RAIGAD FORT

INFORMATION :

The fort is located near Mahad in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most important forts as well as the capital of all the Forts of Maratha Empire. The fort was build by Hiroji Indulkar, chief architect of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The hill fort is located in the Sahyadris mountains. Raigad Killa has only one access to the fort through the main gate climbing from the steps as the other side of the forts has a deep valley. This fort is not only a historic place but also a Pilgrimage temple. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is worshiped as a God In Maharashtra and there is a Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the fort. There is also a Statue of his loyal dog named Wagya on the fort.

HISTORY  :

The fort was earlier named as “Rairi” was seized in 1656 by Shivaji Maharaj from Chandrarao  More who was the king of Jawali. After that the fort was Rebuilt By Architect/Engineer Hiroji Indulkar and was renamed it as “Raigad”. In the year 1674 Raigad was named as the Capital of Maratha Empire when Shivaji Mahraj was crowned (Rajya Abhishek)  as the king of Maratha Empire. This fort was one of  the toughest fort to climb during the era. The fort was surrounded by two villages named Pachad and Raigadwadi at the base. These villages played an important role in the Maratha empire to protect the fort from the Enemies. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also built another Fort 2 miles away from Raigad which was used to keep the prisoners.