Dhule, city in central India, in northwestern Maharashtra state, located on the Deccan Plateau. Located in the Tapi River valley, the city is a commercial hub primarily engaged in agriculturally based trade and serving the surrounding region. Dhule is a center for cotton-textile manufacturing, with both spinning and weaving operations. It also has mills for processing vegetable oil and crushing groundnuts, sesame, linseed, and cotton seed. Dhule is served by a major rail line and a national highway. The nearest airport is in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The Rajwade Sanshodhan Mandal Museum (founded in 1932) in Dhule has collections of prehistoric stone implements and pottery, Mughal and Rajput paintings, coins, sculptures, and old manuscripts. Dhule is also the home of several colleges affiliated with the University of Pune. Dhule became part of the Mughal Empire in 1601, during the reign of Akbar. In the 18th century Dhule came under the Maratha regime. In 1818, after being taken over by the British, Dhule was included in the Bombay Presidency, which later was divided into three states, including Maharashtra state. Population (1991) 278,317.
