Chakan Fort

Witness to history! This ancient fort first fell to Allah-ud-din Khilji after the Yadava clan of Devgiri. Later, Allah-ud-din Shah Bahmani sought to capture Sahyadri's trade routes. His commander, Malik Uttujar, was ambushed and killed near Vishalgad by Shirke and More (1447) in an early guerrilla battle. A dark chapter followed: A dispute led Mujaid Shah to order an attack on Chakan fort. Mercenaries (Sayyads) were lured out under false pretense of forgiveness and slaughtered during a feast. The region of Chakan was ceded to Kheloji and Maloji by Aamir Shah. Shahaji Maharaj later controlled it. The fort then came under Shivaji Maharaj, who defeated Adil Shah. Commander Firangoji Narsala pledged loyalty and remained in command. **The Siege of Chakan (1660):** On June 21, 1660, Shaista Khan (Mirza Abu Talib) besieged the fort with 20,000 men. 600-700 Maratha warriors fiercely defended it using guerrilla tactics. After 55 days (August 14, 1660), a Mughal tunnel packed with explosives breached the North-East Bastion. Despite Maratha resistance, Mughals launched a severe assault the next day (August 15, 1660). Commander Firangoji Narsala was captured, and the fort surrendered to the Mughals.

Fort Ruins: Virtually Non-Existent. (Stones used locally for homes.) The site is now barren, with few remnants visible. Nearby Must-See: Chakreshwar Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). Find ancient carvings of 'Varah Avatar' (Vishnu Incarnation). This temple site is historically significant—it marks the beginnings of the epic Ramayana!