Have you seen the famous Bollywood movie “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior” starring Ajay Devgan? If not, you should definitely watch it. The movie portrays Kondhana Fort, now known as Sinhagad Fort, located atop the Sahyadri Hills, about 30 kilometers from Pune.
The Kondhana Fort came under the control of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the year 1647. Angered by this, Adil Shah II imprisoned Shivaji’s father, Shahaji Raja. In the treaty to release Shahaji Raja from Adil Shah II’s captivity, Kondhana Fort came under Adilshahi control in the year 1649. In 1656, Chhatrapati Shivaji recaptured it. Later, due to the Treaty of Purandar, between Mughals and Chatrapati Shivaji, the fort came under Mughal control in 1665. Aurangzeb appointed Udaybhan as the governor of the fort.
Later, after proclaiming Swarajya (self-rule), Chhatrapati Shivaji planned to regain control of Kondhana Fort. For this mission, he chose his most capable officer and childhood friend, Subedar Tanaji Malusare. Tanaji resolved to conquer Kondhana Fort before his son’s wedding, famously saying, “Aadhi lagn Kondhanyach, mag Raayabach” (First Kondhana, then the wedding).
In the year 1670, Tanaji led an attack on Kondhana Fort with the help of his village’s Maval soldiers (brave soldiers chosen from the Maval region) to hoist the victory flag. A fierce battle ensued between the Mughals and Maratha warriors, with the Marathas emerging victorious.
Subedar Tanaji Malusare exhibited unparalleled bravery in this battle and attained martyrdom. Mourning Tanaji’s death, Chhatrapati Shivaji expressed, “Gad ala pan sinha gela” (The fort is won, but the lion is gone), renaming the fort from Kondhana Fort to Sinhagad Fort. A memorial and statue have been erected in this fort in memory of Subedar Tanaji Malusare.
Sinhagad Fort is a very beautiful natural scenic spot. There are two gates of this fort. First gate is named as Kalyan Gate and second gate is known as Pune Gate. It feels very nice to come here during the monsoon. Seeing the lush green mountains all around gives a sense of tranquility.
Enjoying the delicious ‘Zhunka-Bhakar’ (a famous Maharashtrian dish) cooked on a stove by local women, sitting on a mat on the ground, was very enjoyable.
Due to its proximity to Pune, Sinhagad Fort can be easily visited on weekends. It is advisable to visit here during the monsoon when the Western Ghats look very lush and enchanting. The other nearby place to visit is Neelkantheshwar Temple.
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➜ Don’t forget to do this at Sinhagad Fort: Enjoy the local delicacy Jhunka-Bhakar cooked on a chulha (traditional stove) and take photographs.
➜ How to reach Sinhagad Fort: Sinhagad Fort is located 30 kilometers away from Pune and can be easily reached by car.
➜ Best time to visit Sinhagad Fort: The best time to visit Sinhagad Fort is from June to February. Night trekking from Katraj to Sinhagad Fort is also very popular.
➜ Time required to visit Sinhagad Fort: 1 day
Information Source: Authentic information sources available on internet, Various Articles and books on the subject & Interaction with local public.
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