Sindkhed Raja
Sindkhed Raja is a town and a municipal council in Buldhana district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the birthplace of Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Etymology. There are many legends associated with name of this city. According to one legend, the name Sindkhed is derived from the name of king Sindhurama, who is said to have established this city in ancient time. While other believes that this area was known as 'Siddha Kshetra' (holy land of seers), which over a period of time got abbreviated to Sindkhed. History. Not much is known about  history of this place in ancient time and the Middle ages. In 1450 A.D., this area was given as jagir to local Kaji by Ala-ud-Din Ahmed Shah Bahmani of the Bahmani Sultanate. By 1550, this area came under rule of powerful Jadhav dynasty, which ruled the paragana of Sindkhed until 1724. During this period, they kept on shuffling their suzerainty with Mughal Empire and Ahmadnagar Sultanate as per situation. Emergence of Nizam of Hyderabad in south India changed political dynamics in this area. The area come under control Nizam by 1724. During the later part of 18th century , this area came under influence of the Shinde dynasty, which ruled it for about 60 years. In 1803, the Nizam of Hyderabad recaptured Sindkhed and restored the rule of Jadhav dynasty. The family lost possessions of the city in 1851 owing to an act of rebellion by Arab troops under their command leading to Sindkhed's downfall. After the decline of the Nizam's rule, this area came under direct British rule. Tourist attractions. Jijau Palace. Sindkhed Raja is famous for the palace of Lakhojirao Jadhav. This palace was built in the late sixteenth century by Lakhuji Jadhav, father of  Jijabai. Jijabai was born in this place on 12 January 1598. Jijau Shrushti. Jijau Shrushti is a Jijabai's memorial, it is situated on a hill near Sindkhed Raja. It is famous for Jijabi's birth anniversary celebration events. Demographics. India census, Sindkhed Raja had a population of 16,434. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Literacy rate of Sindkhed Raja city is 82.03% marginally lower than state average of 82.34%. In Sindkhed Raja, Male literacy is around 89.58% while female literacy rate is 73.97%. About 75% of population is employed in agriculture sector. Administration. Sindkhed Raja is  an administrative headquarters of Sindkhed Raja Taluka. Office of Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue). During reorganization of revenue Sub-Divisions during 2013, Government of Maharashtra established a new revenue sub-divisional office at Sindkhed Raja. Its jurisdiction includes Sindkhed Raja and Deulgaon Raja Tahsils. The office was inaugurated by then guardian minister of district Mr. Hasan Mushrif on 15 August 2013. Dr. Vivek Ghodke was the first Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sindkhed Raja. Cultural legacy. Sindkhed Raja is the birthplace of Jijabai, mother of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha empire. Sindkhed Raja has a specific importance in history of  Maratha empire.