Janjira

Fort Mehroob: The Unconquered Sea Fort Originally a wooden fort built by local fishermen led by Ram Patil (who posed a threat to Nizamshah), this island fort was captured by Nizam's Sardar Piramkhan around 1538. Burhan Nizamshah took control after Ram Patil's death. In 1567, the wooden structure was replaced with strong rock fortifications, completed in 1571, earning it the name 'Fort Mehroob'. Rule of the Siddhis: From 1587 (starting with Alargkhan) until 1947, about 20 Siddhi Nawabs ruled the region, including Ibrahim Khan (1612) and Siddi Surur Khan (1618-1620). Malik Amber separated this part from Janjira, giving it to Siddi Amber Sanak until 1948. Janjira was under foreign rule for 330 years. Shivaji Maharaj & Attempts to Capture: Recognizing Janjira's strategic importance after winning Talegad, Ghasalgad, and Raigad (1648), Shivaji Maharaj made several attempts to capture the fort: * 1659 (1st attempt): Shamraj Pant and Baji Gholap failed. * 1659 (2nd attempt): Nilopant Raghunath Mujumdar and Mayaaji Bhatkar beleaguered the fort but failed to capture it. * 3rd Attempt: Vyankoji Datto was dispatched but failed. * 1678: Another attempt proved futile.Sambhaji Raje's attempt in 1682, led by Dadoji Raghunath, was abandoned when Aurangzeb arrived in the south. The Fort's Invulnerability: Janjira remained unconquered for 400 years\! This legendary invulnerability is attributed to the Joshi Brahmin family of astrologers. A Brahmin's daughter, knowing the calculations, advised the Siddis on the "luckiest moment" for construction, making the fort immortal. Janjira finally became part of independent India in 1948, breaching its impregnability.

Get a grand view of Janjira from Rajpuri, the southernmost point of Murud-Janjira city (not visible from the main beach). **Padmadurg Fort** * Built by Shivaji as a counterpart to Janjira. * The entrance faces east. Ferryboats from Rajpuri village halt here. * Look for the Persian inscription on a white stone and Gajant Lakshmi rock carvings near the entrance. * **Cannons:** See the impressive cannons kept at the Mahadwar. The largest is named 'Kalad Bangdi'.**Inside the Fort** * **Peer Panchayatan:** Located near the main entrance (door on left, room structure on right). Contains 5 peers and graves in the front yard. Note the 3 rusted anchors. * **Horse Stable:** Located along the coastline past the Peer Panchayatan. * **Surulkhan's Palace:** The tallest structure here; a 3-storey dilapidated building. * **Lake:** North of the palace, measures about 20m in diameter. * **Citadel & Royal Courtyard:** Reach the Citadel (with a flag hoisting square) via steps along the lake, followed by the Royal Courtyard. * **Western Darwaaja (Emergency Exit):** A small door just below coast level on the west side. A jail is located above it along the coast.**Key Facts** * Historical record: 572 cannons were on the fort in 1669. * Features: 22 bastions, many still topped with well-preserved metal cannons. * Visit Time: Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours to explore the fort.