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Previously called Kondhana, the fort's location has been strategically important since at least the 14th century and has
been the site of many important battles.
One of the more famous battles was the recapturing of the fort by Tanaji
Malusare, a general for Shivaji Maharaj, in March of 1670 in what has been called the Battle of Sinhagad. It was after this battle
that the Kondhana fort was renamed Sinhagad after Tanaji, whose nickname was 'the lion' (Sinha). Having spearheaded
the attack and fighting valiantly Tanaji's life was lost in capturing this important fort.
More recently, during the 20th century, Lokmanya Tilak, the Indian freedom fighter, built a bungalow atop the fort and
Gandhiji is said to have asked for water from it whenever he was imprisoned in the nearby town of Pune.
Distance from major cities:
Mumbai - 220 km
Pune -28 km
Villages at Foothills: Atkarwadi, Khanapur, Kalyan
Altitude:4320 ft (1317 m)
Latitude: 18°21'56"N
Longitude: 73°45'20"E
The fort was referred to as"Kundhana" in a Persian sonnet viz. 'Shahanama-e-Hind'; which dates back to 1350 A.D. It
was known as 'Kondhana' after Rishi Kondhinya. The Kundinyeshwar Temple, the caves and carvings, all indicate that
the fort has been built 2000 years back.
Shivaji Maharaj's father Shahaji Raje, as Adilshah's commander was entrusted the control of Pune region. But Shivaji
Maharaj initiated the arduous task of setting up Swarajya. In a clever move he
gained control over Kondhana in 1647. But in 1649, it had to be handed over to Adilshah in barter of Shahaji's feedom.
Shivaji Maharaj soon captured it back. Unfortunately a Mughal army chief Mirzaraje Jaisingh seighed Kondhana in 1665 and
conquered it. In 1670 Shivaji Maharaj reconqured the fort and it stayed with the Marathas till 1689, until Sambhaji Maharaj's
death. The Mughals then gain control. The Marathas again captured it in 1693. Rajaram Maharaj breath his last on
Sinhagad on March 3, 1700. Aurangzeb conqured it 1703 and it was again taken by Marathas in 1707 until the British
captured it in 1818. One of the important events associated with this fort is the legendary climb by Tanaji Malusare which
helped Marathas to conqure the fort on Feb 4, 1670. The fort since then came to be known as Sinhagad.
Attractions:
1. Pune Darwaja: The inlet to the fort from the Pune side
2. Rajaram Maharaj Samadhi: A beautiful monument erected in the memory of the great Maratha, Rajaram Maharaj.
3. Wind point : A bastian where strong wind blows, especially in rains & winter. The appropriate place to experience the
power present in the wind.
4. Tanaji Cliff: The cliff which Tanaji climbed to fight with Udaybhan, the Moughal Sardar.
5. Kalyan Darwaja: A well erected door, facing the Kalyan village.
6. Dev Cristern : A store of water which tastes marvellously great & cold.
7. Tanaji Malusare Memorial: A memorial erected to salute the bravery of the Veer Mavala Tanaji Malusare.
8. Kondhaneshwar Temple
9. Horse Stable: A place for the horses, beautifully hewn out of a rock.
Trek Routes
- From Donje -
A well-constructed tar road leads to the top of the fort. People not interested in walking up to the top can follow this road
if they have their own vehicle or even private vehicles like trax are available at Donje.
- From Atkarwadi -
Regular bus services are available from Shaniwarwada to Atkarwadi, the foot hills of Sinhagad. One can trek the fort
form here in about 1.5 hrs.
- From Khanapur -
This route is for trekkers wanting to do something unique. Reach the Khanapur village by the Pune-Paanshet ST service & trek the fort. You will directly reach the Wind point by this route.
- From Katraj -
A wonderful trek of about 18 km, starts from the Katraj Ghat tunnel & reaches the Sinhagad fort.
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