Vijaydurg urph Gheriya Fort information in English
Vijaydurg aka Gheriya Fort Information and History
The Vijaydurg Fort is a fort located in the sea near Devgad in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra state, located on the western coast of India, and is the center of medieval naval power.
• Location of Vijaydurg Fort:
The Vijaydurg Fort is a water fort located in the sea near Devgad in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra state, located in the west of India.
• Height:
Since this fort is in the sea, it is a water fort. Its height from sea level is 100 meters and this fort is built on a high rock.
• The height of the ramparts from the rock is 36 meters.
• Vijaydurg Fort is surrounded by water on three sides and is connected to the land on one side.
• This fort covers an area of 17 acres as seen from the fort's perimeter.
• Places to visit and their information:
• Vijaydurg Fort is also known as Gheriya. It is surrounded by water on three sides. Therefore, it was named Gheriya because it is surrounded.
Padkot Khushk:
When we enter Vijaydurg, there is a narrow rampart and a path from there to go to the fort. On the other side of this is the Waghotan creek. And a path can be seen along this creek. It is called Padkot Khushk.
• Wooden bridge:
There was an old wooden bridge to enter Vijaydurg fort. The inside of the fort was entered through that bridge. Every evening and in times of crisis, this bridge was lifted with a chain. And the fort was separated from the ground.
• Balbhim Temple:
When we come forward in Vijaydurg fort, we come across a small temple. The spire structure above this temple is like the dome on the mosques. Inside, we can see the idol of Hanuman in black stone. It is currently painted in scarlet color. Even if there is an enemy attack, the building should not be destroyed. Therefore, it was designed like a mosque.
• Jibi's Gate:
When entering the Vijaydurg Fort, there is a gate first. It is called Jibi's Gate. Because it is at the beginning. And the enemy army attacks this gate for the first time. Then this strong gate is erected.
• During the construction of Vijaydurg Fort, it is seen that a groove was made in the stone and another stone was stuck in it. This construction method is called Hemadpanthi construction. Also, jaggery, limestone, Hirda leaves, resin, and kathya were used while connecting these stones.
• Seeing that many people had gone out on the occasion of the marriage of Kanhoji Angre's daughter, the Portuguese sent Walter Wood to conquer the fort. He fired cannons. But the cannonballs hit the wall like a cotton ball. And fell down. This shows the characteristics of the construction of that time.
Marathi poet Madhav has written a beautiful poem on Walter Wood's death.
“The rebellion of the mighty men in the water has been suppressed, the victorious voice has surrounded Vijaydurg.”
Western poet Douglas wrote, “The cannonballs fired at Vijaydurg fell like cotton balls.”
This shows how strong the fortifications of Vijaydurg fort are.
• Vijaydurg Fort Fortifications:
Vijaydurg Fort has a triple fortification. The first one is adjacent to the sea coast, followed by the second fortification on the inside, followed by the third strong fortification on the inside of the fort.
The height of the fortification is 36 meters and is built of strong laterite stone. Also, this Vijaydurg fort has a strong triple wall made of Hemadpanthi construction using a mixture of jaggery, limestone, Hirdi leaves, Kathya, and resin.
• Ramparts:
The ramparts of the fort have many ramparts. Many ramparts are visible at various places to target the enemy with a gun or arrow without him seeing them.
Fanji
Fanji is a groove made in the wall to load and fire the cannon. The fanjis on Vijaydurg Fort were such that they could be fired by loading a double cannon.
• Marathi historian Dandekar, talking about the fortifications of the fort, says, “Do not just look at the fortifications of the fort, observe them, they give us a valuable message, they say, just as we are standing facing the heat, wind, rain and enemy cannonballs. Without wavering, you too should learn to face the difficulties of life without fear.’
• The fortifications of Vijaydurg Fort have 27 towers, 20 on the outside and 7 on the inside.
• Main entrance gate:
After looking at the fortifications, the main gate of Vijaydurg Fort is found inside. The gate is the important entrance to the fort, it is of cow-face construction. Cow-face means that a cow turns its mouth while feeding its calf and licking its parts. It has a curved shape. That is, the door hidden inside the tower, since it is on the inside, it is difficult to blow it up with cannonballs. Also, a quick attack could not be made on this door with the help of unarmed elephants and horses. Not only that, there are loopholes in the tower and the ramparts of this door. Through them, the army approaching the door can be targeted using guns and arrows.
Iron nails are seen installed on the doors of this door. This shows the strength of this door.
