Farakande, Erandol’s Swinging Minarets

The swinging minarets at Farakande, located in Erandol, are an exceptional example of architectural brilliance and are a major attraction for tourists. The two minarets, located in front of a three-domed mosque, are known as the “Swinging Minarets.” Unfortunately, these are on the verge of disappearing today.

Erandol is located around 30 kilometers from the Jalgaon-Dhule highway. About 12 kilometers from here lies Kasoda, and approximately 3 kilometers away is Farakande village.

The swinging minarets at Farakande are considered an architectural marvel. The mosque features three domes, and the two minarets in front of it are the famous swinging minarets. Sadly, these minarets are now slowly deteriorating. Upon reaching Farakande, a path leads from the village to this prayer site. One of the minarets collapsed on March 21, 1991, leaving only one standing, which is now also at the brink of collapse.

The height of the minarets is around 15 meters. Inside, there is a 15-meter long wall made of Mahirpi stones. Circular stairs are built inside the minaret to climb it. These stairs are wide, allowing only one person to pass at a time. To ensure airflow and light, there are small windows along the way, which prevent the climber from suffocating. Once you reach the top, there are small arches on all four sides, from where you can view the entire village and surrounding areas. It is said that when one minaret is moved, the other also swings automatically. In earlier times, even the walls between the two minarets would swing. Because of this unique feature, this structure is referred to as the “Swinging Minarets” or the “Swinging Towers of Farakande.”

Today, one of the minarets has completely collapsed, and the rubble can still be seen nearby. Some believe this mosque was constructed during the Faruqi dynasty, around 400 years ago. The village, named after the Faruqi dynasty, is also known for its famous elephant trade.

The construction of this building is a remarkable example of advanced engineering. Farakande village is situated on a fortified hill, and remnants of the fortifications can still be seen around the area. Upon entering the mosque, a water tank is located on the left. This tank is still in good condition, though the water channel that once brought water from a nearby well is now broken, rendering the tank dry. It is believed that the tank was built for the elephants. The Utawali river flows from Bahanpur to this area.

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