The literal meaning of the word Rajgad is the king of Forts and rightly so. The Rajgad Fort is one of the immensely important forts in Maharashtra as far as the cultural heritage of the state is concerned. The fort stands in Pune district at the height of 4250 above the sea level. Around 40 km southwest to the city of Pune, Rajgad is a perfect place for a wonderful one day trip. The sturdy construction of the fort makes us realize the grandeur and the glory of the famous Maratha Empire in Maharashtra.

History of the Fort:

The history of Rajgad could be traced back as early as to 2000 years when according to the references the mountain range did exist. The evidences of Saint Brahmarshi living on this mountain range proclaim the ancient history of the fort.

During the Bahamani reign, Rajgad was called “Murumbdev”. In 1490 Ahmed Bahiri, founder of the Nizamshahi dynasty of Ahmednagar, conquered the fort. The Nazamshahi ruled the fort for the next 125 years with no attack on the fort.

Around 1630, Shahajiraje Bhonsale, father of Chhatrapati Shivaji, appointed his officer Sonaji to look into the affairs of Murumbdev. Later, Adilshah of Bijapur attacked the fort and Sonaji was injured in the battle. Balaji Naik Shimkar leaded from the front to protect the fort. He too was injured in the endeavor.

A Mughal attack on Rajgad under Rajput General Mirzaraje Jaysingh proved a failure thanks to the indomitable opposition of the Maratha warriors.

It was Chhatrapati Shivaji who renamed Murumbdev as Kille Rajgad. His famous escape from Agra along with his son ended up in his safe arrival on the Rajgad Fort. Initially Rajgad used to be the capital fort of the Hindavi Swaraj. In the year 1672 Shivaji Raje shifted it to Raigad. After the unfortunate demise of this great king, began the downfall of the Self Rule of Marathas. Shivaji’s son Sambhji Raje was caught and nabbed brutally soon after. After the end of Sambhaji, the Mughals recaptured a number of forts in Maharashtra including Rajgad. Eventually the brave Maratha Warriors managed to capture the fort again and thereafter it remained with the Marathas.

Sight seeing:
Following are the main turn ons on the fort:

1) Padmavati Temple:
References show that the temple was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji soon after he renamed Murumbdev as Rajgad. The beautiful idols inside fill you with utmost serenity. The temple is spacious enough. Right in front of the temple you see the tomb of Saibai, one of Shivaji’s wives.

2) Padmavati Machi
Rajgad is famous for the three machis over there. Padmavati Machi however surpasses the other two on many counts. You find many structures here now in ruins. These include the Padmavati temple, tomb of Saibai, castles, secret doorway, Padmavati Lake,Gunhavane Darwaaza, etc.

3) Suvela Machi:
After Shivaji Maharaj captured Rajgad, he ordered the construction of a strong and sturdy machi called Suvela Machi. Contemporary military camps, a beautiful idol of lord Hanuman facing south and a cistern are a few things to see on this machi.

4) Citadel of the Fort:
This is the highest spot on the fort. Reaching this part is quite difficult a task as the approach is very narrow. As we climb up we see a big doorway called “Maha Darwaaza”. Beautiful carvings of lotus and Swastika catch the eye of all. This doorway is a sturdy work and still in good condition.

Moreover the rajwada (Palace), Rameshwar Temple and Pali Darwaaja are a few other attractions on the fort.
How to Reach:

Frequent bus service is available from Pune to Rajgad.

Food and Accommodation:
There are no hotels available nearby and hence you will have to arrange your own food. Ample drinking water is available in the Padmavati Lake on the fort. As for the accommodation, you can merrily stay in the Padmavati Temple on the fort.

So do plan a trip to this king of Forts: Rajgad.

If you have visited Rajgad Fort in Pune, please tell us more about it through comment.

Rajgad Fort in Pune on Map
Rajgad Fort in Pune