Introduction
Maharashtra is fortified by over 350 forts. Every brick of these forts boast of the glorious history of the great Maratha rulers. Most of the forts are associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who glorified the Maratha Empire and is believed to have developed almost 13 forts. The forts are now serving as great tourist spots.
Forts in Sindhudurg District
Sindhudurg Fort and Vijaydurg Fort are the two prominent forts of Sindhudurg district, which are also popular tourist spots:
VijaydurgFort: Located in Devgarh taluka of Sindhudurg district, this is one of the oldest, which was built by Raja Bhoj II of Shilahar dynasty in the 13th century. The fort, also known as the "Gibraltar of the East" since it was impregnable is surrounded by the Arabian Sea from three sides. It was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji from Adil Shah in 1653. He renamed it as Vijaydurg.
Sindhudurg Fort: It is one of the most excellent sea forts of Maharashtra, which is located on the shore of Malvan taluka in the Konkan region. The fortress was constructed by Shivaji. Surrounded by rocks, the fort provided natural protection from enemy ships and gave the Maratha naval ships a secured base in the western sea.
Forts in Raigad District
Some of the popular fortsof Raigad district are Avchitgad Fort, Birwadi Fort, Ghosale Gad Fort, Karnala Fort, Khanderi Fort, Kolaba Fort, Korlai Fort, Kothaligad Fort, Lingana Fort, Fort Mangad, Mrugagad Fort, Padargad Fort, Padmadurg Fort, Prabalgad Fort, Revdanda Fort, Sagargad Fort, Sarasgad Fort, Sarjekot Fort, Sudhagad Fort, Surgad Fort, Talagad Fort, Tungi Fort, Underi Fort, Vikatgad Fort etc. Some other forts in this district are:
Raigad Fort: This is located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Mahad taluka. This hill fort is elevated up to 820 meters above sea level. It was initially under the control of Chandrarao More of Jawali and captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he defeated "More" in a fierce battle in 1656 CE, following which he renamed it Raigad and made it his capital.
Dronagiri Fort: This hill fort is a best place for trekking as it is situated close to Uran and Karanja. This fort was strategically important in the bygone era. The entire fort area is encompassed by dense forests.
Murud-Janjira Fort: This fort built in 15th century is mostly popular for its architectural grandeur. The fort gives an astounding view of its surrounding because it is located on the Arabian Sea coast. This fort was built for strategic purposes and it has secret spaces to escape and hide.
Forts in Ratnagiri District
The most popular forts of Ratnagiri district are Anjanvel Fort, BankotFort, Fattegad Fort, Jaigad Fort, Mahipatgad Fort, Mandangad Fort, Prachitgad Fort, Purnagad Fort, Rasalgad Fort, Ratnagiri Fort, Suamargad Fort, Suvarnadurg Fort, Yeshwantgad Fort etc. Some of the other forts of this district are:
Vijaygad Fort: Vijaygad Fort is 60 km from Chiplun. In 1862 the walls were found to be in ruins.
Goa Fort: Goa Fort is located 15 km from Dapoli. It is one of the three forts, which was built to guard the Suvarnadurg fort, the other two forts are Kanakdurg and Fatte Durg.
Forts in Nashik District
The popular forts of Nashik district are Ahivant Fort, Alang Fort, Ankai Fort, Avandha Fort, Bhaskargad Fort, Chandwad Fort, Galna Fort, Indrai Fort, Javlya Fort, Kanchana Fort, Kankrala Fort, Kulang Fort, Madangad Fort, Malegaon Fort, Mora Fort, Mulher Fort, Patta Fort, Pisola Fort, Rajdher Fort, Ramsej Fort, Ravlya Fort, Salota Fort, Tankai Fort,Tringalwadi Fort, Trymbakgad Fort etc. Some other popular forts are:
Achala Fort: It is a westernmost fort in the Satmala hill range. It is located at a distance of 55 km from Nashik. This fort is adjoining the Ahivant Fort. The three forts Achala, Ahivant, and Mohandar are very close to each other.
Harihar Fort: This is located 48 km from Igatpuriin Nashik. It is an important fort in Nashik district, which was constructed to look upon the trade route through Gonda Ghat. It receives many visitors because of its peculiar rock-cut steps.
Forts in Palghar District
The most popular forts of Palghar district are Arnala Fort, Asheri Fort, Bhavangad Fort, Fort Bassein, etc. Some other forts are:
Shirgaon Fort: It is located 6.5 km from Palghar district. The outer walls, steps, parapets, bastions etc. in solid masonry are in excellent order and worth seeing. The fort is located in the Shirgaon village.
Tandulwadi Fort: This is located near Saphale, 104 km north of Mumbai. It is not a fully built up fort, but a series of structures spread over the top of the mountain. The Fort dates back 800 years and was primarily used as a watch tower.
