Among the recent additions to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one entry from India created wave of joy among the history and heritage lovers, especially in Maharashtra. The entry of “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” was a long standing demand by history lovers. It was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list in 2021, and in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2025.
Because of peculiar topography; mix of tall hills, huge plains and coastal regions; Maharashtra has had different kind of forts being built up. The structures and architectural designs of these forts have differed depending upon their region and location, whether these are on the plains, coastal areas, hilly terrain or in the dense forests. The forts in the region were constructed for a long time, by different dynasties. These include Kadambas, Chalukyas, Yadavas, Siddis, Marathas, Europeans (British, Portuguese), Afghans, Bahmanis, Gonds in Berar and sultanates of Ahmednagar, Bijapur and Berar. While excavation at some forts have revealed Satvahana and Rashtrakuta era relics and sculptures, we find no literary or epigraphical evidence that suggests Satvahanas of Rashtrakutas having built any forts.
While all different dynasties built forts, Marathas used them most strategically and intensively. The Marathas gave tremendous importance to forts as they were their strongest defence against marauding invaders. Due to the inherent hilly terrain of the Sahyadri range, most of their forts belonged to the ‘hill’ category. These forts protected the army and the wealth of the kings and housed virtually an entire village inside the fort.
Maharashtra has more than 390 forts, out of which only 11 forts were selected for this list along with one fort in Tamil Nadu. These forts span across the diverse topographies of the Sahyadri Range, Deccan Plateau, Konkan Coast, and the Eastern Ghats. The list contains 12 forts that were occupied and developed by the Maratha rulers between the 17th and 19th-century. These include Salher, Shivneri Fort, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg Fort, Sindhudurg Fort, all located in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Spread across various geographical terrains, these forts showcase the military prowess of the Maratha rule.
1. Salher Fort
Salher fort is located in the Satana district of Nashik district. Salher is the highest fort in Maharashtra, and second highest peak after Kalsubai. The fort is strategically located, overlooking the Baglan or Bagul region. Bagul was a small kingdom that existed between 1308 to 1619. During the rule of Chatrapati Shivaji Raje, Baglan was a territory of major importance because of its proximity to the then flourishing and rich mughal market city of Surat. Maratha’s were aware of this and used it to their advantage by capturing the area from Mughals and later on mounting a loot on Surat thrice.The forts of Salher and Mulher in Baglan Tehsil were used as halting and storage points during Marathas march back to home after looting Surat.Salher fort is located in the Satana district of Nashik district. Salher is the highest fort in Maharashtra, and second highest peak after Kalsubai. The fort is strategically located, overlooking the Baglan or Bagul region. Bagul was a small kingdom that existed between 1308 to 1619. During the rule of Chatrapati Shivaji Raje, Baglan was a territory of major importance because of its proximity to the then flourishing and rich mughal market city of Surat. Maratha’s were aware of this and used it to their advantage by capturing the area from Mughals and later on mounting a loot on Surat thrice.
The Salher fort; along with other forts nearby namely Nhavigad, Tambolya hill, mangi-Tungi, Salota, Hargad, Mulher and Mora; was also very strategic military base, that was used to keep a watch on the prominent trade route of Surat-Burhanpur. The fort; along with neighboring Mulher fort; was used as halting and storage points during Marathas march back to home after looting Surat.
In the year 1672, a fierce battle was fought here between Marathas and Mughals. After Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Agra post the Purandar Treaty, Marathas started quest to recapture the forts that were handed over to Mughals as part of the treaty of Purandar. The years after 1670 saw dramatic rise in the power of Marathas. Along with the area that was lost in treaty, Marathas also undertook campaigns to win over other regions and forts controlled by Mughals. As part of one of these campaigns, Shivaji maharaj ordered his commanders Peshwa Moropant Pingle, Prataprao Gujar and Anandrao to reclaim the fort. A fierce battle was fought between two armies, and the result was a decisive victory for the Marathas. This battle is considered particularly significant as it is the first pitched battle where the Mughal Empire lost to the Marathas.
2. Shivneri Fort
Shivneri fort is located near Junnar (referred as Jirnanagara in epigraphical records) in Pune district. The fort is widely known for being the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The earliest records about the fort are found talking about the fort being in possession of Yadavas of Devgiri. This fort was mainly used to guard the old trading route from Desh (a region adjacent to the Western Ghats between the Godavari River and Krishna River, a part of Deccan Plateau, in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka) to the port city of Kalyan.
