Bhupalgad (Banurgad)

**Bhupalgad: A Siege, Betrayal, and Return** Bhupalgad stood on the edge of the Hindavi Swarajya during the Shivaji era. The castellan was Firangoji Narsala. In 1679, Sambhaji Maharaj joined the Mughals. He and the Mughal courtian Dilerkhan marched to capture Bhupalgad. **The Twist:** Firangoji, believing Sambhaji to be the Prince, refused to fight him and fled to Panhalgad to rejoin Shivaji Maharaj. **The Aftermath:** Dilerkhan captured the fort and brutally ordered the amputation of hands and legs of the Maratha soldiers. Distressed, Sambhaji returned to Hindavi Swarajya after clever intervention from Shivaji Maharaj.

Discover the Fort's Must-See Spots: * **Mahadev Temple:** Find this temple on the small hill. * **Tomb of Bahirji Naik:** Visit the resting place of Swarajya's prominent spy and Head of Espionage. * **Water Sources:** See a small water cistern nearby and a big water tank on the South side. * **Defenses:** Look for 2-3 secret doors in the fortification walls and broken fortification remains across the fort.