Raigad Fort – An Emblem of Maratha Bravery
Introduction
Raigad Fort, situated atop a grand hill in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, is among India's most historically relevant forts. Nicknamed the "Gibraltar of the East," Raigad was the capital of the Maratha Empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and where he was coronated in 1674. Politically remarkable as it may be, the fort is also a pride, a symbol of strength, and resilience for the Marathas.
Location and Geography
Raigad Fort is situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra, some 170 km from Mumbai and 140 km from Pune. Its height is 2,700 feet (820 meters) above sea level and it is encircled by deep valleys on all four sides, thus making it almost impenetrable. The fort can be reached through a steep ascent of about 1,700 steps or through a ropeway, which provides a wide view of the landscape around.
Historical Background
Initially named Rairi, the fort was constructed by Chandrarao More, a local chieftain under the reign of Bahamani. In 1656, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered it and saw its strategic value. He re-christened it Raigad (literally the "Fort of the King") and made it the capital city of his empire.
The fort rose to prominence following the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj in 1674, when he was officially declared to be Chhatrapati (souverain ruler) of the Maratha Empire. Raigad subsequently emerged as the political hub of the empire and saw a number of significant decisions being made that influenced the history of Western India.
Architecture and Structure
Raigad Fort is a marvel of medieval military engineering. Spanning a large area, it comprises a number of significant buildings, each designed for a specific function:
1. Main Entrance (Maha Darwaja)
The Maha Darwaja (Great Gate) was the main entry to the fort. Its enormous doors, fortified walls, and steep gradient made it hard for enemy troops to break through.
2. Palace Complex
The palace of the king, which was constituted mainly of wood, was once located at the center of the fort. Even though the wooden buildings have been rotten over the years, the stone foundations of the buildings can be seen. The complex houses the king's personal chambers, audience halls, and servant quarters.
3. Nagarkhana Darwaja
This gate opened into the royal court (Durbar). The Nagarkhana was also where traditional music played on instruments inside during proceedings of the court and other important functions.
4. Raj Bhavan (King's Court)
This was the seat of authority. Shivaji Maharaj's majestic throne made of stone faces the entrance with an expansive view of the surrounding landscape—representing watchfulness and power. The court was architecturally built for utmost visibility and acoustics.
5. Queen's Quarters
Separate residences for Shivaji’s wives, known as Rani Vasa, are located within the fort. These areas were well-fortified and designed with privacy and security in mind.
6. Bazaar Peth
This was the marketplace inside the fort where people traded goods. The street layout and shop foundations still remain, giving visitors a glimpse into the fort’s bustling past.
7. Ganga Sagar Lake
An artificial lake constructed to provide the fort with water. It has been given the name of the sacred Ganges and was utilized for the purpose of rituals in the coronation of Shivaji.
8. Takmak Tok
A rocky cliff on the fort that served the purpose of executing traitors. The fall is almost vertical and provides a spectacular view of the Konkan plains.
The Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
One of the most telling events in Indian history took place at Raigad on 6 June 1674, when Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati by Gagabhatta, a Kashi Brahmin. The ceremony took place with great pageantry and flair, and it made Shivaji a sovereign Hindu ruler when much of India was under Mughal or Sultanate control. It signaled the start of the official Maratha Empire.
Sambhaji Maharaj and Later History
After the death of Shivaji in 1680, his son Sambhaji Maharaj took over and continued to use Raigad as the capital. However, in 1689, the fort was captured by the Mughals under Aurangzeb. It changed hands several times between the Marathas and Mughals during the subsequent decades.
By the early 19th century, the British East India Company took over the region and eventually destroyed many structures of the fort to suppress any resurgence of Maratha power.
The Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj
Underneath the fort is the Samadhi (tomb) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, constructed of black stone. There is a statue of Shivaji sitting facing the tomb, as a reminder to the visitors of the mythical king's enduring impact. His loyal canine, Waghya, is also said to be buried along with him, and a memorial exists for it.
Cultural and Historical Importance
Raigad is not just a historical landmark—it's a cultural and emotional icon for the people of Maharashtra. It is a reminder of the Maratha fight for independence and opposition to foreign rule. Thousands of visitors go to Raigad each year, particularly on Shiv Jayanti (Shivaji's birthday) and Rajyabhishek Divas (coronation day), to offer their respects.
Raigad Ropeway
Today, there is a ropeway built which makes it easier to access the fort. The ropeway, which is approximately 750 meters long, allows people to reach the top in a matter of minutes as opposed to hours of hiking. It also helps in tourism, particularly for those who cannot climb the steep staircase.
Preservation and Tourism
Raigad Fort is administratively taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and local authorities dedicated to its maintenance. Attempts have been made to restore sections of the fort and give historical inputs to the tourists. Guides and boards are provided, and audio-visual presentations give a glimpse of its glorious history.
Its close-by facilities are food stalls, accommodation facilities within the base village (Pachad), and educational museums having replicas, maps, and historical information about Shivaji and the Maratha Empire.
Interesting Facts
There are 7 main gates and several secret passages in Raigad Fort.
The fort was not one of the original forts built by Shivaji but was greatly fortified by him.
It is regarded as one of the most strategically placed forts in the Western Ghats.
The coronation throne originally was said to be made of pure gold; now there is a stone replica located at the site.
Conclusion
Raigad Fort is more than an architectural wonder or a historical landmark—it is a living testament to Maratha pride and India's defiance of imperial domination. The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lives on, inspiring millions, and Raigad is a testament to his vision, courage, and leadership. A visit to Raigad is both a journey through the ages and homage to one of India's greatest sons for anyone interested in Indian history, culture, or architecture.
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