In yet another dubious private forest land diversion, over 60 hectares has been recently deforested off the Karnala Fort under Bhadbhuvan village, Uran, without prior permission of the Union govt.
About Karnala Fort:
Karnala Fort, also called Funnel Hill, is a historic hill fort located in Raigad District in Maharashtra.
Standing inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, it offers stunning views of the Sahyadris.
The fort overlooks the historic Bor Pass, a key trade route connecting Konkan to Maharashtra’s interior.
History:
The fort was likely constructed before 1400, under the Devagiri Yadavs (1248–1318) and the Tughlaq rulers (1318–1347); Karnala was the capital of the north Konkan districts of their respective empires.
Its strategic location made it a coveted possession for various rulers over the centuries.
Controlled at various times by the Yadavas, Tughlaqs, Gujarat Sultanate, Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar, Portuguese, Marathas, Mughals, Peshwas, and finally the British East India Company.
The fort's significance grew during its role in Maratha history, when it became a crucial outpost for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his quest to establish a Maratha empire.
Features:
It actually consists of two forts, one at a higher level and the other lower.
At the centre of the higher level is a 125-feet-high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower.
This structure was used as a watchtower when the fort was occupied; however now it is in a ruined condition.
There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Bhavani located at the bottom of the fort.
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