The Unconquerable Fort;Raigad’s Tale of Valor; Tejas kakekar

Raigad is hill fort located in the Raigad district of maharashtra india. It was the capital of the “Maratha Empire” under the rule of “chatrapati shivaji maharaj”in the 17th century. Here’s a brife history of Raigad.

Early History (1200-1656)

1. *Initial Construction*: The fort was initially constructed by Chandrarao More, a local king, in the 12th century.

2. *Capture by Bahadur Khan*: In 1656, the fort was captured by Bahadur Khan, a general of the Bijapur Sultanate.

Shivaji Maharaj Era (1656-1680)

1. *Capture by Shivaji maharaj*: In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from Bahadur Khan and renamed it Raigad.

2.*Raigad reconstruction*:Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj assigned the work of reconstruction of the fort to Hiroji Indulkar,

*Structures and Attractions*

The fort has several impressive structures, including:-

*The Royal Complex*: A well-fortified complex that includes the Ranivasa, Rajsadar, Naqqarkhana, Mena Darwaza, and Palkhi Darwaja.-

*Rajsadar (Hall of Public Audience)*: A rectangular structure where Shivaji Maharaj used to hold his court to dispense justice and receive dignitaries.-

*Naqqarkhana*: A lofty three-storeyed structure facing the royal throne, believed to be where a royal band used to play.-

*Jagadishwar Temple*: A shrine dedicated to Lord Siva.

3.*Capital of Maratha Empire*: Raigad became the capital of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji maharaja’s rule.

4. *Coronation of Shivaji maharaj*: In 1674, Shivaji maharaj was coronated as the Chhatrapati (Emperor) of the Maratha Empire at Raigad.

After death of shivaji maharaj (1680-1818)

1. *Succession Disputes*: After Shivaji maharaja’s death in 1680, his son chatrapati sambhaji maharaj and successors fought over the throne, weakening the Maratha Empire.

2. *Capture by Mughals*: In 1689, the Mughal Empire, led by Aurangzeb, captured Raigad.

3. *Maratha Recapture*: In 1707, the Marathas recaptured Raigad.

4. *British Capture*: In 1818, the British East India Company captured Raigad.

Modern Era (1818-Present)

1. *Abandonment and Neglect*: After the British capture, Raigad was abandoned and left to ruin.

2. *Restoration Efforts*: In the 20th century, restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve the fort.

3. *Tourism and Heritage Site*: Today, Raigad is a popular tourist destination and a protected heritage site.

Raigad’s history is a testament to the bravery, strategic thinking, and vision of Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.