Come Face to Face With Shivaji’s Bravery at the Pratapgad Fort

Pratapgad fort is a hilly fort close to the popular tourist destination Mahabaleshwar. A lot of tourists visiting this hill station would come to Pratapgad, the Kamalgad fort, Morarji Castle, Panchgani, and the many scenic view points around Mahabaleshwar. However you will find many history buffs, who would rather come to Pratapgad itself, and perhaps visit some other forts in the region. They want to see for themselves the work of the legendary Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj.

Pratapgad Fort – The Historic Battle of Shivaji and Afzal Khan

The Pratapgad fort has a corner reserved for itself in the history books, as this is the place where the armies of Shivaji and Afzhal Khan battled it out in 1656. This is where Shivaji used his hidden tiger claws to rip open the belly of Khan. We have all read about this spine chilling tale of how Shivaji had learned about the treason of Khan and walked into the trap knowingly. But he was able to come out as the winner as he was prepared adequately for it. The Pratapgad fort has been witness to Shivaji’s bravery. In later years, a tower has been named after Khan. It is now popularly referred to as Afzal Tower.

According to legend, Afzhal Khan was a towering beast. He stood at 7 feet. He was a brave man himself. And so, Shivaji had a tomb built for him within the walls of the fort after his death. This tomb stands to this day. The great Maratha certainly knew how to honor others, and this includes his enemies as well. Actually, the tomb of Afzhal Khan is the main attraction at Pratapgad.

There are actually two forts here. Together they are known as Pratapgad. There is one lower and another upper fort that is located on the summit of the hill. You will also be able to see the Raigarh fort and the entire coastal Konkan region from the top of the upper fort. The views are stunning. There is also a statue of Shivaji Maharaj and the Bhavani temple. You can visit the handicraft center close to the fort as well.

If you are visiting from Mahabaleshwar, then you can take the “Pratapgad Darshan” bus service. Of course you can hire a local taxi as well. Unlike some others in Maharashtra, Pratapgad is not exactly a popular trekking destination. You will find very few trekkers here, if any at all.