The fort was probably constructed, in its earliest form, by the Satvahanas. The existence of 68 Buddhist caves around the fort substantiates this claim. Over the centuries, the fort saw the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Yadavas, Bahmanis, and Nizam Shahis, before becoming a pivotal site during the era of the Marathas. In 1443, Bahmani Sultanate defeated Yadavas and took control of the fort. In the year 1446, Nizam Shahi dynasty was formed, with their capital at Shivneri fort. The capital was later shifted to Ahmednagar (now called as Ahilyanagar) in the year 1493.
Shivneri Fort came under the control of Maloji Bhosale in 1595 as part of a jagir (feudal estate) granted to him by the Ahmednagar Sultanate. This was a significant moment in the history of the Bhosale family and set the stage for the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was later born in the fort. When Maloji Raje came to know that his daughter in law Jijabai (Chhatrapati Shivaji’s mother) was pregnant, she was moved to Shivneri fort to keep her safe. Shivaji Maharaj was born in Shivneri Fort on February 19, 1630. The future founder of the Maratha Empire spent his early years within the fort before leaving with his mother in 1632.
Along with the 68 Buddhist caves, the fort also has a temple of Bhavani in the form of Shivai. The cave temple of Lenyadri, dedicated to Ganesha ; and Bhimashankar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas; are also situated nearby the fort. Local folklores talk about Shiva residing in Bhimashankar, along with Parvati at Shivneri and Ganesha at Lenyadri.
The Shivneri fort is often revered as a temple, because it is birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. And the inclusion of this temple of Maratha Samrajya in UNESCO World Heritage site is definitely a moment of pride.
3. Lohagad Fort
Lohagad fort is situated in the hill ranges near Lonawala, behind the small village named Bhaje (Famous for the Buddhist caves from 1st century BCE known as Bhaje caves). Situated at an height of close to 3500 ft, the fort is known for its unbreakable fortification. Lohagad literally means “iron fort”. And the unbreakable fortification indeed proves the name appropriate.
Some sources, including the Maharashtra government sources, attribute the construction of this fort to 10th century Lohtamia dynasty. The confusion might have arose because of the similarity in the name Lohagad and Lohtamia. However, it seems unlikely that a dynasty that ruled in the Gangetic plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh may have built a fort 100s of km away from their kingdom. Sone folklores also connect the fort to a saint named Lomas. It is said that the saint used to live in a small cave situated at the top of the fort. And the fort came to be known as Lohagad because of the saint Lomas. In all likelihood, the forts might have been constructed by Rashtrakutas or Yadavas. The region held prominence much before the fort was built. This is established by the existence of major Buddhist caves like Bhaje, Bedse and Karla; and multiple small Buddhist and Jain caves in the regions, all dating between 2nd century BCE to 4th century AD.
The forts of Lohagad, Visapur and Rajmachi in the Lonawala region were strategically made to keep watch on and control the Bor Ghat or Bor pass. The pass connected the Deccan Platue (present day Pune) to the ancient ports like Sopara and Kalyan (mentionedin the book Periplus of the Erythraean Sea). The fort was under control of different dyansties including Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Yadavas, Bahamanis,Nizam and Mughals; before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648. He had to hand over the fort to Mughals in 1665, as part of the treaty of Purandar. The fort was recaptured by Marathas in the year 1670, and then remained with them till 1818. Lohagad Fort was made a sub-divisional headquarters and treasury in 1670 when the Marathas seized the fort from the Mughuls after a surprise attack. In late 17th century. Nana Fadnavis sent all his treasure to the fort. The fort was used largely as storage place for treasury. Considering the indestructible defense system if the fort made it the ideal place for treasury storage.
The hike around the fort also provides a very scenic view, with the view of Pawna lake and nearby forts of Visapur, Tung and Tikona. The region has provided patronage to Buddhist monks and travelers for centuries, and the Bhaje and Bedse caves could have been excavated only with the protection from the Lohagad fort.
4. Khanderi
The Khanderi fort is situated on Khanderi Island (now named as Kanhoji Angre Island) in the arabian sea, around 20 km south of Mumbai. The island came under the rule of Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1679, and he ordered building of a fort here. On orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the construction of fort here took place under the overlook of Mayaji Bhatkar. This talks about the long term vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
In early Modern India, significant Muslim powers such as the Mughal Empire had paid less attention to building the naval arm of their military forces. This scenario changed, however, when the Portuguese arrived in India and started monopolizing and controlling trade on the western coast of the continent. Shivaji Maharaj realized the importance of a strong navy. He started to build his navy sbsequently, starting with the first Maratha naval vessel in a creek near Kalyan around 1654.
