TER, DHARASHIV
Ter is a town in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra, situated on the banks of the Terna River, just 24 km from Dharashiv city.
What’s So Special About Ter?
It was one of the biggest trading towns in Maharashtra during the Satavahana period (About 2,000 years ago).
It may look like just another town today, but back in the day, Ter was a VIP in the global trade scene—so much so that even goods from here were exported to the Roman Empire! Think of it as the Mumbai or Delhi market of ancient times, bustling with traders, luxury goods, and international deals.
Ter’s Ancient Bazaars
Ter Village
Picture this—2,000 years ago, Ter was buzzing with traders, artisans, and even Roman merchants. Markets were filled with textiles, beads, and spices, echoing with lively chatter and the clinking of coins. Imagine walking through those streets!
History of Ter:
This small town was once rich and prosperous. About 2,000 years ago, Tagar(ancient name of Ter) was one of the most important towns during the Satavahana era. It was a major center of trade with strong connections to Roman Empire. In ancient times, its fame extended as far as the Roman Empire. If Amazon, flipkart existed back then, Romans would have had their carts full of Tagar textiles, beads, and precious stones.
Mention of Ter (Tagar) in ancient texts:
‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea‘ Gave Ter a Shoutout!
An anonymous Greek traveller wrote a 1st-century CE text called Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. We can call him as a travel blogger of that time. He gave Tagar a major shoutout as a “very great city,” along with the Pratisthan (modern Paithan).
Tagar is also mentioned in ancient buddhist texts. Even today we find ancient buddhist caves, stupas in Dharashiv region.
Ashoka’s Inscription:
The earliest recorded mention of Tagar appears in an inscription on Ashoka’s Sanchi Stupa, where it is referred to as “Takarpada.” It is also said that artisans from ter were involved in building Torana of sanchi stupa.
Prehistoric Settlement:
If you think Ter is just 2000years old town, wait.. Ter has been around since the Neolithic Age (9500 BCE – 9000 BCE). Archaeological excavations at Ter have revealed polished stone tools in the deepest layers, indicating human habitation as far back as the Neolithic Age (9500 BCE – 9000 BCE).
Remnants of Ancient Tagar
Ashmaka Mahajanapada:
Remember those Janapadas and Mahajanapadas from your history lessons?
Among the sixteen great Mahajanapadas mentioned in Buddhist literature, two—Ashmaka and Mulaka—were in the Marathwada region. Tagar was part of the Ashmaka Mahajanapada (600 BCE).
Roman Trade Connections:
The presence of Roman colonies in Ter, along with discoveries of amphorae, lamps, coins, red polished ware, and other artifacts, confirms close trade ties between Ter and the Roman Empire.
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea and Ptolemy mentioned Tagar as a major textile production hub in southern India. Oh… now you know why Paithan is famous for Paithani sarees!
Strategic Location of Tagar
Ter was located on one of the most important trade highways of ancient India—the legendary Dakshinapatha. Think of it as the ancient NH-1 that connected North India, South India, and international ports.
Guess the names international seaports of that time…!
How to Visit Ter?
Ter village is located about 20-25 km from Dharashiv city. You can reach it by bus or your own vehicle.
Places to visit in Ter:
Ter is a hidden treasure, preserving centuries of history..
- Ramling Appa Lamture Government Museum Ter –Collection of ancient artifacts and remains from Ter’s glorious past.
- Sant Goroba Kaka Mandir – One of Maharashtra’s revered saints. His home and samadhi are here.
- Trivikrama Temple – Considered the oldest standing structure in Maharashtra.
- Uttareshwar Temple – Another ancient temple that adds to Ter’s historic charm.
Despite being such a historic heritage site, not many tourists or visitors are seen here.
Everyone should visit this place and witness our ancient heritage!
