Purandar Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra, India, due to its rich cultural heritage and strategic location. Located in the Western Ghats, this historic site has played an important role in the history of the Maratha Empire. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of Purandar Fort in detail.
History of Purandar Fort
The construction of Purandar Fort is said to have started during the reign of the Yadava dynasty, and it was later captured by the Bahmani Sultanate and then the Adil Shahi dynasty. However, the fort became a stronghold of the Maratha Empire during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In fact, Shivaji Maharaj used the fort as his residence during the rainy season in 1665.
During this period, the Mughal Empire was expanding its territories and was also in conflict with the Marathas. As a result, the Treaty of Purandar was signed between the two empires at Purandar Fort in 1665. The treaty led to the surrender of the fort to the Mughals, and Shivaji Maharaj had to surrender himself to the Mughals in Agra. However, he managed to escape from captivity and recaptured the fort in 1670. The fort was once again taken over by the Mughals in 1685, and it remained under their control until the British East India Company took over in 1818.
Architecture and Features of Purandar Fort
Purandar Fort is spread over a vast area and has two distinct levels, the upper fort and the lower fort. The upper fort is known as Balekilla, while the lower fort is called the Machi. The fort has several gates, including the Dilli Darwaza, the Kalyan Darwaza, and the Narayan Darwaza. The Dilli Darwaza is the main entrance to the fort and has an inscription in Persian that describes the construction of the fort during the reign of the Bahmani Sultanate.
The fort also has several temples, including the Purandeshwari Temple, the Sawai Madhavrao Temple, and the Mira Temple. The Purandeshwari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Purandeshwari, who is believed to be the patron deity of the fort. The Sawai Madhavrao Temple is dedicated to the Peshwa ruler, Sawai Madhavrao, who is said to have visited the fort during his reign. The Mira Temple is dedicated to the saint Mira Bai and is located on the lower fort.
The fort also has several water tanks, including the Talya Tank and the Dhondi Tank. The Dhondi Tank is located on the upper fort and is said to have been used by Shivaji Maharaj for his daily ablutions. In addition, the fort has a unique underground tunnel system that is said to have been used for communication and transportation during wartime.
Significance of Purandar Fort
Purandar Fort served as a strategic military base during the Maratha-Mughal wars. The fort's location on the top of a mountain made it difficult for enemies to attack, and the fort's architecture allowed for the easy movement of troops and weapons. The Treaty of Purandar, signed at the fort, marked a significant turning point in the history of the Maratha Empire. The treaty led to Shivaji Maharaj's surrender to the Mughals, which ultimately led to the formation of a strong Maratha Empire.
The fort has also played an important role in the cultural and social history of Maharashtra.The fort has been mentioned in several Marathi literary works, including the famous Marathi play, "Purandaracha Yogi" by Ram Ganesh Gadkari. The play is based on the life of the Maratha saint, Samarth Ramdas, who is said to have meditated at the fort. The fort is also associated with the Marathi festival of Holi, as it is believed that Shivaji Maharaj and his army used to celebrate Holi at the fort.
In recent years, the Maharashtra government has taken several steps to preserve and promote Purandar Fort. The fort has been declared a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The government has also undertaken several renovation projects to restore the fort's architecture and improve tourism facilities.
Purandar Fort is a significant part of Maratha history and a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural heritage. The fort's strategic location, unique architecture, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. With the government's efforts to preserve and promote the fort, Purandar Fort is sure to remain a popular tourist destination for years to come.
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