This is one of the many forts built by Shivaji. This fort is
perhaps the only privately owned fort in Maharashtra. The heir to the princely state of Satara, who traces his lineage to Shivaji is the present owner of the fort.
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This path was used only by Shivaji
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Pratapgad fort is a masterpiece of fortress architecture.
In the good old days, elephants were used to break down the fort doors. The
elephants would charge on the door with a battering ram. The path to the main
entrance is designed with a curvature and gradient that makes it impossible for
the elephants to charge onto the fortress door. By the fort entrance is a small
cave that would have been well concealed behind the brambles. When the enemy
was busy trying to break down the walls, the defenders from this cave would
rush out and attack from the rear. Today this cave is exposed as part of the
cave overhang has crumbled away.
Shivaji was a regular visitor at this fort. Shivaji would
dismount from his horse inside the fort and use a path that was made
exclusively for him. His retinue would use the path that tourists use today.
The path that Shivaji used has been sealed up as the management felt that there
is nobody on the caliber of Shivaji worthy of using it! The patron deity of
Shivaji , Goddess Bhavani, is also the principal
deity of the temple within the fort. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed
inside this temple. The temple deity is made from Saligram stone that was
bought from Nepal. Beside it is a small crystal Shiva lingam that belonged to
Shivaji. It is said that he used to carry the crystal Shiva lingam with him
wherever he went. The temple also houses the sword that was used by Shivaji’s
commander. In those days, the king would permit the bearer of the sword to
inscribe a cross if he had killed 100 people. This was the equivalent of
today’s gallantry medals. There are 6 stars on Shivaji’s commanders’ sword.
Outside the temple, there is a small collection of weapons and portable cannons
that were used by the fort’s defenders. The word ‘portable’ is a misnomer as
not many can pick up the portable cannon!
If the attackers managed to breach the fort walls, the
defenders would retreat to the inner citadel. This is like a fort within a
fort. A secret passageway connects the inner and outer forts. This secret
pathway from the inner fort emerges at a concealed exit very close to the main
door of the outer fort. The defenders would quietly slip out from the inner
fort thru this passage and close the main door. The attackers would now find
themselves besieged within the fort. Without the possibility of reinforcements
reaching the invaders, Shivaji’s men would come out from the inner citadel and
finish them off. However, all these planning was unnecessary because the fort
remained undefeated in battle. It is rumored that there is a secret exit
passage from the fort to a safe location beyond its walls. At the highest point
of the fort is a statue of Shivaji. This statue was inaugurated by the first
prime minister of India Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1957. The royal stables were
once located here. As usual, the British destroyed all the palaces within the
fort.
Afzal Khan, the commander of Adi Shahi Dynasty (Located near present day Bijapur, Karnataka), requested a meeting with
Shivaji. The meeting was to held outside Pratpgad fort. Wary of his intentions,
Shivaji wore an armored plate under his dress. It’s this concealed armor that
saved his life when Afzal Khan tried to kill him. Shivaji too had hidden
weaponry with him and he managed to inflict injury on Afzal Khan. In the
ensuing melee, Afzal Khan was killed. Shivaji chopped off his head and took it
as a trophy. The head is now buried at
Abdullah tower at Pratapgad. But the body is buried in a tomb near the entrance to Pratapghad fort. It is
said that this fort is called Pratapgad (Pratap-meaning fame) because Shivaji
killed Afzal Khan here. Sadly, the Hindu - Muslim rivalry that existed in
Shivaji’s era continues to this day. After riot like situation a decade ago,
the tomb of Afzal Khan has been permanently sealed off the police.
Other blog from the series
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Fresh Bhakari for the tourists being prepared inside Pratapgad fort
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Thank you for the information.
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