Monuments In India

Raigad Fort

Raigad fort is located in Sindhudrg district of Maharashtra and was constructed by Hiroji Indalkar.  In this fort Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj crowned in 1674 till his death in 1680.  During a short period of 6 years of his kingship, Maharashtra state attained a wide dignity, prosperity and power. Raigad is located at the distance of 210 kilometers from state capital Mumbai.  This fort is constructed in a large area and surrounded by the Hirakani in its western direction, Takmak in northern direction and Bhavani in the eastern direction.  To the fort, only one pathway is provisioned.  This was done according to Shivaji Maharaj that the approach to the fort must be difficult for a foe and easy for a friend. This fort was the main ruling point of Shivaji Maharaj.  Nearby area to the fort, there is a Chit Darwaza where Veer Mata Jeejabai’s Samadhi is present.  To this place, now a day a motorable road is made available for ease of tourists.

Construction

The fort was constructed on an uneven shaped rock hill.  This is one of the amazing facts in itself that how such a big monument is based on a hillock.   Entire plateau if presently occupied by various buildings and water reservoirs.  Two very high towers are erected behind the Ganga Sagar water reservoir.  These towers are constructed in Islamic style of architecture.  Right side of the entrance named Palkhi Darwaza a huge hall is constructed where the female members of royal family resided. Left portion of the fort was Durbar hall of Shivaji Maharaj.  In the middle of this hall, the throne of Shivaji Maharaj was placed.  At present in the Jagdeeshwar temple. The Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj is present which is self explanatory regarding bravery and courageous life of Shivaji Maharaj.  This fort is much more than a heritage building.  This is a pilgrimage as Swaraj Aandolan was started from this place by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

History

Shivaji captured this fort from Chandrarao in 1666 but that win was not stable for a long time.  During that time Shivaji was too younger to look after the administrative affairs. Renovation of this fort was done by Shivaji and the name also changed from Rairi to Raigad fort.  British east India Company took its eyes on Raigad Fort in 1765, they carried out and armed expedition to conquer the fort too and finally in 1818 a large bombardment was done by the British by cannons and the fort destroyed. In the earlier times, the fort premise was echoed by the musical waves of royal band all the time. A close construction of Nagarkhana and royal family rest house was done in this fort allowing a little whisper to be heard.  General public was allowed to enter in the Raj Sabha only through the Nagarkhana.

How to Reach

Raigad has the accessibility from all the ways of modern era transport.

By Air

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the nearest airport to reach this location.  Airport is located at 187 kilometers away from the fort. Various major cities of India as well as of abroad are well connected with this airport through regular flights. Taxies and buses are available from CSIA to the fort location.

By Rail

Nearest railway station to reach this fort is Vir Dasgaon.  This railway station is well linked from Mumbai and other major districts by express and local trains.

By Road

By road is the best way to reach this location.  Enroute is also full of adventurous location and good for visitors.  National highway No – 17 and other state highways with a vast network of link roads provide immense help and ease to reach this fort from anywhere in India. Raigad is located at 23 kilometers journey off the national highway No -1 7.  Pune is located at 150 kms approximately from fort

Accommodation

Though Raigad is not rich in terms of accommodation however, some budget hotels available in Raigad are listed as under:-

Prakruti Resorts

Kashid Village, P.O. Kashid, Murud - Janjira Road, District Raigad, MH

UK's Resort 

Ashtvinayak Mahad Phata, Old Mumbai - Pune Highway (NH4), Khopoli, Dist. Raigad, MH – 410203

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