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

Sinhagad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress found in the Shaydri Mountain ranges in Pune. This is a very ancient rock fort still in good conditions. This is an historic monument and a tourist attraction in Pune. It is located at Sinhagad Ghat Road, Thoptewadi Village, Pune District of Maharashtra State in India.

Sinhagad Fort Architecture

Sinhagad Fort is greatly located atop on the Bhuleswar Hill range at an altitude of 1312 meters. It is found in the ancient fort models of India. It is built on the plateaus of this hill peak. There is a full length of main ramparts surrounded on this plain land surface bordering its ridges. It has got a very good defensive natural trench, since it has very steep slopes on major sides of this hill. These ramparts have two main gateways named as Pune Gate placed towards north-eastern side and the Kalyan Gate on south eastern side of this hill. From the foot hills, it has got a very unique pathway steps built on stone blocks and steps carved on hill rocks. This is very supportive to reach its hill top at an ease. There are many rock caves here which are beautifully carved. Few Hindu temples are also found her and the famous one is named Kaundinyeshwar temple. It has got very spacious palaces; these have very beautiful carved pillars to support its roof tops. There are also few minor structures found in the ruined stages.The tombs of Tanaji Malusare and Rajaram is built here. They were the military command and other one is the son of Shivaji Emperor.

Sinhagad Fort History

Sinhagad Fort literally means the lion Fort, is also known as the Kondhana Killa in Marathi language. The name Kondhana is kept from the Ajnata Kaundinya, who was a monk. He spent most of his time in this caves for mediation. This happened in the times of Sakhyas Dynasty of the Kapilavasthu period. That's why this fort and caves found here is known from 1500 to 500 BC, which is believed to be the Vedic Era in India. This forts history is recorded from the medieval times. In the year 1328 AD this fort was in the control of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He was a Turkish Invader who captured this fort to further expansion of the Thughlaq Empire to further south of India by defeating the Kakithiyas of the Deccan province. This region was late occupied by the Shahi rulers. In the 17th century AD the Maratha Empire took over this province from the Shahis. Soon it saw the invasion from the Mughals, a though battle was fought here with the Mughals. The Maratha commander named Tanaji Malusare defeated the Mughals army of 5000 solders by just 500 soldiers in his side. But he lost his life in the battle. This battle is known as a brave men's battle. His body was laid to rest in this fort and tomb was built here to honor is bravery. This battle of Singhagad took place in the year 1670 AD led by this Maratha King Shivaji. This fort stood as the defense out post for the Marahtha province in this location. Soon after the decline of the Maratha Kingdom, the British conquered this fort in 1818 AD.

Sinhagad Fort Tourism Significance

Sinhagad Fort is a very old protected monument and an ancient fort found in India. It is a perfect stone marvel to see on these rocky hills. This is a heritage fort well maintained by the archeological department on India. This fort has many food stalls inside, which serve very delicious traditional foods. Currently it is a great picnic and tourist destination in Pune.