https://haryanatourism.gov.in/Kurukshetra-places-of-interest |website=Official website of Haryana Tourism |publisher=Government of Haryana |access-date=26 January 2021 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
=== Historical ===
Dharohar Museum located within the Kurukshetra University campus, showcase the unique archaeological, cultural and architectural heritage of Haryana.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Corporation |first1=Haryana Tourism |title=Dharohar Museum {{!}} Places of Interest {{!}} Kurukshetra {{!}} Destinations {{!}} Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited. |url=https://haryanatourism.gov.in/showpage.aspx?contentid=5791 |website=Official website of Haryana Tourism |publisher=Government of Haryana |access-date=26 January 2021 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
Thanesar Archaeological Site Museum, Vishvamitra Ka Tila are other tourist places.<ref name="Haryana Tourism" />
=== Religious ===
=== Religious ===
[[File:Sannihit Sarovar.gif|thumb| [[Sannihit Sarovar]], old Kurukshetra city]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Sannihit Sarovar.gif|thumb| [[Sannihit Sarovar]], Thanesar]] -->
Thanesar derives its name from the words "Sthaneshwar" which means "Place of God." The [[Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple]], whose presiding deity is Lord [[Shiva]], is believed to be place where the [[Pandavas]] with Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata.<ref name="Prasad2010">{{cite book|author=Dev Prasad|title=Krishna: A Journey through the Lands & Legends of Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0_5caqiUH0C&pg=PT216|year=2010|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-170-7|pages=216–}}</ref> It is the central and the most important place in the [[48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra]]. 1.5&nbsp;km from Thanesar on [[Kurukshetra]]-[[Pehowa]] road lies Narkatari, the water tank named Bhishma Kund is believed to be the spot when [[Bhishma]] lay of the bed of arrows during the [[Mahabharata war]].<ref name="Biju2006">{{cite book|author=M.R. Biju|title=Sustainable Dimensions Of Tourism Management|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AkAdvTbg0dEC&pg=PA28|date=1 January 2006|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-8324-129-8|pages=28–}}</ref><ref>[http://www.kurukshetra.nic.in/tour/Religious/tirath/Kurukshetra/007-bhishamkund/index.htm Narkatari] Kurukshetra district website.</ref>
Thanesar derives its name from the word ''Sthaneshwar'' which means "place of god." The [[Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple]] is believed to be the place where the [[Pandavas]] and Krishna prayed to [[Shiva]] and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata.<ref name="Prasad2010">{{cite book|author=Dev Prasad|title=Krishna: A Journey through the Lands & Legends of Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0_5caqiUH0C&pg=PT216|year=2010|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-170-7|pages=216–}}</ref> It is the central and the most important place in the [[48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra]]. 1.5&nbsp;km from Thanesar on [[Kurukshetra]]-[[Pehowa]] road is the water tank named Bhishma Kund is believed to be the spot when [[Bhishma]] lay of the bed of arrows during the [[Mahabharata war]].<ref name="Biju2006">{{cite book|author=M.R. Biju|title=Sustainable Dimensions Of Tourism Management|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AkAdvTbg0dEC&pg=PA28|date=1 January 2006|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-8324-129-8|pages=28–}}</ref><ref>[http://www.kurukshetra.nic.in/tour/Religious/tirath/Kurukshetra/007-bhishamkund/index.htm Narkatari] Kurukshetra district website.</ref>  
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Dukha Bhanjan Mahadev Temples are the oldest temples of Thanesar. Other religious sites include the [[Brahma Sarovar]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Religious Places in Kurukshetra - Brahma Sarovar |publisher=Kurukshetra district website| url = http://www.kurukshetra.nic.in/tour/Religious/tirath/Kurukshetra/010-brahmsarovar/index.htm#top | access-date = 2014-08-08  }}</ref> [[Jyotisar]], the [[Sannihit Sarovar]], [[Gurdwara]] 6th Patashahi and the [[Devi Bhadrakali temple]], which is counted among the 51 [[Shakti Peethas]]. The bathing-fair held here on the occurrence of a [[solar eclipse]] is said to be attended by half a million pilgrims.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Thanesar|volume=26|page=725}}</ref> Shri Krishna Museum
 
[[Hindu genealogy registers at Haridwar|Genealogy registers]] of pilgrims Hindu genealogy registers are maintained at Thanesa.<ref name=gen2>[http://www.overseasindian.in/2007/dec/news/20072712-183237.shtml Tracing your Asian roots] www.overseasindian.in.</ref><ref name=gen3>[http://www.movinghere.org.uk/galleries/roots/asian/countries/lds.htm Hindu Pilgrimage Marriage Records] ''www.movinghere.org.uk''.</ref><ref name=gen4>[https://www.indiatimes.com/culture/travel/10-places-across-the-world-that-help-you-trace-your-ancestors-249825.html 10 Places Across The World That Help You Trace Your Ancestors], India Times, 29 Jan 2016.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Ror community]]
*[[Tatka Village]]
*[[Tatka Village]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
{{notelist}}


