Vairatgad Fort is an ancient Indian fortress that is located close to the town of Wai in Satara district in the state of Maharashtra. The geographical coordinates of the fortress is latitude 17°52`N 73°55`E. The structure was built during the 11th century by King Bhoj who belonged to the Shilahar Dynasty. Later the fortress was occupied by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Martha Empire. The territory of Wai was captured by Shivaji and he included Pandavgad and Vairatgad into the Maratha kingdom.
During the reign of Emperor Shivaji, Vairatgad Fort was utilized as a military post to keep watch over the enemy forces. Later in the year 1818, the fortress of Vairatgad was seized by the army of the British East India Company. However the British dismantled most of the structure according to their strategy of damaging all Maratha fortifications.
The top of Vairatgad Fort is rather small in area. The premise includes ruins of several ancient buildings. The bastion near the gateway also lies in a damaged condition. Moreover towards the left of the entrance on the lower side of the cliff, there are 6 water reservoirs that supplied fresh water to the inhabitants of Vairatgad Fort. A small cave is also located in the vicinity of the fortress. A temple devoted to Lord Hanuman is situated at the top. An old sculpture of Lord Hanuman is installed outside the shrine.
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