Sinhagad Fort

About Sinhagad Fort:

• Sinhagad, earlier known as ‘Kondhana’, is a fortress located near Pune, Maharashtra.
• It was built in a strategic location and was surrounded by several other forts like Torna Fort, Purandar Fort, and Rajgad Fort.
• History:
  • It was originally known as Kondhana and was named after the sage Kaundinya.
  • It has changed hands multiple times, with rulers from different dynasties leaving their mark.
  • Mohammed bin Tughalaq captured the fort from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, in 1340 CE.
  • In 1496 CE, Malik Ahmad, the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty, took control of the fort.
  • Nearly 200 years later, the Maratha leader Shahaji Bhonsale captured the fort.
  • In 1647 CE, Shivaji held the stronghold.
  • In 1665 CE, as per the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji handed over Sinhagad to the Mughals.
  • The fort’s famous chapter unfolded in 1670 when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj orchestrated a daring mission to reclaim the fort from the Mughals.
  • The Battle of Sinhagad was led by the fearless Tanaji Malusare ( Shivaji’s favorite general), who, along with his brave warriors, scaled the steep cliffs under the cover of darkness.
  • Despite putting up a fierce fight, Tanaji succumbed to his injuries.
  • When Shivaji Maharaj heard of Tanaji’s sacrifice, he famously remarked, “Gad ala, pan Sinha gela” (The fort is won, but the lion is lost).
  • In honor of his valiant warrior, Shivaji Maharaj honoured the fort with the name Sinhagad Fort, or Lion’s Fort.
  • The fort remained under the control of the Marathas until 1818 CE, when it was surrendered to the British after the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
  • The fort was later used as a retreat for many European residents of Pune.
• Architecture:
  • It is a marvel of Maratha architecture and engineering.
  • It comprises a strong fortified wall which runs for almost 2 miles.
  • The fort features two main entrances—the Pune Darwaza, facing Pune, and the Kalyan Darwaza, opening towards the Konkan region—both showcasing intricate stonework and strategic placement for enhanced security.
  • It has an advanced water storage system, which includes ancient rainwater harvesting techniques and natural reservoirs that ensure a continuous water supply.
  • The fort has several bastions, ramparts, walls, and gates that enclose its premises.
  • The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, a brewery, some military sheds, and the tombs of Rajaram Chhatrapati (Shivaji’s youngest son) and Tanaji Malusare.