Panhala is a popular hill station in the West Indian state of Maharashtra. It is now a weekend destination from Mumbai and Pune. Panhala is located in Kolhapur District of Maharashtra.
History of Panhala
History of Panhala is closely associated with the rise of Marathas and Shivaji. Panhala Fort is an only fort where Shivaji spend more than 500 days. Panhala Fort was the centre of military activities during Shivaji rule. This fort played a most important role to resist the British East India Company. In 1827 it became a part of the British Empire.
Panhala Fort was built between 1178 and 1209 with best architectural designs. It first served as the headquarters of the Parmaras and consequently passed into the power of the Yadavas. By the beginning of the 16th century, Panhala was assimilated within the Adil Shahi Dynasty. Adil Shahi Dynasty was responsible for fortifying and reconstructing the battlements and entryways.
Panhala Fort was raided by Shivaji in 1659 AD, but it was not until 1673 that he was successful in invading it everlastingly. After Sambhaji`s death in 1689, it was seized by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. However, Panhala Fort was re-captured 1692 by Kashi Ranganath Sarpotdar under the supervision of Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi.
In 1701 AD, Panhala was ultimately surrendered to Aurangzeb and it was in this spot that the Aurangzeb welcomed the British ambassador, Sir William Norris. With a subsequent series of capturing and re-capturing, Panhala fort was finally taken over by the British East India Company in 1844. It was in Panhala that one of the supreme sacrifices in history of Maratha Empire was accomplished by Bajiprabhu Deshpande, who at Ghodkind held back the army of Sidi Jauhar, Adil Shah`s general, so that Shivaji could flee to Vishalgad Fort. It is known as the capture of Panhala.
Geography of Panhala
Panhala is located with a latitudinal and longitudinal limits 16 degree 49 minutes 12 seconds north to 74 degree 7 minutes 12 seconds east. The average elevation of this hill station is about 754 meters.
Demography of Panhala
According to the Population Census in the year 2011, Panhala had a population of 3450. The males constitute 57 percent and the females constitute 43 percent.
Tourism in Panhala
Panhala is famous only for Panhala Fort. Panhala also has some monuments which were built during the time of Mughal regime. There are many places to see around Panhala.
Visiting Information
Panhala is connected by Kolhapur through roadways, airways and railways. The nearest railhead is located in Kolhapur, at a distance of 18 km, on the South Central Railway. The Mumbai-Panhala National Highway stretch is measures 428 km in total. It can be accessed via Kolhapur and the Kolhapur-Panhala stretch is just 18 km. A straight drive from Mumbai can take one to Panhala in 8 hours.
