Category: forts

There was a time when there were no tanks that could go across and demolish any obstacle. There were no missiles that could be fired to subdue enemy resistance. Those were the days when forts were considered to be safest haven against enemy aggression. The imposing Kolhapur Fort, better known as the Panhala Fort served this precise purpose.

Malhargad fort is named after God Malhari. This is a hill fortress that was built on a split section of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is located about 30 kilometers from Pune. In fact, the split in the hill range occurs at a point which is somewhat west of Pune. While forts such as Rajgad and Torna are on one branch, Singhagad, Vajragad, Purandar and Malhargad are located on the other. Incidentally, this is the last hilltop stronghold that the Marathas built for self defense during the closing years of the 18th century.

Rising 4,472 feet above the sea level in the Western Ghats and around 20 miles southeast of Pune in Maharashtra looms the massive Purandar Fort. It was once a favorite fort of the legendary Maratha leader Shivaji Raje. There are actually two forts here. Vajragad is smaller of the two and is situated on the eastern corner of the main fort. Just delve deep into Maratha history, and you are sure to observe how Shivaji had time and again taken shelter in this fort, high above the hills during his uprising against the Bijapur Kingdom and the Mughals.

Laling fort or Laling Qila is a diminutive yet strategically located fort that is perched on a hillock (Laling hill). It is situated around 9.65 kilometers or 6 miles south of Dhule city in Maharashtra. It was reckoned as one of the few key forts in the Khandesh region during the reign of the Faruqi kings.

Forts and fortresses don’t serve any practical purpose any more, civil or military. Most of them have become tourist spots where people venture out with inquisitive eyes to stumble upon a war memento or ancient cannon. But there are a few exceptions. Ahmednagar Fort is one of them. Situated at the heart of the city of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, it originally served as the headquarters of the Ahmednagar Sultanate till 1803, when it was taken over by the British during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The British used the fort as a prison. Now it is under the administration of the Indian Army Armored Corps.

Purnagad is a hill fort in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is not very large in size, but quite strong in construction. The size is such that you will be able to view the whole fort at a single glance. The fort takes its name from the local village which is known as Purnagad. Its main call to fame is the interesting tales of history and of course the stunning nature that is on display here. The Purnagad Fort is located on top of a small hill at the place where the Muchakundi creek originates. You can see both the Arabian Sea and the waters of the creek. The greenery is pleasing to the eyes.

India has hundreds, and even thousands of forts throughout its length and breadth. Some of them are testimonies to a glorious past and have been turned into monuments and museums. But there are those that are a trekker’s delight. Usually on top of hills with splendid viewpoints to the areas all around, the climb and the challenge is reason enough to venture out. The Mahuli fort in Maharashtra is a brilliant example of this. If you have it in you, then you can climb up to the top. You will be awarded with stunning views of the peaks in the Sahyadri range. Mahuli is the highest point in Thane district. The view from top is awesome. There are forests all around that has been declared as a sanctuary.

Ingeniously constructed by the Shilahar dynasty, Vijaydurg or Viziadurg is the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast. Originally known as the ‘Gheria Fort’, after the name of the adjoining village named ‘Girye’, the fort was renamed as “Vijay Durg” by the legendary Maratha leader Shivaji when he captured it from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1653. Vijaydurg Fort was previously surrounded by the sea from all sides, and thus, it was turned into a naval fortress. However, with time, the fort’s eastern trench was reclaimed and a road was constructed. So now, the fort is bounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides only. Shivaji enhanced the security of the fort by erecting three walls on its eastern side. Each of these walls was 36 meters high. There were also 20 bastions.

Though Sajjangad is a fort and it obviously has historical significance, but the truth is that, it is today better known for religious reasons. “Sajjangad” in the Marathi language means the “Fort of Good People”. The history books tell us that the name indeed is an apt one. It is the final resting place of Sant Ramdas, who was a prominent social reformer in the 17th century. Ramdas had a huge influence on people at that time. But there have been a few battles here. For instance, the Adilshah dynasty took over the fort from the Brahmini emperors, the establishers of the fort. Adilshah was defeated later by the Mughal emperor, after which it passed on to Mughal rule. Later on, it passed into the hands of Shivaji Maharaj. It was Shivaji who requested Shri Ramdas to set up a monastery here.

Shivneri will always have a special place in Maratha history. This is where the great Shivaji Maharaj was born. In fact, the name Shivaji also comes from the name of the fort. Shivneri Fort is named after Shivai Devi, a goddess. So this is how it happened – Goddess Shivai to Shivneri Fort to Shivaji. This great Maratha leader was born in this fort on February 19th 1630. Shivaji spent his childhood in this fort. Shahaji, Shivaji’s father chose this fort for his pregnant wife Jijabai, because in those days, it was very difficult to climb to this fort. This is why he thought that his wife would remain safe here to give birth.