The sea along the western lands was mostly controlled by the Siddi of Murud Janjira and Kolis (local fishermen community). It was necessary to have forts along the coast, to keep Siddi in control. Shivaji Maharaj took up the task of constructing multiple naval bases along the coast of present-day Maharashtra. He organized two fleets – one under the command of Admiral Maynak Bhandari and the other under Dαulat Khan. The Maratha Navy consisted mostly of native Konkani sailors; however, it was commanded mostly by mercenaries, including Siddi and Portuguese. By 1659, the Maratha Navy consisted of around 20 warships. In 1679, Shivaji Maharaj annexed the island of Khanderi. In response the English and the Siddi repeatedly attacked the island, but they were unable to oust the Maratha from the islands.
In 1674, the year of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation, the Portuguese at Goa acknowledged the Maratha naval power and sent their emissary to Shivaji with gifts; they signed a treaty of friendship. Around this time, the Maratha Navy’s strength was around 5,000 men and 57 warships.
In 1813 Manaji Angre handed over the fort to Peshve in return of the support given against Baburao. The fort was subsequently ceded in 1818 to the forces of the British East India company at Bombay as part of the Peshwa territory. Most of the fort is still intact, with the most prominent structure being a lighthouse built by the British in June 1867 and the two storey building upon which the lighthouse is located. Today, the fort falls in a restricted area and is controlled by Indian Navy.
The fort of Khanderi stands as a testimony of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s vision and strong navy. And the inclusion of the fort in UNESCO World Heritage is a salute to the naval power of Marathas.
5. Raigad Fort
Raigad for is said to be one of the strongest forts in the Deccan plateau. The fort is where coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj happened, and the fort was the capital of Maratha kingdom, until 1697, when Rajaram Maharaj, the younger son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, shifted the capital back to Rajgad fort.
The initial construction of the fort was carried out by Chandraraoji More, a feudal lord who controlled the region of Jawali in the Western Ghats. In 1656 CE, Shivaji Maharaj defeated Chandraraoji in battle and acquired the hilltop bastion that was known as ‘Rairi’ at the time. Shivaji Maharaj expanded and renovated the fort significantly, before renaming it as ‘Raigad’ or the ‘royal fort.’ Encircled by deep valleys on three sides, the fort could only be accessed through a steep pathway at the front. Considering the strategic location and imposing size of the fort, Shivaji Maharaj decided to make Raigad his capital. In 1674 CE, the Rajyabhishek or coronation of Shivaji Maharaj took place at this fort and it was here that he adopted the title of ‘Chhatrapati.’ This event is considered to be a significant development in Indian history because the coronation was not authorized by the Mughal emperor and made a bold statement against Mughal rule.
Fifteen years later, the control of Raigad once again changed hands. At the Battle of Raigad in 1689 CE, the Mughal general Zulfiquar Khan attacked the fort and defeated the forces of Rajaram Bhonsle I, the third Chhatrapati of the Marathas. Thereafter, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb renamed the fort as ‘Islamgarh.’ However, by 1707 CE, Fateh Khan – the Peshwa or regent of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, captured the fort and controlled it for the next two decades. At this point, the Marathas managed to wrest away the fort again and retained it till 1813 CE. Meanwhile, the British too, had set their sights on this virtually impenetrable hill fortress. They first targeted the area in 1765 CE but it was not until 1818 CE that they were finally able to take over the fort, after bombarding it with cannons. The British proceeded to pillage and largely destroy the fort after taking over. They referred to Raigad as “the Gibraltar of the East,” comparing its steep, inaccessible and solid nature to the famous monolithic rock formation near the Mediterranean Sea.
The main palace was constructed using wood, of which only the base pillars remain. The main fort ruins consist of the queen’s quarters, and six chambers, with each chamber having its private restroom. The chambers do not have any windows. In addition, ruins of three watch towers can be seen directly in front of the palace grounds out of which only two remain as the third one was destroyed during a bombardment. The fort also overlooks an artificial lake known as the Ganga Sagar Lake.
The king’s court, inside the Raigad Fort, now has a replica of the original throne that faces the main doorway called the Nagarkhana Darwaja. It was here where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajabhishek took place. This enclosure had been acoustically designed to aid hearing from the doorway to the throne. The fort also has temple of Jagadishwar, where Shivaji Maharaj used to pray daily, whenever he was at the Raigad fort. In front of the temple is the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is the place where his cremation took place, after he passed away in 1680.
