Chandan-Vandan

**Fort History: A Regal Past** Built by King Bhoj II (Shilahar dynasty) per 1191-1192 B.C. copper-inscriptions (Tamralekh). **Key Battles & Rulers:** * **1673:** Shivaji Maharaj captured Chandan-Vandan, Kalyangad, Sajjangad, & Ajinkyatara during the Satara campaign. * **Sambhaji's Regime:** Mughals (led by Amanullah Khan) attacked Maratha troops at Chandan-Vandan. Marathas lost 25 horses, 20 guns, 2 ensigns, and 1 kettle-drum. * **Maratha Rule:** Ruled until 1689 B.C., followed by Mughal control. * **1707:** Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj reclaimed the region in the rainy season. * **1752:** Balaji Vishwanath sent Dadopant with soldiers to monitor Tarabai. * **Finally:** The forts fell under British rule.

**Fort of Chandan** Explore Chandan Fort! Access used to be tough, but a nearby mosque has widened the entrance. out the two half-demolished entrance bastions. Just 15 steps past the entrance on the left is a demolished structure with the massive 'Panchvad' banyan tree (five trees merged). *Landmarks:* Shiva Temple (refurbished by villagers; features two 'Pindis' with five 'Lingas' each). Annual pilgrimage in 'Shravan' (fifth Hindu month). *Fort Interior:* Mosque and adjacent wall-like structure. Residential area remnants found behind the mosque. Intact bastion at the north end features a 'Shivalinga' and Hanuman statue, with a self-immolation site on the way. Three roofless rooms (formerly ammunition storage) are in the southern part. A large, raised platform called 'SADAR' marks the center. **Fort of Vandan** Vandan Fort has two entrances. The first entrance is sturdy with intact bastions. Look for the idol of Lord Ganesha on the left bastion. Note the 25 steps destroyed in the 1818 battle. The second entrance is completely tumbled down, but check the arch for Persian inscriptions. Inside the second gate are five L-shaped porches. *Route:* Rock-slide blocks the direct way, but a route downside allows traversing completely around the fort. See 'GHANA' (cement mixing mechanism) on the lower steps. Climb 25 steps to reach the fort-top. *Fort-Top Highlights:* Dilapidated structures and a row of demolished houses (approx. 20). Two structures are still standing. Raised platforms suggest huge former houses, possibly government offices. Intact storage room on the right. *Water & Spirituality:* Natural lake (currently dry). Mosque is accessible via the left path past the lake. Look for Arabian or Persian writings on the mosque door arch. Manually constructed bathing lake with steps nearby. Another mosque, storage room, and many tombs are next to this lake. A demolished structure contains a self-immolation site with carved footsteps (appears to be a Brahmin's self-immolation). *Citadel:* A small hill further on shows remnants of many structures, where the ways circling the citadel meet.