Ajinkyatara Fort

Perched high above the Ajinkyatara Mountain, which is a part of the Sahyadri Range and located near the city of Satara in the state of Maharashtra, Ajinkyatara (the unconquerable star) fort has witnessed many battles between the Moghal forces and the Maratha army. It had also played a pivotal role in skirmishes within the Marathas. However, all the blood stains have been washed away by rain pouring down on the ramparts of this historically significant fort during the last few centuries. Today it houses the Satara city television tower. This fort’s location had also helped the Maratha forces keep constant vigil on the entire southern Maharashtra by changing guards on its ramparts.

In the year 1708, long before the British took control of the Ajinkyatara fort, Sahu Maharaj had captured this. This remained in the possession of the Marathas till 1818. That’s when the British took over its control. The British carried out many innovative improvements to improve its safety and security.

Rani Tarabai (dowager Queen), the widow of Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, who herself had waged wars against the Moghals was once imprisoned in this fort by her close relation Sahu. She was however released later.

This indomitable Maratha fort has been cited in many stories and novels written by prominent Marathi writers. One such is “Veer Dhaval” by Nathmadhav, where the protagonist, a vassal of the Chalukyas, became the rightful master of the fort. He takes final possession of it at the novel’s end liberating everybody from the misrule of his uncle Chanda Varma.

How to reach: Those of you who want to visit the Ajinkyatara fort should first go to the city of Satara. The fort is located just 5 kilometers from the city. For reaching Satara by air, you must take a flight to Kolhapur. There is a railway station at Satara itself that connects Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune and many other cities. Buses leave regularly for Satara.

You should stay in the city of Satara instead of trying to find hotels in Ajinkyatara fort, resorts in Ajinkyatara fort and cottages in Ajinkyatara fort.