Ratnagiri Fort, also called Ratnadurg Fort or Bhagawati Fort, is a fort located 2 km from Ratnagiri, in Ratnagiri district, of Maharashtra. This fort is an important fort in Ratnagiri district. The fort is a main tourist attraction due to the Bhagawati Temple inside the fort.
The primary fort in the coastal city of Ratnagiri is Ratnadurga Fort, also known as Bhagwati Fort. Other notable forts in the district include the scenic Jaigad Fort and the ancient Purnagad Fort.
Ratnadurga Fort (Bhagwati Fort)
Ratnadurga Fort, also known as Ratnagiri Fort or Bhagwati Fort, is a historic sea fort located in the coastal town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, India. Perched on a hill and surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, the horseshoe-shaped fort offers stunning panoramic views. Ratnagiri Fort is a historic sea fort located in the coastal town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, India. Perched on a hill and surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, the horseshoe-shaped fort offers stunning panoramic views.
History
The fort has a long and varied history, having been controlled by several powerful entities over the centuries.
- Construction: The original structure was built during the rule of the Bahamani Sultans in the 16th century.
- Maratha conquest: In 1670 AD, Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from the Adilshah dynasty and further fortified it with the construction of defensive towers.
- Later rulers: The fort was later controlled by the Angre clan, hereditary admirals of the Maratha Navy, before being taken over by the Peshwas.
- British rule: The fort fell under British control in 1818.
Located just 2 km from Ratnagiri city, this horseshoe-shaped sea fort is a major tourist attraction.
- History: Originally built by the Bahamani rulers, it was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1670. The fort was later strengthened by Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi in 1790.
- Key features
- Bhagwati Temple: A well-maintained temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati is situated near the entrance.
- Lighthouse: A functioning lighthouse is present within the fort complex, offering panoramic views of the sea and the city.
- Cave: A secret passage leads to a cave that offers ocean views from the fort's ramparts.
- Views: The fort's location on a hill with three sides surrounded by the Arabian Sea provides breathtaking coastal views.
Jaigad Fort
- Architecture: The fort spans approximately 13 acres and features massive stone fortifications, deep moats, watchtowers, and bastions.
- Strategic location: The elevated position offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the bay.
- Ganpati Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Ganpati is located within the fort complex.
- Konkan Kada: A cliff offering stunning views of the coastline, especially at sunset.
- Jaigad Lighthouse: Situated near the fort, this historic lighthouse offers impressive coastal views.
- History: Built by the Bijapur Sultanate, it was later controlled by the Marathas and became a naval outpost under Kanhoji Angre.
- Condition: The fort is mostly in ruins, but the ramparts and walls are still largely intact. A Ganapati temple within the complex is also well-preserved.
- Nearby attractions: A lighthouse is located near the fort, and the region is known for its scenic coastal views.
Purnagad Fort
Purnagad Fort is a small, restored fort in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, located near the Purnagad village on the western coast. It is known for its well-maintained structure and offers scenic views of the sea and creek.
Purnagad Fort is a fort located 25 km from Ratnagiri, in Ratnagiri district, of Maharashtra. This fort is very small but an important fort in Ratnagiri district for Kanhoji Angre's Navy that evolved as the modern Indian Navy. The Fort is spread over 22 acres and located on a northern hill on Muchkundi River.
- Features:
- The fort features restored walls, making it ideal for photography.
- The entrance is designed to be concealed, a typical feature of Maratha-era architecture. Carvings of Ganesha and the sun and moon can be found on the main doorway.
- The main entrance gate and its bastion are still in good condition.
- Best time to visit: The peak season is from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant for exploring. The monsoon season, from June to September, is less ideal for a visit.
This smaller but well-maintained fort is about 25 km from Ratnagiri town.
Other forts
- Location: It offers picturesque views of the sea and the nearby creek.
- Features: The fort has an entrance gate and provides mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding coastal landscape.
Other forts
The Ratnagiri district also contains several other forts of varying sizes and conditions, including:
- Bankot Fort: An ancient fort near the Savitri River delta.
- Gowalkot Fort: A fort located near the town of Chiplun.
- Gopalgad Fort: A smaller fort near the coastal village of Anjarle.
History
Ratnagiri's forts, like Ratnadurg Fort and Jaigad Fort, played a crucial role in controlling the Konkan coastline under various rulers, including the Bahamani Sultanate, Adilshahi dynasty, and the Maratha Empire. These strategic fortifications, built by the Bahamanis and Adilshahis, were later conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1670, and subsequently came under the control of Kanhoji Angre, the Peshwas, and finally the British in 1818. The forts, particularly Ratnadurg, served as vital coastal strongholds, watchpoints against pirates, and maritime security points.
This fort was built during the Bahamani period. In 1670 Maratha emperor chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj won the fort from the hands of Adil Shah of Bijapur. Shivaji maharaj had built protecting towers on two commanding points, one at the south and the other near the old court house. The Citadel defense was improved by maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre in 1750–1755. Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi did some minor repairs to the fort during Peshwa regime (1755–1818). The fort was later won by the British in 1818. The temple of Bhagavati was renovated in 1950.
How to reach
The nearest town is Ratnagiri. The fort is at walkable distance from the town. A wide road leads to the entrance gate of the fort. It takes about an hour to have a walk around the fort.
Places to see
The lighthouse is situated on one side of the fort. Inside the fort is Bhagawati temple, a pond and a well. There is a cave below the fort. The strongest of all the bastion is Rede Buruj.
How to reach
The nearest town is Ratnagiri. The fort is at walkable distance from the town. A wide road leads to the entrance gate of the fort. It takes about an hour to have a walk around the fort.
Places to see
The lighthouse is situated on one side of the fort. Inside the fort is Bhagawati temple, a pond and a well. There is a cave below the fort. The strongest of all the bastion is Rede Buruj.
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