Pratapgad

Picture Credit: Shreenath

This hill fort is the brainchild of the Maratha King Shivaji. He had a knack for military
architecture; Pratapgad is a fine example of that. It is true that it was impossible to capture this
fort given its complicated design. Along with its sturdy construction, the fort also enjoys a
commanding location on a spur in the Sahyadri Hills. Walking along the ramparts of the citadel,
you can capture the views of the undulating hills of Sahyadri. To the west and the north of the
fort are sheer precipices with a vertical fall of up to 250 m.
Location
Pratapgad is 21 km east of Mahabaleshwar, and 137 km southwest of Pune.
History
Shivaji built this fort around the end of the 17th century. He knew he needed a stronghold to
establish a dynasty. At that time Adil Shahis commanded this region. When their officer Afzal
Khan decided to capture the fort, Shivaji killed him in an encounter. It was this victory that led
to the naming of the fort as Pratapgad. It remained the bastion of the Marathas until 1818
when they had to surrender it to the British.

Raigad Fort

Picture Credit: Prasadfalke

Of all the hill forts associated with Shivaji, Raigad is the mightiest. Spread over a hill, that rises
2700 m above sea level, Raigad dominates the surrounding valley and the hilly terrain. There
are splendid views of Sahyadri Hills from the top of the fort. The sturdy ramparts are made up
of basalt blocks mined from the hill itself. Around the base, the length of the walls is about 40
km. Hence, it was almost impossible to lay siege around the fort. This massive fort is dotted
with the gateways, watch-towers, water bodies, and remains of quarters. Shivaji was cremated
here; the place is marked by a statue of Shivaji. A temple called Jagdishwar Mandir is near the
tomb.
Location
Raigad Fort is 82 km northwest of Mahabaleshwar, and 131 km southwest of Pune.
History
The original name of Raigad was Rairi and several dynasties had controlled this hill before it
landed in the hands of Shivaji. Adil Shahis of Bijapur had entrusted it to the Sidis of Janjira in
1636. And twenty years later, in 1656, Shivaji took it over. As expected he renovated and
expanded the citadel. He changed its name to Raigad from Rairi and established his capital
here. It was here that Shivaji was conferred with the title of Chhatrapati. After Shivaji the fort
was lost to Mughals in 1689. And it took more than four decades for Marathas to snatch it
back. And in 1818, the British took charge of it.

Shivneri

Picture Credit: Rahul Bagal

Shivneri Fort is the birthplace of Shivaji the founder of Maratha Dynasty. The fort is situated
near the town of Junnar in Pune District. The triangular hill is the site of the fortification.
Centuries before the kings reached this place, it was utilized by the Buddhist monks. There are
many caves on the eastern flank of the hill. To reach these caves, youll need to undertake a
tough trek. Otherwise you can opt for Rajmarg which has flights of steps to lead you to the
top. On your way youll cross seven defensive gates. Up there you get to see a two-storeyed
pavilion which is said to be the birth place of Shivaji. There is also small mosque called
Kamani Mosque.
Location
Shivneri is 95 km north of Pune, and 157 km east of Mumbai.
History
It is said that Yadavas established Shivneri and then lost it to Bahmanis. Maratha General
Shahji father of Shivaji was deputed here around the beginning of the 17th century. Jijabai
gave birth to Shivaji in 1627, but Shivaji had never stayed here in his adulthood. The fort came
under the control of Mughals in 1705. And in 1716, Marathas took charge of Shivneri until it
was lost to British in 1818.

Rajgad

Picture Credit: Umairsas

Rajgad is where Shivaji stayed longer than any other hillforts of Maharashtra. It straddles a
triple-pronged hill and its highest part is 4600 ft above sea-level. The only way to reach the fort
is by climbing up from a hamlet called Vajeghar. The climb takes about two hours and good
fitness level is needed. Many adventure seekers opt to stay overnight in the fort. A temple up
there can accommodate up to 50 people. The fort has ruins of granaries, residences, stores,
and reception halls. Climbing up further can take you to the inner fort called Bala Kila. It has
remains of the palaces and chambers.
Location
Rajgad is 66 km southwest of Pune, and 116 km north of Mahabaleshwar.
History
From late 15th century to early 17th century, Rajgad alternated between Nizam Shahis and
Adil Shahis. In 1646, Shivaji captured the nearby Torna Fort. With its treasure he strengthened
Rajgad which had also come under his control. From 1647 to 1659, Rajgad was Shivajis base.