Maharashtra’s Faith Anchors: Pune’s Dargahs Older Than the City

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 02 July 2025 Pune’s Thorla and Dhakta Sheikh Sallah dargahs significantly predate the city itself, originating in the 14th century under Tughlaq rule. Built for Sufi saints Hazrat Sheikh Salahuddin and Hazrat Sayyed Hisamuddin, these enduring spiritual landmarks remain actively revered near Shaniwar Wada and in Kumbharwada today. Main Points: 1. Both dargahs existed before Pune was formally established as "Kasabe Pune". 2. Emerged during Mohammad bin Tughlaq's Deccan campaign (1338 onwards). 3. Dedicated to Sheikh Salahuddin (d. 1358) and Hazrat Sayyed Hisamuddin (d. 1390). 4. Thorla in Kumbharwada, Dhakta beside Shaniwarwada near Dengle Bridge. ---- The city's two significant dargahs have histories stretching back quite a while, even before Pune got its name as we know it today. Imagine that time – the whole of Maharashtra was under Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq's rule. Back in 1338, he made a big shift, moving his capital south to Devgiri and renaming it Islamabad (what we now call Daulatabad). Aiming to tighten his grip on the Deccan, he then set his sights on the crucial Kondhana fort (today's Sinhagad). To pull this off, he first seized control of the Pune area to secure his base and supplies. After Tughlaq successfully captured Kondhana fort, he put his trusted man, Commander Bariya Arab, in-charge of the region. Arab first built up the defences at Chakan by constructing a fort there. Seeing Pune's growing potential, he later started building fortifications around the Pune area itself, marking its rise in importance. This was the period when the area's population really started increasing. The newly fortified settlement got its name – Kasabe Pune, meaning a small town called Pune. This development naturally drew visitors, including important religious figures. Among them was Hazrat Sheikh Salahuddin Gazi Chishti, known as Sheikh Sallah. Travelling all the way from Delhi with his 700 followers, he came to spread Islamic teachings. As the son of Ghour king Sheikh Abdullah, he carried weight. Sheikh Sallah made Pune his home for many years, passing away here in 1358. His devoted followers built a dargah in his memory to honour his spiritual legacy. Later, another respected preacher, Hazrat Sayyed Hisamuddin Kattal Zanjani, who was also in Pune for similar work of spreading faith, died here in 1390. Another dargah was established for him. To tell the two revered sites apart, folks naturally started calling them Thorla (Senior) Sheikh Sallah Dargah and Dhakta (Junior) Sheikh Sallah Dargah, based on who came first. Today, the Thorla Dargah sits amidst modern buildings in Kumbharwada. A narrow lane leads you to this well-maintained shrine, a peaceful spot holding centuries of history. The Dhakta Dargah holds its ground right next to the iconic Shaniwarwada, just beside Dengle Bridge – two ancient spiritual anchors in the heart of modern Pune. ---- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/faith-anchors-pune-dargahs/d/136047 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism