Sinhagad

**Sinhagad: Fort of the Lion's Head (Formerly Kondana)** **Ancient Roots & Early Names:** Known as 'Kundhana' in the 1350 A.D. Persian poem *Shahanama-e-Hind*. Named 'Kondana' after Sage Kaundinya. Evidence (Kaundinyeshwar temple, caves, carvings) suggests it was built two thousand years ago. **Shivaji's Swarajya Struggle:** * Shahaji (Adilshah's commander) controlled the Pune region. * 1647: Shivaji Maharaj cleverly gained control of Kondana by bribing Siddi Amber (Adilshahi Sardar). * 1649: Handed back to Adilshah for Shahaji's freedom, but Shivaji quickly recaptured it. * 1665: Lost to Mughal chief Mirzaraje Jaysingh. * 1670: Re-conquered by Shivaji, remaining under Maratha rule until 1689.**Turbulent Later Years:** After Sambhaji's death, the Mughals took control. Marathas recaptured it in 1693. Rajaram died here (March 3, 1700). Aurangjeb conquered it in 1703, but it returned to the Marathas in 1707 until the British conquest in 1818. **The Legend of Tanaji (1672):** The fort is most famous for the legendary siege led by Tanaji on February 4, 1672. Tanaji, originally visiting Shivaji Maharaj at Rajgad (after Shivaji's escape from Agra) for his son's wedding, accepted the mission without hesitation. Under cover of night, strong climbers used an iguana (Ghorpad) to find suitable climbing sites. Despite 500 soldiers guarding the fort, the Marathas attacked fiercely. Tanaji fought Udebhan but was killed, becoming a martyr. His brother, Suryaji, took command and fought bravely, winning the fort. The victory cost Tanaji's life, leading Shivaji to rename the fort "Sinhagad" (Lion's Fort).

Rajaram Samadhi: Monument dedicated to Rajaram Maharaj. A magnificent museum and ancient remnant caretaker. Pune Darwaaja: Accessed via Aatkarwadi village. Features three entrances; the third was built during the Yadava era and displays fine sculpture. Dhondse Darwaja entrance is also visible nearby. Khand Kada: Peak viewable after entering Pune Darwaaja. Offers views of Purandar fort and the Mula and Mutha rivers. Kalyan Darwaaja: Fort entrance for visitors via Katraj Ghat. Historically, it connected Sinhagad and Raigad. Daru Kothar: Ancient grain storage building located right after entering Pune Darwaaja. Kondhaneshwar: Ancient temple of Lord Shankar, reached by following the path rightwards along the Rajsadar. Amruteshwar Mandir: Bhairav temple located left of Kondhaneshwar, a short walk away. Statue of Tanaji: Admirable monument behind Amruteshwar temple, reached by walking up a few minutes. An annual day is celebrated in his memory. Zunjar Buruz: Westernmost bastion, left of Kalyan Darwaaja. Offers glimpses of Rajgad, Torna, Lingana, Raigad, and Purandar. Tanaji Kada: Thrilling pinnacle beyond Zunjar Machi. A major attraction for hikers. Western point: Westernmost watch point of the fort. Kadelot point: Peak a short walk from the Western point. Excellent vantage point for watching Pune city. Bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak: Located on the fort. Tilak completed works like Geetarahasya here. Notable meetings: Gandhiji and Tilak met here in 1915. Gandhiji drank only Sinhagad's water when in Pune. Netaji Subhashchandra Bose visited the main second entrance (used during Shivaji’s rule), where he recalled Shivaji’s memories and chanted Tagore’s words.