Forts of Maharashtra

डोंगर-पर्वत आणि डोंगरात राहिारे डोंगर बघिारे डोंगर आर्डिारे डोंगरमय झालेले...या सर्ावनाअपवि

-आनंद पाळंदे

• Shivneri Fort

• Mahuli Fort

• Rajgad Fort

• Jivdhan Fort

• Rohida Fort

• Harishchandragad fort

• Lohagad Fort

• Visapur Fort

• Pratapgad Fort

• Naneghat

प्रौढप्रताप पुरंदर,हहदंर्ी स्र्राज्य ससं्थापक,छ्त्रीय कुलार्तंश,गोब्राह्मि प्रतीपालक,ससहंासनाधिश्र्र,महाराजाधिराज छरपती सशर्ाजी महाराज िक जय.........!!

SHIVNERI FORT

About

• Fort Height : 3500 ft..

• Type : Hill forts

• Fort Range : Naneghat

• District : Pune

• Grade : Easy

Ways to reach Junnar

From Mumbai or Kalyan one can reach Junnar via Malshej Ghat or via KhandalaGhat. Route via Malshej Ghat is the preferable as it takes less time. Buses plyhourly from Kalyan towards Junnar. Distance from Mumbai is approximately 100km.

• On Kalyan one diversions: Bangar Phata

Route

History After the reign of the Satvahans, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakuts, the Yadavs controlled

Shivneri from 1170 to 1308.

Later, in 1443, the Bahamanis took over the fort.

In 1630 the fort was in the hands of the Adilshahi chieftain, Vijayrao Sidhoji Vishwasrao.

During this time, as Shahaji raje was going through a difficult phase, he brought hispregnant wife, Jijabai, to shivneri for shelter.

On 19th February 1630, Jijabai gave birth to Shivaji Raje.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tried to conqur the fort twice, in 1673 and in 1678, but wasunsuccessful.

Finally it was his grandson Shau maharaj who captured Shivneri from Mughals in 1716.

In 1818, the fort was handed over to the British by the Marathas.

Shivneri fort Attraction

Mahadarwaja (Main Gate) Ganesh Darwaja (Ganesh Gate)


Piracha Darwaja (Pir Gate) Piracha Darwaja (Pir Gate)


Hathi Darwaja (Hathi Gate) Shivai Devi Darwaja (Shivai Gate)


Mena Darwaja (Mena Gate) Kulup Darwaja (Kulup Gate)


Amberkhana Ganga Jamuna Tank (Drinking Water)


Maa Jijabaee And Baby Shivaji Shiv Kunj


Kamani Masjid Shiv Birth Place


Cradle of King Shivaji Statue of King Shivaji


Badami Tank Kade Lot Point


Base Of Rajwada Edaga (darga)


Base Of Rajwada View from Shiv birth place

Accommodation facility

One can make a stay on the fort in Shiv Kunj or Ambarkhana. Shiv Kunj is a suitable optionamong the two because of water facility is available near it.

Food Facility : Available in Junnar

Time To Reach : 1 hour from base village.

Mahuli Fort

About



• Fort Range : Shahapur

• District : Thane

• Grade : Easy

History

In 1636, when Shahaji Raje was trying to save the Nizamshahi, he had takenrefuge on this fort.

But the joint Mughal and Adilshahi army defeated him and the Nizamshahiregime came to the end. The fort went into the hands of the Mughals.

In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj took back the fort.

Later, during the treaty of Purandar, the fort was given to the Mughals.

In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj again captured it.

Ways To Reach :• Via Asangaon : Asangaon is on Mumbai-Nasik rail route. From Asangaon station by

walking or by auto we reach at Mahuli gaon. It is 5 km away from Asangaon station.At the base of the fort we see a very beautiful Mahadev temple. One can spend anight here. From here at the right side, after crossing a small water flow, andclimbing for 3 km further, we reach at the fort. From this way we have to go by aladder. After crossing it there are two water reservoirs.

