Information on Sindhudurg Fort (Sindhudurg, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Sindhudurg Fort is a huge Island fort in the Arabian Sea. It is the pride of Maratha Empire and a protected monument by the India Government. This fort is a major tourist attraction in the Sindhudurg district. It has historic and cultural importance since the past 350 years. It is located in Kurte Island near Malavan Town of Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra State in India.

Sindhudurg Fort Architecture

Sindhudurg Fort is a mix of architectural work. Since this fort was consulted with the many colonialist experts in design and structures of that time present in Mumbai and Goa regions. Finally the Maratha King Shivaji built this fort with his well know architect named the Hiroji Indulkar. He completed its construction within 3 years and employed more than 3000 skilled and semi skilled laborers to build this fortress. This fort is well seated on a rocky island. It has got very long and thick ramparts, which is laid in uneven shapes all around this Islands. These ramparts are supported with many curved and circular bastions. It has many look out holes and stone hooks for tying boats and ships on its ramparts. A beautiful watchtower is placed uniquely facing towards the Arabian Sea. The south end of this fort has a small gate, which lead to a small beach area named the Ramichi Vela of Kurte Island. This is the only place found outside this fort as open land. This fort has very important marks of its Builder. These are the foot and hand prints of the Shavaji Emperor found in the main entrance gates. The other important feature is that it has a temple dedicated to Shivaji built by his son. The inner structures are very large and spacious in nature. There are many living areas and storage structures found here. This fort has a beautiful palm groove found naturally all over this island area. There are two fresh water wells dug here. These wells are found with fresh waters even in the summer times. It is a rear wells to get fresh water in the Sea Islands. There are few Hindu temples found here which were believed to be a family temple of the Maratha royals. There is an underground passage dug here as escape route in times of war. This was mainly meant for the women members living inside this fortress. This tunnel connects to the main land of the Manaval Town.

Sindhudurg Fort History

Sindhudurg Fort was built by the Maratha Emperor know as the Chatrapathi Shivaji. It laid its foundation in 1664 AD and completed its total construction activities on 1667 AD. The fort was into force from the same year and stood as the watch tower towards the Arabian Sea. After the death of Shivaji this fort was conquered by the Anger Dynasty and later by the Peshwas in a century time. But in 1765 the British took over this fort and renamed it as the Augustus Fort. The temple of Shivaji is worshiped by its local peoples every day. Many Marathi's gather here on special occasion related to Hindu calendar. A vast number of peoples gather for his birth anniversary. The historical importance of the fort is immense and looking at the colossal fort, it can be make out, how important the fort is from historical point of view. The colossal fort, has witness the change of rulers over the years and it came under various rules, who ruled the fort and brought changes according to their choice and preferences. The same can be witness, even today as the architectural brilliance stays aloof with the same pride and glory, depicting the beautiful past, buried by the time.

Sindhudurg Fort Tourism Significance

Sindhudurg Fort is a Great Island fort worth to see. It has got a unique stone masonry works. This fort is an eco friendly fort. It can be reached by sea travel on fiber boats and local traditional boats found here. It has got a picturesque sun set view from her with the beauty of Arabian Sea. Presently the Maharashtra tourism development board has taken special care to promote Island tourism here. Since this is a heritage site visited by many foreign tourists enroot to Mumbai from Goa.