Raigadh Fort- Travel Diaries

किल्ले रायगढ़ " or Raigadh fort, which Shivaji built as his capital in 1674 when he was crowned as King of Maratha Kingdom. Which later spread to Maratha empire in the times of his successors to western and central India.

The fort rises 2700 ft above sea level, located in Sahyadri mountains range. There are two ways to reach the fort either climbing approx.1700 steps or Raigadh tramway (Ropeway)which takes you to the top in 10 mins at a very reasonable price.

Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1656 from king Chandrarao More, then known as fort Rairi.He then renovated it and alos renamed Raigadh.

The British later attacked this almost invincible fort in 1818 and bombarded it with canon fire from the hills of Kalkai.

The Palace ruins tells us story of once Glorious past.

The main fort ruins consist of the queen's quarters, six chambers, with each chamber having its own private restroom. The Royal ladies used "Mena Darwaza" for privately entering to their chambers.

 

          The convoy of King used "Palkhi Darwaza" to enter into fort.                                                                                                                                                                  

           Ruins of three watch tower can be seen in front of Palace grounds ,one of which was destroyed later in Bombarding.

 

 

 

Top Ministers were given residence near King's main chamber.

There was a chamber for secret discussion where only Shivaji Raje and people of close confidante  such as Bahirji Naik, chief of intelligence were allowed inside.

 

The only main pathway to the Fort passes through the "Maha Darwaja" (Huge Door). 

                          

The main Sadar or public gathering used to happen in Rajsadar.

 

 Shivaji Maharaj's "Rajyabhishek'' happened here in presence of 6000 dignitaries and common people.

 

The Raigad Fort also has ruins of a market or Bazar-peth which was accessible to riders sitting on horses. 

The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is erected in front of the ruins of the main market avenue which leads to the Jagdishwar Mandir and his own Samadhi 

 

 

This fort's amazing architecture and civil engineering was done by Hiroji Indulakar who built this fort while Shivaji Raje was in confinement of Aurangzeb. He ran out of funds while building this fort.He did not think twice when he mortgaged his property, sold his belongings, his wife's ornaments and completed the fort.

On his return, Shivaji Raje saw the magnificent fort and asked Hiroji to ask for anything in reward.But dedicated Hiroji asked only a tile to be carved and placed on front steps of Jagdishwar temple so that Shivaji Raje 's feet can touch his name daily.

The stone mentioning the words “Sevechya thayi tatpar, Hiroji Indulkar” can be seen at Jagadeeshwar Temple today also.

If such dedication and selfless love for country  can be found in leaders and their supporters, our country could be better place to live.