Sinhagad Fort
To the southeast of Pune city stands the gallant fort of Sinhagad. Its name means that only the lion-hearted can win this place, and it was named after the brave warrior Tanaji Malusare. A famous quote by Shivaji Maharaj is
“EK GAD AALA PAN DUSRAA GAD GELAA”
Which means that though he conquered the fort, he had lost the other, who was none other than the brave warrior Tanaji Malusare. In the honor of this great warrior, who sacrificed his life for this fort, this fort was named ‘SINHGAD’, previously known as “Kondhana”. It lies to the southwest of Pune city; at about 16 miles from the city .It is about 4400 feet above the sea level.
Type : Hill forts
Fort Range : Pune
District : Pune
Grade : Easy
History :
This fort has been referred to as ‘Kundhana ’in a Persian poem named ‘Shahanama-e-Hind’, dating back to 1350 A.D. It was called ‘Kondana’ after Sage Kaundinya. The Kaundinyeshwar temple, the caves & the carvings indicate that this fort had probably been built two thousand years back.
Shivaji Maharaj’s father Shahaji, as Adilshah’s commander, was entrusted with the control of the Pune region. Shivaji Maharaj, however, refused to accept Adilshahi & initiated the arduous task of setting up Swarajya. In a clever move he gained control of Kondana in 1647. He bribed Siddi Amber, the Adilshahi Sardar who controlled the fort and captured it. But, in 1649, it had to be handed over to Adilshah for Shahaji Maharaj’s freedom. Shivaji Maharaj soon captured it back. Unfortunately it went into the hands of the Mughal army chief Mirzaraje Jaysingh, in the year 1665. In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj re-conquered this fort & then it stayed under Maratha rule till 1689. After Sambhaji’s death the Mughals gained its control. Again in 1693 the Marathas captured it. Rajaram died on Sinhagad on the 3rd of March 1700 & in 1703 Aurangjeb conquered it. In 1707, it once again went into the hands of the Marathas & remained with them till 1818, when the British conquered it. Of all the important events associated with this fort, the fort is most well known for the legendary climb by Tanaji that helped the Marathas to conquer the fort on 4th February 1672. Since then it has come to be known as Sinhagad.
This part of the Maratha history is quite interesting. Tanaji had arrived in the court to invite Shivaji Maharaj for his son’s wedding. Shivaji had escaped from Agra and reached Rajgad. Tanaji was assigned the job, and he accepted without any hesitation. He reached the base of the fort in the night. Strong people amongst them climbed the difficult rock-patch of the fort. It is said these people used an iguana or Ghorpad to locate suitable climbing sites in that dark night. There were 500 soldiers guarding the fort. The Marathas attacked with full vigour. After a fierce battle between Udebhan and Tanaji, Tanaji was killed and became a martyr. In such a situation, his brother Suryaji controlled the army and fought bravely to win the fort. This was the end of a great legend.
Fascinating Spots :
Rajaram Samadhi :
This monument was built in the memory of Rajaram Maharaj.
So, Friends this fort, rather a magnificent museum and the caretaker of many ancient remnants and monuments, should be maintained properly.
Pune Darwaaja :
From Pune, via Aatkarwadi village, we reach Pune Darwaaja we come across three consecutive entrances, of which third one was built during the era of Yadavas. We can see fine sculpture on it. On the way here, we notice an entrance through a distance, which is called Dhondse Darwaja. To reach this there is a tar road.
Khand Kada :
After entering Pune Darwaaja, we come across this peak from where we can observe the region of Purandar fort and the rivers Mula and Mutha.
Kalyan Darwaaja :
This is the entrance to the fort for those who come via Katraj Ghat. In older days, this door was used for communication between Sinhagad and Raigad.
Daru Kothar :
On entering Pune Darwaaja, on the right we observe the building, which was ancient storage for grains.
Kondhaneshwar :
When we follow the way rightwards along the Rajsadar, we reach this ancient temple of Lord Shankar.
Amruteshwar Mandir :
This temple of Bhairav is located leftwards to the Konadhaneshwar temple, at a few minutes walk.
Statue of Tanaji :
On the way behind Amruteshwar temple, after going upwards for few minutes, we can see this admirable monument. Every year, in his memory, one day is celebrated here.
Zunjar Buruz :
This bastion lies to the left after entering Kalyan Darwaaja and comprises the westernmost point of this fort. From here, we can have a glimpse of Rajgad, Torna, Lingana and Raigad and Purandar on the west.
Tanaji Kada :
This pinnacle is quite thrilling and lies beyond Zunjar Machi. It is a great attraction for hikers.
Western point :
This point, as it is named, is the westernmost and is the place to keep the watch.
Kadelot point :
This peak lies at a few minutes walk from the western point, and is the most suitable place to keep a watch on the extensive Pune city.
Bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak :
The bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak is situated on the fort. He used to come here many a times. His works like Geetarahasya were completed here. In 1915 Gandhiji and Tilak met here. Whenever Gandhiji visited Pune, he drank only the waters of Sinhagad. Once Netaji Subhashchandra Bose had come here. He was at the second entrance of the fort, which was the main one when Shivaji ruled. He stopped here and lost into his Shivaji’s memories, while chanting Tagore’s words. This place is really very inspiring.
How to reach:
1) Pune-Khadakwasala-Donje-Golewadi junction-Aatka :
From Swargate bus stand in Pune, board S.T.bus to village of Aatkarwadi. From here, a walk of one & half hour takes us to the topmost point. The path is bit tiring; hence early morning is best time to climb. Here we enter through Pune Darwaaja.
2) Pune-Kondanpur :
From Swargate, we have to board the bus to Kondanpur, which is about 20-25 Km. On this way we, have to walk for 1 hour, and finally we reach Kalyan Darwaaja. This is comparatively easy way.
3) Trekking from Katraj Ghat to Sinhagad :
It is a favourite of many trekkers. Board any bus via Katraj Ghat from Pune early morning, and alight at the tunnel of the Ghat. On the top of the tunnel is the peak known as Vrindavan, from where the trek starts. It is about 6-7 hours trek and we reach the fort by evening.
4) Trekking via Vitthalwadi-Khadakwasala route :
From Pune, reach Vitthalwadi-Khadakwasala route. Keeping Sinhagad in view, we can reach the fort by a small way from Kalvantini’s bastion.
5) Trekking via Vinzher :
On the Nasarapur-Velhe route, board the bus to the village of the Vinzher on the route and get the way to Kalyan Darwaaja.
