Lohgad

Lohgad Fort: A 2500-Year Saga! Dating back to the Satwaahan Period (2000-2500 years ago), Lohgad is a vital historical site. It shares the mountain with Visapur, home to the Bhaje & Bedse caves, once used by Buddhist monks. Named after Sage Lomesh, who meditated here, the fort was built to watch over Nane Maval, Korbaarse Maval, and Andhra Maval. **Timeline:** * 1489: Fell to Nizamshahi after the Bahmani downfall (held until 1630). Second Burhan (seventh Nizam's brother) was imprisoned here (1590-1594). * 1630: Came under Adilshah control. * 1648: Captured by Shivaji Maharaj (two years after Torna). Netaji Palkar appointed custodian. * 1665: Villages near Lohgad suffered attacks during Mirza raja Jaysingh's invasion of Purandar. Kutubuddin attacked/looted in March 1665. The fort went to Aurangzeb via the Treaty of Purandar. * 1670: Shivaji Maharaj recaptured it after Aurangzeb broke the treaty. * 1700: Aurangzeb recaptured it. * Post-1700: Shahu Maharaj gave it to Kanhoji Angre. * 1720: Under Balaji Vishwanath's control.**Peshwa Era & Nana Phadnis:** Nana Phadnis, a key Peshwa, greatly developed the fort, renovating the 1st, 2nd, and 4th entrances. Jaavji Bomble and later Dhondopant Nitsure ruled under him. Phadnis moved his treasury here, keeping it in Laxmi Kothi. He passed away in 1800; his wife arrived in 1802. **British Capture (1818):** Under inefficient ruler Bajirao-II (pro-British), tensions rose. General Wellesley tried to secure Dhondopant Nitsure's loyalty to Bajirao, but Dhondopant's man attacked Bajirao. Wellesley decided to seize the fort. In 1818, Colonel Prother captured Visapur, and Lohgad was taken without resistance.

**Vinchu Kata & Lohgad Fort Highlights** **Lohgad Fort:** Fortifications are largely intact, looking as they did 200 years ago. * **Ganesh Darwaaja:** Features an inscription stating construction was initiated by Dhondopant under Nana Phadnis. Also has galleries for guards. * **Narayan & Hanuman Darwaaja:** Two storage godowns (granary) are located between these entrances. * **Maha Darwaaja:** Leads to an old 'Dargah' and remnants of the court.**Laxmi Kothi (Cave):** A large cave capable of housing 50 people. The Kothi has many rooms. It's the only staying place on Lohgad. It once stored the treasury of Nana Phadnis. Two cannons are located in front. **Sheikh Umar Dargah:** A newly built Dargah on the northern side, marking the tomb of Sheikh Umar. * **History Snippet:** Sheikh Umar, one of three Arab invaders (Umar, Salla, Malang) who invaded Pune, seized Lohgad after throwing a meditating sage off the cliff. It is now an important pilgrimage site. (Salla stayed in Pune; Malang on Malanggad near Kalyan).**Water Sources:** * Small lake with drinking water reservoirs (the only source of drinking water on the fort). * A larger, polygonal (16 sides) lake built by Nana Phadnis (15-20 min walk away).**Vinchu Kata (Scorpion's Sting):** Located on the western side, similar to 'Sanjeevni Machi' of Rajgad. * **Features:** 1500m long and 30m wide part of the mountain, separated from the main fort. Named because it resembles a scorpion's sting when viewed from the fort. * **Purpose:** Used for keeping watch on surrounding areas and enemies. Cannons are located here. Ample water available. The end bastion acts as the fort's armor.-----**Bhaje Caves** **Significance:** Lohgad's location and the dominance of Buddhists (Heenyana) and Satvaahans made it significant. * **Location:** Near Malavali (Karla caves are slightly farther). * **Art & Architecture:** Reveals advanced architecture (over 2000 years old). The construction remains intact, even the wooden planks. * **Details:** Ancient Viharas and Stupas indicate Heenyana Buddhists (no idol worship). Find 8 more Stupas here. * **Surya-Mandir (Temple of Sun):** Features a carving of the Sun God's chariot. * **Protection:** Managed by the ASI.