Pratapgad Fort

Type : Hill Fort
Region : Satara
Height : 2000 feet

Pratapgad, a very strong hill fort built by Shivaji in 1656-58 AD, is 24kms west of Mahabaleshwar and about 145kms south of Pune.  Before Shivaji, the hill, known as Bhorapya, was a flat-topped high round rock at the head of the densely forested Koyana basin.  The construction of the fort was entrusted to Moropant Pingale, who later became Shivaji’s Peshwa, and Hiroji Indulkar, the architect.  A special feature of the fort is its double line of fortification and walls on all sides, their heights varying according to the nature of the ground.   The upper fort is built across the northern and western crest of the hill measuring about 180sq.metres.  The lower fort is built on the southern and the eastern terrace with walls and strong bastions at corners on projecting spurs.  Apart from other monuments, there is on the eastern portion of the lower fort the temple of Bhavani, the family deity of the Bhosales, built by Shivaji.  Today a motorable road takes the traveler quite close to the fort.

The most important event connected with Pratapgad is the Shivaji-Afzal Khan episode.  It was the base of this fort that Shivaji, on 10the November 1659, scored a historic victory against the mighty Afzal Khan, commander of the Bijapur Adilshahi forces.  The episode, in which Afzal Khan was overpowered and killed by Shivaji, is well known.  In short, it can be said that in a very critical situation Shivaji showed the presence of mind and Afzal Khan paid the price for his rash overconfidence.  Now there exists a grave at the place where Afzal Khan was killed.  To commemorate the tricentennary of that historic event, and equestrian statue of Shivaji was installed at the top of the Pratapgad fort in 1959 AD.

Places of Interest 
Afzalkhan's Tomb - The place is at the base of pratapgad, but these days its sealed & one cant go to this place but it is clearly visible from Zendyacha buruj (Flag Bastion). Zendyacha Buruj - This is flag hosting bastion on the fort very beautiful bastion came out from main body of Pratapgad. When Shivaji killed Afza in the shamiyana, the cannon was fired from this bastion indicating the troops hidden in the forest should attack Afzal Khan's forces.

Entrance Gate: The entrance get is very beautiful & in good condition still. One should observe the intelligent architecture of gate & the bastion opposite the gate protecting it.

Temple of Goddess Bhavani: This temple was originally built by Shivaji maharaj & he established beautiful image of godess in the temple. One can also see sword of Hambirrao mohite in the temple.

Monument of Shivaji Maharaj constructed on the top of the fort.

How to Reach :

While traveling along NH17 i.e Mumbai -Goa high way, one has to take diversion from Poladpur & take the way which goes to hill station mahabaleshwar. The fort is very close to this road, on a small diversion. If you are visiting Mahabaleshwar you can descend down on Poladpur road & go to Pratapgad fort. Vehicles reach almost till the main entrace & you dont need to climb a lot to see the fort.

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