Thane, known in ancient times as Shristhanak, was chosen as the capital by King Bhimdev of the Shilahara dynasty around the ninth century. During his reign, the city flourished as a center of religion and culture. Magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and local deities were built across its landscape. Alongside these temples, more than sixty lakes were dug, making the city a region of prosperity and abundance. Around these serene water bodies, Thane’s culture and lifestyle thrived, earning it the title “City of Lakes.” Sadly, much of this identity has faded over time.
Thane remained the Shilahara capital until the thirteenth century. The rulers encouraged the construction of large lakes beside Shiva temples. Temples like Kopineshwar, Uthaleshwar, Siddheshwar, Rayaleshwar, Mumbreshwar, and Khidkaleshwar, along with temples dedicated to goddesses such as Shitaladevi, Kalakadevi, Jakhai, Jarimari, and Rayaladevi, still reflect the spiritual legacy of that era. The region, then known as Sashti, was later renamed Shristhanak—today’s Thane. Many of these temples and lakes disappeared during Portuguese rule or were lost to “development” in modern times. Once home to over sixty lakes, Thane now retains only about forty-two, many of which are struggling for survival.
Prominent surviving lakes include Masunda, Siddheshwar, Kacharali, Rewale, Makhmali, Brahmala, Jail (Gosala), Kolbad, Rayaladevi, and Upvan among others. Excavations near the Siddheshwar Lake revealed ancient idols, including a magnificent statue of Lord Brahma now placed near the temple. However, the lake itself has been encroached upon by slums, and wastewater has turned it into a dumping site. Similarly, the Makhmali Lake, once admired for its beauty, is now surrounded by concrete housing complexes and waste bins, losing its charm.
The Masunda Lake, or Talaopali, stands as Thane’s most iconic landmark. It once had twelve temples around it and has witnessed the city’s evolving history—social, literary, and cultural. From evening chats of great writers to children’s play, from music rehearsals to senior citizens’ gatherings, Talaopali has been a heart of community life. The lake has undergone desilting and beautification several times—in 1863, 1955–56, and 1992–93, with the most recent renovation in 2020–21.
The Upvan Lake, a modern man-made creation, symbolizes eco-friendly urban planning. Built by industrialist J. K. Singhania to meet the city’s water needs, it lies beautifully between Yeoor Hills and Pokhran Ridge. The venue now hosts the annual Thane Cultural Festival, showcasing performing and visual arts, music, dance, sculpture, and cuisine. The lake has also become a natural sanctuary for birds and a place of peace for citizens.
Recently, the Thane Municipal Corporation has launched a systematic lake conservation program. Lakes like Kacharali, Makhmali, Brahmala, Rayaladevi, and Kamal have been rejuvenated. Yet, others—Owala, Nar, Devasar, Khardi, Diva, Diaghar, and Jari Mari—await urgent restoration. Neglecting them would mean giving future generations a polluted environment.
As Thane grows into an industrial and residential hub, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and pollution threaten its ecological balance. Protecting its lakes is no longer a choice but a necessity. These lakes are nature’s gift—sources of life, biodiversity, and cultural identity. To preserve them, the government, local authorities, and citizens must act together. A hopeful step in this direction is the “Majha Talao” (My Lake) campaign, launched on August 15, 2023, by the Thane Municipal Corporation and the Environmental Vigilance Committee, with participation from schools and citizens. The campaign reminds every Thaneite that the city’s future depends on the care of its timeless lakes.
- Based on the article published on ThinkMaharashtra.com on 29th October 2025.
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