• Nagarkhana:
A construction can be seen above the main door. There was a Nagarkhana there. Different tunes were played on different occasions. If there was a wedding, different tunes were played, after a death, different tunes were played when a king came, and different tunes were played when the enemy came to attack.
Straight cannon:
A little further from the Nagarkhanya, we can see the straight cannon. By placing the cannon in the fanji, we could observe the enemy approaching the fort.
• Khalbatkhana/ Secret conversation room:
We can see Khalbatkhanas in only three forts in Swarajya. One is Rajgad, the other is Raigad and the third is Vijaydurg fort. The use of Khalbatkhana was used to discuss important secret missions and information. Not a single sound could be heard from outside from this room. This was the design of this room.
Vijaydurg was an important armory center of Swarajya. Therefore, we can see the Khalbatkhana at this place.
• Stairway structure:
A little further, we can see stone steps. The Marathas lived in the mountains and valleys, so it was easy for them to go through high and low paths. However, it seems that it was designed in such a way that if an enemy conquered the fort, it would be difficult for him to use it.
• Narrow path outside:
A small path runs around the fort, along the inside of the ramparts and adjacent to the ramparts. It was built to provide ammunition to the cannons on all sides of the fort, moving quickly by horse in times of crisis.
Watchtower:
There are watchtowers at various places in Vijaydurg Fort. From here, the entire bay and the distant sea could be observed.
• Ammunition warehouse:
A room built entirely in stone can be seen in Vijaydurg Fort. It is the ammunition warehouse. Its entire structure is made of stone and its roof is also made of stone. While attacking the fort, the enemy first destroys the ammunition warehouse. Therefore, the construction is visible for security reasons.
• Phad and Sadar:
Inside, we can see one of the buildings of the fort, it was a two-story building. Two parts of it can be seen. One Phad and the other Sadar.
• Phad:
A person coming from outside the fort, after entering from the outpost, used to stop here on the Phad before going to the Sadar. He was thoroughly questioned here. Only then could he go to the inner Sadar. The Fada had important offices for clerks, secretaries, etc., from where the paperwork was handled. The Sardars and Rajer Jawades used to hold meetings on the inner courtyard.
Sadar:
On the inside of the fort was the Sadar. Here, the accounts of the work of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the chieftains, the fort chiefs, and those in charge of the affairs of the fort were kept, and the problems in the area and their solutions, the grain stock in the fort, and other expenses were also discussed. Sadar is the place to look after the administration of the state.
• Houses inside Vijaydurg Fort:
The houses inside the fort were made of stone, bricks, and mud. Compared to the outer fortifications and other constructions, not much money was spent on the interior construction. Spending in the right places and thrift in the right places were the motto of Shivaji's financial transactions. That is why modern thinkers call Chhatrapati Shivaji a management guru.
• Grain Stores:
Like the ammunition store on Vijaydurg Fort, the structure of the grain store is also seen in the form of stone masonry. There are a total of three such stores on Vijaydurg Fort. These cellars were used to store enough grain to last the people of the fort for three years. Even if the enemy besieged the fort and supplies were cut off, the work on the fort continued.
Underground:
There is an underground passage near the grain store. From this place, one could immediately approach the water of the creek. It was used to transport supplies to the grain fort as well. Not only this, there is also a large stone at the mouth of this tunnel. It could also be closed in adverse weather. And it was designed in such a way that it could not be seen from the sea.
And there are also square holes on the inside to allow light and air to circulate. This seems to have taken care of ensuring that the interior environment remains healthy.
• Tower:
While building the towers on the Vijaydurg fort, both high and low types are seen. It was possible to watch from a high place. And the part of the tower in the low area was useful during the war.
• Khubaldha Tower:
We can see such an armored tower with a curved shape to protect the Vijaydurg fort. Its features are that there are six panjis to keep many guns and cannons here, each panjit can accommodate twelve guns. The bay area, the mouth of the underground passage, and if there is an attack from the main gate, the area there also comes under the panji. This is a bastion that is ready to protect from all sides. That is why it is called a Khubaldha bastion.
• Paga:
We can see a paga on the outside of the Vijaydurg fort. If a chief and a mavle came from outside, this paga is in a convenient place for them to go to the Sadra. That is, they did not go to the inner part. They could tie a horse here and go to the Sadra from the post. Therefore, since it was not connected to the rest of the inside of the fort, no one knew the secrets of the fort and other places.
