Akluj

Akluj is a town in Solapur district, Maharashtra, India. Akluj was earlier known for its large trade in cotton, which has almost disappeared at present.

Introduction

Akluj is a town in Solapur district in Maharashtra. The town has background of sugar industries, trading activities and agriculturally rich. Akluj was Asia's Richest Grampanchyat for some time. Ex Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vijaysinh Mohite–Patil was Sarpanch of Akluj.

Historical Background

The name Akluj is believed to be derived from ‘Shri Akalai Devi’ which is Gramadevata of Akluj. In Moghal period it was changed as Asadnagar for some time. We can see the land fort in Akluj. It was built by Yadav king Raja Singhan in the 13th century. Evidence shows that, after Yadavas it was ruled by Mughals and Britishers. Aurangjeb’s Subhedar for south named Bahaddurkhan appointed Shaikh Ali as a chief official of the Akluj fort in 1673 and Ranmastkhan was appointed as a chief Thanedar in 1675. Evidences also shows that in 1679 Dilerkhan and Chhatrpati Sambhaji Maharaj stayed in the fort of Akluj for 4 months. Bajirao Peshwa II was also stayed for three months in this fort, when he was dismissed from Peshwai by Britishers in 1802. When Maharaja Sambhaji was trapped by Mughals in 1689, Mughal Sardar traveled through Akluj. All these incident shows that from the medieval period, Akluj was important and famous as historical place.