Peth (Kothaligad)

**Fort History: Mughals vs. Marathas** **1684:** Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered Abdul Kadar and Ali Biradarkani to seize forts from Sambhaji’s empire. Abdul Kadar, recognizing the fort's importance for Kokan control, planned an attack. **Nov 1684:** 300 Mughal gunmen reached the base. The Marathas were tricked into opening the 'Magarkot Dwar', thinking the shouting Mughals were 'own men' arriving for weapons trade. A battle ensued, won by the Mughals with help from Mankoji Pandhere. **Siege:** Marathas quickly surrounded the fort. Abdul Kadar faced critical shortages after ammunition was destroyed/used and supplies were looted. **Reinforcements:** Abdul Aziz Khan sent his son, Abdul Khan. Maratha Sardar Naroji Tryambak tried to block him but was killed when a war broke out. Ehmat Khan hung Naroji's head on the road. **Mughal Victory:** The Mughals gained total control. Golden keys were sent to Aurangzeb. The fort was renamed **'Miftahulfateh' (victory key)**. Abdul Khan was rewarded. **Maratha Counterattacks:** * **Dec 1684:** 7,000 Marathas fought Mahamatkhan but failed to stop Mughal movement. * **Apr 1685:** 700 Marathas attacked; 200 climbed using rope ladders. Mughals won the bloody battle, retaining the fort.**1817:** After 130 years, in **Nov 1817**, Maratha Sardar Bapurao (under Bajirao II) fought the British and won the fort back.-----**Getting There** **From Karjat Railway Station (Mumbai-Pune route):** * Take an ST bus to **Ambivali** via Kashele (approx. 30 Kms). * Follow the road from Ambivali to **Village Peth**. * A tiring, lush green pathway from Peth leads to the fort door.**Alternative Route (Via Neral):** * Get off at **Neral Railway Station** (Mumbai-Pune route). * Take local conveyance to **Kashele**. * Catch a bus from Kashele to **Ambivali**.

Peth Fort Highlights: See the Peth pinnacle from the village. At the top, explore caves carved in huge rocks: Goddess Cave (with a water cistern) and the spacious Bhairoba Cave, known for its flat floor and sculpted pillars. Steps are carved leading to the pinnacle near Bhairoba Cave. Find potholes and canon balls scattered across the fort. From the top, you can spot surrounding historical places: Kalwawantinicha Mahal, Nagfani, Siddhagad, Malanggad, Chanderi, Prabalgad, Manikgad, and Matheran.