India has many amazing forts that exemplify the brilliance of ancient construction. One such fort that even time couldn't destroy it is the Vijaydurg fort. It is not only one of the oldest but also the strongest forts in Maharashtra that braved several attacks by the hands of foreigners.
History of Vijaydurg Fort
It was built by the Raja Bhoj of Shilahar Dynasty during the end of 12th century in the present day Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district in western Maharashtra. It took 12 years (1193 to 1205) to build such an imposing fort surrounded by the Arabian sea from all the four sides. It was called ”Gheria” due to being in the proximity of the “Gehriya” village. When Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1653 from Adil Shah of Bijapur, he named it “Vijay Durg,” which translates to Victory Fort.
The fort was in 5 acres initially. Shivaji Maharaj extended it up to 17 acres and provided it with a protection cover of the Arabian sea from three sides. Besides its strong construction, the 40 km shallow creek at its front made it impossible for the enemy ships to get close to it. The Maratha navy used this creek as an anchoring point so that the warships couldn't be seen by the enemies from the distance. Due to its imposing structure, the fort was also nicked as the “Eastern Gibraltar.”
The fort stood a witness to many wars since several outsiders tried their hands to conquer it. It was under the Marathas from 1667 to 1729. Thereafter, the Peshwas ruled it till 1818. Finally, the fort was taken over by the British after defeating the Peshwas.
Vijaydurg Fort Architecture
Vijaydurg, like any other fort in Maharashtra, is built with laterite stones making it one of the fine examples of the robust ancient construction. The walls of the fort are 8 to 10 metres in height and are made of huge black rocks. There are 27 bastions that serve as a vigilance point. There are a few tunnels and caves inside the fort used for storing food-grains and as an emergency exit. One of the tunnels leads to the palatial house built in the close-by village. A water lake near the fort served as a source of drinking water. Several structures inside the fort now lie in ruins. However, a rest house is still in good condition.
Discovery of an underwater wall
Recently, a team of oceanographers discovered a submerged wall at the east of the fort. The wall is 122 metres in length, 3 metres in height, and 7 metres in width, and 8 to 10 metres in depth built of laterite rocks.
It was intentionally built under the water for destroying the ships of attackers. The Portuguese during its attempt to conquer the fort had lost a few ships after colliding with the underwater wall.
How to reach Vijaydurg
By Road – One can reach Vijaydurg by car or state-run buses via Mumbai-Goa national highway 17. From Mumbai, it is 436 km via Chiplun, and 184 km from Panaji.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Rajapur on the Konkan Railway route. From Rajapur, Vijaydurg is 77 km. Taxis and rickshaws ply to the fort from Rajapur rail station.
By Air – The nearest airport to Vijaydurg is Kolhapur and Dabolim Airport. The former is 152 km and the latter is 205 km from the fort.
History of Vijaydurg Fort
It was built by the Raja Bhoj of Shilahar Dynasty during the end of 12th century in the present day Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district in western Maharashtra. It took 12 years (1193 to 1205) to build such an imposing fort surrounded by the Arabian sea from all the four sides. It was called ”Gheria” due to being in the proximity of the “Gehriya” village. When Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1653 from Adil Shah of Bijapur, he named it “Vijay Durg,” which translates to Victory Fort.
The fort was in 5 acres initially. Shivaji Maharaj extended it up to 17 acres and provided it with a protection cover of the Arabian sea from three sides. Besides its strong construction, the 40 km shallow creek at its front made it impossible for the enemy ships to get close to it. The Maratha navy used this creek as an anchoring point so that the warships couldn't be seen by the enemies from the distance. Due to its imposing structure, the fort was also nicked as the “Eastern Gibraltar.”
The fort stood a witness to many wars since several outsiders tried their hands to conquer it. It was under the Marathas from 1667 to 1729. Thereafter, the Peshwas ruled it till 1818. Finally, the fort was taken over by the British after defeating the Peshwas.
Vijaydurg Fort Architecture
Vijaydurg, like any other fort in Maharashtra, is built with laterite stones making it one of the fine examples of the robust ancient construction. The walls of the fort are 8 to 10 metres in height and are made of huge black rocks. There are 27 bastions that serve as a vigilance point. There are a few tunnels and caves inside the fort used for storing food-grains and as an emergency exit. One of the tunnels leads to the palatial house built in the close-by village. A water lake near the fort served as a source of drinking water. Several structures inside the fort now lie in ruins. However, a rest house is still in good condition.
Discovery of an underwater wall
Recently, a team of oceanographers discovered a submerged wall at the east of the fort. The wall is 122 metres in length, 3 metres in height, and 7 metres in width, and 8 to 10 metres in depth built of laterite rocks.
It was intentionally built under the water for destroying the ships of attackers. The Portuguese during its attempt to conquer the fort had lost a few ships after colliding with the underwater wall.
How to reach Vijaydurg
By Road – One can reach Vijaydurg by car or state-run buses via Mumbai-Goa national highway 17. From Mumbai, it is 436 km via Chiplun, and 184 km from Panaji.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Rajapur on the Konkan Railway route. From Rajapur, Vijaydurg is 77 km. Taxis and rickshaws ply to the fort from Rajapur rail station.
By Air – The nearest airport to Vijaydurg is Kolhapur and Dabolim Airport. The former is 152 km and the latter is 205 km from the fort.
Beautiful post and information! 👍
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajesh for this appreciation.👍
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