Shivaji Maharaj is known to be ‘Maharashtra’s Pride’ as he was a great warrior king and is known for his guerilla and military warfare. He was victorious due to his strategic planning and administration that was ‘well-executed’. He protected the coast of Maharashtra by building the first navy of India. Shivaji Maharaj controlled almost 360 forts during his reign of Marathwada.
When you wander through the Konkan Coast and the Western Ghats, you will come across mountains that are crowned with fortresses and fortifications.
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Sinhagad
Tanaji Malusare fought a fierce battle against the Mughals after climbing a ‘steep’ cliff and lost his life. His brother took over the fort. Shivaji Maharaj was remorseful about this and felt though they had won the fort, they had lost out on a lion. This is the reason this fort is important and holds a place in history.
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Torna Fort
Torna was an important conquest for Shivaji Maharaj as he was only 16 years old at that time. This was ‘rechristened’ Prachandgad.
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Shivneri Fort
Shivneri is a fort of the 17th century. This is where Shivaji Maharaj was born. There is a small Goddess Shivai Devi temple here. This fort was named after the Devi.
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Raigad Fort
This is considered to be an ‘epoch’ making fort in Maharashtra. Raigad was the Maratha Empire’s capital. Shivaji Maharaj was coronated here as the ‘official’ king of the Maratha Empire. In 1818, the Britishrs wrecked this fort but it has managed to retain its glory. This is the fort where Shivaji Maharaj breathed last.
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Sindhudurg Fort
This is a sea fort that was a naval base for the empire of the Marathas. This fort impregnates a temple that has been dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, and preserves the footprints. You get ferries for reaching here. This is popular among the tourists.
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Vijaydurg Fort
Vijaydurg is said to be one of the best victories of Shivaji Maharaj. This is an impregnable sea fort that is really beautiful. Vijaydurg was once used as an anchor for all the warships. The Waghotan creek encircles this fort.
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Pratapgad Fort
This fort is known for the encounter between Afzal Khan and Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji’s true reign started from here after Afzal Khan was defeated. Pratapgad holds an important place in Maratha history.
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Rajgad Fort
Rajgad is considered to be an erstwhile capital of the empire. It is from here that Shivaji Maharaj had made a number of commandments and led moments that define history. 26 years of his life were spent here. This fort has seen many memorable moments like the burying of the head of Afzal Khan, Rajaram, Shivaji’s son birth and the death of Saibai, queen of Shivaji Maharaj.
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Lohagad Fort
Lohagad is important due to its location, considered to be strategic. Shivaji Maharaj conquered this fort two times. The Khandala trade route was guarded from here.