Mangalgad

Mangalgad (formerly Kangorigad) Built by Chandrarao More in the Jawli valley to protect trade routes. 1656: Shivaji Maharaj seized Jawli on Jan 15th, gaining Kangorigad, Dhawalgad, Rayri, and Baji Prabhu Deshpande! He renamed it "Mangalgad." Used for political prisoners due to easy access from Raigad. 1689: Zulfikarkhan (Itkadarkhan), sent by Aurangjeb after killing Sambhaji Maharaj, blockaded Raigad and seized Mangalgad in March. 1690: Ramchandrapant, Minister of Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, retook Mangalgad. 1817: Baapu Gokhale arrested and imprisoned Colonel Hunter & Morrison (Madras regiment) here. 1818: Colonel Prother captured the fort.

**Mangalgad Highlights** * **Size:** Stretched 1485 (E-W) x 264 (N-S). * **Main Entrance:** Destroyed, but original bastions and ramparts remain. * **The Path:** * **Right:** Leads to the Citadel (top-most big tank and remnants of 2 mansions). * **Left (Machi):** Leads to Kangori Devi Temple. * **Near Kangori Devi Temple:** * **Right:** Rock-cut water cistern with steps. * **Left:** Dry tank where found idols are kept. * **Kangori Devi Temple:** Built on a rock platform (roof destroyed). Idols of Kangori Devi and Lord Bhairav found here. * **Viewpoint:** Behind the temple, an end point with a bastion and flag post offers a surrounding glimpse. * **Water Supply:** Two tanks near the east-most point (prominent bastion) provide potable water year-round.