Rajgad
About Fort
- Height of the Fort:
- 4520 feet
- Base Village:
- Vajeghar / Pali
- Route:
- Via Secret doorway (Gupt Darwaja) : From Pune, board a State Transport Bus to Rajgad and alight at Vajeghar village. Thereafter from Babuda zapa we proceed towards Railing in approx an hour. From there it takes minimum time to reach Rajgad. Using this route, one can reach Rajgad in 3 hours.
Rajgad via Pali Darwaja : From Pune, board a State Transport Bus to Velhe and there after from Pabe village after crossing Kanad river we can directly reach Pali darwaja. This staircase walkway is quite easy and one can reach Rajgad in 3 hours.
Suvela Machi via Gupt Darwaja : From Gunjavane village, a way through the forest leads to Gupta Darwaja from which one can reach Suvela Machi.Rajgad via Alu Darwaja : We can reach Alu darwaja either via Bhutonde or even through 'Shivtharghal'.
Rajgad via Gunjavane Darwaja : On Pune-Velhe State Transport Bus route, alight at Margasani village. Thereafter one can reach Gunjawne village via Sakhar village. From Gunjavane village, one can reach Rajgad in 2 1/2 hrs. Since the route is quite difficult and confusing, it is advisable to travel through this way with adequate help.
- Distance from Pune:
- 60 Km
- Description:
- RAJGAD FORT – CAPITAL FORT OF "HINDAVI SWARAJYA". Rajgad fort was recognized as first political base of "Hindavi Swarajya". It still can be witnessed as an unchallengeable, indisputable and unconquerable fort in 'Hindavi Swarajya'.A 'Murumbadev' mountain stands adjacent to the vally formed due to Nire, Velvandi, Kanandi and Gunjavani rivers. The same is 48 Kms. From Pune towards South-West direction and 24 Kms. Nort-West of Bhor.
To expand boundaries of Hindavi Swarajya within Maval region, two forts viz. Rajgadand Torna were considered to be at a prime position then. Although, both the forts were equally unchallengeable, Rajgad fort scored an edge over Torna fort primarily because of its huge size. Also the approach to Rajgad made it more unique as one has to either cross a mountain or a river to reach Rajgad fort. In view of the above factors, Shivaji Maharaj selected Rajgad as a capital fort and political base of 'Hindavi Swarajya'. Rajgad has three Machis` and one Citadel. This Citadel is highest of all as it stands 1394 meters above Mean Sea Level (M.S.L.).
One can find a very dignified evidence of Rajgad Fort in History.
1.James Dougals in his 'Book of Bombay' writes, Rajgad and Torna occupy an unchallengeable position and are unconquerable thus facilitating Hindu King Shivaji Maharaj to have a wide scope to expand boundries of his kingdom.
2.Saki Mustaodakhan in his novel called 'Masire Alamgire' narrates about Rajgad as :
A very tall fort which justifies its position and excellence amongst all. Its huge size covers a diameter of almost 24 miles at its base. One cannot imagine its hugeness and strength. It is believed that only wind can roam around and water can pass through the thick forest surrounding the fort. Else, it is very difficult for anybody to pass through the thick jungles.3. Mohammad Hashim Khalikhan writes in his novel called 'Muntakhabullubab-E- Mohammed Shahi' as it is very difficult to explain/put in words the greatness of Rajgad fort. Its height and size is so great that it makes our heart repress. The down underneath the earth who carries the portion of this fort must be finding it equally painful. The thick forest surrounding the fort has poisonous snakes and terrifying fauna in abundance. Hence, in view of the above, it is very difficult for anyone even to lay a siege.
- About:
- PADMAVATI LAKE : As you approach Padmavati Machi through Gupta-darwaja, we get to see a beautifully constructed lake right in front. The walls of the lake are intact even today. An arch has been constructed from the continuation of the same wall to mark an entry to the lake. However, lot of mire has been collected inside this lake.
RAMESHWAR TEMPLE : Right in front of Padmavati devi Temple there is a Rameshwar Temple. The Shivalinga is believed to be in existence from the era of Shivaji Maharaj. The temple is facing east. Inside the temple is also an idol of Lord Hanuman which is facing South.
RAJWADA : As you climb up the Staircase in front of Rameshwar Temple on the right side we get to see remains of few castles (Rajwada). Further ahead, we come across Amberkhana and a flat land portion thereafter. One can also get to see artillery storage yard ahead of this portion of land. One lake is also there in the castle.
PALI DARWAJA : As the name justifies, the approach to this door is from Pali village. The approach is a very huge one with staircase being made. The door of this pali darwaja is quite huge as even an elephant can enter through along with its seat specially designed for mahut and passengers and placed above him, very comfortably. After crossing the 200m distance from this door, we come across yet another equally huge door. This door is well protected by fortified places. The special feature of this door is the construction of a protective wall with circular openings. These openings are used to fire cannon balls on the approaching enemies.After entering through the door we get to see gate houses on either side of the door. We reach Padmavati machi as we enter the fort through this door.
GUNJAVANE DOOR : Gunjavane door is actually a series of three doors. The first door is very simple one however; it has strong fortified places on either side. The second door has a beautifully carved arch. At the last door, below Ganesh plate we find carvings of two trunks of the elephants holding pots upside down. It seems that this door is constructed much before Shivaji Maharaj`s period.
