Raigad Fort

Raigad Fort: The Gibraltar of the East! Pre-Shivaji: Known as 'Rairi', 'Rashivata', 'Tanas', and 'Nandadeep' (due to its oil lamp shape). Used to hold prisoners during Nizamshahi rule, then ruled by the More clan of Javli. Total 15 historical names, including 'Islamgad' and 'Shivlanka'. Shivaji's Era: Captured from Adilshah's control in May 1656 after a siege starting April 6th. Shivaji Maharaj selected Rairi as the first capital ("best place for the throne," superior to Daulatabad), utilizing raided Adilshah treasure to fortify it (mentioned in Sabhasad Bakhar). Key Events: * May 19, 1674: Shivaji sought blessings from Bhavani Mata of Pratapgad (offered Rs. 56,000 golden umbrella). * June 6, 1674 (Saturday): Shiv Raajabhishek (Coronation) held here—a major event establishing the Maratha kingdom. * Sept 24, 1674: Second coronation for commoners (by Nischalpuri Gosavi). * Feb 4, 1675: Sambhaji Maharaj's thread ceremony. * March 7, 1680: Rajaram Maharaj's ceremony. * March 15, 1680: Rajaram married Prataprao Gujar's daughter. * April 3, 1680: Shivaji Maharaj passed away, devastating the Maratha regime. * Feb 16, 1681: Sambhaji crowned King.Mughal Attacks: * 1684: Aurangzeb dispatched Shahabuddin Khan (40,000 army), plundered villages, but didn't attack Raigad. * March 25, 1689: Zulfikarkhan besieged the fort. * April 5, 1689: Rajaram escaped to Pratapgad. * Nov 3, 1689: Mughals captured Raigad due to Suryaji Pisal's betrayal. Renamed 'Islamgad'.Regained: Marathas recaptured the fort on June 5, 1733.

Raigad Fort: 17th Century Maratha Masterpiece. Key Spots: Jijamata’s Palace (Pachad): Built for Jijamata; memorial & 'Takyachi Vihir' well remains. Khubladha Buruj: 'The most fought' bastion, first blow-taker. Nana Darwaja: Smaller entrance with guard vestibules. Madarmorcha: Tomb of Fakir Madanshah, old canon, 3 carved caves. Maha Darwaja: Architectural 'Gomukhi' entrance, protected by 70' high Jai & Vijay bastions. Ramparts lead to Hirkani (west) & Takmak (east) points. Features lotus carvings (prosperity/knowledge). Chordindi: Secret entrance near wall to Takmak Point. Hatti Talao: Pond used for bathing elephants after entering Maha Darwaja. Pillars: Two 12-sided polygonal pillars (up to 5 storeys high) before citadel, mentioned in Jagdishwar temple scripture. Palkhi Darwaja: North citadel entry (31 rock stairs) for men. Queens Palace: Six spacious houses on western side. Rajbhawan: Shivaji Maharaj's palace (86'x33'), wooden structure base remains. Ratnashala: Secret basement chamber next to a pillar north of Rajbhawan. Rajsabha: Huge court (220'x124'). Site of coronation; memorial of Shivaji's east-facing throne (made of 32 maunds/1194 kg of gold, studded with diamonds). Mena Darwaja: Southern citadel entry. Nagaarkhana: Main court entry; loft used for playing 'Nagaare' (drums). Tallest monument. Shirkai Temple: Deity of Shirke dynasty, near 'Holicha Maal' & Shivaji Maharaj statue. Kushavarta Talao: Major cistern near 'Holicha Maal' with nearby Shiva temple. Bajarpeth (Market): Complex of symmetrical medieval shops (22 rooms/21 rooms, 40' road separation); experts debate houses vs. trade centers. Snake carving on outer wall. Takmak Point: Northwest cliff; used to punish prisoners. Bhavani Point: Eastern cliff. Views of Lingana pinnacle, Torna-Rajgad forts, Potlya hill. Gangasagar Talao: Pond filled with waters from 7 rivers for Shivaji's coronation. Main drinking water source today. Jagdishwar Temple: Huge Shiva temple (outer court 128'x160') with Nandi & inner tortoise carving. Inscription credits architect Hiroji Italkar. Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi (Memorial): Octagonal memorial near temple entrance, holds ashes (Shivaji died April 3rd, 1680). Henry Oxendan reportedly stayed in remnants nearby. Wagh Darwaja: Tough exit/escape route (used by Rajaram Maharaj during Zulfikar Khan attack); rope needed to descend. Hirkani Point: Western point, named after brave Hirkani who descended cliff at night for her child. Strengthened by Shivaji to prevent ascent.