Information on Mandangad Fort (Ratanagiri, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Mandangad Fort aka Chitradurga Fort is a very cute hilltop fort built in the 12th Century AD. This fort was used a dwelling place and it don't have much history until the rise of Maratha empire. It is located in the hidden hillocks area and now this place is well known for trekking. Now this has become a tourist spot. There are two temples inside this fort, which are well known to the Hindus residing here. It is located near the Mandangad Village, Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra State in India.

Mandangad Fort Architecture

Mandangad Fort is a traditional fort of the 12th Century AD. It has got a very unique masonry in its structure. The construction materials used here are the granite stones and lime stones. This fortress is built on a high altitude of 1610 feet above the sea level. The fortification is done on the plain areas found on the top of this hill. A thick rampart is build around with height ranging from 10-15 meters. There are few cylindrical bastions found on its ramparts. It has got the firing areas on these ramparts. One of the oldest country made cannon can be found here which is said to be a 500 years old and this cannon is still in good condition. It is made of Iron and now it is in red color, which is painted with red oxide to protect it from natural rusting. The cannon is placed on a strong pedestal. There are also many gaps found on this ramparts as look over points. On the inner part of this fort three is a fresh water tank, it is very old one and still found perennial. There is also a well dig here as rain water catchment place. A natural lake is found here, which is named as Thorla Talav. Near this lake a Lord Ganesha Temple is built here. This temple is a unique temple built in the traditional style having an obelisk tower on it top of the temple and it is fixed with a temple flag. This temple is too small but has vast importance locally. In the recent renovation works, this temple was given foremost importance. There are vast open space found here with stone platform and steps to access its other areas. Many small complexes are built here, which were used as a living room in the olden times.

Mandangad Fort History

Mandangad Fort is built by the Shilahar dynasties, who were the feudal rulers of the Konkan region from 800 AD to the 12th century AD. This fort was the last fortress build by Someshvara. He was the last ruler of the Shilahar Kingdom. This fort location seem to be very odd and in the hidden hillocks of the place. It seems it was not built as a defensive fort and was used as residing purpose. For many centuries this fort was unknown. It came in to light when the Maratha ruler Shivaji was accruing more land towards the Maratha province. This fort came under him by a great battle with the Adil Shah of Afsharid dynasty. This was later known as the Shivaji Fort in those days for his victory over it. Meanwhile the neighboring province rulers like the Siddhis and Angre fought with the Marathas to capture this fort. But in the year 1818 AD this fort went under the British East India Company. This fort was captured by Colonel Kennedy for its company purpose. Thus this colossal fort remained under the various rulers and more of all one can see, in order to have this fort in possession, battles were fought. Thus from this historical event one can make it out, its importance the fort carried during that era. Even today its historical significance portrays the image on the eyes of the onlookers.

Mandangad Fort Tourism Importance

Mandangad Fort is a best place to visit for it remoteness and the dense forest surrounded by it. One can feel as if lost in ancient world around its rigid hillocks. It is the best place for trekking enroots to reach this fort. It is a tourist site and a protected monument of the Maharashtra government. Well, don't miss the opportunity to visit this fort, which has immense historical importance and architectural brilliance noteworthy and to be praised off.