The forts of Maharashtra are a testament to the rich history and culture of the state. These forts are a part of the state's heritage and are a popular tourist destination. Maharashtra has a number of forts, each with its own unique history and architecture. The forts of Maharashtra are a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the state.
The history of forts in Maharashtra dates back to the times of the Maratha Empire. The Maratha Empire was founded in 1674 by Shivaji Maharaj, and rose to prominence under the rule of Shivaji's son, Sambhaji. After Sambhaji's death, the Maratha Empire was divided into two parts - the Peshwas of Pune and the Sultans of Aurangabad. The Maratha Empire reached its peak under the rule of Peshwa Bajirao I, who expanded the Maratha Empire into a major regional power. However, after the Third Battle of Panipat, the Maratha Empire declined rapidly, and was eventually annexed by the British East India Company in 1818.
The forts of Maharashtra were built during the Maratha period for the purpose of military defense. Some of the notable forts in Maharashtra include the Raigad Fort, the Murud-Janjira Fort, and the Sinhagad Fort, etc.
Read more >> Discover the Most Famous Landmarks and Places in Brazil
Best Forts In Maharashtra
1.THE RAIGAD FORT:
Raigad Fort (also known as Rairi) is a hill fort situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, and it served as the capital of his kingdom.
The fort is located at an elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level, and it consists of 23 fortifications, including 22 bastions and one citadel. The fort has a total of three gateways, and the main gate is known as the Maha Darwaza.
The fort also has a temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, and a mosque which was built by Aurangzeb. There are a number of water bodies within the fort, including a lake called Shivsagar.
The Raigad Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2.THE PRATAPGAD FORT:
Pratapgad fort is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. The fort was built in 1656 by Shivaji Maharaj to control the trade route through the Ghat pass. The fort is also known for the Battle of Pratapgad, which was fought between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur Sultanate.
3.THE MURUD-JANJIRA FORT:
Murud janjira fort is a fort located on an island near the coastal town of Murud, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort was built by the Siddis, a group of Muslim mercenaries, in the 15th century. It was captured by the Marathas in 1673, but was later recaptured by the Siddis. In 1818, the fort was captured by the British, and it remained under their control until India gained independence in 1947. The fort is currently in a state of ruin, and is a popular tourist destination.
4.THE VISAPUR FORT:
Visapur Fort is a fort located in the Western Ghats near the city of Mumbai in Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by the Maratha ruler Shivaji in 1672. It is one of the forts in the Raigad district that were part of the Maratha kingdom. The fort is located at an elevation of 1,033 metres (3,389 f). The fort was captured by the British in 1756.
5.THE PANHALA FORT:
Panhala Fort is a large fort located in Panhala, Maharashtra, India. The fort, which was the seat of the Maratha Empire, was built in the 12th century by the Chalukya dynasty. It is notable for its massive walls and gateways, and for its strategic location overlooking a pass through the Sahyadri mountain range. The fort was captured by the Sultan of Bijapur in 1659, and was later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1673.
6.THE SINHADAD FORT:
Sinhagad Fort, also known as Sinhgad or Sonhagad, is a hill fort located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near the city of Pune. The fort has been the site of many battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. The fort is located at an altitude of 1,300 metres (4,265 ft) and is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides. The only way to reach the fort is by climbing the steep path from the base of the hill.
The fort was built by the Bahmani Sultanate in the 14th century. It was later conquered by the Maratha Empire under Shivaji in 1647. The fort has been under the control of the Maratha Empire ever since.
The fort is a popular destination for tourists and trekkers. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great place to enjoy the sunset.
7.THE LOHAGAD FORT:
Lohagad is a hill fort situated in the Western Ghats near the city of Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, India. The fort is around 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) above sea level and is one of the four forts in the Sahyadri range known as the Shivaji fort. The fort was originally built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 9th century and was later expanded by Shivaji in the 17th century. The fort is a popular trekking destination and offers views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
8.THE SINDHUDURG FORT:
Sindhudurg Fort is a coastal fort located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, in 1664. It is located on an island in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Sindhudurg district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The fort was built to protect the coastal areas of the Maratha Empire from foreign invasions. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9.THE HARISHCHANDRAGAD:
Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats in India. The fort is about 4,700 feet (1,400 m) above sea level. The name Harishchandragad comes from the temple of Harishchandreshwar, which is a cave temple on the fort. The fort was built in the 6th century by the Chalukya dynasty. In the 12th century, the fort was captured by the Yadava dynasty. In the 13th century, the fort was captured by the Delhi Sultanate. In the 14th century, the fort was captured by the Maratha dynasty. In 1818, the British captured the fort. The fort has been declared as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
10.THE AJINKYATARA:
Ajinkyatara is a fort located in Maharashtra, India. The fort is situated on a hill in the Sahyadri range. Ajinkyatara was built by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The fort was constructed in order to control the trade route between Mumbai and Pune. Ajinkyatara was also used as a lookout point to keep an eye on the movements of the Mughal forces. The fort has a height of 3,600 feet (1,100 m) and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Showing 0 verified guest comments