Sindhudurg Fort

Sindhudurg Fort (Marathi सिंधुदुर्ग किल्ला) is a historical fort that occupies an islet in the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Maharashtra in Western India. The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fortress lies on the shore of Malvan town of Sindhudurg District in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, 450 kilometres (280 mi) south of Mumbai.[1] It is a protected monument.[2]

Sindhudurg Fort
सिंधुदुर्ग किल्ला
Part of Maharashtra
Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
Sindhudurg fortress from the mainland.
Sindhudurg Fort
Coordinates16.043769°N 73.461416°E / 16.043769; 73.461416
TypeIsland
Site information
OwnerGovernment of India
Controlled by Maratha Empire
Government of India (1947-)
Open to
the public		Yes
Websitehttp://www.sindhudurg.nic.in/
Site history
Built1664 (1664)
Built byHirojee Indalkar (Chief Architect)

History

Sindhudurg island-fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century ruler of Maratha Empire.[3] Its main objective was to counter the rising influence of foreign colonizers (English, Dutch, French and Portuguese merchants) and to curb the rise of Siddis of Janjira[4] . Construction was supervised by Hiroji Indulkar in 1664. The fort was built on a small island known as the Khurte island.

Structural details

The Great Shivaji Maharaj brought 200 Vaddera people for building this fort. Over 4,000 pounds of lead were used in the casting and foundation stones were firmly laid down. Construction started on 25 November 1664. Built over a period of three years (1664-1667), the sea fort is spread over 48 acres, with a two-mile (3 km) long rampart, and walls that are 30 feet (9.1 m) high and 12 feet (3.7 m) thick. The massive walls were designed to serve as a deterrent to approaching enemies and to the waves and tides of the Arabian Sea. The main entrance is concealed in such a way that no one can pinpoint it from outside.

At a time when traveling by sea was banned by scriptures, this construction on an island represents the revolutionary mindset of its engineer. A remain of an iron mould can be seen.

Permanent residents

The number of permanent residents staying in the fort has been in decline since the fort's abandonment. Most of the residents moved out because of inadequate employment opportunities, but over 15 families remain in the fort. The fort is closed for tourists during rainy season due to the high tides in the sea.

  • Detail of Sindhudurg fort wall
  • West side of fort showing a small beach and a door in the wall for beach access
  • The Concealed Main Entrance Gate to The Fort
  • The Main Entrance Gate to The Fort

See also

References
  1. "Sindhudurg Fort Location". Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  2. "List of the protected monuments of Mumbai Circle district-wise" (PDF).
  3. Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. p. 207. ISBN 978-9-38060-734-4.
  4. "Tour De Kokan : Explore Various Places & Information". Best Places to visit - Travel Information - Tour De Kokan.
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