List Of Forts In Maharashtra

Maharashtra, the land of valiant Marathas and mighty warriors, is home to some of the most majestic and strategically significant forts in India. These forts are not just architectural marvels but also standing testaments to the state’s turbulent history, cultural richness, and the legendary valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Spread across the Sahyadri ranges, coastal regions, and inland plateaus, each fort has a unique tale—of conquests, resistance, administration, and maritime supremacy. From the mountainous strongholds of Rajgad and Torna to the invincible sea forts like Sindhudurg and Janjira, these structures played a vital role in shaping medieval Deccan politics and warfare. Below is a comprehensive list of important forts in Maharashtra, each with a brief description of its historical and architectural significance.

Here is a list of prominent forts in Maharashtra, each with a brief description highlighting its historical significance and unique features. Maharashtra is known for its Maratha legacy, especially under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who utilized forts extensively for military and administrative purposes.

1. Raigad Fort

  • Location: Raigad district
  • Built By: Chandrarao More; later captured and rebuilt by Shivaji Maharaj
  • Significance: Capital of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati here in 1674.
  • Features: Maha Darwaja, Queen’s quarters, Balekilla (citadel), and Shivaji’s samadhi (tomb).

2. Sinhagad Fort

  • Location: Pune
  • Significance: Site of the famous 1670 battle where Tanaji Malusare sacrificed his life.
  • Features: Strategic hill fort, natural defense, Tanaji’s memorial, scenic views.

3. Rajgad Fort

  • Location: Pune
  • Built By: Bahamani rulers; expanded by Shivaji Maharaj
  • Significance: Capital of the Maratha Empire for over 25 years before Raigad.
  • Features: Huge complex with palaces, water cisterns, and fortified walls.

4. Pratapgad Fort

  • Location: Satara
  • Built By: Shivaji Maharaj in 1656
  • Significance: Site of Shivaji’s legendary encounter with Afzal Khan.
  • Features: Bhavani temple, Afzal Khan’s tomb, strong defense structure.

5. Lohagad Fort

  • Location: Near Lonavala
  • Significance: Used by Shivaji to store loot from Surat; key fort for guarding the Konkan region.
  • Features: Famous ‘Vinchu Kata’ (scorpion tail-shaped structure), monsoon trek destination.

6. Visapur Fort

  • Location: Near Lohagad
  • Significance: Larger than Lohagad; used by the Peshwas.
  • Features: British used it during the conquest of Lohagad; scenic ruins and caves.

7. Torna Fort (Prachandagad)

  • Location: Pune
  • Significance: First fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj at the age of 16.
  • Features: Tallest fort in Pune district, large ramparts, panoramic views.

8. Shivneri Fort

  • Location: Junnar, Pune
  • Significance: Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1630.
  • Features: Shivai Devi temple (after whom Shivaji was named), water tanks, protective walls.

9. Harishchandragad Fort

  • Location: Ahmednagar
  • Historical Layers: Dates back to the 6th century; renovated by Marathas.
  • Features: Konkan Kada (steep cliff), caves, and Harishchandreshwar temple.

10. Daulatabad Fort (Devgiri)

  • Location: Near Aurangabad
  • Built By: Yadava dynasty; later used by Delhi Sultanate and Mughals
  • Significance: Capital of India under Muhammad bin Tughlaq for a brief period.
  • Features: Moats, secret tunnels, massive fortifications.

11. Sindhudurg Fort

  • Location: Malvan, Konkan coast
  • Built By: Shivaji Maharaj in 1664
  • Significance: Naval fort to protect Konkan coast from foreign invasion.
  • Features: Built on an island; has Shivaji’s hand and foot imprints.

12. Vijaydurg Fort

  • Location: Sindhudurg district
  • Built By: Shilahar kings; fortified by Shivaji
  • Significance: Known as “Eastern Gibraltar” for its sea defense.
  • Features: Naval dockyard, underwater wall (now submerged), strategic location.

13. Purandar Fort

  • Location: Pune district
  • Significance: Birthplace of Sambhaji Maharaj; Treaty of Purandar (1665) signed here.
  • Features: Fortified with double walls, military architecture.

14. Korigad Fort

  • Location: Near Lonavala
  • Significance: Controlled by Shivaji; part of his 17-fort conquest in the region.
  • Features: Well-preserved walls, temples, and water tanks.

15. Panhala Fort

  • Location: Near Kolhapur
  • Significance: Largest fort in the Deccan; Shivaji escaped from here during Siddi Johar’s siege.
  • Features: Ambarkhana granary, Andhar Bavdi (hidden well), Teen Darwaza.

16. Salher Fort

  • Location: Nashik district
  • Significance: Site of one of the biggest battles between Marathas and Mughals (1672).
  • Features: Second-highest fort in Maharashtra, tough trekking destination.

17. Murud-Janjira Fort

  • Location: Off the coast of Murud, Raigad
    –Built By: Siddis (Abyssinian-origin rulers)
  • Significance: Impregnable sea fort; Shivaji and later Marathas tried but couldn’t capture it.
  • Features: 19 bastions, freshwater lakes, cannons, sea fortress.

18. Khanderi & Underi Forts

  • Location: Near Alibag
  • Significance: Naval forts used by Marathas and later by the British.
  • Features: Lighthouse, battlements, sea-facing structures.

19. Rohida Fort

  • Location: Near Bhor, Pune
  • Built By: Yadavas; modified by Shivaji
  • Features: Main gates with inscriptions, temples, panoramic views.

20. Malhargad Fort

  • Location: Near Saswad, Pune
  • Significance: One of the last forts built by the Marathas (18th century).
  • Features: Good condition, temple of Malhar Martand (from which it gets the name).

Comments are closed.