Forts in Satara District
The historical forts of Satara district are Ajinkyatara Fort, Bhairavgad Fort, Bhushangad Fort, Chandan Fort, Jangali Jayagad Fort, Kalyangad Fort, Kamalgad Fort, Kenjalgad Fort, Mahimangad Fort, Makrandgad Fort, Pandavgad Fort, Sajjangad Fort, Santoshgad Fort, Vairatgad Fort, Vardhangad Fort, Varugad Fort, Vasota Fort. Some of the other forts of this district are:
Pratapgad Fort: This was constructed on November 10, 1659, with the meeting between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan. Also known as Valour Fort, it is divided into the lower fort and the upper fort, and is a popular tourist destination.
Vandan Fort: Vandan Fort is situated on a hilly spur from the main ridge of Sahyadri. This fort is frequently visited by trekkers and pilgrims. The Chandan and Vandan are adjacent forts. The trek to both the forts can easily be completed in a day.
Forts in Mahabaleshwar
Forts in Mahabaleshwar serve as magnificent memoirs of ancient times narrating a number of intriguing historical events. These forts were built ages ago but still exhibit captivating beauty. The massive forts with its magnificent towers, monuments and temples make them a visual treat. The location of these forts at high altitudes offers picturesque view of the surrounding areas. Apart from this, the mesmerizing landscapes adorning the surroundings of these forts make them some of the most impressive monuments of the country. Forts in Mahabaleshwar attract a plethora of tourists with an urge to explore the historical aspects and wondrous natural beauty of India.
Famous forts of Mahabaleshwar
There are numerous popular forts which are situated in Mahabaleshwar and these are as follows:
Pratapgad Fort: Pratapgarh fort is one of the most famous forts of the country, built in 1656-58 AD by Shivaji. The fort stands on a spur overlooking the road between the villages of Kinesvar and Par.
Kamalgad Fort: Kamalgad fort is another significant fort situated near Mahabaleshwar. It is also called as Nandangiri fort and Bhelanja or Kattalgad meaning the death fort which was constructed by King Bhoj-II of Silhara dynasty, between 1178 and 1209 AD. Copper plate inscriptions found in Satara bears this testimony. Kamalgad Fort is a square hill fort in Panchgani.
Torna Fort: Torna fort is another significant fort situated near Mahabaleshwar. In 1643 the fort was captured by Shivaji Maharaj while he was only 16 years of age, making it an important centre of Maratha Empire. A number of towers and monuments are housed in the fort. It is also known as Prachandagad.
Rajgarh Fort: Rajgarh fort is another hill fort that exhibits beautiful architecture of Deccan region. One of the spurs of Sahyadri Mountains, called Murum hill, houses this fort at a height of about 1300 metres from the sea level. The fort comprises four gates namely Kaleshwari or Dindi gate, Alu, Pali and Gunjavane.
Ajinkyatara Fort: Ajinkyatara fort is situated at a little distance from Mahabaleshwar over one of the seven mountains (Ajinkyatara Mountain) which surround the city of Satara. Built in 16th century, the fort played a significant role in the history of Maratha Empire. Being situated at a high altitude, the fort offers a magnificent view of nature.
Sajjangad Fort: Sajjangad fort is important for being the resting place of Sant Ramdas who was a saint and social reformer of 17th century. It was constructed by Bahamani Emperors. The fort is presently under the maintenance of Ramdas Swami Sansthan which is a trust established during the time of Shri Ramdas Swami. The fort was previously known as Parali. It was renamed as Sajjangad fort on the request of Shivaji Maharaj to Shri Ramdas Swami, for setting up a permanent monastery there.
Chambhargad Fort: Chambhargad fort stands at a height of 1200 feet from sea level. The purpose behind the building of this small fort was the surveillance of the surrounding area.
Avchitgad Fort: Avchitgad fort is also located on the Sahyadri ranges. A village called Medha is situated at the foot of this fort. Shilahar kings established this fort and it was later used by the Nizam of Ahmednagar. Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji also had contributions in the renovation of this fort. Splendid views of nearby forts can be obtained from Avchitgad fort.
Chandan-Vandan Forts: Chandan-Vandan forts are twin forts situated at a height of about 3800 feet. These serve as excellent destinations for trekking. At the main entrance of the fort there are two bastions. The fort is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A group of five banyan trees also stand atop the fort along with a statue of Lord Ganesha.
