Information on Vairatgad Fort (Satara, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Vairatgad Fort is an ancient hilltop fortress. This is a lesser know fort until the medieval period of India. This is an important fort in the Maratha kingdom and of the Colonial Era in India. It is a great place to visit by tourists. It is located near the Wai Town, Satara District of Maharashtra State in India.

Vairatgad Fort Architecture

Vairatgad Fort is a magnificent stone marvel. It has very remarkable stone arts in this fort. This fort is found to be built in the ancient fort forms found in the geographical areas of present India. This is a small fort in size when compared to many other forts found in Maharashtra. But this fort stood as a great garrison house in the medieval times. This fort is built at a peak height of 1117 meters in altitude above the mean sea level. It is uniquely placed in the eastern ranges of the Shyadri Mountains. This fort has got very strong ramparts; these are supported with curved bastions. From the base village to reach its top, there are unique stone block steps and rock carved steps here. This fort has very steep slopes from its main fortification walls, protecting it from invaders naturally. There are two medium sized cannons are placed in the foot hill of this fort entrance, which may be on its way to this hilltop fort. This may be kept here in the medieval times, when canons were used as main weapons. There are many rock caves seen here, these may be a dwelling place for the below found tribal villagers. The freemasonry stone works are found in many parts of this fort structure. It is made of granite stones cut in uneven shapes and blocks. These stones are mined from the same hills. There are few cistern found here. These were mostly filled in the monsoon season and served as the water resource in this fort. A beautiful Hindu temple is built here. The main controversy over this temple is that its main statue of god is placed outside this temple. This is a manual work by a miscreants or the architect designed here itself is unknown till now. Still this temple is worshiped as the Hanuman temple by its villagers.

Vairatgad Fort History

Vairatgad Fort is built around the 11th century AD by Maharaja Bojh, who belongs to Shilahar Dynasty. This fort was deserted for many centuries from the decline of the Bojh kingdom. This place is known as the Phanahala region in the ancient times. It was mostly occupied by tribal peoples. It came to lime light in the medieval times once again with the Maratha and the British India rule. The Maratha Empire saw its Expansion under the Chatrapathi Shivaji rule. In the middle of 17th century, he annexed these provinces known as the Pandavgad and Vairatgad Village in his province. He used this fort as a permanent outpost. Nearly 200 military personal took in charge of this fort and its surroundings. Soon after the decline of the Maratha Kingdom, this fort was captured by the British and used for its East India Companies interest. The British India rule was going at that time and it was under their controlee till the independence of India. This fort requires more renovation works to make it a tourist attraction, since it is tough to reach its top hills.

Vairatgad Fort Tourism Significance

Vairatgad Fort is a great historic place to see in Satara. Its stone architect is really appreciable. This is listed in the protected monument act and a beautiful heritage site in Maharashtra. This is graded as hard fort for tourists. This place is mostly accessed by trekking and climbing activities. The historical fort has lot to share with the visitors here as they get to know lot many things about the fort as well as enjoy the picturesque appeal of the nature that surrounds the fort. More of all, the place offers wonderful opportunity to enjoy trekking as well as climbing as to access the fort, one has to come across the valleys and small hills. It is truly a wonderful experience to be here and spend quality time with dear ones.