The fort has many stories assoiciated with it, most noteworthy of them being that of Hirkani. A milkmaid named as Hirakani from a nearby village had come to sell milk to the people living at the fort. She happened to be inside the fort when the gates got closed and locked at sunset. She had left her infant behind at her home. The anxious mother couldn’t wait till dawn. Worrying about the infant who was alone and hungry, she courageously climbed down the steep cliff in pitch darkness all for the love of her little one. When Chhatrapati Shivaji got to know about this, he called upon Hirkani and asked about the incident. She later repeated this extraordinary feat in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji and was rewarded for her bravery. Noticing that this was a potential loophole, Shivaji Maharaj built a bastion over the cliff and named it after the milkmaid as Hirakani Buruj.
6. Rajgad fort
Rajgad fort is situated in the Pune district, at around 60 km south-west of Pune. When Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj captured the fort of Torna (earlier known as Prachandgad) in the year 1646, at the age of just 16, he laid eyes on a giant hill in front of the fort. The hill was known as Murumbdev at that time, and had a little bit for fortification. Shivaji Maharaj repaired the fortification, using the treasure they had discovered on Torna fort. The repairs were completed in the year 1649, and the repaired fort was named as Rajgad (literally meaning the king of forts or the fort of the king) in 1654. Rajgad fort served as capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji for 26 years, before the capital was shifted to Raigad.
Further constructions were done on the fort in the years 1662 and 1671. Shivaji Maharaj’s son Rajaram Maharaj was born on the fort in 1670. Rajaram Maharaj later made Rajgad fort capital of Maratha kingdom in the year 1697. The fort remained capital of the kingdom till 1707, when the kingdom got divided in two and the capitals were shifted to Satara and Kolhapur by the decedents.
Rajgad Fort stands as a masterpiece of medieval architecture, spanning an impressive 40 kilometers in base diameter and rising 1,376 meters above sea level. This historic stronghold is divided into distinct sections, each playing a crucial role in its strategic defense and administration. At the heart of the fort lies Padmavati Machi, which once served as Shivaji Maharaj’s residence. This section houses the Padmavati Temple, the Padmavati Lake, and the ruins of ancient palaces, reflecting the grandeur of its past. Additionally, it functioned as an important military post, making it the nerve center of the fort. To the west, Sanjivani Machi showcases brilliant military engineering with its three-layered fortification, designed to withstand enemy invasions. This structure highlights the tactical genius of the Marathas, ensuring multiple defensive lines against attackers. Suvela Machi, on the eastern side, is renowned for its narrow ridge and stunning panoramic views. One of its unique features is the Nedhe (Elephant Hole)—a naturally formed rock cavity that adds to the fort’s architectural marvels. Dominating the landscape is the Balekilla (Citadel), the highest point of Rajgad. This area offers a breathtaking vantage point over the Sahyadri mountain range and houses the remnants of the royal quarters, where crucial decisions of the Maratha empire were once made.
There is a story that is commonly told about the fort. When Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan at Pratapgad fort, and Afzal Khan was killed there, it is said that Shivaji Maharaj beheaded Afzal Khan and sent his head to Rajgad fort. This is because Afzal Khan had killed his father Shahaji Maharaj, and his mother Jijabai had pledged vengeance for that. Shivaji Maharaj fulfilled this pledge and wanted his mother to see. The head was then buried at the entry gate of the bastion (bale killa).
It is also said that the fort had 34 entry and exit points at one point of time. Because it was time of wars and political uncertainty, Shivaji Maharaj had to make sure that there were multiple exit points for emergency evacuation. Today, very few of these exit points can be seen at the fort.
7. Pratapgad fort
Pratapgad fort is situated in Satara district, at a distance of around 24 km from popular hillstation of Mahabaleshwar. The fort’s historical significance is due to the Battle of Pratapgad, which took place here on 10 November 1659, between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj assigned Moropant Trimbak Pingle, his prime minister, to undertake the construction of this fort in order to defend the banks of the Nira and the Koyna rivers, and to defend the Par pass. It was completed in 1656. This construction proved to be very advantageous when Bijapur Adil Shahi general Afzal Khan marched to end the Maratha kingdom.
In response to Chhatrapati Shivaji’s incursions and fort captures, Ali Adil shah, ruler of the Sultanate of Bijapur, appointed Afzal Khan with 10,000 horsemen to confront him. Despite initial reluctance from other generals, Afzal Khan had volunteered for the mission, demonstrating his confidence in subduing Shivaji Maharaj. Notable noblemen and soldiers, including Ambar Khan, Yakut Khan, and Musa Khan, were assigned to serve under Afzal Khan’s leadership. This appointment marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Shivaji and the Sultanate of Bijapur.