• Via Vasind : Alight at Vasind by bus or local train. Then go at north for Duhagaon andthen ‘Charyacha Pada’. Keeping Chanderi to right, one has to ascend the westerntrunk of Mahuli. This way is quite difficult. We reach at Kalyan Darwaaja andproceed to the top of Bhandargad. There is a lithograph on this entrance.

Route

Mahuli fort Attraction

Shidi Rout Shiva Temple

Mahuli fort Attraction

Rajwada Base Drinking Water

Accommodation Facility :

• No accommodation is available on Bhandargad. The gatehouses at Mahuli canaccommodate a few people. However it is better to complete the trek within onewhole day.

• Food Facility : One should arrange for the foodstuffs.

• Drinking Water Facility : Water is available in reservoirs in front of gatehouses atMahuli. No water is available on Bhandargad.

• Time To Reach : 2 hours from Asangaon

• Notes : Mahuli is Easy from Asangaon- this is most trodden way. But it is Difficultfrom Vasind. It will take 6-8 hours from Vasind (Kalyan Darwaaja)

RAJGAD FORT

About

• Fort Height : 1394 Meters.


• Fort Range : Pune

• District : Pune

• Grade : Medium

Ways To Reach :

• Via Secret doorway (Gupt Darwaja) : From Pune, board a State Transport Bus toRajgad and alight at Vajeghar village. Thereafter from Babuda zapa we proceedtowards Railing in approx an hour. From there it takes minimum time to reachRajgad. Using this route, one can reach Rajgad in 3 hours.

• Rajgad via Pali Darwaja : From Pune, board a State Transport Bus to Velhe andthere after from Pabe village after crossing Kanad river we can directly reach Palidarwaja. This staircase walkway is quite easy and one can reach Rajgad in 3hours.

Route Map

History

This strategically placed and beautifully structured hill having three prominentridges, originally known as ‘Murumbdev’, attracted Shivaji Maharaj’s attentionduring the capture of the Torna fort in 1645.

He used the treasure obtained at Torna to fortify the adjoining Murumbdev makingit into an impregnable stronghold.

He named this Rajgad.

Shivaji Maharaj made it his home from 1650 to 1669.

On 16th February 1704 Aurangzeb conquered this fort.

However, the Marathas soon regained its control.

In 1818, Rajgad was handed over to the British along with other forts.

Rajgad fort Attraction

Myan Darwaja Myan Darwaja

Pali darvaja


Padmavati Lake Padmavati Devi


Office Sunset (Sanjivani Machi)


Pali Gate Balekilla


Padmavati Machi (from Balekilla) Sanjivani Machi


Nedha Nedha


Suvela Machi Balekilla Marg

Balekilla Marg

Chandra Cor lake


Bramheshar Temple Janni Devi Temple

Rajgad FortChor Darwaja Step’s


• About 20 to 25 persons can be easily accommodated within Padmavati Mandir.

• Tourist Guest houses are available on Padmavati Machi.

Camp Fire for the people who stay for night….

Food Facility, Drinking Water Facility :

• We need to arrange food on our own.

• Opposite Padmavati Temple, there are cisterns (well) which is a source of drinkingwater all year round.

Jivdhan Fort

About

• Fort Height : 3754 ft.



• District : Pune

• Grade : Hard

History

In June 1636, Murtaja, a seven year old descendent of the Nizam dynasty, was heldcaptive on Jivdhan by the Mughals.

Shahaji Raje, father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj effected his release and took himto the fort Pemgiri, 21 km southwest of Sangamner, where he was enthroned as thenew Nizam.

Shahaji Raje then assumed the rule of Nizam’s chief advisor, but soon Murtaja wasrecaptured by Shahajahan, and Nizamshahi was finally dissolved.

Ways To Reach

• Way from Naneghat (Main entrance) : This way has approach through the forestsand a guide is much helpful. After we climb through dense forests and walk forabout 2 hrs., we reach a diversion. On our right is the pinnacle and to the left is themain entrance. If we proceed rightwards, we come to the base of the pinnacle. Wayfurther from here is difficult and there are beehives. We turn to the left from thediversion and reach the steps. These are broken due to the devastation by theBritish. The entrance being ruined, a small gap exists through which we reach thetop of the fort. Here the bastions and ramparts are very intact in spite of suchdevastation. We reach the western side of the fort.

