Rohida

Rohida Fort History **Yadava Era Origin:** This fort dates back to the Yadava period. **Mohammad Adil-Shah & Conquest:** Carvings on the 3rd entrance suggest modification by Mohammad Adil-Shah. The fort was conquered in May 1656. **Shivaji Maharaj's Victory:** Shivaji Maharaj won the fort from Bandal-Deshmukh of Rohid after a battle that killed Krishnaji Bandal. Post-battle, officials like chief administrator Bajiprabhu Deshpande joined the Swarajya movement. **Mughal Control & Regain:** Surrendered to Mughals in 1666 (Treaty of Purandar). Shivaji Maharaj regained control on June 24, 1670. **Payment Dispute:** Fort holders (Gadkari) received 30 Hon (gold coins). Officials questioned the amount, but Shivaji Maharaj insisted on the traditional payment due to the Jedhe family's loyalty to Bhosale. **Later Control:** Kanhoji Angre patronized the Bhor area and half of Rohida Fort. After Mughals briefly took over, the Chief Commissioner of Bhor fought Aurangzeb and won it back. **Post-Independence:** Rohida remained part of the Bhor province (Bhorkar) until post-independence merger, along with Rajgad, Torna, Tung, and Tikona.

Explore the Fort's Highlights! **Entrance 1:** Greeted by Ganesh idols on the arched frame. **Entrance 2 (15-20 steps ahead):** Look for the underground water cistern, holding water year-round. **Entrance 3 (57 steps climb):** A strongly built gate with artistic carvings. Note the elephant heads on both sides and carvings in Marathi (left) and Parsee (Persian) (right). Fortification here is weak. **Inside the Gate:** See remnants of two structures—a potential courtyard and the Fort Commander's (Killedar) residence. **Temple of Lord Rohidmalla (Bhairoba):** Walk along the left side to find this temple. Inside, see idols of Lord Ganesh, Bhairoba, and Bhairavi. Outside rests a small water tank, a lamp stand (Deep-mala), and square tombs. **Six Undilapidated Bastions:** These strongly built bastions cover the fortification wall: * Shiravale (South-East) * Patane and Damgude (South) * Waghjai (North) * Fatteh (East) * Courtyard Bastion**Northern Area:** Discover a series of cisterns, an underground water tank, a human statue, and the Shivaling (Relic of Lord Shiva). **Exploration Time:** Allow about 1.5 hours for a complete look around!