Malanggad

Siege of Malanggad (1897): Captain Ambigdon launched a surprise attack mid-monsoon. He targeted Peer Machi, defended by Pandurang Ketkar & 300 Maratha soldiers. Many fled to Sone Machi or towards Kalyan's Mamledar. Ambigdon used 3 cannons on Peer Machi to bombard Sone Machi, but the fort's main entrance was protected. Nana Phadnis' early attempts to break the siege failed. Maratha aid (700 troops from Anandrao Dhulap/Kashi Pant) couldn't reach the fort. An early rope ladder attack by 250 British troops was repelled by Marathas throwing stones. Ambigdon removed the cannons, allowing Gangadharrao to resupply. Later, Nana Phadnis sent Balaji Vishwanath Pathak and Radhovishwanath Godbole with 3000 troops to Shirval (North of Malanggad), but they failed to break the siege. On Sept 16, a Gardi soldier division forced the British to clear cannons on Peer Machi. Major Westfield sent reinforcements, who then besieged the Maratha supply route. Colonel Hartlane secured a new supply route via Belapur, Panvel, and Taloje, then drove off Maratha troops at Shirval. Captain Carpenter led a second, unsuccessful attack, facing heavy casualties and strong defense by Ketkar. The British resorted to a complete siege to starve the defenders. After October, conditions inside worsened. To end the siege, Nana Phadnis gathered a massive army, attacked Vasai and Malanggad, and moved towards Kalyan via the Rajmachi route from Khandala. This strategy successfully intimidated Colonel Hartland, who immediately withdrew, allowing the Marathas to resupply the fort and prevent its fall.

Reach the Machi's far end, then take a secret route down to an ashram. From the ashram, two North-South routes lead off:1. **South Route:** Goes to Vavanje village at the base. Catch an S.T. to Panvel here. 2. **North Route:** Splits further on. * **Straight:** Circumambulates the fort, reaching the entrance via a Palanquin-like rock face. * **Right:** Descends to the ridge connecting Malanggad and the Ganesh Karthik Pinnacles.**To the Top Fortion:** From the Machi, keep the rock face right and go around it to find the steps cut into the rock. Pass a cave and water cistern. **Challenging Ascent:** The next 50-60 rock-cut steps have collapsed. Cross this section using the fixed iron pipe and rope handhold. Reach the top in \~10 minutes after this patch. **Fort Top Highlights:** * Small expanse. * Roofless construction. * 7 water tanks behind the structure. * A wild fig tree sits in the center. * Fortifications visible.**The Devni Pinnacle Custom:** The Devni pinnacle is right in front of the “Balekilla.” Pilgrims traditionally throw a stone towards Devni. Hit it, and your wishes are fulfilled\! **Panoramic Views (East to North East):** Spot Gorakhgad, Rajmachi, Matheran, Peb, Irshal, and Prabalgad.