Forts in Pune District
The names of the popular forts in Pune are Bhorgiri fort, Chavand Fort, Dhak Bahiri Fort, Ghangad Fort, Hadsar Fort, Jivdhan Fort, Korigad Fort, Lohagad Fort, Malhargad Fort, Manaranjan Fort, Mohangad Fort, Narayangad Fort, Purandar Fort, Rajgad Fort, Rohida fort, Sangram Durg Fort, Sankshi Fort, Shaniwar WadaFort, Shrivardhan Fort, Tung Fort, Visapur Fort etc. The other forts are:
Sinhagad Fort: This is a hill fortress, which is located at around 36 km southwest of Pune. According to historians, the fort might have been built 2000 years ago. The caves and the carvings in the Kaundinyeshwar temple inside the fort stand as proofs of that.
Tikona Fort: Tikona fort is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet, which is around 60 km from Pune. The word Tikona means "triangular".
Shivneri Fort: It is located in Junnar town; it is 120 km away from Pune. Shivaji was born and spent his entire childhood in this fort. He received his basic education from Dadoji Konddeo here. It has been declared as a protected monument by the government.
Torna Fort: It is the tallest fort in Maharashtra, which is located 60 km away from Pune. Shivaji first captured this fort from Mughals at the age of 16 years. Then he built more building inside the fort to make it more protected. Buses are available from Pune till Velha village. From there, one can take a trek to reach the fort.
Forts around Mumbai
The forts in Mumbai region are Bombay Castle Fort, Castella de Aguada Fort, Dongri Fort, Fort George, Ghodbunder Fort, Madh Island Fort, Mahim Fort, Mazagon Fort, Riwa Fort, Sion Hillock Fort, Worli Fort etc. Some other forts of this region are:
Sewri Fort: Sewri Fort is located in Sewri, which was built by the British in 1680. Located on top of a hill, this fort is overlooking the Mumbai harbor.
Belapur Fort: Belapur Fort is located near the township of Belapur in Navi Mumbai. The Fort was built by the Siddis of Janjira. It was later conquered by the Portuguese, and then Marathas. The fort was captured by the British in the early 19th century.
Forts in Mumbai
Forts in Mumbai are some of the significant monument of city Mumbai. Mumbai is famous for its forts. Today, the remnants of old forts stands testament to the valour of warriors of Maratha Empire who put up a defiant and resolute opposition to often superior armies. The forts have stood witness to the tide of time. Its walls and gates still bear the scars of battles that were fought. The influence of foreign powers on these forts too can hardly be denied. Even to this day, the forts reverberate with the valour of the Maratha warriors.
There are some popular forts in Mumbai and these are as follows:
Bandra Fort: Previously the fort is called "Castella de Aguada" located adjoining to Taj Lands End. Today there are small remains of 1640"s iconic stronghold which was built by Britishers at Bandra beach, not very far from the above listed worli fort.
Bassein (Vasai) Fort: The Bassein Fort is a fort near Vasai which is located just north of Mumbai on the mainland just north of the Mumbai. It was established by the Portuguese as the headquarters of their Indian operations in 1534 and centre of their operations until 1739.
Jivdani Fort: This is an old fort construction which is not much explored and visible from anywhere inside Virar location. Since stone mining is done at this place there is a half remained of mountain with this Old Fort remains. It is notably known as "Kala Ghar" by locals.
Dongri Fort: The Dongri Fort, like other forts in Mumbai, is in a decaying condition. It was built by the East India Company in the 17th century after evicting the original Koli tribe from the island. The Mumbadevi Temple of the Dongri Kolis has eventually given the city its name. The fort is very important in need of restoration and has been classified as endangered by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Korigad Fort: This fort dates back to 1500 years and is well-known in history as one of the many forts that were captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji. The fort is currently the site of the Mulshi Dam, which has led to the configuration of a beautiful lake at its base. It is situated on a hillock about 20 km away from Lonavla.
Madh Fort: Madh Fort (also called Versorva Fort) was probably built by the Portuguese as a watch tower. After it became obsolete, it became a training place for military cadets. It is located in Madh Island. Some Bollywood movies were shot at this location.
Mahim Fort: Mahim Fort was built by the first governor of Bombay, Gerald Aungier (1669-1677). It was part of the big Bombay Castle. It overlooks the Mahim Bay and Bandra to the north.
Karnala Fort: This wonderful construction that is now in ruins, used to overlook the Bor Pass, which used to be the main trade route between the Konkan coast and the centre of Maharashtra.
Mazagon Fort: Mazagaon Fort is a fort in Mumbai, in the Mazagaon area. Not much is known about this fort, though it was built by the British and was captured by Yadi Sakat of Janjira in 1689.
Riwa Fort: Riwa Fort (also Rewah Fort), locally known as Kala Qilla or Black Fort, is a fort in central Mumbai, on the banks of the Mithi River. The fort is currently in a dilapidated condition amidst the Dharavi slums. It was built by the first governor of Mumbai, Gerald Aungier (1669-1677). It was part of the larger Bombay Castle and marked the northern portion of British-held Bombay in the 17th century. The castle was also used as a watchtower, guarding the territory against the Portuguese-held (and later Maratha-held) Salsette Island.
