Explained: The significance of Raigad fort in Maratha history

What is the News?

The President of India is visiting the Raigad Fort, where he will pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

About Raigad Fort

Raigad is a hill fort situated in the Raigad district in Maharashtra. The British Gazette states the fort was known to early Europeans as the Gibraltar of the East. 

Its decisive feature is a mile and a half flat top, which has adequate room for buildings. In its prime, the fort had 300 stone houses and a garrison of 2,000 men.

Who built the Raigad Fort?

The fort, which was earlier called Rairi, was the seat of the Maratha clan Shirke in the 12th century. 

The fort changed hands a number of times from the dynasty of Bahaminis to the Nizam Shahis and then the Adil Shahis. 

In 1656, Chhatrapati Shivaji captured it. The fort not only helped Shivaji challenge the supremacy of the Adil Shahi dynasty but also opened up the routes towards Konkan for the extension of his power.

Importance of Raigad Fort

Raigad fort had emerged as the seat of Shivaji’s government.

Moreover, Shivaji was coronated at Raigad by Gagabhatt where he took on the title of Chhatrapati. 

Now the Maharashtra Government is also seeking the World Heritage Site tag for Raigad Fort along with 13 other forts from the era of 17th century Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the theme of Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: The significance of Raigad fort in Maratha history” published in Indian Express on 7th December 2021.