Ajinkyatara

Ajinkyatara Fort: 4th Maratha Capital (after Rajgad, Raigad, Jinji). Built in 1190 by Shilahar King Bhoj-II. Captured by Bahamanis, then Adilshah of Bijapur. Chandbibi (wife of Adilshah-I) and Bajaji Nimbalkar were imprisoned here in 1580. Shivaji Maharaj ruled from July 27, 1673, and stayed here for two months due to ill health. Mogul Invasion: Aurangjeb invaded in 1682. The fort was besieged in 1699 (Chief: Prayagji Prabhu). On April 13, 1700, Moguls destroyed the 'Mangalai' bastion with explosives. Subhanji took the fort on April 21, 1700, after 4.5 months. Renamed 'Azamtara'. Retaken by Tara-Rani's army (renamed Ajinkyatara), then lost again. Shahu took the fort in 1708 and declared himself ruler. Matoshri Yesubai (Maharaj Shahu's mother) was brought here in 1719. Later inherited by Peshwas. British captured the fort on February 11, 1818, after the death of Shahu-II.

**Fort Highlights (1.5 Hrs)** * **Entrances:** 2 on Satara side (1 good condition), 2 on North (from Satara-Karad road). * **Must-See:** Hanuman Temple, Mahadev Temple, Mangaladevi Temple & Bastion, Tara Rani's palace, big storeroom. * **Landmarks:** Prasarbharati office & 2 towers. * **Water:** Not available on the fort. * **Overnight Stay:** Best spot near the Hanuman Temple. * **Views:** Yavateshwar plateau, forts of Chandan-Vandan, Kalyangad, Jaranda, and Sajjangad. * **Note:** Many sculptures found near Mangaladevi Temple. 3 lakes near North entrances.