Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Forts of Maharashtra - Dhak Bahiri ......... Part 1


Thinking of any place perfect for adventures, we come across many place in Sahyadris like the differences of Naneghat, Kokan Kada, Kalakrai etc. where we can also experience the thrill of technical climbing and natural rock climbing. One of them is the fort of Dhak, situated in Karjat region, and is a quite thrilling trek. The fort was discovered by great historian G.N. Dandekar, popularly known as GoNiDa.
















Sunday, December 12, 2010

Forts of Maharashtra - CHAVAND ......... Part 2




Malik Ahmed founded the Nizam Dynasty in 1485. He was the first Nizamshah who acquired the fort of Chavand after the dissolution of the Bahmani Empire. The seventh Nizamshah was Second Burhanshah. His grandson Bahadurshah was imprisoned here in 1594. Bahadurshah was the nephew of Chandbibi, a renowned personality from the same period. She played an important role in helping him to achieve the throne. In 1636 Shahajiraje, father of Shivaji Maharaj, signed a treaty with the Moghals, in which the Moghals got Chavand. Shivaji Maharaj named the fort as Prasannagad", Mythological references :
- The forts named after the names of great sages (for e.g. Vasota, named after Vasistha) are pre-ancient forts.
- The forts decorated by Buddhist carvings and sculptures (for e.g. Shivneri) are ancient forts.
- Forts belonging to the medieval period are related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath.
- The goddess Chamunda is an idol of destruction of evil, with a terrifying appearance, armed with weapons. The deity belongs to Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka.




















Friday, December 10, 2010

Forts of Maharashtra - CHAVAND ......... Part 1



Chavand is situated at a height of 3000ft from sea level, the fort houses many a remnant of constructions that take us about 800 years back into the time. The fort is in Pune district, at a distance of 20 km from the city of Junnar. The region at the foothills of the fort contains exotic flora & fauna. It was here that we could spot at least 12 varieties of birds. Village of Chavandwadi lies at the base of the fort.



History: Malik Ahmed founded the Nizam Dynasty in 1485. He was the first Nizamshah who acquired the fort of Chavand after the dissolution of the Bahmani Empire. The seventh Nizamshah was Second Burhanshah. His grandson Bahadurshah was imprisoned here in 1594. Bahadurshah was the nephew of Chandbibi, a renowned personality from the same period. She played an important role in helping him to achieve the throne. In 1636 Shahajiraje, father of Shivaji Maharaj, signed a treaty with the Moghals, in which the Moghals got Chavand. Shivaji Maharaj named the fort as Prasannagad", Mythological references :
- The forts named after the names of great sages (for e.g. Vasota, named after Vasistha) are pre-ancient forts.
- The forts decorated by Buddhist carvings and sculptures (for e.g. Shivneri) are ancient forts.
- Forts belonging to the medieval period are related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath.
- The goddess Chamunda is an idol of destruction of evil, with a terrifying appearance, armed with weapons. The deity belongs to Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka.
























Thursday, November 25, 2010

Forts of Maharashtra ........ Chanderi



Although worth mentioning as the jewel in the crown of forts in the district of Raigad, there is no significant
history attached to this fort. Near the caves on the fort are visible some remnants of fortification. This is the only sign to designate Chanderi as a fort. In May 1656, Shivaji Maharaj conquered all territory up to Kalyan-Bhiwandi-Rairi. This was when this fort came under the rule of the Marathas. Lack of development, low water storage areas, absence of significant constructions, limited facilities for people to stay and extremely difficult approach road seem to suggest that rather than a fort, this was possibly a military base.





















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