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

Malang Gad Fort is a rear kind of hilltop fort found in the Shaydri Ranges of Maharashtra. This is an important pilgrim place for the Hindus and Muslim peoples in India. This is an ancient fort with long standing history social and cultural values. It is located near the Malang Wadi Village, near Kalyan in Thane District of Maharashtra in India.

Malang Gad Fort Architecture

Malang Gad Fort is well built at a height of 790 meters above the sea level. This fort is build on the plane area of this hilltop know as Sone Machi. It has a high raised monolith stone on this fort place know as the Pir Machi. It is the highest peak here. This fort is totally built from the rocks locally found here. Most of these rocks are cut from the same areas were this fort was built. The most important feature of this fort is it doesn't have any look out gaps in its main walls. This is the only fort which doesn't have a watch tower in and outside of these fort surroundings. It is also not built with turret placements for cannon or for using artilleries. It seems this for was not built as a defensive fort and used this area as some other purpose by the Mayurains. A few cannons are placed in the land areas of the outer part of this fort and the steep slopes of this fort were its natural defense. This fort also saw many modifications in its later years by the occupants of this fort. They were the Marathas and the British East India Company (BEIC). A good source of water is found here on this fort, this is a small pond dug here in the initial stage of their fort construction. To reach this fort from the Mangalwadi base, one has to walk and climb many rock stones and there are also fine stone carved steps and stone blocks step built here to reach the top of this hill.

Malang Gad Fort History

Malang Gad Fort is also known as Divine Hills locally. This forts history is known from the time of the Mauryan Dynasty. It was built by the Maha Raja Nala Deva in the 7th century AD. This place became an important pilgrim centre by the settlement of two Sufi saints who came to India from the Persian Gulf's in the 12th century AD. One of the saints stayed here until his death and in remembrance of him a Darga was made in his name as the Malang Darga here. There is also two important Hindu temples built here, these are the Durga and Maha Kali temples. These temples and the Dargas on the way to this fort made it a popular pilgrim place for the Hindu and Muslims. This is a place for communal harmony and both the religion used to worship here, and there is no entry restriction for other religion or ethnic race. In the 18th century the Marathas were in controls of this fort. But the BEIC were trying its best to conquer this areas and by the treaty of Anglo-Maratha in the year 1781 AD. The Peshwas too controlled this region and made significant development in raising it as town ship. But in the 19th century this fort are came under the British rule and the Marathas and Peshwas lost its importance here. Presently it is functioning as a pilgrim place and this fort is protected under the archeological department.

Malang Gad Fort Tourism Importance

Malang Gad Fort is an ancient monument and a heritage site for tourist, to be visited once in Mumbai. It is a favorite location for trekking and rock climbers. It is a local picnic place for the Mumbaites. It has got the panoramic views of the Kalyan City and is surrounding hill ranges. The fort has an awesome aura that entertains the visitors and helps to enjoy lovely time with dear ones. It is also an outstanding place for photography as well as to have trekking experiences. So while in Maharashtra, don't miss the opportunity to witness the beauty that provides you once in a lifetime experience and take home memorable experience to cherish for lifetime. Come and have time of your life here.