Ranivasa:
Vijaydurg fort has a building adjacent to the ramparts. It is three storied and is a queen residence. Although the interior wooden items have been destroyed, the walls of this place speak of its magnificence. Also, many ventilated windows can be seen in this place. This construction seems to be of Bahamani rule or Adilshahi style. Because it is designed to suit Muslim women. Next to this building, another Ranivasa can be seen at some distance. On the other side, strong fortifications and many battlements can be seen in it.
• Well:
A water tank was built near Kanhoji Angre's residence during Shiva period. In which rain water was stored. But when the fort was attacked, the lock of this cistern was removed. And it was empty. It also has steps to get inside.
• Pirachi Sadar aka Dargah :
At Vijaydurg, you can see a Pirachi sadar or dargah for the Muslim Mawlas who are fighting for self-rule to worship their religion i.e. to recite namaaz.
• Meal Fortifications :
The construction of the interior of the fort dates back to the reign of Shilahar King Bhoja. You can see the fortifications of that time. This fortification feature of Hemadpanthi construction is complete. This fortification, made using male and female stones, is still strong today. Today she would be almost 800 years old.
Nishan Tekdi:
Nishan Tekdi is the place of the flagpole. If Chhatrapati Shivaji had hoisted the flag somewhere. One was at Torna Fort and the other at Vijaydurg Fort. The place where the flag was hoisted is Nishan Tekdi.
• Underground 2:
A secret passage opens underground from near the fort's ramparts directly to Annaji Dhulap's palace, which is located some distance from the shore. It is said that it is so big that. A Mavla would go through it on horseback and women would go through it on horseback. Even if the fort was captured by the enemy, this path was made so that women and Mavlas could safely go out through this path.
• Shivaji used to protect people. Even if the fort was lost, it could be taken back. But a Mavla was an important member of his kingdom. Therefore, Shivaji would ask the Mavlas to retreat at times.
Bhavani Temple:
At one place in Vijaydurg Fort, we can see a building and an idol of Bhavani Devi in the ruined ruins. That is the temple of Bhavani Devi. We can see the idol of Bhavani Devi in the form of Mahishasuramardini.
• Saheb's Ote or Helium Cradle:
When the British came to the fort in 1818, British astronomers surveyed this area to study the solar eclipse. Then they found this high part of Vijaydurg Fort suitable for astronomical research. While standing here and watching the solar eclipse through a telescope on August 18, 1868, Norman Lockyer saw a yellow diamond ring during the eclipse. Research started on it. During the next solar eclipse in 1898, Norman Lockyer and his colleagues watched the solar eclipse through a telescope from Guntur. After eight minutes of the eclipse, a diamond ring in yellow color began to appear. When research was done on it, it was clear that it was made of helium gas. Then the place where this incident was discovered was Vijaydurg Fort. That place is called the cradle of helium, the cradle of Saheb.
• Bagdi Cannon:
A cannon made by connecting eleven identical metal rings to each other is called Bagdi Cannon.
A gun is loaded into it with a bullet. And when a light is lit from the back, a large amount of energy is generated and the cannon ball spins and moves forward at high speed. And it causes a large amount of damage.
• Grain storehouse during the reign of Shilahar Raja Bhoj:
This fort was built during the reign of Bhoj Raja in the 10th to 11th centuries AD. At that time, a grain store was built at this place. The construction above it is of a later period and the construction at the base is of the time of Shilahar Raja Bhoj.
• Lime making pit:
A pit was also built at this place to make lime required for the construction of the fort.
• Well:
A well was also dug at this place to provide drinking water for the fort.
Sea Wall:
During the time of Shivaji, a sea wall was built in laterite stone at some distance from Vijaydurg Fort. It is 122 meters long, 5 meters high and 7 meters wide. Since the ships of Swarajya had shallow and flat bottoms, they could easily pass this wall. However, since the Portuguese or Western ships were deep-draught, they would break due to friction while passing through this wall. Three Portuguese ships that came to attack in this way were sunk in the water. Shivaji had designed this fort and its security with great foresight and thought.
• Dummy Fort:
• From Vijaydurg Fort, you can see a wall built on a mountain in front of you. It was built to deceive the enemy. The enemy would attack by mistaking that wall for a fort and firing guns. And in this, a wall has been built on the mountain with the intention of wasting its ammunition.
• Maratha shipbuilding dock:
A dock was built by digging a hole in the mountain near the creek near Vijaydurg Fort. Ships like Gurab, Galbat, Taraf, etc. were built here. These ships with a capacity of 400 to 500 tons were 109 meters long and 70 meters wide. Ship building and repair were done here.
This dock is built on the other side of the Tasiv Kada, which is created by nature. Stone construction can be seen in some places. Stone anchors made in the medieval period have also been found in this area.
