Manohar-Mansantoshgad

**Fort Manohar: A History of Rebellion** * **Origin Unknown:** Likely repaired/reconstructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. * **1667 Visit:** Shivaji Maharaj arrived April 11, 1667, to lift the siege on Fort Raangana, then stayed here from May 13 to June 15 (34 days). * **Kolhapur Custody:** Forts later went to the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur. * **Revolts:** Gadkari (Fort Keeper) rebelled in 1834. Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj (Buva Maharaj) suppressed a resurfaced revolt in 1836, confiscating two cannons. * **1844 Uprising:** Manohar-Manasantoshgad proved troublesome to the British. Fond Sawant Taambulkar (mastermind) sheltered Yuvaraaj Annasaheb (Sawantwadi royal state) here, collected taxes, and ran a gunpowder factory (supplying Samaangad, Raangana). * **British Attack:** Generals Della monte & Colonel Autam attacked. Fortification was breached by cannonballs. * **1845 Capture:** Rebels fled January 26, 1845. The British then destroyed the steps of Manohar-Manasantoshgad forts.

First Entry & Defense: Locate the original fort doorway near the Shivapur/Gothanewadi road junction. Only one bastion remains intact. Follow the well-constructed steps: steep cliff right, deep valley left. This tactical layout forced enemies crossing the first doorway into a firing range from the atop fortification. Inside the Fort: After passing the ruined doorway, reach the top. See the widespread fortification, a well, and the decrepit mansion remains. The Wrecked Mansion: Built on a broad base with two pavilions. The larger one had a main and a small hidden doorway. Although wood is gone (pillars, door frame, roof), indentations on the stone walls are visible. Find deity idols under the Aaudumbar tree at the front. Towards Manasantoshgad: Many remnants suggest extensive historical settlements. Walk to the elevation where the flag is hoisted to reach Manohargad's edge. From here, view Manasantoshgad and the valley between the two forts. Manasantoshgad’s lower height offers clear views of its relics. Water Source & Facilities: Walk back along the fort towards Gothanewadi village to find a well-constructed well and trench. The well offers potable water year-round. Note the two toilets built into the fortifications, similar to those at Sindhudurg fort. An additional toilet is located past the main doorway, alongside the fortification. West End Bastion: At the west end, a bastion sits just below the edge, strengthening this part of the fort's descending trunk. It's only accessible by rope. From this spot, the fort is visible in a spread-eagled shape. You can also see the forts of Narayangad, Raangana, and Mahadevgad.