Panhala Fort, Vishalgad Fort & Battle of Pawankhind

While Maharashtra reveres Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the forts built on its rugged terrains stand as enduring symbols of the Maratha Empire’s glory. Among these forts, prominent are Panhala Fort and Vishalgad Fort, situated atop the Western Ghats in Kolhapur, Western Maharashtra. These forts are linked by the Battle of Pawankhind, where Maratha warriors immortalized themselves in the annals of history with their valor and strength, proving that in the face of defending one’s motherland, numerical superiority holds little significance. This land of bravery still evokes a sense that when the honor of the motherland is at stake, numerical strength fades in importance.

I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit these places. Exploring these sites allowed me to delve into those pages of history where it is written about the Maratha Empire, stating that when bravery is in the blood, no matter how powerful the enemy, victory always belongs to truth and righteousness. I am sharing my experience of these places.

➥Panhala Fort
Panhala Fort is located approximately 24 kilometers away from the city of Kolhapur and is a place filled with historical significance and natural beauty. The literal meaning of Panhala is “Residence of Snakes”. It is situated on the hills of the Sahyadri Range of Western Ghats. The construction of this fort was initiated by the Shilahar ruler Bhoj Second around 1178 to 1209 AD. In 1489 AD, Adil Shah of Bijapur captured Panhala Fort and it remained under his control for a long time. In 1659 AD, Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji conquered Panhala Fort.

In the year 1660 AD, Ali Adil Shah II sent his army under the leadership of Siddi Jauhar to recapture the fort. A battle ensued for nearly 5 months, during which Panhala Fort was besieged from all sides by the forces of Ali Adil Shah II. Recognizing the need of the hour, Chhatrapati Shivaji deemed it appropriate to abandon Panhala Fort. He moved from Panhala Fort towards Vishalgad Fort. I’ll narrate the continuation of this story in detail in the next section.

During the monsoon season, Panhala Fort and its surrounding area become even more beautiful. There is also a garden here where you can spend quality time with your family. The view of the valleys below from the hills is very picturesque. The greenery here becomes even more vibrant during the monsoon showers.

➥Battle of Pawankhind
The Battle of Pawankhind took place when Chhatrapati Shivaji, along with his trusted commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande and 300 soldiers, marched towards Vishalgad Fort from Panhala Fort. Upon learning of Shivaji’s departure from Panhala Fort, Siddi Jauhar, the commander of the Adilshahi forces, pursued him with a contingent of 15,000 soldiers. The distance between Panhala Fort and Vishalgad Fort, approximately 60 kilometers, had almost been covered by the Adilshahi army before Shivaji’s forces reached there.

This occurred in July 1660. Near a pass called Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande decided to halt the Adilshahi army and sent a message to Shivaji regarding their arrival at Vishalgad Fort. Upon reaching the fort, after urging them to signal with cannon shots and provoking the enemy army to fight, they engaged in battle.

Accompanying Baji Prabhu Deshpande was Shiva Kashid, who was a barber by profession and bore a striking resemblance to Chhatrapati Shivaji. This resemblance led the Adilshahi army to remain unaware that Shivaji had already headed towards Vishalgad Fort. Baji Prabhu Deshpande, along with his 300 Maratha soldiers, bravely faced the massive Adilshahi army. Siddi Jauhar and his formidable force couldn’t advance beyond the Khind Pass. Chhatrapati Shivaji safely reached Vishalgad Fort.

Upon his arrival, signals were sent to the Maratha soldiers engaged in battle through cannon shots echoing in the Khind Pass. Amidst this fierce battle, showcasing immense courage, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his 300 Maratha soldiers sacrificed their lives. In honor of Baji Prabhu Deshpande and the 300 Maratha soldiers, Chhatrapati Shivaji named the Khind Pass as Pawankhind. Thus, this battle came to be forever remembered in history as the Battle of Pawankhind.

In Pawankhind, there is a small fort constructed from stones where the saffron flag waving looks very impressive. The lush greenery surrounding the area adds to its beauty. Staircases are built leading towards the Khind Pass of Pawankhind. Stones with information about the Battle of Pawankhind are placed in various locations around Pawankhind.

The memories of the battle are preserved by decorating swords, shields, and saffron flags in the Khind Pass of Pawankhind. There is also a beautiful waterfall here. Iron stairs are installed near the waterfall for easy access. We enjoyed bathing in the waterfall below. This place, abundant with the beauty of nature’s lap, was very delightful.

➥Vishalgad Fort
The final destination of our journey was Vishalgad Fort. After advancing from Pawankhind, we stopped at a certain place. From here, the winding road leading up the mountain ahead looked like a snake. The clouds surrounded the mountains ahead from all sides. The cool breeze here was very inviting. We sat for a while, admiring the mountains and valleys ahead.

After a short while, when it started raining, we continued towards Vishalgad Fort. Vishalgad Fort is situated atop a mountain peak. Its colossal size gives it the name Vishalgad. From below, the massive fort constructed of black stones atop the lush green mountain is clearly visible.

We reached Vishalgad Fort by foot in about 15-20 minutes. The view from there is breathtaking, with beauty all around. There is also a shrine inside Vishalgad Fort. Remnants of cannons are still present atop Vishalgad Fort, from where shots were fired to signal the successful arrival of Maratha soldiers fighting in the Battle of Pawankhind to Chatrapati Shivaji.

I noticed a lack of cleanliness at Vishalgad Fort, which was a bit disappointing. Considering the historical significance of this fort, it requires better maintenance and care.

The 60-kilometer journey from Panhala Fort to Vishalgad Fort, which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj completed, is now famous for trekking. This trek from Panhala Fort to Vishalgad Fort can be completed in 2 days. Whenever you get the chance, come and witness the natural beauty of these places.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai!

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