Raigad fort situated in Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra; is a fort seized by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656.This fort was initially built by Chandrarao More in the early 1030 and later it was reconstructed by Hiroji Indulkar. Earlier this fort was known as Rairi fort, but Shivaji Maharaj renovated and expanded the fort and named it as Raigad (The King's Fort). As this fort is virtually impregnable to enemies, it was made as the capital of Shivaji Maharaj's maratha kingdom in 1674. It is a monument of his prophetic vision of Hindavi Swaraj. The fort rises 820 metres above the sea level and is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. Being situated comparatively near the sea and Mahad being in reach, while Mumbai, Pune and Satara llocated at almost similar distances from this fort, Raigad enjoyed a strategic position. Moreover, it was a crucial link between Deccan Plateau and Coastal Maharashtra. The fort is also surrounded by Kaal River to its north and east, while Gandhari river flows at its west.
Not only that, at clear skies, Rajgad and Torna fort can be seen at the East while Pratapgad, Vasota and Makarandgad at its South. In fact, this fort was the chief of all these surrounding forts. During the 16th century, people used to call this fort as "Rashivata" or "Tanas". It was also called as "Nandadeep" due to its shape of tall oil lamp tower. Raigad was, in fact, known by 15 different names in history. Rairi, Islamgad, Nandadeep, Jambudweep, Tanas, Rashivata, Badenur, Raigiri, Rajgiri, Bhivgad, Reddi, Shivlanka, Rahir and 'Gibraltar of the East'. The fort was initially used to keep prisoners during the Nizamshahi rule.
It has 1737 steps which reach the fort. There is also a ropeway and tramway to reach the fort top. This fort was looted and destroyed by the British after it was captured in 1818 and this led to the major destruction of the fort due to heavy artillery of the British.
This fort has witnessed two most important and historical events in the life of Shivaji Maharaj - his Coronation and his disastrous death. Shivaji Maharaj became the King of the newly formed Maratha Kingdom after a struggle of more than 300 years. He took blessings of Bhavani Mata of Pratapgad on 19.05.1674 and offered a Golden Umbrella (Chatra) worth Rs. 56,000/- to the Goddess before the Ceremony. This Ceremony was held on 06.06.1674. On 03.04.1680, Shivaji Maharaj passed away on this fort, which was the most devastating moment for the Maratha Kingdom. On 16.02.1681, Sambhaji was crowned as the King of Maratha Empire. Aurangzeb had his conquest for Raigad in 1684. Finally after a lethal battle till 03.11.1689, Mughals captured Raigad and renamed it as Islamgad. Marathas regained it on 05.06.1733. Though, today the fort is in ruins, it still has an energy and aura of its our great King Shivaji Maharaj.
Not only that, at clear skies, Rajgad and Torna fort can be seen at the East while Pratapgad, Vasota and Makarandgad at its South. In fact, this fort was the chief of all these surrounding forts. During the 16th century, people used to call this fort as "Rashivata" or "Tanas". It was also called as "Nandadeep" due to its shape of tall oil lamp tower. Raigad was, in fact, known by 15 different names in history. Rairi, Islamgad, Nandadeep, Jambudweep, Tanas, Rashivata, Badenur, Raigiri, Rajgiri, Bhivgad, Reddi, Shivlanka, Rahir and 'Gibraltar of the East'. The fort was initially used to keep prisoners during the Nizamshahi rule.
It has 1737 steps which reach the fort. There is also a ropeway and tramway to reach the fort top. This fort was looted and destroyed by the British after it was captured in 1818 and this led to the major destruction of the fort due to heavy artillery of the British.
This fort has witnessed two most important and historical events in the life of Shivaji Maharaj - his Coronation and his disastrous death. Shivaji Maharaj became the King of the newly formed Maratha Kingdom after a struggle of more than 300 years. He took blessings of Bhavani Mata of Pratapgad on 19.05.1674 and offered a Golden Umbrella (Chatra) worth Rs. 56,000/- to the Goddess before the Ceremony. This Ceremony was held on 06.06.1674. On 03.04.1680, Shivaji Maharaj passed away on this fort, which was the most devastating moment for the Maratha Kingdom. On 16.02.1681, Sambhaji was crowned as the King of Maratha Empire. Aurangzeb had his conquest for Raigad in 1684. Finally after a lethal battle till 03.11.1689, Mughals captured Raigad and renamed it as Islamgad. Marathas regained it on 05.06.1733. Though, today the fort is in ruins, it still has an energy and aura of its our great King Shivaji Maharaj.
