Samangad

Built by Shilahar King Bhoj II. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1667. Rebuilt by Surnis Annaji Datto Prabhunikar (South sector in-charge/Eight Minister Council member). Mughals won in 1688, but Marathas reclaimed it pre-1701. Shehezada Bedarbakht besieged and won, naming Shahamir as fort keeper. Marathas won it back in 1704, putting it under Karvir Chhatrapati. 1844: First resistance against British! Led by Munjappa Kadam and others (350 fort keepers, 10 canons, 100 riflemen, 200 soldiers). They defeated the British twice, but lost the fort on October 13, 1844. British canons severely devastated the fort during the final battle.

Start your trek to the fort plateau from Gadhinglaj, via Bhadgaon and Chinchewadi villages. **Highlights (2-Hour Visit):** * **Chinchewadi:** See two big foreign canons next to a well. * **Fort Access:** Tar road left leads to the fort (entrance devastated). * **Fort Structure:** Built on chiseled rock with mounted bastions. * **Nishana Bastion:** Reach here first, proceeding left from the tar road on the fort. * **Square Well:** Built of laterite stone, located right of Nishana Bastion. * **Goddess Ambabai Temple:** Roofed temple east of the well, surrounded by platforms and dried tanks. * **Arch Well (Prison Chamber):** Right of Ambabai temple, features seven beautiful arches on its steps. This chamber was used for prisoners (three such wells exist on the fort). * **Fort Edge:** Take the path behind the temple. See mysterious laterite stone pillars and a secret doorway. * **Double Fortified Bastion:** Located where the ridge narrows. Opposite, see a raised ground (locals believe the Mughal army built it for attacks). * **Lord Hanuman Temple Area:** Head back here. Opposite are rock-cut caves with a Lord Shiva temple inside, featuring arched porches. * **Bhimshappa Shrine:** Potable water can be found further down the tar road from the temple.