Latur is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is one of the largest cities in the Marathwada region. It is the administrative headquarters of Latur district and Latur Taluka. The city is a tourist hub surrounded by many historical monuments, including the Udgir Fort and Kharosa Caves. The people of Latur are called Laturkar. The most spoken language in Latur is Marathi. The quality of education in the city attracts students from all over Maharashtra. It is an area prone to drought, with a serious shortage of water in the city and in the countryside. The economy is intensive in agriculture, but in recent years it has also depended on the educational sector and related activities. Industrial development in the district is minimal. Latur is located 43 kilometers from the epicenter of the devastating 1993 Latur earthquake.
Latur has an ancient history, probably dating back to the Rashtrakuta period. It was home to a branch of Rashtrakutas who ruled the Deccan from 753 to 973 AD. The first Rashtrakuta king, Dantidurga, came from Lattaluru, the ancient name of Latur. Ratnapur is also mentioned as a historical name of Latur.
King Amoghavarsha of Rashtrakutas developed the city of Latur. The Rashtrakutas who succeeded the Chalukyas of Badami in 753 AD. they called themselves the people of Lattaluru.
