Skip to main content

Translate- हिंदी, मराठी, English

Arnala Fort

 



Arnala Fort, also known as Jaldurg (sea fort) or Janjire-Arnala, is a historical fort situated on Arnala Island, off the coast of Arnala village in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. Located approximately 13 kilometers north of Vasai, this island fort holds significant historical and strategic importance due to its commanding views of the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the Vaitarna River.   

History

The fort's history spans several centuries and multiple rulers:  

  • Sultanate of Gujarat: Originally constructed in 1516 by Sultan Mahmud Begda, a local chieftain from Gujarat, the fort was strategically placed at the mouth of the Vaitarna River.  
  • Portuguese Era: In the 1530s, the Portuguese captured the island and rebuilt the fort, naming it "Ilha das Vacas" (Isle of Cows). They recognized its value in controlling shipping and navigation along the northern Konkan coast and held it for nearly two centuries.  
  • Maratha Conquest: In 1737, the Maratha forces under Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Baji Rao I, successfully seized the fort from the Portuguese after a surprise attack. The Marathas further fortified it by adding three bastions: Bhairav, Bhavani, and Bava. They called it Janjire Arnala.  
  • British Control: During the First Anglo-Maratha War, the British captured the fort in 1781. Although it was briefly returned to the Marathas under the Treaty of Salbai, it eventually fell back into British hands during the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1817
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Anjanvel Fort

 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.
Post a Comment
Read more

Ajinkyatara Fort

  Ajinkyatara Fort, also known as the "Fort of Satara," proudly stands on Ajinkyatara Mountain, one of the seven hills cradling the city of Satara in the majestic Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. Perched at an elevation of about 3,300 feet above sea level, this 16th-century fort offers a commanding view of Satara City and holds a significant place in Maratha history. Its name, "The Impregnable Star," truly reflects its strategic importance.     History etched in stone Built in the 16th century by Raja Bhoj of the Shilhara dynasty, Ajinkyatara Fort has witnessed the rise and fall of various rulers. In 1673 CE, the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recognized its strategic value and seized control from Adil Shah. For a brief period between 1700 and 1706 CE, the fort was under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's rule and was even renamed "Azamara" after his son. However, in 1708 CE, Shahu Maharaj reclaimed it, and it remained a vital Maratha stronghold until the B...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bhudargad Fort

Bhudargad Fort is the most scenic place for forts in Maharashtra.   Bhudargad Fort from Sky  Bhudargad Fort Entrance   Bhudargad Fort is a historical hill fort located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India. Here's a summary of key information about it: Historical Significance: The fort's origins trace back to the Shilahar dynasty, specifically King Bhoj II. It has a rich and varied history, having been under the control of various dynasties, including the Adilshahi and Maratha empires. Shivaji Maharaj played a significant role in the fort's history, renovating it and using it as a strategic military outpost. The fort also has history related to the British East India company, and their attacks on the fort. Location and Features: It is situated near Paal village, approximately 50 kilometers south of Kolhapur and 12 kilometers from Gargoti. The fort stands on a large, vertical rock, offering commanding views of the surrounding area. Notable fea...
Post a Comment
Read more