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| Lohagad Fort,Ganesh Darwaja, Lohagad, Maharashtra, India en.wikipedia.org/ |
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| Lohagad Fort, near Lonavala, www.placesnearpune.com |
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| Vinchukata fortification en.wikipedia.org |
A Deeper Dive into its History
Ancient Origins: While most of the fort's prominent structures are associated with the Marathas, its history is much older. The initial construction is attributed to the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled the region as early as the 2nd century BCE. A Brahmi inscription, discovered in a cave at the fort in 2019, confirms the presence of a Jain center during that period.
A Fort for the Treasury:
Shivaji's recapture of Lohagad in 1670 was not just a military victory; it was a strategic move to secure his wealth. The fort was used as a safe haven to store the immense treasure plundered during his successful campaigns in Surat. This wealth was kept in a large vaulted chamber known as the Laxmi Kothi. The fort’s rugged location and solid construction made it the perfect place for a treasury, a practice that continued later under Nana Fadnavis.
The British Conquest:
While the text mentions the fort's importance to the Marathas, it doesn't detail its fall. The British captured Lohagad in 1818. They found it difficult to attack Lohagad directly due to its defenses, so they first captured the nearby and higher-elevation Visapur Fort. From there, they used heavy artillery to bombard Lohagad, forcing the Maratha garrison to surrender.
Architectural and Structural Facts
Vinchukata Fortification: The "Vinchukata" or "Scorpion's Tail" is a remarkable example of military engineering. This long, narrow fortified spur juts out from the main fort and resembles a scorpion's tail. It is about 1,500 meters in length and 30 meters wide, serving as a second line of defense and providing a clear vantage point for surveillance.
The Four Gates: The four main gates—Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja—are not just entrances but a series of interconnected defenses designed to confuse and slow down any invading army. They are strategically placed and feature sturdy stonemasonry.
Notable Structures: Within the fort's precincts, there are several other notable structures, including a stepwell and water tanks built by Nana Fadnavis. The fort also houses a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Muslim dargah near the Maha Darwaja, showcasing the cultural confluence of the various dynasties that ruled the region.
Latest Facts and Conservation Efforts
Protected Monument: Lohagad Fort is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI is responsible for its conservation and maintenance.
Recent Restoration Work: In recent years, the ASI has carried out significant repair work. In April 2024, the ASI completed the repair of the main entrance, which had partially collapsed due to environmental factors. The materials used were carefully chosen to match the original structure, preserving the fort’s aesthetic and historical integrity.
Visitor Safety: The ASI has also focused on visitor safety by repairing temple steps within the fort and installing safety grills at the "Vinchukata" spur, which is a popular but precarious spot for tourists.
Ongoing Issues: While major repairs have been done, local conservation groups and former officials have highlighted the need for more security personnel to prevent visitor negligence. There are also calls for better tourist amenities, such as public toilets and a reliable water supply, to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
UNESCO Recognition:
The fort is part of a larger nomination to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Maratha Military Landscapes of India." This is a significant development that underscores the global historical importance of this and other Maratha forts.
Lohagad Fort and Bhaja Caves
You mentioned the Bhaja Caves are right next to the fort. This is an important detail for travelers and historians. The caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are a fine example of Hinayana Buddhist architecture. They are also famous for their unique carvings, including a depiction of a woman playing a tabla, which provides historical evidence of the percussion instrument’s use in ancient India.
