Mehkar

Mehkar is a town and tehsil in the Buldhana district of the state of India. It is governed by the Mehkar Municipal Council and is situated in the Vidarbha region. The town lies near the Painganga River. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture and small-scale industries.

== History == thumb|Remains of Dharmashala === Mythological origins === Mehkar has significant mythological associations. According to local tradition, the town derives its name from a demon called Meghankara, who is said to have terrorised the region. The demon was slain by Vishnu in his incarnation as Sharangadhara, and the place came to be known by a corrupted form of his name, eventually becoming Mehkar. === Early historical references === Mehkar finds mention in the Ain-i-Akbari as the headquarters of a sarkar (administrative division) during the Mughal period. Some traditional accounts also suggest that the town existed several centuries before the Hijri era, indicating its antiquity. === Medieval period === During the medieval period, Mehkar developed as a fortified settlement. A prosperous community of weavers and Momins is believed to have fortified the town around the 15th century. An inscription on one of the gates records the construction date as 1488 CE, indicating organised urban development and economic prosperity during this time. The town was once a thriving centre of weaving, particularly known for the production of fine dhotis. === Maratha and British period === In 1769, Madhavrao Peshwa camped at Mehkar along with Rukn-ud-Daula, the minister of the Nizam, during a campaign against Janoji Bhonsle. Later, in 1817, General Doveton camped at Mehkar during British military operations against Appa Saheb Bhonsle. === Architectural and archaeological remains === thumb|Remains of Hemadpanthi temple in Mehkar Archaeological remains in and around Mehkar indicate the presence of medieval structures. Traces of a Hemadpanti temple survive mainly in the form of retaining walls. Nearby is a partially ruined dharmashala, characterised by a colonnaded structure with geometric and floral designs, suggesting construction during a later medieval phase. Other notable historical sites include the Punch Pir shrine located on elevated ground to the east of the town, and the remains of a structure locally known as Kasbini-cha Mahal situated to the northeast.