How to conquer this Fort?
Have my own vehicle !
The best way to reach this fort is by personal vehicle. You will get many ways to reach here, but the route from Mahad will make your trip scenic and soothing to eyes. You can also reach Mahad by ST buses and paid jeeps from nearby villages. But having your personal vehicle will always make you own the nature. Raigad is roughly around 100 Kms from Mumbai and around 125 Kms from Pune. It being in the midst of both the famous cities of Maharashtra, people like to visit this fort often. I visited Raigad, starting the journey from Mumbai. Hence, the route from Mumbai is provided below in maps. This route includes first reaching to Panvel from Mumbai. Taking exit from Mumbai - Pandharpur road onto Bengaluru - Mumbai Highway. Continue on this highway till Khalapur Toll. Once Khalapur toll is crossed, take an exit to continue onto Khopoli - Pali road. Exit this road, and hop onto Mumbai - Goa Highway (also known as Panvel - Kochi - Kanyakumari Highway). Taking left after Betkar Maharaj Temple will lead you on Gharoshi Road. Now a very important left is oncoming at Tamahane gaon which will take you on Pachad Road. Continuing on this road till Pachad gaon will ultimately lead you to Raigad fort. It takes around 10 mins to read Raigad from Pachad gaon via Raigad road. This route is common even if you have to trek the fort. The uphill trekking starts here itself and vehicle cannot go beyond.Public Transport is what I like !
Many buses and shared vehicles drop you to Mahad from Mumbai. Or one can easily reach Mahad by ST buses. Once at Mahad, paid vehicles like tum-tum or jeeps will take you either to fort's trail (for trekking) or at ropeway stop (for ropeway). Raigad is situated 30 Km to the north of Mahad. There are also direct buses to Mahad from Mumbai Central, Mumbai. But travelling by public transport will make you have a proper scheduled time management so that you don't tend to miss the last available transport facilities at the places you're in.Also you will get a rail route to land here. Mangaon station of Konkan Railways is the stop that you should be looking for to reach Raigad fort. Once you reach Mangaon railway station, similar is the case for travelling towards fort. You will get many paid vehicles that can drop you at Raigad's trail or at the Ropeway halt.
My legs are my wheels !
If you want to ascend this fort all on your own by trekking, then you will have to reach the Raigad's trail at the base. Having 1737 steps that leads to the fort top, it takes around 2-3 hours' trekking to reach the top. Trekking is more scenic and adventurous during monsoon. Trails are made such that they are visible even in bushy rainy season. Being a normal grade trek, even children can ascend the fort very easily. But trekking often leads to thirsty throat so don't forget to carry enough water at the fort top because your quench can only be satiated by you. Saying enough about the requirements, only trekking can make one realise the serene and tranquil mother nature. Once at the fort, you're anyway going to be amazed by the historical importance the fort will demonstrate.
What to look for at Raigad?
Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi : The demise of the King had happened on Raigad fort. His funeral was done at this very place. This place is the main attraction on the fort.
Takmak Tok : It was an execution point used by Shivaji Raje's administration to punish prisoners and criminals to death by throwing them off from here. The rock face inclines down over 1200 feet and presents a tremendous view of the Sahyadri hills and its dropping crevasses and overfolding edges.
Nagarkhana : Nagarkhana serves as the entrance to the Rajdarbar (Royal Court) at Raigad fort. It was made in front of the Sinhasan (King's throne) of Maharaj, where currently the grant Shivaji Memorial is made. The sound so reverberates here that even the tearing of paper can be heard from some 50 meters.
Mahadarwaja : Built over 350 years earlier, this main entrance is majestic. A steep climb of nearly 1450 steps leaves your stamina too challenging to climb this. Well nowadays, you can also reach to the inside of the fort directly from Ropeway, which is on the other side of the Mahadarwaja.
Bazar peth of Raigad fort: This was the marketplace of the earlier years when there used to be mavlas on the fort. There were 22 shops in total in this market on the fort. This place is dry and dusty and only the sections for various shops could be traced out at the moment.
