Information on Purandar Fort (Pune, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Purandar Fort is a huge hilltop fort built in the 13th century AD. It was built in many stages by the various rulers of the west and south province of India. It does have a great historical and cultural influence over the Maratha Empire. It was also the major fort for the European colonialist in India. It is located in the Narayanpur Village, Sasvad, Pune District of Maharashtra State in India.

Purandar Fort Architecture

Purandar Fort is built over stages of time by many occupants of this region. This doesn't have any significant architectural model, but well built as a defensive fort in the Indian traditional manner. It located at a 1387 meter altitude, making it a highly defensive fort. It does occupy a unique place in the northern Western Ghats. The first base for this fort was laid by the Sultans of the Bhamani kingdom in the 13th century AD. In the 14th century the Shai rulers of the south raised its few structures here. From 1596 AD this was under taken by the Maratha Sardar Maloji Bhosale. This fort is built in two parts and named it the Purandar and the Rudramal fort. It has got thick walls built with bastions. There is a beautiful Purandareshwa Temple built here and this fort do accrued form this temple's name. There is also a beautiful ancient temple of Lord Shiva found here. A church is ruined condition is also found here, once used by the colonialist in this fort. It has many roofed structures which were up to two stories. It also has a large granary and weapon house. Once this fort served was a great palace for the army chiefs. A life size statue of Murarbaji Deshpande is built here, he was killed in the war with the Mughal to safe guard this fort. This fort is well placed with cannons on all sides of this fort. It has a very good garrison area left open in the plain grounds.

Purandar Fort History

Purandar Fort was occupied by the Shivaji Maharaj. This was not liked by its neighboring ruler named the Bijapur kings and from the north Delhi the Mughals Empire. Since the Shivaji is well known for his empire expansion programs he underwent in those days by building many forts as watch towers and occupying territories. Shivaji when became the Emperor, he lost this fort from the Mughals in a great battle held in 1656 AD. Here Shivaji was made surrender his 23 forts to the Mughals. But he was successful to defeat the Mughals and took in his control in 1670 AD. This period also saw the advent of European colonialist and the British took over this fort from the Marathas in the year 1818 AD. This fort became very famous when it's housed the War Prisoners of the World War II the prisoners of war were the Germans. One of the German prisoners also wrote a book on this fort. This mountain beneath Purandar Village is known to the origin of the birthplace of Sambhaji Raje Bhosle, who was the son of great Shivaji Maharaja of Maratwad Kingdom. It also functions as the training camp for the National Cadet Crops. Presently it is used as a base for the Para gliding and for mountain trekking.

Purandar Fort Tourism Importance

Purandar Fort is a beautiful ancient fort to worth to see. It is an adventure place and a very good place for Nature lovers. It is an eco friendly place and a very excellent family tourist spot. It is a protected monument and a heritage site in the Maharashtra tourism list. It is a unique place for fort lovers and history buffs.