Pratapgad Fort

Pratapgad Fort

Pratapgad is 21 kms far from Mahabaleshwar to Mahad road. On this fort on November 10, Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan had fought the most important battle, so this fort has received unique importance. Shivaji Maharaj established this fort in 1956. This fort is situated at an altitude of about 3543 feet above water level. Ch. Shivaji Maharaj had established the Tulja-Bhavani Matte temple at this place. This fort attracts many kilometers from the Konkan region. Mahabaleshwar may be a tourist destination that pulls mythological and historical references. Shivaji Maharaj built the fort at Mahalabeshwar and within the mouth of the crossing, that's Pratapgad. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj slaughtered Afzal Khan, who had run on Swaraj, at the pratapgad fort. This fort, situated within the confluence of Mahabaleshwar, remains in good shape. there's an outsized number of tourists on the fort thanks to the carriageway rising to half an elevation of Pratapgad, cement wide pyramids built on the fort, roads and fort on the fort call balekilla.

In the history of Pratapgad, Shivaji Maharaj captured Chandraya Moriyank in 1656 and captured Javali. At that point, the Bhorpya Dongar was standing sort of a watchman at the mouth of the crossing of Jawali and on the mouth of the Rattondi Ghat. Maharaj gave to Moropant the command to make this fort on the hilltop hill. within the year 1658 Moropant developed the fort of Durga Bandhan and built the fort for the fort; that's Pratapgad. In 1659 Afzal Khan came to power with a large army.Maharaj brought the pratapad within the valley of Jawali under Pratapgad. On 9th November 1659, at 2Pm, Shivaji maharaj killed Afzal Khan on Pratapgad and blasted his huge armys guerrilla poetry. Problem faced by Swaraj that has eroded In 1661 Shivaji maharaj founded Mahishasurardhini Bhavani Devi on the fort. there's a parking zone under the Tehelnian Buruj south of Pratapgad. From here on the proper side there's a fortification. The walls of the fort are designed to be "wild". The battle was called the holes made within the wall, within which the enemy was killed with a gun or a bow arrow. the look of the forest is that it is easily hit by enemies from the fort, but the enemy cannot be subdued. The enemy coming to the doorway, thanks to such a design of the forest, lived within the lattice and firestorms. there's a cave on the left side of the doorway to Pratapgad.

Pratapgads west-facing door is hidden within the wall. The structure of this Maha ghat is meant in such the simplest way that enemy cannot be hit directly on the door. The elephant or the trunk couldn't break the door because it had been high above the bottom. within the interior of the Mahanvara, there are deities (rest rooms) for the guard. an enormous cannon is placed within the cabin on the proper side. On the correct side after the exit of the high gate, there's an extended stretch of the machi. From Machi to Wat Tehalani Boruja. there's a flag pillar on this bastion. The bastion is downstream. The grave of Afzal Khan, located on Pratapgads bastion, on the slopes of Jawali and a corner on the correct is visible from the Buruj. See the Watch Tower and return to the Maha Darwaja of the fort. From here onwards, steps are taken to the fort. On the left side of this path, there's currently a non-stop, second and third door. After reaching the steps, we reach the temple of Shri Bhavani. Here are some hotels.5 to six small guns are found within the premises of Sri Bhavani temple. The idol of Bhavani Mata within the temple of Mahishasurardini is formed from specially made stone from the bank of Gandakki river in Nepal. The temple is shiveling within the temple. ahead of the temple, there are stone lamps. With the footpath within the temple, you'll see the snake lane at the highest of the fort (southwest lake) and also the burglar door within the wall.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q: Why is Pratapgad Fort historically significant?
A: Pratapgad Fort holds historical importance as the site of a pivotal battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan on November 10. Established in 1656 at an altitude of 3543 feet, the fort played a crucial role in Shivaji Maharaj's conquests, and it houses the Tulja-Bhavani Matte temple, further adding to its historical and mythological significance.

Q: How do I reach Pratapgad Fort from Mahabaleshwar?
A: Pratapgad Fort is located 21 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar on the Mahad road. Travelers can reach the fort via the well-connected road network. The journey offers scenic views, and once you arrive, you can explore the fort's architecture, including the strategically designed Maha ghat and the unique forest layout.

Q: What are the key attractions within Pratapgad Fort?
A: Pratapgad Fort boasts several attractions, including the Mahishasurardhini Bhavani Devi temple, strategically designed walls with "wild" features, a hidden west-facing door, and a burial site believed to be that of Afzal Khan. Visitors can explore the fortification, cannons, and the snake lane offering panoramic views of the surroundings.

Q: Tell us about the Battle of Pratapgad and its aftermath.
A: The Battle of Pratapgad took place on November 9, 1659, where Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan and thwarted a large army. The fort played a crucial role in the guerrilla warfare strategy employed by Shivaji Maharaj, leading to the establishment of Mahishasurardhini Bhavani Devi temple on the fort in 1661. The gravesite of Afzal Khan is also visible on the bastion.

Q: What facilities and landmarks can be found on Pratapgad Fort?
A: Pratapgad Fort features facilities like a parking zone, a series of doors leading to the temple of Shri Bhavani, and hotels within the fort premises. The temple houses an idol made from specially crafted stone, and visitors can explore the cannons, machi, and the Watch Tower. The fort's unique design, including the Maha Darwaja, adds to the overall experience for tourists.