Mulher

Mulher Fort: A History of Names and Conquests! **Ancient Roots:** Originally Ratnapur (Mahabharata era) then Mayurpur, named after King Mayurdhwaj. **Location:** The ancient village was on the fort; Mulher village is now 2 kms away at the foothills. **Dynastic Rule:** Built by the Bagul dynasty (1308-1619 A.D.), who called the region Bagulged (later Baglan). Eleven Bagul Kings (awarded the Degree of Bahirji) ruled here. **Famous Craft:** The world-famous 'Mulheri Muth' (sword-handle) was made here under Bagul rule. **Mughal Era:** * Baglan King Pratapshaha Bahirji surrendered to Mughals under Akbar. * Aurangazeb was Governor in 1636. Mughals invaded and conquered Baglan in 1638. * The fort was renamed **Aurangagad**. This ended the prosperous Hindu rule. * Mulher was always the Capital of Baglan. * First Killedar: Mohammed Tahir, who founded the nearby village of Tahirabad (initially Tahir). * 1662: Soldiers struck over scarce salary.**Maratha Campaign:** * After the second loot of Surat, Shivaji Maharaj commenced the Baglan campaign. * 1671: Maratha's first attack on Mulher was repulsed. * Feb 1672: Marathas captured Salher, then attacked Mulher fort, assimilating both into the Maratha Kingdom. * Later, Mughals reconquered Mulher.**Transfer and Discovery:** * 1752: The whole Khandesh region, including Mulher, was handed to Marathas by the Treaty of Bhalki. * 1765: Hidden treasure reportedly found (cited in Peshwe's accounts). * 1818: British took control of the fort.

Discover Mulher Fort's fascinating spots: Ganesh Mandir: Located on the Mulher Machi (flat plateau), where the fort is divided. Someshwar Mandir & Chandan Bav: From Ganesh Mandir, take the left path to Someshwar Mandir (Lord Shiva temple). Along the way, see Chandan Bav, a three-storey Well. Moti Tank: Head straight from the Someshwar temple bifurcation to reach the plateau and Moti Tank, a cool drinking-water cistern. Rajwada & Ram-Laxman Mandir: Follow the straight path from the plateau to Rajwada (Palace remnants). Nearby, through thick undergrowth, find the famous Ram-Laxman temple. Bale-Killa (Citadel): Take the right path from Moti Tank to reach the Maha-Darwaja. Inside: a cistern (right) and a cave (left). On the Citadel plateau: Lord Bhadangnath temple, 9-10 cisterns, and palatial remnants. Views from above Bhadangnath Temple: Climb the small hill for views of forts Mora, Nhavigad, Tambolya, Hanumangad, and the Mangi-Tungi pinnacles.