Dhule is a city in northwestern state Maharashtra of India. It lies in the Khandesh region, which forms the northwest corner of southern India's Deccan Plateau, in the valley of the Tapti River (a.k.a. Tapi River).It is situated along banks of Panzara river. It is a center for cotton-textile manufacturing, with both spinning and weaving operations. The nearest international airport is Mumbai, and has its own domestic airport. Dhule became part of the Mughal Empire in 1601, during the reign of Akbar. In the 18th century Dhule came under Maratha rule. In 1818, Dhule was annexed by the British, and was included in the Bombay Presidency, which, after Indian independence, was divided into three states, including Maharashtra state. Population (1991) 278,317. When under British Empire, Dhule city was designed by Sir Vishveshwarraya.