Prabalgad

**Prabalgad Fort: From Muranjan to Maratha Glory** Built possibly to guard Panvel & Kalyan ports, this hill's caves trace back to the Buddhist era. Shilahar and Yadav kings used it as a military post, calling it **"Muranjan."** Control shifted from the Bahamani era to the **Nizam of Ahmednagar**. In **1636**, after failed attempts for help from the **Siddi of Janjira** and **Portuguese of Chaul**, **King Shahaji** (a Nizam commander) took refuge here with his wife **Jijabai** and son **King Shivaji**, before moving to **Prabalgad** fort. Post-Mahuli treaty, North Konkan went to the Mughals, but Adilshah retained direct control. In **1656**, following **Shivaji Maharaj's** takeover of Jawali from Chandrarao More, his commander **Abaji Mahadeo** captured the region from Kalyan to Rayri. **Muranjan** came under Maratha reign and was **renamed Prabalgad.** The **1665 Treaty of Purandar** ceded Prabalgad to the Mughals. **Mirzaraje Jaisingh** appointed **Kesharsingh Hada** as in-charge. When the treaty broke, Marathas attacked, killing Kesharsingh. Rajput ladies performed **"johar."** Kesharsingh's mother and two sons were found and later handed to the Mughals unharmed in **Deoolgaon** village. Restoration work later unearthed treasure\!

Explore the Summit Plateau! Covered in dense forest, the top features a Lord Ganesh temple and 2-3 water tanks. Spot views of Matheran from here! Access the adjacent Kalavantin pinnacle via rock-cut steps (a water tank is on the way). Structures' remnants are also visible. Note: The forest is very dense—a local guide is strongly advised.