Famous as the city of weavers, the history of Bhiwandi is filled with many significant events.

Famous as the city of weavers, the history of Bhiwandi is filled with many significant events. The city Bhimdi, which came into being during the reign of King Bhimdev, later became known as Bhiwandi. The geographical structure of Bhiwandi is ideal from a commercial point of view. The textile industry flourished in this city, strategically located along important waterways and land routes.

Bhimdi, also known as Bhiwandi, is a historical town that emerged during the reign of King Bhimdev. Another hypothesis suggests that the Bimba kings who came from the north first conquered Bhiwandi before advancing to Thane. Initially known as 'Bimbasthan', the name eventually evolved into Bhiwandi. Renowned as a city of weavers, Bhiwandi has met the textile needs of millions of Indians for centuries and has a rich cultural heritage. Historical documents, including the Thane Gazetteer and Mumbai Gazetteer, trace Bhiwandi's history back to the eighth century.

This land was also consecrated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1657. It is a historic Bhiwandi that preserves the footprints of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje (1683) and the great Bajirao Peshwa (1720 AD).

Due to its strategic location, Bhiwandi attracted skilled weavers from across India who brought fame to the city in the realm of textile production. From traditional handlooms to modern powerlooms, the city has continuously evolved. Factories for manufacturing looms and spare parts, bullock cart wheels, rice mills, and related machinery were established. Roads were built, and Bhiwandi became better connected to the outside world. With growing awareness of reform and independence, the residents of Bhiwandi united and actively participated in India’s freedom struggle.

Gajanan alias Kaka Naik, a fifth-generation descendant of Gangaji Naik of Anjur (who played a key role in Chimaji Appa's Vasai campaign), joined the freedom fighter Savarkar's organization. While studying in high school, he led cultural initiatives through events like Shiv Jayanti Utsav, Ram Navami, and Ganapati Utsav, leading to an 11-month expulsion. In 1912, Kaka Naik was convicted of sedition, sentenced to 18 months in jail, and fined Rs 200 under Section 124A. He was also jailed during the 1942 agitation.

When Lokmanya Tilak toured the district for the Home Rule League, he held a public meeting in Bhiwandi on March 10, 1918. He was accompanied by Tatyasaheb Kelkar and Dhondopant Vidwans, and the meeting was presided over by then-mayor Alisaheb Faki.

Electricity came to Bhiwandi in 1923. In 1926, the great industrialist of Bhiwandi, Kai. G. G. alias Dadasaheb Dandekar, helped start the city’s first thermal power station. In 1927, the first loom was introduced in Bhiwandi, marking the beginning of its industrial textile era. Kai. Dadasaheb Dandekar and other visionaries have forever etched their names in the history of Bhiwandi for transforming it into a modern industrial city.

With the support of nearby Mumbai’s global market, Bhiwandi’s textile industry flourished. Over the past 60 years, the city has produced a wide range of fabrics—from cotton to synthetic yarns like silk, viscose, and more—through its advanced powerlooms.