Anjanvel Fort, also known as Gopalgad, stands as a historic sentinel in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, near the village of Anjanvel. Perched strategically on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the Vashishti River, this sea fort holds significant historical importance due to its commanding position over ancient trade routes and the Dabhol port.
History: A Tapestry of Rulers
The precise origins of Anjanvel Fort remain somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been constructed by the Bijapur kings in the 16th century. Its strategic value soon became apparent, leading to its capture by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 as part of his campaign to control the Dabhol creek. Shivaji recognized the fort's potential and further fortified it, also establishing a shipbuilding dockyard and renaming it Gopalgad.


Comments
Post a Comment