Afzal Khan departed from Bijapur around May 1659 on a campaign against Chhatrapati Shivaji. While enroute to Wai, conflicting accounts suggest that he desecrated the idol of Bhavani at Tuljapur and the idol of Vithoba at Pandharpur. These acts of vandalism aimed to humiliate Shivaji Maharaj. Knowing that Pratapgad would offer better protection than the Rajgad fort, Shivaji Maharaj moved to Pratapgad fort. As Shivaji Maharaj moved to Pratapgad fort, Afzal Khan set up his base at Wai, the entry point to the hill ranges that contained the Pratapgad fort. Also, Afzal Khan’s possession of the Wai Pargana since 1649 likely influenced his decision to use Wai as a base for his operations. . Afzal Khan’s arrival at Wai marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Sultanate of Bijapur, leading to a pivotal confrontation between the two adversaries.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj knew that it is not easy to win over Afzal Khan’s army in face to face combat, on the plain terrain around Wai. Shivaji Maharaj opened the doors of diplomacy and sent a messenger to Afzal Khan’s camp. For some time, the messengers from both camps kept exchanging messages and Shivaji Maharaj created an impression that he is afraid of Afzal Khan and is ready to surrender. However, he insisted that Afzal Khan should come to Pratapgad fort, where Shivaji Maharaj would like to welcome and host him before he surrenders. Blinded by this fake impression and sense of inflated self pride, Afzal Khan was unaware of what was waiting for him in the dense forests of Jawli, that he and his army has to cross to reach Pratapgad.
When Afzal Khan reached Pratapagad fort, few rounds of diplomatic discussions took place in both sides. On the 10th of November 1659, Chhatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan met alone with just their envoys and bodyguards near the Fort of Pratapgarh. During the embrace between both men, Afzal Khan grabbed Shivaji Maharaj and tried to stab him in the back with a dagger. This attack failed as Shivaji Maharaj anticipated this and had worn armour underneath his clothes. Shivaji Maharaj then went on to use his Bagh Nakh (Tiger Claws) to stab Afzal Khan in the guts, which resulted in the Afzal Khan’s death.
Following the demise of Afzal Khan, a signal was given from the Pratapgad Fort. In response to this signal, 10,000 Maratha soldiers hiding in the forests ambushed the Adilshah army at Jawali. The mountainous terrain favoured the Maratha infantry, rendering the Adilshah cavalry ineffective.
As a result, Afzal Khans surviving commanders escaped with the remainder of the army and sought refuge in Wai. Adilshahi forces lost their artillery, 65 elephants, 4000 horses, 1200 camels, jewels worth 300,000 Rupees, 1,000,000 Rupees, heaps of precious cloths, tents to the Marathas. They also lost their money and grain stored at Wai. 5,000 Adilshahi soldiers were killed and almost as many were wounded. 3,000 soldiers were imprisoned, and the remainder were allowed to go home in defeat. The Marathas lost 1,734 soldiers, while 420 soldiers were wounded. As it was policy of Shivaji Maharaj to humanely treat the defeated army, neither the men nor women were sold as slaves or molested. Wounded commanders were offered treatment deserving of their rank and either imprisoned or sent back to Bijapur.
Pratapgad continued to be part of military conflicts and regional politics, until it became part of the British empire in the year 1818. Today, the fort is a popular tourist spot, because of its proximity to the popular tourist destination of Mahabaleshwar. Lot of repairs and reconstructions have been done on the fort multiple times in independent India. The fort is visited by many students and tourists.
8. Suvarnadurg Fort
Suvarnadurg is a sea fort is situated near Dapoli, in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Harnai is a prominent and hisotorical port, any multiple forts were constructed to safeguard and watch over the port and surrounding regions. The chain of forts surrounding the port includes Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurga, Gova fort and Fattegad.
Suvarnadurga (literally meaning “The Golden Fortress”) fort was probably built during the Shilahar dynasty. It was captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 by defeating Ali Adil Shah. Shivaji Maharaj later rebuilt and strengthened the fort. With an area of eight acres on a low irregular island, about a quarter of a mile from the shore, surrounded by a very high wall, Suvarnadurg is perhaps the most striking of the Ratnagiri coast forts.
