Pratapgad

Pratapgad is counted amongst the jweal forts in Sahyadri. In Marathi 'Pratap' means bravery, valor and 'gad' means fort, so 'Pratapgad' means 'The fort of valor'. This is one of the beautiful forts built by Raja Shivaji. 

• History:  The fort was built by Raja Shivaji on the hill formely known as 'Bhorpyacha dongar'  (the hill of Bhorapya) in 1656. Moropant Pingle was appointed by Shivaji Maharaj to look after the construction of the fort. Moropant built many buildings on the fort such as royal court (राजसदर), Redka buruj (रेडका बुरुज), Yashawant buruj (यशवंत बुरुज), Kedareshwar Temple (केदारेश्वर मंदिर), Balekilla (बालेकिल्ला) and other buildings such as houses. Assacination of  Afzalkhan is the most important event that took place here in 1659. The event has casted such impression that it became an identity of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj belived that godessa Bhavani helped him to defeat Afzalkhan, so after that Shivaji Maharaj constructed Bhavani Temple (भवानी मंदिर) on the fort. The stone was brought from river Gandaki (in Nepal) to create the idol of the godessa Bhavani. Later before coronation Shivaji Maharaj had dedicated the Chhatrachamara (छ्त्रचामर ) of gold to the godessa Bhavani on 19th may 1674. The victory against Afzalkhan gave Shivaji Maharaj an important position in the contemporary politics. 
• Views from Pratapgad:

            In east: Mahabaleshwar, Radtondicha ghat, Aambenali ghat, Jawali

            In west: Poladpur ghat, Konkan.

            In south:  Makarandgad, Chandragad, Kangorigad, Koyana valley, dense forest of Par.

            In north: Raigad.

•   How to go?

 From Mumbai:

Mumbai---> Panvel --> Mahad --> Poladpur ghat --> Kumbhroshi wada --> Pratapgad

From Pune:

Pune --> Shirwal --> Wai --> Mahabaleshwar --> Kumbhroshi wada -->Pratapgad

From  Kolhapur:

Kolhapur--> Satara --> Medha --> Mahabaleshwar -->Kumbhroshi wada --> Pratapgad

• When to visit?

One should give high priority to visit in summer or winter and should avoid visiting during rainy season. 

• Here are some pics of Pratapgad you may find useful:

This is royal court of Shivaji Maharaj. This is the place where Khandoji Khopade was punished by Shhivaji Maharaj for his treachery. Khandoji had helped Afzalkhan against Shivaji Maharaj. Khandoji's left leg and right hand were cut as he was sentensed by Shivaji Maharaj. The royal court (राजसदर) is shown in above photograph.

The content  meaning "The valor and deeds of this King Shivaji is so great that he can only be compared with Alexander the great --Portuguese Governer, Goa" has been inscribed on the stage of the statue of Shivaji Maharaj on Pratapgad. The statue is shown in the above photograph.  

Pratapgad is one of the attractive forts in Sahyadri. One should visit it at least once.