Mehkar has historical and mythological significance and is mentioned in several traditional and administrative records. According to local legend, the town derives its name from a demon called Meghankara, who is said to have terrorised the region until he was slain by Vishnu in his incarnation as Sharangadhara. The name Mehkar is believed to be a later form derived from this legend.
The town is referenced in the Ain-i-Akbari as the headquarters of a sarkar (administrative division) during the Mughal period. Historical records indicate that in 1769, Madhavrao Peshwa encamped at Mehkar along with the Nizam's minister Rukn-ud-Daula while proceeding against Janoji Bhonsle. Later, in 1817, General Doveton camped at Mehkar during military operations against Appa Saheb Bhonsle.
Mehkar was once a prosperous centre known for its weaving industry, particularly for the production of fine dhotis. A community of Momins is believed to have fortified the town around the 15th century; an inscription on one of the gates dates this construction to 1488 CE. However, the town’s prosperity declined due to repeated incursions by the Pindaris and the effects of the famine of 1803.
Archaeological remains in and around Mehkar indicate the presence of medieval structures. Traces of a Hemadpanti temple have been found outside the town, along with remnants of a large dharmashala (rest house), characterised by colonnaded architecture and geometric ornamentation. Other historical sites include the Punch Pir shrine and the remains of a structure locally known as Kasbini-cha Mahal.
The town is also associated with religious traditions. The temple of Balaji, located in the centre of Mehkar, was constructed in the late 19th century to house a large black stone image of Vishnu discovered during excavations in 1888. The temple remains an important religious site in the region.
Historically, Mehkar also served as an administrative centre. It functioned as a district headquarters in the 19th century before administrative reorganisation shifted the district headquarters to Buldhana. The municipality of Mehkar was established in 1929, marking the beginning of formal local self-governance in the town.[1]
Geography
Mehkar is located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra and lies in the Vidarbha region. It is situated on the Buldhana (Balaghat) plateau, part of the Ajanta ranges. The region is characterised by an undulating plateau with valleys, ridges and seasonal streams. The elevation ranges from 500 to 800 metres above sea level and the general slope of the land is from north to south. The plateau edge is marked by deep ravines and dissected terrain formed due to erosion.
Physiography
Buldhana district is divided into:
Satpuda hills (north)
Purna plains (middle)
Buldhana plateau (south)
Mehkar lies on the Balaghat plateau, a volcanic basaltic region with rugged topography.
Land features in Mehkar region
Plateau (50.0%)
Valleys (30.0%)
Ravines & slopes (20.0%)
Rivers
The Penganga River is the main river, flowing southeast and draining Mehkar region. It is mostly seasonal. Other rivers:
Katepurna River
Koradi River
All rivers belong to the Godavari basin.
River
Type
Notes
Penganga
Seasonal
Main river of Mehkar region
Katepurna
Seasonal
Tributary of Godavari
Koradi
Tributary
Joins Penganga
Soils
Soils are derived from volcanic rocks (Deccan Traps). Major types include:
Bhurkati – deep black, moisture-retentive soil
Morand – black cotton soil
Barad – shallow upland soil
These soils support crops like cotton, jowar, pulses and wheat.
Soil type
Description
Fertility
Bhurkati
Deep black, moisture-retentive soil
High
Morand
Black cotton soil
Moderate to high
Barad
Shallow upland soil
Low
Climate
The climate is hot and dry, with rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June–September). Summers are hot and winters are mild.
Season
Months
Characteristics
Summer
March–May
Very hot and dry
Monsoon
June–September
Heavy rainfall
Winter
October–February
Mild and cool
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation. Major crops:
Cotton
Jowar
Wheat
Pulses
Irrigation depends mainly on borewells and seasonal water.
Natural Features
The region has plateau ridges, valleys and ravines. Groundwater is available in valleys but uplands face scarcity. Mehkar lies in the Deccan Trap region with basaltic geological formations.
Mehkar is governed by the Mehkar Municipal Council (Nagar Parishad), which is responsible for civic administration and provision of basic services.