Historical events about Vijaydurg Fort:
• Vijaydurg Fort was first built during the reign of Shilahar Raja Bhoj. It took place between 1193 and 1205 AD.
• After the Shilahar dynasty, the Yadavas of Devagiri ruled this place till 1218.
• In 1354 AD, the king of Vijaynagar, Krishnadevaraya, ruled here for some time.
• After that, this fort was under the Bahamani dynasty.
• After the Bahamani period, this fort came to Adil Shah.
• Since Vijaydurg was surrounded by water, it was named Gheriya.
• A person named Taverian visited here in 1650 AD and described it as ‘the impregnable fort of the Vijayapurkars’
.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji captured this fort between October and November in 1664 AD.
When this fort was conquered. Since the era of Vijay was in progress at that time, the name of this fort was changed from Gheriya to Vijaydurg.
• The fort was under the control of Kanhoji Angre, the head of the Marathi army, his sons Sambhaji Angre, Tulaji Angre, until 1756 AD.
• During the period from 1700 to 1707 AD, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg forts were used as emergency capitals by Maharani Tarabai, who installed her son Shivaji II on the throne and ruled from here.
From here on, this fort remained in the possession of the Angre Sardars. Maharani Tarabai gave the title of Sarkhel to Kanhoji Angre and entrusted the responsibility of the Marathi fleet.
• Two Marathas were in a power struggle. The Peshwas attacked Vijaydurg Fort on 13 February 1756 with the help of the British. While fighting both the armies, the fort was falling into the hands of the enemy, Angre adopted a scorched earth policy. And this fort had to be demolished. The fort was captured by the British. The British looted the treasure of 10 lakhs and 250 guns and took possession of it.
• Nanasaheb Peshwa gave the Bankot Fort and seven villages to the British and captured this fort. In the fight between the two, the third party gained the advantage,
• After about eight months, the British gave Vijaydurg Fort to the Peshwas.
• The Peshwas gave the Subedari of Vijaydurg Fort and the area to Anandrao Dhulap.
• From 1664 to 1818 AD, this fort was under the Maratha rule.
• In 1818 AD, this fort came under the control of the British.
• The British called Vijaydurg Fort the Gibraltar of the East.
• On 18 August 1868 AD, Norman Lockyer discovered helium gas at this place while observing a solar eclipse.
• On 13 December 1916, Vijaydurg Fort was registered as a national protected monument in Maharashtra.
• Vijaydurg Fort is currently under the control of the Archaeological Department.
Marathas' burnt land policy:
When the power of a place is going to the enemy. At that time, the burning of important historical documents and important property so that they do not fall into the hands of the enemy is the burnt land policy.
The Angres burned the Marathi warships so that they did not fall into the hands of the enemy British. They also burned the documents related to them.
• During the Maratha rule, four chieftains ruled over Vijaydurg Fort. Among them were Kanhoji Angre, Tulaji Angre, Sambhaji Angre, Anandrao Dhulap.
Among them, Sambhaji Angre was a devotee of Shiva, he used to walk 40 kilometers to visit Kunkeshwar. Later, when he was old, he could not go, then Mahadev came to him in a dream and told him that when two cannonballs fired from Vijaydurg Fort fall in the same place, I will reside there. After doing so, Sambhaji Angre started building a Shiva temple at the place where those two cannonballs fell. Later, the temple was constructed by Gangadhar Pant. And Anandrao Dhulap has installed the yellow bell found on the Portuguese ship at this place.
Ways to reach Vijaydurg Fort:
• Roads, air, waterways to reach Vijaydurg Fort:
• Mumbai – Rajapur – Hativale – Via Vijaydurg.
• Kolhapur – Radhanagari – Fonda – Devgad – Vijaydurg.
• Ratnagiri – Pawas – Kaseli – Nate – Vijaydurg.
• The distance from Mumbai to Vijaydurg is 440 kilometers.
• The distance from Panaji to Vijaydurg is 180 kilometers.
• The distance from Kasarde to Vijaydurg is 60 kilometers.
• Rajapur is 63 kilometers and Kankavli is 80 kilometers away. These are the railway stations. From there, Vijaydurg can be reached by bus or private vehicle.
• Kolhapur airport is the nearest airport and is 150 kilometers away.
• Since Vijaydurg is a sea fort, you can reach this place from Goa as well as Mumbai and other western ports of India.
On Vijaydurg Fort
• This is the information and history of Vijaydurg aka Gheriya Fort, formerly known as Gibraltar.
This is
Vijaydurg urph Gheriya Fort information in English
