Sinhagad Fort

 

Sinhagad Fort is believed to be a 2000-year-old structure which was initially known as Kondhana (named after sage Kaundinya). The presence of the Kaundinyeshwar Temple and some carvings on the caves denote this possibility. Till the early 14th century, the fort was ruled by Nag Naik who was a Koli King. But, in 1328, it was captured by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Later on, when Pune was handed over to Shahaji Bhosale managed the fort. Shahaji served as a commander for Ibrahim Adil Shah I during the time.

Shivaji, Shahaji’s son, initiated Swarajya around the same time and refused to serve Adil Shah. In an attempt to gain control of Kondhana, in 1647, he convinced an Adilshahi Sardar, Siddi Amber, that he would manage and safeguard the fort optimally. But instead, he took over the fort. Adil Shah imprisoned Siddi Amber and Shivaji’s father, Shahaji Bhosale. He later traded Shahaji’s release in return of the fort in 1649. However, Shivaji captured it again in 1656 with the help of Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande, his General.

The Mughals also attacked the fort between 1662 and 1665 in order to acquire it. In 1665, the Treaty of Purandar was signed between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Jai Singh I and the fort were handed over to Jai Singh. But, once again, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered it immediately after and managed it till 1689. After Sambhaji Bhosale’s passing, the Mughals took over. However, in 1693,  the Marathas won it again and in 1703, it was conquered by Aurangzeb. 1706 onwards, till 1818, it was again under the Marathas and then taken over by the British.