Municipal Council
Elections to the Mehkar Municipal Council are conducted under the Maharashtra State Election Commission. In the 2025 municipal elections, Kishor Bhaskar Garole of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) was elected as the President (Nagaradhyaksha) of Mehkar Municipal Council.[2] The municipal administration is headed by a Chief Officer appointed by the state government.
Ward Members (2025)
The following table lists the elected councillors of Mehkar Municipal Council based on the 2025 elections:
Mehkar serves as the administrative headquarters of Mehkar taluka. The revenue administration is headed by the Tehsildar. As of recent records, the Tehsildar of Mehkar is Nilesh Madke.
Legislative Representation
Mehkar is part of the Mehkar Assembly constituency of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. The constituency is currently represented by Siddharth Kharat. At the national level, Mehkar falls under the Buldhana Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Prataprao Jadhav in the Lok Sabha.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Mehkar had a population of 45,248, comprising 23,274 males and 21,974 females. Children aged 0–6 years numbered 5,935, accounting for 13.12% of the total population. The average literacy rate of the town was 86.43%, higher than the state average of Maharashtra. Male literacy stood at 92.59%, while female literacy was 79.98%.
The sex ratio of Mehkar was 944 females per 1,000 males, while the child sex ratio (0–6 years) was 882.
The religious composition of the town, as per the 2011 census, is shown below:
Religion in Mehkar (2011 Census)
Hindu (56.5%)
Muslim (31.2%)
Buddhist (11.4%)
Jain (0.55%)
Christian (0.18%)
Sikh (0.07%)
Others (0.02%)
Not stated (0.09%)
Population distribution in Mehkar (2011)
Gender
Population
Male
23,274
Female
21,974
Age distribution in Mehkar (2011)
Age 0–6 (13.1%)
Above 6 (86.9%)
Places To Visit
Haran Tekdi
Haran Tekdi is a hill in Mehkar associated with local folklore. It is believed that Lord Rama stayed here during his exile (vanavasa). According to local tradition, he once caught a deer (haran in Marathi), which is said to be the origin of the name.[citation needed]
Shri Nrusiha Mandir
Prahlad Varad Shri Laxmi Nrusiha Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, situated on the banks of the Painganga River. The idol is considered one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 4th century CE (pre-Vakataka period). It was rediscovered in 1479.
Balaji Temple
The Balaji Temple in Mehkar houses an idol of Lord Sharangdhara(Balaji), discovered during excavation in 1888 along with copper inscriptions (tamrapat). The temple is over 120 years old. The inscriptions are reportedly preserved in the British Museum, London. The idol is carved from a single black stone and is considered one of the largest of its kind.
Kanchani Mahal
Kanchani Mahal is a historical structure in Mehkar associated with local legends. Architecturally, it reflects Mughal-style construction and is believed to have served as a military camp or residence for a high-ranking officer during the Mughal period, possibly linked to campaigns during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Local folklore describes it as a seven-storeyed palace built for a courtesan (kanchani). It is said that she later committed suicide due to social ridicule. Presently, only two storeys remain, and the structure is in a dilapidated condition. The monument is estimated by locals to be around 400 years old. Further historical verification is required.
N G Deshpande, renowned poet of Maharashtra, composed extensively on Kanchan Mahal. Kiran Shivhar Dongardive, another renowned poet from Mehkar has composed some poems on Kanchani Mahal.[citation needed]
Mahanubhaviya Shri Krishna Temple
The Mahanubhaviya Shri Krishna Temple is an important religious site associated with the Mahanubhava sect. The temple is linked to the 13th-century saint Chakradhar Swami, founder of the Mahanubhava tradition, who is believed to have resided here for about ten months. The temple is considered one of the charankit sthalas (sacred sites marked by the presence of Chakradhar Swami). The परिसर (premises) includes multiple associated sacred locations connected with events described in the Leelacharitra, a key text of the sect. Devotees visit these 13 sacred spots as part of their pilgrimage.
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