Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is one of the most bravest and iconic rulers in the history of Maharashtra. The great warrior is popular for his proficiency in conquering magnanimous structures most importantly forts across the state. Thanks to Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra is home to several beautiful and huge forts of the country. These structures are today lying as dusty and dank spaces with little maintenance. But these architectural marvels are worth a visit.
Shivneri
Shivneri is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The fort houses a small temple of goddess Shivai, after whom Shivai was named. The fort got its name as it was under the control of Yadavaas of Devagiri. Unfortunately, the Maratha warrior never ruled the fort but tried to capture it twice with no success.
Apart from the main entrance, the fort has a ‘chain gate’ wherein visitors need to hold the chain and climb up to the fort gate. The fort houses statutes of Jijabai and young Shivaji Maharaj, a water pond called ‘badami talav’, two water springs Ganges and Yamuna, filled with water throughout the year.
Torna
Torna is the first fort captured by Shivaji at the age of 16. He later renamed the fort as Prachandgad –derived from Marathi words ‘Prachanda’ meaning huge and ‘gad’ meaning fort –and constructed several monuments inside it. The fort is 4,603 feet above sea level.
After the assassination of Sambhaji Maharaj in the 18th century, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort and renamed it ‘Futulgaib’.
Rajgad
Shivaji Maharaj spent 26 years of his life in Rajgad. The fort was among the 17 forts that Shivaji handed over under the Treaty of Purandar signed against Jai Singh in 1665. Rajgad has witnessed several historic events like birth of Shivaji’s son Rajaram, death of Shivaji’s queen Saibai, burial of Afzal Khan’s head and return of Shivaji Maharaj from Agra.
Also read: Shivaji’s miraculous escape from Aurangzeb’s court will leave you spellbound!
Lohagad
The fort always remained of prime importance as the trade route of Khandala was guarded from here. The fort was under the Mughal Empire for five years. Lohagad is popular for being captured at different periods: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Brahmins, Nizams, Mughals and Marathas.
Lohagad was captured by Shivaji in 1648 CE and the Treaty of Purandar made him to surrender it in 1665 CE to the Mughals. In 1670 CE, Shivaji captured the fort again and used to store his treasury looted from Surat. During the Peshwa time, Nana Phadnavis lived here for some time and constructed several structures including tank.
Today, the fort is protected monument by the government.
Vijaydurg
The fort was used as an anchor for Maratha warships as it is encircled by Waghotan creek. Vijaydurg was earlier known as ‘Gheria’ and was renamed after Shivaji captured it in 1653 from Adil Shah. The fort is among the two forts where Shivaji personally hoisted the saffron flag, the other being the Torna fort.
Recently, Marathi movie ‘Killa’ was shoot inside the fort.
Raigad
The hill fort located in Mahad, was earlier called as Rairi. Shivaji captured the fort in 1656 from Chandrarrao, renovated it and renamed it as Raigad. It was later known as capital of Shivaji’s kingdom. It was in this fort where the royal coronation as the king of Maratha Empire was conducted. In 1680, Shivaji breathed his last in Raigad.
In 1689, Zulfikhar Khan captured the fort and renamed it ‘Islamgad’. Later in 1818, the fort was destroyed by using cannons and was handed over to the British East India Company.
Also read: 10 lesser known facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that you should know about!
Sindhudurg
One of the finest sea forts in the country was the powerful naval base for the Maratha kingdom. The fort houses Shivaji’s ‘only’ temple and his footprints. The fort was a secured base for naval ships and was constructed in 1664 under the supervision of Hiroji Indalkar. The aim of constructing the fort was to contradict the rising influence of foreign colonizers. The fort is spread across 48 acre with 12 feet thick and 30 feet high walls.
The fort today has become a major tourist attraction and regular ferries are arranged to reach the fort.
Panhala
Built in the 12th century, Panhala is one of the oldest forts of Mahrashtra. Shivaji spent more than 500 days of his life here. In 1689, after the death of Sambhaji, the fort was captured by Aurangzeb. In 1692, the fort was recaptured by Kashi Ranganath Sarpotdar under the guidance of Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi. In 1701, the fort was re-captured by Aurangzeb, but within few months was again captured by Pant Amatya Ramachandra. Later, in 1844, the fort was taken-over by the British.
Murud Janjira
The island fort Murud Janjira is popular for its strategic location and beautiful architecture. The entrance of the fort welcomes you with four elephants that symbolises the power of Sidis, who lived in the fort. The fort is considered as one of the strongest marine forts of India.
Built in the 17th century, the fort is an evidence of miracle of ancient engineering and remains undamaged even today. During its peak of glory, the fort houses 572 cannons out of which 3 gigantic cannons –Kalalbangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam –are available for public view even today.
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Sinhagad
Sinhagad holds an important position in the history of Maharashtra. Located on the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyaadri Mountains, the fort is situated 760 metres above ground level and 1,312 above sea level. The fort was captured by Maratha Empire against a wild battle against Mughals. It is the battle when Tanaji Malusare lost his life and Shivaji Maharaj said “Gad aala pan Sinha gela” meaning ‘We won the fort, but lost the lion’. Hence, the name Sinhagad.