Suvarnadurg is most commonly known for its association with Kanhoji Angre, former Admiral of the Maratha Navy. Kanhoji’s father Tukoji Angre was in service of Shivaji Maharaj and was posted at the Suvarnadurg fort. Kanhoji was born on the fort, and was seeing navy activities since his childhood. At the age of 18, Kanhoji captured the Killedar (commander of the fort) and took control of the fort. When this news reached Chhatrapati Sambhaji, he appointed him Killedar of the fort. With his growing influence in the region, and after the death of admiral Sidhoji Gujar in 1698; Kanhoji Angre was made the Sarkhel or Darya Sarang (Admiral) by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara.
In 1696, the fort of Suvarnadurg became the station of Kanhoji Angre’s fleet. And with his increasing influence in the coastal regions, Shahu Maharaj officially handed over the region to Kanhoji Angre in the year 1713. Kanhoji became known for attacking and capturing Europeans and East India company officers and collecting jakat (known to locals as taxes) from them. British, Dutch, and Portuguese ships often fell victims to these raids. Kanhoji’s naval prowess in capturing dozens of European trading ships and avoiding capture has led to many historians to appraise Kanhoji as the most skilled Indian navy chief in the maritime history of India. Realizing the power of Kanhoji Angre and Maratha navy, Portuguese signed a treaty with Maratha Navy.
After demise of Kanhoji, his son Tulaji took over the fort, along with all other forts by the coast. Suvarnadurg became the seat of his power. With rising differences between Peshwas (the Prime Minister of Marathas) and Angre, Peshwas attacked the fort with the help of British. On 12 April 1755, British Commodore William James captured the fort and formally handed it over to the Peshwas. In 1802, Bajirav Peshwa II, under attack by the Holkars, was trying to take refuge in this fort but had to flee to Vasai as he was chased to the fort by the Holkars. In 1818, Captain William, leading a British force, attacked the fort and took full control of it on 4 December 1818. Soon thereafter the other forts also came under British control.
The fort of Suvarnadurg stands tall, as testimony of the Naval strength of Marathas, that became the foundation stone for the naval power of India in later era.
9. Panhala Fort
Panhala fort is located in Panhala village, at around 20 km from Kolhapur. It is strategically located looking over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range which was a major trade route from Bijapur to the coastal areas. Panahala fort was built between 1178 and 1209 CE by the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II. Panhala is one of the 5 forts (others including Bavda, Bhudargad, Satara, and Vishalgad) built by Bhoj II. A copper plate found in Satara shows that Raja Bhoja held court at Panhala from 1191–1192 CE. About 1209–10, Bhoja Raja was defeated by Singhana (1209–1247), the most powerful of the Devgiri Yadavas, and the fort subsequently passed into the hands of the Yadavas. Apparently it was not well looked after and it passed through several local chiefs. In 1376 inscriptions record the settlement of Nabhapur to the south-east of the fort.
For many decades, it ramained as an outpost of Bahmanis of Bidar. On the establishment of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur in 1489, Panhala came under Bijapur and was fortified extensively. Numerous inscriptions in the fort refer to the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shah, probably Ibrahim I (1534–1557). In 1659, after the death of the Bijapur general Afzal Khan, in the ensuing confusion Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took Panhala from Bijapur.
The Panhala fort is prominently associated with the event of Shivaji Maharaj’s courageous escape from the seige of Siddi Jauhar at the Panhala fort. In May 1660, to win back the fort from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Adil Shah II (1656–1672) of Bijapur sent his army under the command of Siddi Johar to lay siege to Panhala. The Maratha army fought back and Siddi Johar could not take the fort. The siege continued for 5 months, at the end of which all provisions in the fort were exhausted and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was on the verge of being captured.
Under these circumstances, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided that escape was the only option. He gathered a small number of soldiers along with his trusted commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande and, on 13 July 1660, they escaped in the dead of night to flee to Vishalgad. Baji Prabhu and a barber, Shiva Kashid, who looked like Shivaji, kept the enemy engaged, giving them an impression that Shiva Kashid was actually Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In the ensuing battle (see Battle of Pavan Khind), almost three quarters of the one thousand strong force died, including Baji Prabhu himself. The fort eventually went to Adil Shah. After death of Adil Shah in 1672, Shiva Maharaj again won the fort in the year 1673.
Panhala is also associated with history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj. Sambhaji Maharaj was on Panhala fort in the year 1678. There are different theories about the reason behind his being on Panhala, ranging from weather change, learning administration to punishment. He escaped from here along with his wife, on 13 December 1678, and attacked Bhupalgad. He returned to Panhala, however, on 4 December 1679 to reconcile with Shivaji Maharaj, just before Shivaji Maharaj’s death on 4 April 1680.
