| Khanderi | |
|---|---|
| Part of Konkan Coast | |
| Raigad District,Maharashtra | |
 Octagonal Lighthouse, Khanderi Fort | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Sea fort |
| Owner | Indian Navy |
| Controlled by |  Maratha Empire (1679-1818)
 India (1947-) |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Location | |
  Khanderi Khanderi shown withinMaharashtra | |
| Coordinates | 18°42′15″N72°48′47″E / 18.7042°N 72.8131°E /18.7042; 72.8131 |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1679 (1679) |
| Built by | Shivaji |
| Materials | Basalt stone |
| Part of | Maratha Military Landscapes of India |
| Criteria | Cultural: iv, vi |
| Reference | 1739-004 |
| Inscription | 2025 (47thSession) |
Khanderi (officiallyKanhoji Angre island) is an island with afort, located south ofMumbai, along the coast ofMaharashtra,India.
Khanderi is located 5 km off the coast ofMaharashtra (off Thal, Kihim) and 20 km south ofMumbai. Khanderi, along with its sister fortUnderi (Jaidurg) formed the major fortification along the Maharashtra coast, the former falling under Shivaji Maharaj'scontrol and the latter under his opponents, the Siddis. The island consists of two high hills, one facing north and the other facing south. Initially, the islands of Underi and Khanderi were uninhabited. It contained two wells to supply water to the forces within, and a temple of Sri Betal.[1] The fort is a restricted area, which falls under the jurisdiction of theIndian Navy.
Additionally, the fort has a few old metal canons, the tomb of Daud Pir,[2] a local saint and a musical stone that emits metallic musical notes when struck.[3] There is a one secret way for going on the Kulaba fort of Alibag.
In 1679, Khanderi was occupied by the forces of Shivaji under the leadership ofMaynak Bhandari, who oversaw the building of the fortifying walls.[4] Subsequently, Khanderi fort was built during the reign of theMaratha EmperorShivaji Maharaj in 1679 CE[5]to keep a check on theSiddis atMurud-Janjira fort and was the site of many battles betweenShivaji's forces and the navy of Siddi.[6] In 1813 Manaji Angre handed over the fort to Peshve in return of the support given against Baburao.[7]The fort was subsequently ceded in 1818 to the forces of theBritish East India company atBombay as part of thePeshwa territory. Most of the fort is still intact, with the most prominent structure being a lighthouse built by the British in June 1867 and the two storey building upon which the lighthouse is located.[8][9] The lighthouse is 22 feet high and can be seen from up to 13 km away.
In 1998, Khanderi island was renamed Kanhoji Angre Island in honour of theMaratha Admiral[10]Kanhoji Angre.
In September 2013, TheIndian Ministry of Tourism andMinistry of Shipping drew up plans to develop Khanderi island and its octagonallight house as a tourist destination.[11]
