| Pratapgad | |
|---|---|
| Satara district,Maharashtra,India | |
 View of one of the bastions of Pratapgad. | |
  Pratapgad | |
| Coordinates | 17°56′10″N73°34′39″E / 17.936224°N 73.577607°E /17.936224; 73.577607 |
| Type | Hill Fort |
| Height | 3543 feet[1][2] |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Maratha Confederacy (1656-1818) United Kingdom
 India (1947-present) |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1656 |
| Built by | Shivaji I architect =hiroji indulkar[citation needed] |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Pratapgad (1659) |
| Events | Chatrapati Shivaji killed Afzal Khan in battle of Pratapgad (1659)[2] |
Pratapgad is a mountain fort located inSatara district, in theWestern Indian state ofMaharashtra. The fort is situated 24 kilometres from theMahabaleshwar hill station. The fort is now a popular tourist destination.
The fort's historical significance is due to theBattle of Pratapgad, which took place here on 10 November 1659, betweenChatrapati Shivaji Maharaj andBijapur Sultanate generalAfzal Khan.[3][4]The fort was constructed on a hilltop, about 1,080 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.There are two main entrances to the fort, and the fort’s gates are protected by high walls.It is divided into two parts – the lower fort and the upper fort. At present,the lower fort houses the main entrance, while the upper fort contains temples, a modern statue of Shivaji Maharaj, and several buildings.The fort has several watch towers and bastion for providing strategic military advantages during its time of use.
TheMaratha rulerChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj assignedMoropant Trimbak Pingle, his prime minister, to undertake the construction of this fort in order to defend the banks of theNira and theKoyna rivers, and to defend thePar pass. It was completed in 1656.[5][6]
The Battle of Pratapgad betweenShivaji Maharaj andAfzal Khan, a general ofAdil Shahi dynasty, was fought below the ramparts of this fort on 10 November 1659. This was the first major test of the fledgling kingdom's army, and set the stage of the establishment of the Maratha empire.[3]Pratapgad Fort is a historical fort located in Satara district of Maharashtra, near Mahabaleshwar. It holds great significance in the history of the Maratha Empire and is known for its connection to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort, built in 1656, stands as a symbol of valor and strategic brilliance.
Pratapgad continued to be involved in regional politics.[until when?]Sakharam Bapu Bokil, a well-known minister of Pune, was confined by his rivalNana Phadnis in Pratapgad in 1778. He was later moved from fort to fort until he died atRaigad. In 1796, Nana Phadnis, while escaping from the intrigues ofDaulatrao Shinde and his minister Baloba, assembled a strong garrison in Pratapgad before heading toMahad. In 1818, as part of theThird Anglo-Maratha War, Pratapgad was surrendered to the East India company.
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Pratapgad fort is located at 15 km (10 miles) fromPoladpur and 23 km (15 miles) west of Mahabaleshwar, a popularhill station of Maharashtra. The fort stands 1080 metres (3543') above sea level and is built on a spur which overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar.
The fort has aTulja Bhawani temple from Chhatrapati Shivaji's time. It havemurti of goddess Bhawani, which have eight hands (Marathi :Ashtbhuja). Weapons of soldiers are on display near this temple.[1]
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation provides regular bus service.[7] There are small shops, restaurants and a handicrafts store. Many schools also arrange educational trips to the fort. The fort is also on many trekking routes of the area.[8]
The fort has a large bronze equestrian statue ofShivaji Maharaj.It was unveiled byJawaharlal Nehru, thenPrime Minister of India on 30 November 1957.[9][10][11][12] The same year a road was constructed by the Public Works Department from Kumbhrosi village up to fort. A guest house and a small park was built inside the fort in 1960.[citation needed]
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