After Shivaji Maharaj’s death, Sambhaji Maharaj was able to convince the garrison at Panhala; to join him in overthrowing his stepbrother Rajaram I; thus becoming the Chhatrapati (king) of the Maratha Empire. In 1689, when Sambhaji Maharaj was imprisoned by Aurangzeb’s general Mukkarab Khan at Sangameshwar, the Mughals came to possess the fort. However, it was re-captured in 1692 by Kashi Ranganath Sarpotdar under the guidance of Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi a Maratha garrison commander of the fort of Vishalgad. In 1701 Panhala finally surrendered to Aurangzeb, who came for it in person.
In 1693, Aurangzeb attacked it again. This led to another long siege in which Rajaram escaped disguised as a beggar to Gingee Fort, leaving his 14-year-old wife Tarabai Ranisaheb in Panhala. As Aurangzeb pursued Rajaram, Tarabai Ranisaheb would stay at Panhala for almost five years before meeting her husband again. During this formative period of her life, Tarabai Ranisaheb looked after the administration of the fort, resolved disputes, and gained the respect of the people. In 1700, Rajaram, died leaving behind a 12-year-old son—Shivaji II—by his wife Tarabai. In 1705, Tarabai asserted her autonomy by founding an independent dynasty in the name of her son Shivaji II and ruling it as regent with Panhala as her headquarters.
In 1782, the seat of the Kolhapur government was moved from Panhala to Kolhapur. In 1827, under Shahaji, Panhala and its neighboring fort Pavangad were given over to the British Raj. In 1844, Panhala and Pavangad were taken by rebels who seized Colonel Ovans, the Resident of Satara, when he was on tour and imprisoned him in Panhala. A British force under General Delamotte was sent against the rebels and on 1 December 1844 breached the fort wall, took it by storm and dismantled the fortifications. Thereafter, a British garrison was always left to guard the fort. The administration of the fort remained with Kolhapur until 1947.
It is one of the largest forts in the Deccan, with a perimeter of 14 km and 110 lookout posts. It is 845 m (2,772 ft) above sea level. Numerous tunnels stretch out from underneath the fort, one of which is almost 1 km long. Today, the fort houses multiple buildings and monuments. Many houses in the village of Panhala, are housed on the fort.
10. Vijaydurg Fort
Vijaydurg (sometimes written as Viziadurg), the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast. Like Panhala, this fort was also constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty (construction period 1193-1205). It was later restructured by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Earlier, the fort encompassed an area of 5 acres and was surrounded by sea on all four sides. Over the years the eastern trench was reclaimed and a road constructed thereon. Presently the area of fort is about 17 acres and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Vijaydurg Fort was called the “Eastern Gibraltar”, as it was virtually impregnable. Its locational advantages include the 40 km long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek. Large vessels cannot enter the shallow water of this creek. Also, Maratha warships could be anchored in this creek and yet remain invisible from the sea.
The for was earlier called as Gheria, because of its proximity to the village of Giraye. Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from Adil Shah in 1653 and renamed it as Vijaydurg (lit meaning the victory fortress). After death of Maratha navy admiral Kanhoji Angre, there was a struggle for the throne between his two sons Manaji and Tulaji. This created two spheres of influence, Manaji in the north at Kulaba and Tulaji in the south at Vijaydurg. Tulaji Angre was favored by Shahu and was appointed as Sarkhel (Admiral) of the Maratha Navy.
Tulaji was a brave naval warrior. But the Peshwas were against Tulaji. This was because Tulaji refused to admit the Peshwa as his superior, maintaining that both were equal servants of the Chhatrapati. He refused to pay revenue contribution and even annoyed the Peshwa by raiding his territory. After death of Shahu Maharaj of Satara, Nanasaheb Peshwa sought assistance of the English at Bombay to end Tulaji’s reign. A treaty was signed according to which a ground force under command of the Peshwa and a naval force under command of the Company would attack and destroy Tulaji. Among other articles, the treaty provided that Fort Vijaydurg, when captured, would be given to the Peshwa.
After the fall of Suvarnadurg and all other forts of the Angre, Vijaydurg was the only fort left under the command of Tulaji. In 1756, a large force under Admiral Watson converged on Vijaydurg. Tulaji, meanwhile had left the fort and gone to the Peshwa’s camp seeking a negotiation but was promptly arrested and sent to one of the inland forts as a prisoner. The garrison was asked to surrender and in the absence of any response British officers landed his marines on 11 February 1756, entered and captured the fort.