Gawilgarh Fort: Gawilgarh Fort is pompously boasts of a mosque, which is decorated in Pathan architecture and stands tall at the highest point of the hill. This fort lies close to the Melghat Tiger Reserve in the Amaravati District.
Murud-Janjira Fort: Murud-Janjira fort as it appears up on the distance, while on the way from Mumbai. It graces the pages of history as the only fort that resisted all attacks by the British East India Company, the Dutch, and the Marathi. This fort is believed one of the strongest aquatic forts of India.
Rajmachi Fort: Located at a central to both Lonavla and Khandala, it is often a popular trekking purpose in the state. This protected monument is being promoted as a typical tourist purpose because of its simple hike route, beautiful beauty and historical significance.
Daulatabad Fort: Devagiri in Maharashtra that is also known as the Daulatabad Fort is a place of extraordinary strength. This was the mark where the king shifted the capital of the whole Tughlaq Dynasty from Delhi just for a space of two years.
Pratapgarh Fort: The Satara district of Maharashtra pompously houses the Pratapgarh Fort, which is also recognized as the Valour Fort. It draws in masses of visitors because of being the location of the Battle of Pratapgarh.
Sewri Fort: The Sewri Fort is a fort built by the British in Sewri in Mumbai (Bombay) in 1680 as a check post. Its ruins stand on a quarried hill, near the railway station. The fort was subsequently used to house prisoners and later became a Bombay Port Trust store. In 1769, Yadi Sakat of Janjira had conquered the Sewri and Mazagon Forts.
Sion Hillock Fort: The Sion Hillock Fort is a fort in Mumbai. The British Governor of Bombay Gerard Aungier atop a conical hillock built it. The hillock is situated a few metres from the Sion railway station. Sion was the boundary between British-held Parel Island and Portuguese held Salsette Island and the castle marked the northeast boundary of their possession. The fort was built between 1669 and 1677.
Worli Fort: The Worli Fort is an ancient British fort in Worli area in Mumbai. The fort, often mistakenly referred to as being built by the Portuguese, was actually built by the British around 1675. The fort, built on the Worli hill, overlooked the Mahim Bay at a time the city was made up of just seven islands.
Panhala Fort: Also recognized as the Panhalgad Fort, this place is well-known for being a home for a profusion of snakes. It was the home of the queen regent of Kohlapur state - Queen Tarabai.
Chakan Fort: This fort is also called Sangram Durg which is situated at Chakan newar Pune. The fort is home to the well-known temple of Shri Chakreswar, which pays a tribute to Lord Vishnu during the carvings that worship its walls.
Raigad Fort: The Raigad Fort is one more wonderful crown on the Sahyadri Range.
Kolaba Fort: It also is home to a Siddhivinayak Temple, built by Raghoji Angre. It is also known as the Alibag Fort.
Other Forts in Maharashtra
Apart from the above mentioned forts, there are some other ones in Maharashtra- the names are Ahmednagar Fort, Akluj Fort, Akola Fort, Anjaneri Fort, Antur Fort, Bhairavgad Fort, Bhamer Dhule Fort, Bhuikot Killa Fort, Dhodap Fort, Galna Fort, Gawilghur Fort, Ghangad Fort, Ghodbunder Fort, Gowalkot Fort, Harishchandragad Fort, Hatgadh Fort, Irshalgad Fort, Kaldurg Fort, Kamandurg Fort, Kandhar Fort, Kavnai Fort, Kharda Fort, Kohoj Fort, Laling Fort, Mahipatgad Fort, Mahuli Fort, Malanggad Fort, Mandangad Fort, Mangalgad Fort, Mangi-Tungi Fort, Manikgad Fort, Naldurg Fort, Narnala Fort, Nhavigad Fort, Paranda Fort, Pargadh Fort, Pavangad Fort, Pettah Fort, Prachitgad Fort, Ramsej Fort, Ratangad Fort, Salher Fort, Samangad Fort, Sitabuldi Fort, Songir Fort, Suamargad Fort, Suvarnadurg Fort, Thalner Fort, , Udgir Fort, Vishalgad Fort, Balapur Fort, Visapur Fort, Janjira Fort, Rajmachi Fort, Suvarnadurg Fort, Narnala Fort etc. Some of the forts have been detailed below:
Daulatabad Fort: Earlier this fort was known as Devgiri Fort, but later it was named Daulatabad by the Delhi Sultanate Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, as he was very impressed by the fort and made it his capital and court. It was built in 12th century and there are many monuments inside the fort complex. It is located at a distance of 13 km from Aurangabad district.
Panhala Fort: It is the oldest fort located at a distance of 12 km from Kolhapur. It was built in the 12th century by Raja Bhoj. It stands 1312 feet high above sea level.