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* {{cite book| title = The Harsa-carita of Bana |author=Banabhatta|author-link=Banabhatta |translator=[[Edward Byles Cowell|E. B. Cowell]] |translator2=[[F. W. Thomas]] |url=https://archive.org/stream/harsacaritaofban00banaiala#page/n7/mode/2up|publisher=London : Royal Asiatic Society|year=1897}}
* {{cite book| title = The Harsa-carita of Bana |author=Banabhatta|author-link=Banabhatta |translator=[[Edward Byles Cowell|E. B. Cowell]] |translator2=[[F. W. Thomas]] |url=https://archive.org/stream/harsacaritaofban00banaiala#page/n7/mode/2up|publisher=London : Royal Asiatic Society|year=1897}}


{{Kurukshetra district topics}}
==External links==
 
{{Wikiquote|Thanesar}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Commonscatinline|Thanesar}}


[[Category:History of Haryana]]
{{Kurukshetra district topics}}{{Municipalities of Haryana}}
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kurukshetra district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kurukshetra district]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]

Latest revision as of 19:15, 17 March 2026

Thanesar
Sthāṇvīśvara
City
Thanesar city or Sthāṇvīśvara city
Brahma Sarovar and Kurukshetra City Entrance Gate At National Highway 44 (India)
Thanesar is located in Haryana
Thanesar
Thanesar
Location in Haryana, India
Thanesar is located in India
Thanesar
Thanesar
Thanesar (India)
Coordinates: 29°58′N 76°49′E / 29.967°N 76.817°E / 29.967; 76.817
Country India
StateHaryana
DistrictKurukshetra district
Elevation
232 m (761 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Total154,962
Languages
 • OfficialHindi, Haryanvi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationHR
Websiteharyana.gov.in

Thanesar (IAST: Sthāṇvīśvara) is a historic city and Hindu pilgrimage centre in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana, India. It is located approximately 160 km northwest of Delhi. The city Kurukshetra's area merges with Thanesar.[2][3]

Thanesar was the capital of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, whose rulers conquered most of Aryavarta following the fall of the Gupta Empire. The Pushyabhuti emperor Prabhakarvardhana was a ruler of Thanesar in the early seventh century CE. He was succeeded by his sons, Rajyavardhana and Harsha.[4] Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, consolidated a vast empire over much of North India by defeating independent kings that fragmented from the Later Guptas.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The 2011 census of India noted that Thanesar had a population of 154,962.[5][1] Males constituted 55% of the population and females 45% (83,655 – 71,307). Thanesar had an average literacy rate of 85.73%, higher than the national average of 74.04: male literacy is 89.89%, and female literacy is 80.85%.[1] In Thanesar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Thanesar is located at 29°58′N 76°49′E / 29.967°N 76.817°E / 29.967; 76.817.[6]

History[edit | edit source]

Harsha Ka Tila mound west of Sheikh Chilli's Tomb complex, with ruins from the reign of 7th century ruler Harsha.

Present-day Thanesar is located on an ancient mound. The mound (1km long and 750m wide) is known as Harsh ka Tila (Mound of Harsha). It has ruins of structures built during the reign of Harsha, seventh-century CE. Among the archaeological finds from the mound include Painted Grey Ware shards in the pre-Kushana levels and Red Polished Ware from the post-Gupta period.[7][8]

In the post-Gupta period, Sthanishvara was the capital of the Vardhana dynasty, which ruled over a major part of North India during the late-sixth and early-seventh centuries. Prabhakarvardhana, fourth king of the Vardhana dynasty, had his capital at Thanesar. After his death in 606 CE, his eldest son Rajyavardhana ascended the throne, who was later murdered by a rival, which led to Harsha ascending to the throne at age 16. In the following years, he conquered much of North India, extended to Kamarupa, and eventually made Kannauj his capital, and ruled until 647 CE. His biography Harshacharita ("Deeds of Harsha") describes his association with Thanesar.[3][7][9]

Thanesar is listed in the Ain-i-Akbari as a pargana under the sarkar of Sirhind, producing a revenue of 7,850,803 dams for the imperial treasury and supplying a force of 1500 infantries and 50 cavalries. It had a brick fort at the time.[10]

