Forts played a pivotal role in the military strategy of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, serving as key strongholds in his quest for territorial expansion and defense against adversaries. Forts be it hill forts or sea forts, were central and crucial in the kingdom and administration of the Marathas.
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Count of Shivaji Maharaj Forts
Shivaji Maharaj forts were important from Maratha empire point of view. Shivaji Maharaj built most of the forts, while some forts were captured and modified depending upon the regional needs. During Chhatrapati Shivaji time there were about 350 large forts.
Classification of Shivaji Maharaj Forts
Janjiras or the Open Water Defense Forts
Sea forts like Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurga, Kanakdurga, Khanderi for Marathas and Murud Janjira and Underi with the Siddhi- built on islands. It is important to note that Janjira is not a fort name. Janjira is the name given to a generic island fortress
Coastal Forts
Forts connected to land on one or two sides and surrounded by sea and a creek on the remaining sides- Vasai, Ghodbunder, Vijaydurg, Jaygad, Devghad, Gopalgad, Chaul, Revdanda, Durgadi are examples. These are built on the mouths of the navigable Kokan River which are deep enough for sea-fearing vessels to come inland to inland ports
Hill Forts
Forts built on top of the hill either on strategic locations or on important routes. Four important Shivaji Maharaj forts located on hill top are given below.
Rajgad or Murambdev, Capital of Shivaji Maharaj Forts
Originally known as Murambdev, Rajgad was one of the first forts conquered by Shivaji Maharaj. In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj defeated Chandraraoji More, a feudal lord who controlled the region of Jawali in the Western Ghats and acquired the hilltop bastion that was known as ‘Rairi’ at the time. Shivaji expanded and renovated the fort significantly, before renaming it as ‘Raigad’ or the ‘royal fort.’ Shivaji Maharaj made Raigad, located in present-day near Pune, Maharashtra, its official capital. Its strategic location provided a vantage point for overseeing the surrounding territories and coordinating military operations.
In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was coronated at the Raigad fort and assumed the title of ‘Chhatrapati’.
Later, the British gazette referred to the Raigad fort as “The Gibraltar of the East”.
Source: Ministry of Culture, Indian Government
https://indianculture.gov.in/forts-of-india/discovering-the-forts-of-india/legendary-raigad-fort
Torna Fort
Torna Fort, situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, was captured by Shivaji Maharaj in his teenage years. It became one of the prominent forts in his kingdom and played a crucial role in securing the region against external threats. Torna served as a symbol of Maratha strength and resilience.
Sinhagad (Kondhana)
Sinhagad Fort, formerly known as Kondhana, holds historical significance as the site of the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670, where Tanaji Malusare famously scaled the fort’s walls. Shivaji Maharaj’s conquest of Sinhagad fortified his control over the Pune region and provided a strategic defense position against the Mughal forces.
Purandar
Purandar Fort, located near Pune, was another vital stronghold captured by Shivaji Maharaj. Its commanding position atop a hill made it an essential defensive outpost and facilitated Maratha control over the surrounding territories. The fort also served as a strategic base for launching military campaigns.
In addition to conquering existing forts, Shivaji Maharaj also initiated the construction and reconstruction of numerous forts across his realm. These forts were strategically positioned to control key trade routes, protect border regions, and deter enemy incursions.
One notable aspect of Shivaji Maharaj forts strategy was the implementation of a system of joint command, wherein each fort was placed under the authority of three officers of equal rank. This arrangement ensured that no single individual could betray the fort to the enemy, as mutual checks and balances were in place among the officers.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj forts not only served as military bastions but also stood as symbols of Maratha sovereignty and resistance against foreign powers. Their enduring legacy continues to evoke admiration for Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic foresight and leadership in fortifying the Maratha Empire.
Also read: Religious Policy of Shivaji Maharaj
History of Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi by Maharashtra Government
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