MAHARAHTRIAN FORTS

MAHARASHTRIAN FORTS 

           All the Indian monuments, forts and palaces are most fascinating. Most of the Indian forts were built as a defense mechanism to keep the enemy away.The state of Rajasthan is home to numerous forts and palaces. Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are also not far behind. In fact, whole India is dotted with forts of varied sizes.

We should know the magnificent forts and palaces of Rajasthan were built during the medieval period. The notable feature about each of the forts and palaces is the exquisite carving work that has survived till date and still receives appreciation from people worldwide.

           We should have knowledge about these magnificent forts can not be described in words as they will look too small in front of splendor of forts that beautify India. Some prominent forts of Rajasthan are Amber fort, Chittorgarh fort, Jaisalmer fort, Lohagarh fort, Bikaner fort and Jaigarh fort. Delhi, the capital of India also boasts of some great forts. Some of the notable forts of Delhi are the Red fort, Purana Quila and the Tughlaqabad fort.

Overview Of Maharashtrian Forts -

Shivaji Maharaj, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a significant figure in Indian history, particularly in Maharashtra. He was born in 1630 and is revered as a brave warrior, visionary leader, and founder of the Maratha Empire.

Shivaji Maharaj is remembered for his military tactics, administrative reforms, and his emphasis on guerrilla warfare.Clearing of Forests and using that land for other purposes is known as deforestation.

In Maharashtra, there are hundreds of forts, each with its own unique history and significance. While the exact number may vary depending on different classifications and definitions of forts, it is estimated that there are over 300 forts in Maharashtra. These forts vary in size, architectural style, and historical importance.

Forts were a primary defence mechanism in Maharashtra against enemy invasions, and had been so since ancient times. They are known in the local language as 'killa'. They were naturally and artificially protected human settlements, guarded by elements such as hills, forests, the desert, the sea, and man-made stone structures which formed a kind of armour around them.

These forts were constructed on the high hills and made from stone cut from those very mountains. The high altitudes made these forts daunting for the enemy. In the vernacular Marathi language they were called 'Giri Durg' ('giri' means the mountain and 'durg' is the term for a fort), such as those examples at Raigad, Rajgad, Purandar, Sinhagad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Rajmachi, and so on.

1.      RAIGAD FORT

• Raigad, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India, is a hill fort located in the town of Mahad. It is one of the strongest fortresses on the Deccan Plateau and was historically referred to as Rairee or Rairy fort.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler, along with the his chief engineer Hiroji Indulkar, oversaw the construction and development of various buildings and structures within Raigad.
• The main palace was constructed using wood, of which only the base pillars remain. The main fort ruins consist of the queen's quarters, and six chambers, with each chamber having its private restroom. The chambers do not have any windows. In addition, ruins of three watch towers can be seen directly in front of the palace grounds out of which only two remain as the third one was destroyed during a bombardment. The fort also overlooks an artificial lake known as the Ganga Sagar Lake.
• The only main pathway to the fort passes through the "Maha Darwaja" (Huge Door) which was previously closed at sunset. The Maha Darwaja has two huge bastions on both sides of the door which are approximately 20–21 m (65–70 ft) in height. The top of the fort is 180 m (600 ft) above this door.

2.  SHIVNERI FORT:

• Shivneri got its name as it was under the possession of the Yadavas of Devagiri. This fort was mainly used to guard the old trading route from Desh to the port city of Kalyan.
•  Shivneri Fort is a hill fort having a triangular shape and has its entrance from the South-west side of the hill. There are mud walls all around the fort. Inside the fort, the major buildings are the prayer hall, a tomb and a mosque. There is an overhanging where executions took place. There are many gates structures protecting this fort. Mana Daravaja is one of the many gates of the fort. Its also called the origin of Tune.
• At the centre of the fort is a water pond which is called 'Badami Talav', and to the south of this pond are statues of Jijabai and a young Shiva. In the fort there are two water springs, called Ganga and Yamuna, which have water throughout the year. Two kilometers away from this fort there are the Buddhist  rock-cut  caves,  called Lenyadri caves,  which  is  also  one of Ashtavinayak temple in Maharashtra. It has been declared as a protected monument.
• The nearest town Junnar is a taluka place and is well connected by road. Junnar is about 90 km from Pune. The fort is at about 2–3 km from the junnar town. It is easy to reach the fort top via main entrance; however, the trekkers with proper climbing equipment can try the chain route which is located on the  western  scarp  of  the  fort.  From  the  top  of  the fort, Narayangad, Hadsar, Chavand and Nimgiri forts can easily be seen.

3.  TORNAGAD FORT:

• Torna Fort, also known as Prachanda gad, is a large fort located in Pune district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is historically significant because it was the first fort captured by Shivaji I in 1646, at the age of 16. The hill has an elevation of 1,403 metres (4,603 ft) above sea level, making it the highest hill-fort in the district.
• This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shiva Panth in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort. Malik Ahmed, a Bahamani ruler, captured this fort during the reign of Alauddin Khilji during the late 1470s.
• The Torna Fort is a popular destination for trekkers specially after the south- west monsoon, from September to December. Staying at fort isn't allowed as per orders of District Collector, everyone is asked to leave the fort after 5:00pm. The Raigad, Lingana, Rajgad, Purandar fort, Sinhagad are seen from Torna.

5.  PRATAPGAD FORT:

• Pratapgad is a mountain fort located in Satara district, in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort is situated 24 kilometres from the Mahabaleshwar hill station. The fort is now a popular tourist destination. The fort's historical significance is due to the Battle of Pratapgad, which took place here on 10 November 1659, between Shivaji I and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan.
• Pratapgad fort is located at 15 km (10 miles) from Poladpur and 23 km (15 miles) west of Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station of Maharashtra. The fort stands 1080 metres (3543') above sea level and is built on a spur which overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar.
• Pratapgad continued to be involved in regional politics. Sakharam Bapu Bokil, a well-known minister of Pune, was confined by his rival Nana Phadnis in Pratapgad in 1778. In 1818, as part of the Third Anglo- Maratha War, Pratapgad was surrendered to the East India company.