Majority of architectural remains including Karavan serai, cells, and various arched and vaulted structures date from the Mughal period. Building remains of a large palatial structure from the pre-Islamic era were also found with two distinct phases of construction which exposed brick covered drains and rooms situated around a central courtyard.[11]

Sack of Sthaneshwar by Mahmud of Gazni[edit | edit source]

Thanesar was sacked and many of its temples were destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1011.[12]

'The city of Taneshar is highly venerated by Hindus. The idol of that place is called Cakrasvamin (Chakra Swami), i.e. the owner of the cakra, a weapon that we have already described. It is of bronze and is nearly the size of a man. It is now lying in the hippodrome in Ghazna, together with the Lord of Somnath, which is a representation of the Mahadeva, called Linga."[13]

Firishta records[14] that

In the year A.H. 402 (A.D. 1011) Mehmood Gazini resolved on the conquest of Thanesur, the most sacred Hindu place, in the kingdom of Hindoostan. It had reached the ears of the King that Thanesar was held in the same veneration by idolaters, as Mecca by the faithful; that they had there set up a number of idols, the principal of which they called Jugsoma, pretending that it had existed ever since the creation.

Mahmud, having reached Thanesar before the Hindus, had time to take measures for its defence; the city was plundered, the idols broken, and the idol Jugsoma was sent to Ghazni to be trodden underfoot. According to Haji Mahommed Kandahary, a ruby was found in one of the temples weighing 450 mithqals. It was allowed by everyone who saw it to be a wonder that had never been heard of. About the attack on Thanesar, Utbi wrote "The blood of the infidels flowed so copiously that the stream was discoloured, notwithstanding its purity, and people were unable to drink it."[15]

Sheikh Chilli's Tomb
Battle of Thanesar (1567)
Karawan serai ruins at "Harsh ka tila" mound area spread over 1 km, Mughal period

British era[edit | edit source]

See also: Haryana in 1857, Ballabhgarh history, Farrukhnagar history, Nahar Singh, and Rao Tula Ram

For their participation in the first war of independence, the Chaudharys and Lambardars of villages who participated in the rebellion in Haryana were deprived of their land and property. 368 people from Hisar and Gurugram were hanged or transported[clarification needed] for life, and fines were imposed on the people of Thanesar (Rs 235,000), Ambala (Rs. 253,541) and Rohtak (Rs. 63,000 mostly on Ranghars, Shaikhs and Muslim Kasai).[16]

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Bhishma Kund at Narkatari.

Religious[edit | edit source]

Thanesar derives its name from the word Sthaneshwar which means "place of god." The Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be the place where the Pandavas and Krishna prayed to Shiva and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata.[17] It is the central and the most important place in the 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra. 1.5 km from Thanesar on Kurukshetra-Pehowa road is the water tank named Bhishma Kund is believed to be the spot when Bhishma lay of the bed of arrows during the Mahabharata war.[18][19]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Cities having population 1 lakh and above, Census 2011" (PDF). Census of India, 2011. p. 1. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  2. ↑ James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 694. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sthanvishvara (historical region, India)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  4. ↑ Balaji Sadasivan (2011). The Dancing Girl: A History of Early India. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. pp. 110–. ISBN 978-981-4311-67-0.
  5. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  6. ↑ "Maps, Weather, and Airports for Thanesar, India". www.fallingrain.com. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Sheikh Chilli's Tomb, Thanesar". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  8. ↑ "Harsh Ka Tila". Kurukshetra district website. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  9. ↑ "Harsha (Indian emperor)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  10. ↑ Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak; Jarrett, Henry Sullivan (1891). The Ain-i-Akbari. Calcutta: Asiatic Society of Bengal. p. 296. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  11. ↑ Pande, B.M. (2016). textsThanesar. Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 19–21.
  12. ↑ "Kurukshetra (India)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  13. ↑ Abu Rihan Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Biruni al-Khwarizmi, Tarikhu'l-Hind
  14. ↑ Farishta Vo1. Page 29 Translation by John Briggs.
  15. ↑ Elliot, Henry M. (1869). "The History of India".
  16. ↑ Mittal, Satish Chandra (1986). Haryana, a Historical Perspective. Atlantic Publishers & Distri.
  17. ↑ Dev Prasad (2010). Krishna: A Journey through the Lands & Legends of Krishna. Jaico Publishing House. pp. 216–. ISBN 978-81-8495-170-7.
  18. ↑ M.R. Biju (1 January 2006). Sustainable Dimensions Of Tourism Management. Mittal Publications. pp. 28–. ISBN 978-81-8324-129-8.
  19. ↑ Narkatari Kurukshetra district website.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Kurukshetra district topicsTemplate:Municipalities of Haryana

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