Information on Chanderi Fort (Thane, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Chanderi Fort is a magnificent hill mount fort, located beautifully in the Matheran Mountains of the extended Western Ghats in Maharashtra. This fort and its surroundings have a 1000 years rich history and culture of Marathas. This fortress is a unique architectural marvel. It is located near Badlapur Road, Kasgaon, Chinchavali Village in Thane District of Maharashtra in India.

Chanderi Fort Architecture

Chanderi Fort is built on an elevation of 790 meters above the sea level. This makes this fortress a perfect vigil over the surrounding areas. Since the invaders and trades has to cross this region, who are coming from the central parts of India towards the Mumbai. This fort is a perfect stone marvel. The entire structure is built with the granite stones locally mined on this hill tops. It has large thick walls in a very good height. These walls are supported with cylindrical bastions. It has got one main gateway named Khooni Darwaja. On the hill top it has got a vast plain-grounds, where there are many beautiful complexes were built. The main structures are built up to four stories. The main palace complex is the beautiful part of this fort. It is centrally open with many pillared verandahs in a square design. The open place has a small pond, which adds it, beauty to the open land area. This fortress was occupied by many rulers, so there are many types of architecture found. Its initial structure was of tribal designs. The later part of the uprising structure has the essence of Rajput and the Mughal architectural forms. This fort follows most of the Rajputana style in its structure. The Mughal designs are seen in the last upgraded sites. The inner parts of this grate structure have unique stone art works. It windows are marvelous with protruding type in geometrical designs. It roofs are well made of stone slabs. Many of its main beams are also made with single stone blocks of granite stones. It has got very good source of water and there is a pond built with steep steps towards the beneath of this pond. These steps are perfectly carved on the same monolith huge rock. There are Hindu temples built here. There is a great statue of Maratha King Shivaji built here. From the beneath of the foot hills, it has got a very good stone carved steps to reach its main gates. This hill has got natural water falls areas. In the summer its water catchment caves are used to reach up this fort. But presently, it is not possible due to dense vegetation in these areas.

Chanderi Fort History

Chanderi Fort and its surroundings are mentioned in the Vedic era itself. This Chanderi area was known as the Chedi province under Sishupal in the Mahabharata rule. Later it was ruled by many tribal clans. It was known as Chandranagr in the BC Era. The exact person who built this fort and its time are not known so far. But the Rajputs occupied this fort area in 13the century AD. In the year 1294 AD Allaudin Khilji took over this area under Khilji Dynasty. This place was visited by the Morocco Traveler Ibna Batatuta in 1342 AD. He has mentioned about this place as great town for trading and a scenic place. From 1707 AD it was with frequent quarrels with the Mughal and the Maratha kingdom. This was one of the great garrison are for the Mughal Empire to keep a vigil over the western part of India.

Chanderi Fort Tourism Importance

Chanderi Fort is a hilltop fort and to reach here is a best trekking experience. It is surrounded by a picturesque village, mountains, lakes and forests. This is a protected monument and a heritage tourist site in Maharashtra. More of all, visiting the fort gives visitors wonderful experience as they can enjoy not just the historical importance of the fort, but one can also explore the peaceful location which once became the part of the Vedic era. It would truly be a lifetime experience to explore the fort and witness the marvel that stands even today with the same pride and glory, portrays the pictures that is about to be lost with the time. Feel and live in the present and past both at the same time by visiting this fort.