The battle of Vijaydurg marks the end of the Maratha Navy as a potent force. The Maratha Admiral Dhulap captured some ships later. The Sawants of Sawantwadi, the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur and the Gaikwads of Baroda, all had a few ships. But the command of the seas, for all practical purposes had passed to the Company permanently.
11. Sindhudurg fort
Sindhudurg fort was commissioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a small island named Khurte island. The fort’s foundation stone was laid on 25 November 1664. Construction was supervised by Hiroji Indulkar who took assistance from Portuguese engineers of Goa. The fort’s main objective was to counter the rising influence of English, Dutch, French and Portuguese merchants in the Konkan coast, and to curb the rise of Siddhis of Janjira.
The history of Sindhudurga is closely intertwined with the power struggles that took place along the western coast of India. In the 16th century, Portuguese forces established their dominance in the region, posing a challenge to the local rulers. However, in 1675, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj successfully reclaimed the district from the Sultan and incorporated it into the Maratha Empire. The Marathas governed Sindhudurga until 1817, when the British defeated the Peshwas and gained control over the entire Konkan region.
After India gained independence in 1947, Sindhudurga became a part of Bombay State and has remained a part of Maharashtra since 1960. The name Sindhudurga derives from the magnificent sea fort constructed by Shivaji Maharaj near Malvan. Built between 1664 and 1667, this fort was strategically designed to remain hidden from enemy ships approaching from the Arabian Sea.
The fort stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, reflecting both strategic brilliance and architectural resilience. Spanning an area of 48 acres, its imposing ramparts rise 30 feet high and measure 12 feet thick, designed to withstand powerful invasions as well as the relentless onslaught of the Arabian Sea. One of the most ingenious features of the fort is its camouflaged entrance, strategically hidden to mislead enemies, adding an extra layer of defense. This architectural mastery ensured that intruders found it nearly impossible to breach its stronghold. The fort is also equipped with multiple bastions, each fitted with cannons that provided a 360-degree line of defense, allowing the inhabitants to safeguard their territory from every direction.
The fort houses a rare temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, honoring the legendary warrior-king. Alongside this, there are also shrines devoted to Hanuman, Bhavani, and Mahadeo, reflecting the deep-rooted faith of the Marathas. These temples not only served as places of worship but also strengthened the morale of the warriors who defended the fort. Today, this engineering marvel continues to captivate visitors with its historical grandeur, standing as a proud testament to the ingenuity and strength of its creators.
12. Gingee Fort
Gingee Fort or Senji Fort is the only fort from outside Maharashtra, that is part of this UNESCO World Heritage list. It lies in Villupuram District of Tamulnadu, 160 kilometres from the state capital, Chennai, and is close to the Union Territory of Puducherry. The site is so fortified that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha king, ranked it as the “most impregnable fortress in India”, and it was called the “Troy of the East” by the British.
Originally built by Ananta Kon around 1190 AD and later fortified by Krishna Kon in the 13th century to elevate it to the status of an unbreachable citadel to protect the town of Gingee by kottailinga kurumbar king. It was also the headquarters domination in northern Tamil Nadu. The fort was built as a strategic place of fending off any invading armies. The fort was won for Swarajya by Subedar Harji Rajemahadik for the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji in 1677 AD. It was then conquered by the Bijapur sultans, the Moghuls, the Carnatic Nawabs, the French and finally the British in 1761.
Originally the site of a small fort built by the Chola dynasty during the 9th century AD, Gingee Fort was modified and developed by Kurumbar kings (1310-1320AD) while fighting the Cholas and again by the Vijayanagar empire during the 13th century. It was further strengthened by the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj in 1677 AD. He recaptured it from the Bijapur sultans who had originally taken control of the fort from the Marathas. During Aurangzeb’s campaign in the Deccan, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s second son who had assumed the throne, Rajaram Maharaj, escaped to Jinji (Gingee) and continued the fight with Moghuls from Ginjee. The fort was the seat of the Maratha Empire for a few months. The Moghuls could not capture the fort for seven years in spite of laying siege. The fort was finally captured in 1698, but not before Rajaram Maharaj escaped.
The Gingee Fort complex is on three hillocks: Krishnagiri to the north, Rajagiri to the west and Chandrayandurg to the southeast. The three hills together constitute a fort complex, yet each hill contains a separate and self-contained citadel.
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