The town derived its name from its founder, Jafar Khan, who received it with 115 other villages in jagir from Aurangzeb.

The trade consists of grain, cotton, piece goods, and large quantities of blankets and native cloths for local use.

There are 7 masjids and temples in the town, and the principal mosque has a Persian inscription, recording its construction under the orders of Aurangzeb, by Rizazath Khan in 1076 Hijri (A.D. 1664).

A large handsome cistern within the fortification, has also an inscription, which states that it was erected under the orders of Shah Jahan by Mustafa Khan Turkoman, in Hijri 1040 (A.D. 1630).

'Gyanjyoti Savitribai Phule Sarvajanik Wachanalaya and Abhyasika' is a public library and study room.