• Way from Ghatghar: From Ghatghar village, one way goes to Naneghat and theother goes to the fort. Its much better till one reaches the steps. Some of the stepshave been destroyed and it has become slippery. From here we can reach theeastern part of the fort in 2 hours.

Route

Jivdhan fort Attractions

Steps


1st Rock Patch 2nd Rock Patch


Kothi (Storehouse) Vandarlingi


Vandarlingi View from Nana cha Anghta




• One can stay on the fort in the Kothi, but mice may pose a problem. Trekkers alsostay in the cave of Naneghat or the base village.

• Food Facility : One should make arrangements for foodstuffs.

• Drinking Water Facility : The two cisterns on the western side of the hump are morereliable.

• Time To Reach : 2 hrs. 45 minutes

Rohida Fort

About

• Height : 3650 ft. (above MSL)

• Base village : Bajarwadi (near Bhor)

• Grade : Easy

History

From the inscription if is understood that Adilshah had control over this fort till1656.

Shivaji Maharaj took control of this fort towards the middle of 1656 or a little later,after a battle against Bandal Deshmukh, in which the latter met his death.

Baji Prabhu Deshpande was Bandal’s administrative chief at that time and defeatingBandal, Shivaji Maharaj absorbed Baji Prabhu and other soldiers into hisadministration.

This is the same Baji Prabhu who later sacrificed his life in the Pavan Khind battle.

Rohida was one of those forts which were handed over to the Mughals according tothe treaty of 1665, but Shivaji Maharaj Later on during Sambhaji’s death i.e. in 1689it went out of the Marathas hands along with the forts of Rajgad and Torna.

How to reach:

• Rohida is about 15 km from Bhor. For Bhor Mumbai Kars can get down to Punestation. From Pune station go to Swargate S.T stand, from Swargate you can getmany S.T buses as well as Private vehicles for Bhor S.T depot. The first S.T bus fromSwargate to Bhor (Swargate- Mahad) is at 6.00 am.

Route

Rohida fort Attractions

1st gate


Steps Second Gate


Third gate Sheila lekh in urdu


Buruz Map of fort


Rohideshwar Temple Mahadev pinda


Lake Tehelni buruz


Water tank Tehalni buruz


• About 5 to 7 persons can be accommodated in the Temple.

• Food Facility : Arrange yourself

• Drinking Water : Water cistern near first Darwaja (gate).

• Time to reach : Approximately about 1 hours will be required to reach the fort.

Harishchandragad Fort

About



• Fort Range : Malshej

• District : Ahmednagar

• Grade : Medium

History

The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana andSkandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad.

Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty.

Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related toAyodhya.

The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in theHarishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that thefort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath.

Later the fort was under the control of Moguls.

The Marathas captured it in 1747.

The last warrior named Joshi became a martyr in the fight against the English in1818.

Ways To Reach :

Harishchandragad lies where the boundaries of Thane, Pune & Ahmednagar districts converge. Thereare 4 - 5 known ways to this fort, the most usual being the following ones:

From Thane District : One has to board the bus for Nagar from Kalyan & alight at ‘Khubi Phata’. Fromthere we reach the village of Khireshwar by bus or private vehicle. This village is at 4km from thefoothills of the fort.

Way from Khireshwar: The way beside the caves, where water tanks are seen, proceeds further toJunnar Darwaaja (Entrance From Junnar). From here, the route goes straight to Tolar Khind. Walkinga few minutes from Tolar Khind, we come across a rock-patch on which railings are fixed. Afterascending the railings, we come to the plateau region on which less dense forests are seen. Fromhere, we have to cross 7 hills & after a walk of 2-3 hours, we reach the temple ofHarishchandreshwar, the temple of Lord Shiva.

