Chavand

Chavand Fort History (Now Prasannagad) **Medieval Era: Rise of the Nizam Dynasty** * **1485:** Malik Ahmed founded the Nizam Dynasty and acquired Chavand Fort after the Bahmani Empire dissolved. * **1594:** Second Burhanshah, the seventh Nizamshah, imprisoned his grandson Bahadurshah here. * Bahadurshah was Chandbibi's nephew. She was crucial in helping him gain the throne.**Moghal & Maratha Influence** * **1636:** Shahajiraje (father of Shivaji Maharaj) signed a treaty ceding Chavand to the Moghals. * Shivaji Maharaj later renamed the fort **"Prasannagad."****Fort Classifications (Mythological References)** * **Pre-Ancient:** Named after great sages (e.g., Vasota, named after Vasistha). * **Ancient:** Decorated with Buddhist carvings/sculptures (e.g., Shivneri). * **Medieval:** Associated with Shaiva, Shakta, or Naath. * **Chamunda Deity:** Idol of destruction of evil (terrifying appearance, armed). Popular in Bengal, Bihar, and Karnataka.

Fascinating Spots1. Saptamatrika (Seven Cisterns): Discover 7 ancient water tanks\! Aligned together, these cisterns hold mythological significance, named after goddesses: Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrayani, and the most powerful, Chamunda. Look for a half-buried temple nearby—a victim of the 18th-century British attack. 2. Man-Made Caves & Fortification: Head north to the fortification's end to find human-made caves. Legend says a secret passage lies within the wall below\! To the south, enjoy stunning views of the Kukdi River, which starts at the pilgrimage site Kukdeshwar. Note: This strongly secured fort once imprisoned Bahadurshah Nizam in 1594. 3. Temple of Goddess Chamunda: Located atop a small hillock, this temple is dedicated to Chamunda. Why a goddess from Bengal, Bihar, or Mysore is here? Simple: Naneghat was the trade route for goods from harbors like Sopara & Kalyan. A businessman from Mysore likely established the deity. Locals struggled with "Chamunda," calling it "Chavand," which named the fort\! Reflect on the rich culture of the Satvaahan dynasty here.**Must-Visit Nearby:** Kukdeshwar Temple, Shivneri Caves, and the Lenyadri pilgrimage site. **Views from the Top:** Spot the Shambhu mountain & Jeevdhan Fort (West), Hadsar (North), Shivneri (East), and the Naneghat route.