Rajgad Fort

Rajgad (literal meaning Ruling Fort) is a hill fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Formerly known as Murumdev, the fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji for almost 26 years, after which the capital was moved to the Raigad Fort.[1] Treasures discovered from an adjacent fort called Torna were used to completely build and fortify the Rajgad Fort.

Not to be confused with Raigad Fort.

Rajgad Fort
Part of on Rajasthan
Pune District, Maharashtra
Rajgad Fort
Shown within Maharashtra
Rajgad Fort
Rajgad Fort (India)
Coordinates18°14′48″N 73°40′56″E
TypeHill fort
Height1376 m
Site information
Owneranuragh

The Rajgad Fort is located around 60 km (37 mi) to the south-west of Pune and about 15 km (9.3 mi) west of Nasrapur in the Sahyadris range. The fort lies 1,376 m (4,514 ft) above the sea level. The diameter of the base of the fort was about 40 km (25 mi) which made it difficult to lay siege on it, which added to its strategic value. The fort's ruins consist of palaces, water cisterns, and caves. This fort was built on a hill called Murumbadevi Dongar (Mountain of the Goddess Murumba). Rajgad boasts of the highest number of days stayed by Chhatrapati Shivaji on any fort.

History

The fort has stood witness to many significant historic events including the birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji's son "Rajaram Chhatrapati", the death of Shivaji's Queen Saibai, the return of Chhatrapati Shivaji from Agra, the burial of Afzal Khan's head in the Mahadarwaja walls of Balle Killa, the strict words of Sonopant Dabir to Shivaji.

The Rajgad Fort was also one of the 17 forts that Chhatrapati Shivaji kept when he signed the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, with the Mughal general Jai Singh I, leader of the Mughal forces. Under this treaty, 23 forts were handed over to the Mughals.[2]

List of Chronological events
YearDateEvent
1490Ahmed Bahiri Nizamshah captured the fort.
1626During the Nizam's last struggle, Adilshah captured the fort.
1630The fort was recaptured by Nizamshah with the help of Shahaji.
1642The fort was in the jagir of Shahaji Raje.
1647Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort.
1649Repairs on the fort began and Shamrao Neelkanth Ranzekar was appointed as the Peshwa.
1654The fort was renamed as "Rajgad". Construction on new fortifications and buildings commenced.
165814 JanuaryShivaji returned to Rajgad after conquering North Konkan.
165911 JulyShivaji shifted to Pratapgad in order to battle with Afzal Khan.
16595 SeptemberMaharani Saibai (Shivaji's wife) died in the Rajgad Fort.
1660JulyShivaji escaped from Siddi Jouhar's siege of Panhala and came to Rajgad.
1661JulyThe idol of Bhavanimata, which was to be established in Pratapgad, was first brought to Rajgad to be inspected by Jijabai.
1662JanuaryThe construction of the Rajgad fort was completed and Shivaji returned to the fort after capturing Pen and Kalyan.
1664FebruaryThe booty of Surat was brought to Rajgad.
166530 AprilThe Mughals were unsuccessful on their attack of the fort.
1665JuneShivaji's letter of accepting defeat was sent to Jaisingh.
167024 FebruaryRajaram was born on the Fort.
1671The repairing of the fort began at an expected cost of 10,000 hons.
1689JuneThe fort was captured by the Mughals after Chhatrapati Sambhaji was murdered.
1692Shankarji Narayan captured the fort from the Mughals.
1697Chatrapati Rajaram returned to Maharashtra and made Rajgad his new capital[1]
17014 AugustShahaji Mohite was made the havaldar of Padmavati Machi
170418 FebruaryThe fort was handed over to Aurangzeb as part of a treaty. The fort was renamed to Nabishahagad.

SarSenapti Sidojirao Thopte and Santaji Shilimkar were killed here by Aurangzeb.

170729 MayGunaji Sawant captured the fort and The Maratha War of Independence ended.
1709Chhattrapati Shahu made provisions for the repairs of the fort.
1818The Rajgad Fort passed into the hands of the British.

Tourism

The fort is a significant tourist destination and is most sought after especially during monsoon. Visitors prefer to stay overnight on the fort considering the fort itself is huge and cannot be explored in a single day. The Padmavati temple on the fort can accommodate around 50 people. Water tanks provide fresh water all throughout the year. Villagers from the foothills of Rajgad sell local antiques and items to these tourists.

  • The Fort
  • Bale Killa, Rajgad
  • Ballekilla, Rajgad
  • Sanjivani Machi-view from Rajgad Mahadwar
  • Rajgad

See also
  • List of forts in Maharashtra

References
  1. Prof. A. R. Kulkarni (1 July 2008). "Rajgad: The first capital of Shivaji". Medieval Maratha Country. Diamond Publications. ISBN 978-81-8483-072-9.
  2. "Rajgarh Fort History". Travelomy. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
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