'Maharashtra: The Land of Forts': Over 100 forts documented in English

Mumbai: Once impregnable by military standards, the forts associated with the life and times of legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tells stories of several centuries.

Shivaji Maharaj (19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680), who laid the foundation of the ‘Hindavi-swarajya’ or self-rule of Hindu people, is regarded as one of the iconic kings, leaders and military-strategists of Indian history.

The forts of Shivaji Maharaj stand as proud establishments of the Maratha legacy, each of them telling a story of valour, struggle, strategy, and architectural brilliance.

Some of the forts which is very closely linked to Shivaji Maharaj are Shivneri Fort, Rajgad Fort, Raigad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Sindhudurg Fort, Torna Fort, Lohagad Fort, Sinhagad Fort, Purandar Fort, Vishalgad Fort, Jaigad Fort, Vijaydurg Fort.

Pune-based Dr Sangram Khanderao Indore has come out with Maharashtra: The Land of Forts, a coffee-table book in English.

This is a work based on his previous coffee-table book in Marathi, titled Gadkille Ani Me.

“The idea of having an English edition was to take the forts of Shivaji-era to a wider audience, pan-India. Nearly 15 to 20 years of travels in the Sahyadri mountain ranges and coastal Konkan belt, Lot of time has gone in research and presentation,” Dr Indore told DH.

The book has 12 magnificent paintings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and an impressive presentation of the historical, geographical, and visual details, including maps and photographs of 101 significant forts of Maharashtra.

Dr Indore, a practicing medical professional, takes time out from his busy schedule to visit the forts, research about them, and photograph them. The trekker and nature-lover in him, takes him to different places.

The coffee-table book has been published by Marathidesha Foundation.

“Shivaji Maharaj’s forts not only protected Swarajya but also instilled the mantra of freedom in the minds of people,” said Dr Indore.

There are a total of 101 hill, land and sea based forts which are included in the book.

“Shivaji Maharaj spent a major part of his life in various forts. The forts were witness to various aspects of his life - right from birth to battles, coronation and his death,” he says and points out that he spent the maximum period of his life in Rajgad Fort in Pune. Describing the Sadar or office in the Rajgad Fort, he writes: “The Sadar and its basement was the place where Maharaj discussed, planned and resolved many things in his endeavour of Swaraj.”

About Raigad Fort in Raigad, where Shivaji Maharaj was coronated on 6 June 6, 1674, a golden moment in Indian history, Dr Indore says that this fort has a special place in the heart of Marathi-manoos in particular and Indians in general. “Raigad is referred to as the Gibraltar of the East. It was Maharaj’s final resting place,” he said.

The Pratapgad Fort in Satara, where Shivaji Maharaj killed Adil Shahi General Afzal Khan on November 20, 1659, Dr Indore says: “Pratapgad has an importance place in Marathi history…the event was a turning point in establishing that Shivaji was not merely a son of a Jahagirdar but future sovereign ruler.”

Speaking about various forts and Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Indore said: “The Torna Fort is witness to the magical baby steps of Shivaji Maharashtra which culminated in realising his dream. The Sinhgad Fort is associated with Tanaji Malusare and his ultimate sacrifice to win the fort…every fort has a unique history and stands out.”