Nestled in the picturesque Devgad taluk of Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, Vijaydurg Fort stands as a remarkable symbol of Maratha history and maritime prowess. Originally known as Gheria—likely due to its proximity to Girye village or its unique geography, surrounded by water on three sides—this fort has witnessed centuries of change since its inception in the 11th century.
A Historical Overview
Vijaydurg’s storied past began with its construction by Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty. Over the centuries, the fort transitioned through the hands of various rulers, including the Vijayanagar dynasty and the Bahamanis. In 1653, it was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Adil Shah of Bijapur, who subsequently renamed it Vijay Durg to commemorate his victory.
Strategic Location and Fortifications
Perched on a peninsular area at the tip of Devgad Taluk, Vijaydurg is flanked by the Vaghotan backwaters of the Arabian Sea, providing it with natural defense and a strategic advantage. Initially, the fort was enveloped by water on all sides, but over time, the eastern side was filled, allowing for road access. Shivaji Maharaj significantly expanded the fort’s area from 5 acres to 17 acres, fortifying it with three layers of walls and numerous bastions constructed from locally sourced laterite stones, bonded with a mixture of lime, jaggery, and molten lead.
This fort served as a vital base for the Maratha navy, with many ships stationed in its sheltered waters. Approximately 3 kilometers from the fort, Admiral Kanhoji Angre established a dockyard along the Vaghotan creek for building and repairing Maratha vessels. The fort’s location was particularly advantageous; due to the shallow waters of the creek, larger ships could not enter, making it a safe haven for the Maratha’s smaller, flatter vessels, which could remain concealed from sea view.
Ingenious Defense Mechanisms
Recent oceanographic research has revealed a hidden defensive feature of Vijaydurg. A laterite wall, submerged 8 to 10 meters under the sea, extends 122 meters long, 3 meters high, and 7 meters wide. Only known to the Marathas, this wall was a formidable barrier that caused numerous attacking ships to collide and sink, further enhancing the fort’s defenses.
Entering the Fort
The entrance to Vijaydurg Fort, known as Hanuman Darwaza, is marked by a nearby Hanuman temple, adding a spiritual touch to the military stronghold. A small jetty for boats leads to the first gate, Jibicha Darwaza, near the ticket counter. From here, a 100-meter walk takes you to the Gomukhi Darwaza or Yashwant Darwaza. The entrance path is cleverly designed with a curve, making it difficult for enemies to identify and breach. The remnants of the large wooden doors at this entryway speak to the fort’s storied past. Guard rooms for sentries were located beyond the entrance, while a Nagarkhana above housed instruments for signaling naval events.
A Khalbat Khana, or secret discussion room, near the entrance allowed for confidential conversations among commanders. A small flight of stairs leads to a watchtower, offering stunning panoramic views and a closer look at the fort’s robust fortification walls.
Inside the Fort Complex
Within the fort, you will find an old police station building, now disused, with a display of historical cannons. The Sadar, or Raj Durbar, served as the center for official affairs, and an ammunition room stored cannonballs and gunpowder. A subway connected this room to the strategically important Khubalda Burj, where 12 cannons were mounted, ready to defend against attacks.
This subway was not only crucial for replenishing ammunition but also for moving supplies. Nearby, another subway opened to the sea, facilitating the transport of food grains to a granary located adjacent to it.
The Nishan Tekadi, a prominent flag tower, was used to hoist the Maratha flag, visible from a great distance at sea. Remarkably, Vijaydurg is one of the two sites where Shivaji Maharaj personally hoisted the saffron flag, the other being Torna.
Legends and Anecdotes
Vijaydurg is home to several legends, including the Jakhni chi thop or Cannon of the Witch. This unique cannon, constructed from multiple iron rings, is said to be the first to be fired during an attack, believed to unleash a powerful witch on the enemies. Adjacent to it is a worship place for the witch, adding a mystical aura to the fort.
Another intriguing feature is Sahebache Ote, or the Englishman’s Bench, where Norman Lockyer set up an observation post during a solar eclipse in 1898. Though claims about his role in the discovery of helium are inaccurate, his visit highlights the fort’s long-standing significance as an observation point.
The Fort’s Legacy
After Shivaji Maharaj’s death in 1680, internal conflicts weakened the Maratha Empire. In 1689, Raja Ram, Shivaji’s son, appointed Kanhoji Angre as the admiral of the Maratha navy. Following Raja Ram’s death in 1700, Angre gained control of much of Maharashtra’s coast. However, family feuds led to a siege in 1756 by the combined forces of the Peshwa and the British, resulting in Vijaydurg’s fall.
Despite a treaty stipulating its immediate transfer to the Peshwas, the British delayed the handover, eventually regaining control after defeating the Peshwas.
A Fort Worth Visiting
Vijaydurg Fort is not just a monument of stone and mortar; it embodies the resilience and strategic ingenuity of the Maratha Empire. From its formidable defenses to its breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, the fort offers a glimpse into Maharashtra’s rich maritime history. Whether you’re an enthusiast of history, architecture, or simply seeking an adventure, Vijaydurg Fort invites you to explore its corridors and uncover the stories etched in its walls.
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