Forts in Maharashtra: Vijaydurg

Vijaydurg

As like Janjira, Vijaydurg is also a robust fort in Maharashtra. The history of the fort dates back to 1205 AD, when it was constructed by King Bhoj of Shilahar dynasty. Later the fort was ruled by many dynasties including Yadav, Kings of Vijay Nagar, Aadilshaha, Marathas and British. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from Adilshah in 1653. This is among the two forts where Shivaji Maharaj had personally hoisted the saffron flag of Maratha empire. The other fort is Torana.

Vijaydurg

Vijaydurg remain impregnable for a long time. It was attacked in 1717, 1720 and 1734 by British, Portuguese and Dutch, but remain unconquered.

Vijaydurg was the main Maratha naval base under Kanhoji Anngre and Tulahi Aangre. A naval dock was constructed near Vijaydurg, where Maratha warships built and repaired.

Way to main entrance of Vijaydurg

This fort has strategic advantage, as it is situated near Vaghotan Creek, which is 40 km long. Large warships could not enter the shallow water of the creek, so these ships were useless to attack on this fort. Maratha warships were anchored in this creek and so were invisible from deep sea.

The under water fencing wall constructed around the fort is the protective shield of the fort. The wall is present at 8 to 10 meter depth from the sea surface and is invisible from the surface. Most of the warships attacking on this fort would struck this wall and sunk.

One more architectural marval is the under water, under ground tunnel from the fort to the Dhulp's palatial house in the village. This tunnel is man made.

Vijaydurg is protected with its 36 meter high fortification and the 20 bastions on it.The fortification available today is actually constructed by Shivaji Maharaj after he captured the fort from Aadilshah. He then renamed the fort to 'Vijaydurg'. Earlier the fort was known as 'Gheria', as it is situated near the village 'Girye'.