Way from Belpada: The third way is specially meant for hikers, which is via Sadhleghat. One shouldboard the bus for Malshej Ghat & go to the village of Belpada. From here, the route goes throughSadhleghat. Here one has to climb a straight rock patch on which grips are provided. The temple issituated at a height of about 1km from Belpada. The total distance is about 19km.

Route Map

Harishchandragad fort Attractions


Muktai Devi Temple




Saptatirtha



Ganapati, Harishchandreshwar Temple Ganapati, Harishchandreshwar Temple




चक्रपाणी वटेश्वरनंदतु । तस्य सुतु वीकट देऊ ।। Ganapati, Harishchandreshwar Temple


Evening at Kokan Kada


Kedareshwar Pind Kedareshwar Cave


Junnar Gate Rock Cut Steps Junnar Gate Rock Cut Steps

Accommodation

• In Khireshwar, local school is the best for a night’s stay. In this village, we can see thebeautiful temple of Nageshwar as well as ancient caves of the Yadav era.

• Food Facility : In summer & winter, arrangement for food is available on the fort.However, in monsoon, one should make the arrangement himself.

• Drinking Water Facility : The water tanks near the caves.

• Notes : In monsoon, proper care should be taken.

Lohagad Fort

About



• Fort Range : Lonavala

• District : Pune

• Grade : Easy

History Lohgad must have been built during the reign of the Satvahans or possibly even before

that.

Malik ahmed, the founder of the Nizamshahi conquered the fort 1491 A.D.

After the decline of the Nizamshahi in 1636, Adilshah captured the fort.

In 1657 A.D. Shivaji Maharaj conquered it.

But the Mughals took hold of the fort under the 1665 Raja Jaisingh treaty.

On 13th May, 1670 the Marathas again captured the fort by scaling its walls.

Finally in 1818 the British took hold of this fort.

Ways To Reach :

From Malavali : We have to get down at Malavali station near to Lonavala. Aftercrossing the Express-Highway & reaching Bhaje village we get straight route toLohgad. After walking for 1.5 to 2 hours & turning to right from `Gaimukh Khind` wewill reach to Lohgad. Turning to left we reach to Visapur. At the base of the fort wehave a village called Lohgaon. We can reach to the top of fort by stairs. From

Lonavala : Jeeps are available from Lonavala, which take us to the backside ofLohgad. The road here is worst, and one has to walk for about 3 km. We can have aglimpse of Vinchu Kata from here, and extensive ramparts of the fort. The forts Tungand Tikona are seen very near from here.

Route Map

Lohagad fort Attraction

Canon Canon


Canon Steps


Lohagad Fort Wall Steps Of Lohagad


Paharekari Chi Choukdi Maha Darwaaja


Mahadarwaja Lower View of the fort


Canon Sheila lekh


Vinchukata Tung Fort


Shiva Temple Lakshmi Kothi


Lord Shiva Ling Lord Hanuman


Lake Way to Vincu Kata


Drinking Water Tank Drinking Water


In Laxmi Kothi nearly 50 persons can be accommodated.

Food is available at Lohgaon and we can also carry our own food.

Drinking water is present throughout the year.

Visapur Fort

About



• Fort Range : Lonavala

• District : Pune

• Grade : Medium

History

The Visapur fort must have been built after the construction if Lohgad.

The annals of the fort are devoid of any historical event.

As each fort is within the range of cannon fire from the other, fall of one fort always sealed the fate of the other.

The British took advantage of this situation.

After taking hold of Visapur in 1818, Lohgad fell smoothly into their hands.

Ways To Reach : From village Malavali : First route is quite confusing and we may need guide to reach

the fort from the village itself. When the Bhaje caves come to our sight we leave stairways & go towards right. For walking upto15 to 20 min we come across small huts. From here the way through jungle takes us to the broken stairs. When we start climbing these stairs there is a small temple & two big caves which can accommodate about 40 people. These stairs straightway take us to the fort of Visapur.

Route

Visapur fort Attractions



Visapur (Tikona & Tung) Place where weapons were stored


Visapur Madhyugin take Visapur Water Tank


There are two caves, which can accommodate 40 to 50 persons.

