Jivdhan

Ancient origins trace to the Satvaahan era (stone-carved entrances prove it!). This fort was the vital guard of Naneghat. Ruled by Bahmani, then Nizamshah. Nizamshahi fell in 1636 after Shahajiraje rescued Murtiza (the last Nizam) from Jivdhan, taking him to Pemgiri—only to be trapped by Mughals. A victim of the 1818 British capture and destruction, Jivdhan’s main entrance was destroyed. The scars remain visible today!

Fascinating Spots * **Kothi (Storehouse):** Huge, intact, and highly decorative storehouse (4m high). Features rock-carved pillars decorated with cobra-hood art. Its entrance is large, but part of the structure is under a neighboring hillock and may be unexplored. * **Water Cisterns:** Multiple cisterns exist. The two on the western side of the topmost hillock contain potable water. Many others are dry, including some near the Northern Bastion. * **Vandarlingi:** Impressive 415m high pinnacle, rated difficult to climb (approx. 2-day climb). Base features a 15m deep cave accommodating 4-5 people. Other nearby pinnacles: Tok and Avlyachi Lingi. The path to the top is tedious and has beehives. * **Northern Bastion:** Well-preserved bastion with intact ramparts and remnants of old houses/cisterns. Offers views of: Harishchandragad and Varhadache Navra-Navri (NW), Nimgiri and Hadsar (NE), and Chavand (E). Excellent vantage point for monitoring base villages, the Naneghat plateau, and the Junnar route. * **Idol of Goddess Jivai:** Beautiful, fearsome idol (initially on the southern part, location may vary). Features four hands with weapons, including a Muslim-type dagger and a circular weapon. The goddess is depicted holding the tongue of the animal she stands upon, symbolizing ancestors fighting for freedom.