Forts in Maharashtra: Torna : The first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj

"Torna" (Tornagad) or "Prachandgad" was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj. He captured this fort and started his journey to build the Maratha empire when he was just sixteen years old (in 1643). This shows his valor and determination to construct a new empire.

When Shivaji Maharaj took over this fort from Aadilshah (Sultan of Vijapur) this fort did not had too much construction on it. This fort was not given more stratagic importance by the Aadilshahas. After capturing this fort, Shivaji Maharaj started to construct some buildings on the forts and fortification for the fort. This was necessary to make the fort a secure place which can be used in forthcoming war against the Aadilshah and the Mughals. While construction Shivaji Maharaj found a treasure on the fort. Assuming this to be a good omen, he utilised this money on construction of this fort and the fort "Rajgad".

The fort has two temples on it. The first one is of goddess "Toranjai" and the second one is of goddess "Menghai". You can stay in the temple of goddess "Menghai" if necessary. The fort has two major wings (in Marathi "Machi") the "Zunzar Machi" and the "Budhala Machi". On the Budhala Machi, there is big vertical rock. When seen from distance it seems to be a thumb held up. The fort also has two gates: the "Binicha Darwaja" (Bini Gate) and "Konkan Darwaja" (Konkan Gate). The Binich Darwaja takes you inside the fort, while the Konkan Darwaja takes you to the Budhala Machi.

This is one of the tallest forts in Maharashtra. So, this has always been a center of attraction for the trekkers. This fort is located at about 60 Km from Pune. To visit the fort you may reach the village Velha from Swargate bus stop of Pune via Nasarapur.

Here are some of the snaps of the Torna fort.