Food Facility : We have to carry our own food. Also available in base village

Drinking Water Facility : The lake water on the fort is suitable for drinking.

Time To Reach : 2 hours

Pratapgad fort

Pratapgad About

• Fort Height : 1100 Mtr.


• Fort Range : Satara

• District : Satara

• Grade : Easy

Histroy

Pratapgad is one of the important forts built by Shivaji Maharaj during theestablishment of Swarajya.

When Shivaji Maharaj captured Jawli in January 1656, he noticed the Bhorpya hill inthe region.

Realizing the importance of the strategic position of the hill, situated near the pathjoining the Kokan and the Wai region, Shivaji Maharaj decided to fortify the hill.

The fort built in two years time, by Hiroji Hindulkar, under the supervision ofMoropant.

Ways To Reach :

Via Poladpur : Enroute to Mahabaleshwar from Poladpur, lies a village ‘Wada Kumbroshi’. Pratapgad is situated at about 4 kms from this village. One has to take a right turn from the road to Mahabaleshwar from Poladpur. Since, the entire stretch of road is asphalted, State-Transport buses take you upto the base of ‘Tehalni Buruj,’ where there is a parking bay.

From Mahabaleshwar : ‘Pratapgad Darshan’ bus service is available from Mahabaleshwar.

Route

Entrance of pratapgad

Pratapgad fort attraction

Lower view of pratapgad

Afzalkhan Grave


Maha darvaja (main gate)

Opened

Maha darvaja (main gate)

Closed


Canon Base off pillar


Second gate Second gate


Upper view of pratapgad (Tehalni buruz)


Beauty of Jawli Forest


Types of canon


Statue of SHIVAJI MAHARAJ


Rahat lake


Tehalni buruz

Traditional village

Traditional village


• As you go ahead from the statue of Shivaji Maharaj, there is a Maharashtra Government Rest House. Rooms for accommodating 25 to 30 people are available with prior booking (during season) on the following address :

• Food Facility : Various Restaurants are there on the fort.

• Drinking Water Facility : Perennial source of drinking water is available on the fort.

• Best Season To Visit : The fort can be visited throughout the year. However, nature lovers can enjoy the lush greenery just near the end of rainy season.

Naneghat

About




• District : Pune

• Grade : Easy

History

Naneghat and its surrounding forts were built by rules of the Satvahan dynasty.

This pass was built to facilitate trade and commerce and to bridge the ports of Kalyan and Nalasopara with Junnar, capital of Satvahans, an importance trade center at that time.

Information about the Satvhans dynasty and their achievements is inscribed in the Brahmi script in the caves at Naneghat.

Ways To Reach :

From Kalyan : Naneghat lies to Northwest of Junnar at 27 km. State Transport buses (S.T.) plying regularly from Kalyan to Ahmednagar help us to reach Vaishakhare. From Vaishakhare at about 4 km a diversion towards Naneghat originates. A stone on which is written Malshej 29 indicates the diversion towards Naneghat. A thumb shaped cliff that can be viewed from the highway is the topmost point of Naneghat & is also known as Nana's thumb. Today there is board that specifies diversion to Naneghat.

Route

Naneghat fort Attractions









• Nearly 50 persons can be accommodated at a time easily in the cave, which is the only place for accommodation.

• Food Facility : We have to carry our own food.

• Drinking Water Facility : Near to the cave we can find three small water reservoirs of which the last one provides the drinking water.

Conclusion On each and every fort their should be washroom facility for the visitors.

The buses to the foot of the fort should be on time, and the roads should be maintainedproperly by the government as well as the visitors. So that more and more visitors shouldvisit the fort and get knowledge about the rich culture and heritage.

Their should be rules and regulations for the visitors on the fort, they also should beobserved by the authorities.

The top and the doors of the forts should be maintained by the authorities and even by thevisitors.

Youngsters who visit forts in the influence of drugs and alcohol should sticitly be prohibitedon the forts.

Cleanliness should be maintained by the visitors on the fort to keep our environment cleanand ecosystem balanced.

Presentations & Public Speaking

Forts of Maharashtra