Chhatrapati Shivaji's 12 forts included in UNESCO's World Heritage List, their glorious history is interesting

It is difficult for a common man to even build a house in his life. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built 362 forts in his lifetime. After the inclusion of his 12 forts in UNESCO's World Heritage List, these forts are in the news, which actually show his personality.

This is due to the fact that he was the son of a common military chieftain, and on the basis of his strategy and bravery, he managed to bring into existence Hindavi Swaraj by combating the Mughal authority along with five powerful Muslim rulers of Maharashtra and the South. These forts are not constructed in common geographical conditions as well. Some are located on inaccessible mountain peaks, while others are in the middle of the sea.

Even today, reaching these forts is a tough task. No fort constructed on a mountain is less than 1200-1300 meters above sea level. The walls of the forts constructed at such a level or in the depth of the ocean are so thick that it was not that easy to rock them even with cannonballs.

Milind Verlekar, who has expertise on the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, says, 'In just 34-35 years, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established many huge forts between high mountains and deep sea. He was able to do this work only with the help and trust of his associates, whom he had been keeping with him since childhood.'

Abhijit Mule, who has studied Shivaji's ruling style in depth, says, 'Shivaji Maharaj specially chose such places to build these forts, from where the enemies could be kept under surveillance and they could be attacked skillfully in guerrilla warfare. Apart from this, some of these forts were also on the popular trade route. Which proved helpful in collecting taxes from the traders and protecting them.'

Rajgarh

Shivaji Maharaj took control of this already built fort near Pune in 1647 and ordered its renovation. Shivaji Maharaj's rule ran from here from 1662 to 1674.

Shivneri Fort

Shivaji Maharaj was born in this fort located in Junnar taluka of Pune district. There is a temple of Shivai Devi in this fort. It is said that Shivaji Maharaj was named after her.

Raigad

It is also known as Rairi Fort. Shivaji Maharaj himself was crowned in this fort on 6 June 1674, then his son Sambhaji on 16 January 1681, and his second son Rajaram on 11 March 1689. Raigad Fort was the capital of Shivaji's Hindavi Swaraj.

Pratapgarh

From this fort near Mahabaleshwar in Satara district, Shivaji Maharaj assassinated the commander of Adilshahi forces, Afzal Khan, by tearing his abdomen with his Baghnakh.

Salher Fort

Salher near Nashik is the tallest fort in Maharashtra. This fort was captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1671. In 1672, Shivaji Maharaj battled with the Mughals for this fort, wherein Shivaji Maharaj emerged victorious.

Vijay Durg

This fort, constructed on a strategically significant sea coast in Konkan, was constructed in the 12th century by King Bhoj (II) from the Silhar dynasty. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from the Adilshahi Sultanate in 1653 and renamed it Vijay Durg.

Khanderi Fort

Khanderi Fort, situated mid-sea close to Mumbai, brings forward Shivaji's naval might. Shivaji Maharaj built it between 1660 and 1679 to keep an eye on the Siddis living in Janjira.

Lohagad

This Lonavala fort between Mumbai and Pune is strategically located. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648.

Suvarna Durg

Shivaji Maharaj constructed this sea mid-sea fort in Konkan to keep an eye on water-based trade-military activities. Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha Empire's admiral, was also born in this fort.

Sindhu Fort

Shivaji Maharaj constructed this fort on the seashore of Maharashtra close to Goa to monitor the British, Portuguese and Siddis. This fort of 48 acres used to have several hidden gates to enter and leave.

Gingee Fort

The massive GingeeFort situated in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu was captured by Shivaji from Bijapur state in 1677. It was then taken over by the Marathas for nearly 22 years.

Panhala Fort

This fort, located near Kolhapur, was built in the 12th century by King Bhoj of the Silhar dynasty. It took Shivaji Maharaj 14 years to snatch this fort from the Adilshahi Sultanate.