Introduction

A trip to Mahabaleshwar is incomplete without taking the detour to the gigantic Pratapgadh Fort, the pride of the Maratha reign. The fort actually comprises two ancient forts: an upper fort built on the top of the hill and the lower one immediately below on the South and the East. The fort is a colossal labyrinth of ponds, chambers and long serpentine walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a steep 100-meter fall. The Bhavani Temple and the tomb of Afzal Khan are other tourist attractions located near the fort. Legend has it that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was blessed with a shining sword here at the Bhavani Temple.

The upper fort is roughly square, 180 meters long on each side. It contains several buildings, including a Mahadev temple. The lower fort is around 320 meters long and 110 meters wide. It is located at the southeast of the fort, and is defended by towers and bastions ten to twelve metres high. The Afzal tower defends the approach to the fort. It is said to have been constructed after the Battle of Pratapgarh, and it is believed that Afzal Khan's head is buried under the tower. The Bhavani temple is on the eastern side of the lower fort. The shrine is made of stone, and contains a clothed black stone image of the goddess.

Located 15 kilometers from Poladpur and 22 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgarh fort stands 1,080 meters above sea level. The fort is built on the mountainside overlooking the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. In 1656, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj commanded his minister Moropant Trimbak Pingle to construct the fort in order to defend the banks of the Nira and the Koyna rivers, and the Par pass; from the mutinous satraps of the nearby Javali Basin.

The historic Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan the commander of the Bijapur Sultanat, was fought here on November 10, 1659. This was the first major test of the fledgling kingdom's army and proved as a stepping-stone to the establishment of the Maratha Empire. In 1818, as a result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Pratapgarh was surrendered. This was a loss of immense proportions to the Maratha forces, as Pratapgarh was a significant stronghold and had a large garrison.

On 30th November 1957, a 17-foot high equestrian bronze statue of Shivaji was unveiled by Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. The same year a road was constructed by the Public Works Department from Kumbhrosi village up to the fort. In 1960, a guest house and a national park were constructed in the premises of the fort. The fort is currently in the ownership of Udayan Raje Bhosale, the heir of the Satara princely state.

Special Attributes

An impregnable fort built by the greatest Maratha King, Shivaji

Nuisance

Over eager guides and hawkers selling souvenirs.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Buses, cabs and private cars.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Substantial. Wear sunglasses and cap. Carry drinking water and light snacks.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Liquor

Tip

Wear a pair of good walking shoes as steep steps to be climbed. Carry cap, sunglasses, water and some light snacks.

Type of site

Fort