What is the primary identity and location of Sinhagad?

Sinhagad is identified as an ancient hill fortress situated approximately 28 kilometers southwest of the city of Pune in Maharashtra, India.

What was the original name of Sinhagad, and what does its current name signify?

Sinhagad was originally known as Kondhana. The name Sinhagad translates to "Lion's Fort," reflecting its historical significance and formidable nature.

What significant historical event is associated with Sinhagad in 1670?

The most notable event associated with Sinhagad is the Battle of Sinhagad, which took place in 1670. This battle was a crucial engagement in the region's history.

How is Sinhagad utilized by the local population today?

Today, Sinhagad is a popular destination for weekend outings for the residents of Pune, offering recreational opportunities and historical exploration.

What are the different ways visitors can access the summit of Sinhagad fort?

Visitors can reach the summit of Sinhagad via a road that leads directly to the top. For those seeking a more active experience, a trek of 2.7 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 600 meters is available from the base. Additionally, shared taxi services are offered to both the base and the summit.

Describe the strategic layout and defensive features of Sinhagad.

Sinhagad was strategically constructed on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range in the Sahyadri Mountains. Its very steep slopes provided natural protection against enemies. The fort is situated at an elevation of approximately 760 meters above the surrounding ground and 1,317 meters above sea level.

What historical landmarks are visible from Sinhagad on a clear day?

On clear days, visitors can see other significant forts associated with the Maratha Empire, including Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna, from the ramparts of Sinhagad.

Which prominent historical figures are memorialized at Sinhagad?

Sinhagad houses memorials dedicated to the Maratha general Tanaji Malusare and Rajaram I, who was the third Maratha Chhatrapati.

What was discovered regarding Tanaji Malusare's memorial in 2019?

In February 2019, restoration workers unearthed the original commemorative memorial of Tanaji Malusare. This stone structure, believed to be around 350 years old, was found buried under layers of cement, concrete, and paint.

What other structures are present within the Sinhagad fort complex?

Within the fort complex, one can find a military stable, a brewery, a temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, and a statue of Hanuman located to the right of the temple.

When was a television relay tower installed at Sinhagad, and for what purpose?

A television relay tower was set up at Sinhagad in 1973. Its purpose was to relay signals from Doordarshan TV in Mumbai to the city of Pune.

What is the historical origin of Sinhagad's original name, Kondhana?

The fort was originally named Kondhana, believed to be derived from the name of the sage Kaundinya, who is associated with the area.

Who controlled Sinhagad before the Delhi Sultanate, and when was it captured by Muhammad bin Tughluq?

Before the Delhi Sultanate, Sinhagad was held by Nag Naik, a Koli chieftain. Muhammad bin Tughluq captured the fort in 1328 after a siege lasting eight months.

Which sultanates successively controlled Sinhagad after it became part of the Delhi Sultanate?

Following the Delhi Sultanate, Sinhagad came under the control of the Bahmani Sultanate in the mid-1300s, then the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in the late 1400s, and subsequently the Sultanate of Bijapur in the late 1500s.

How did Shivaji Maharaj first gain control of Kondana in 1647?

In 1647, Shivaji Maharaj gained control of Kondana by convincing Siddi Amber, the Adilshahi Sardar who was governing the fort, that he, as the son of Shahaji Bhosale, could manage its defenses more effectively. Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande played a significant role in this maneuver.

What circumstances led to Adil Shah trading the fort back to Shivaji?

Adil Shah imprisoned Shahaji Bhosale on a fabricated charge and informed Shivaji. In 1649, Adil Shah used this leverage to trade the fort back to Shivaji in exchange for Shahaji Bhosale's release.

How did Shivaji Maharaj recapture the fort in 1656?

Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort in 1656 with the assistance of Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande, who persuaded the fort commander by offering land in the newly established village of Khed Shivapur, leading to a peaceful transfer of control.

How did the fort pass into Mughal hands in the 17th century?

After facing Mughal attacks in 1662, 1663, and 1665, the fort was ceded to the Mughals in 1665 as part of the Treaty of Purandar, which Shivaji entered into with the Mughal general Mirza Raja Jai Singh I.

Describe the circumstances of the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad.

In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj's Koli Subedar, Tanaji Malusare, led the Maratha forces to recapture the fort in the Battle of Sinhagad. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Tanaji and his men fought fiercely. Tanaji Malusare lost his life in the battle, but his brother Suryaji successfully captured the fort, which was then renamed Sinhagad.

What unique method was reportedly used to scale Sinhagad during Tanaji Malusare's assault?

According to historical accounts, a steep cliff leading to the fort was scaled in the dead of night with the help of a tamed monitor lizard, known colloquially as a Ghorpad, named 'Yashwanti'.

What is the anecdote behind the renaming of Kondhana to Sinhagad?

After the capture of the fort in 1670, upon hearing of Tanaji Malusare's death, Shivaji Maharaj is said to have lamented, "Gad ala, pan Sinha gela," which translates to "The Fort is conquered, but the Lion is lost." This event led to the fort being renamed Sinhagad in honor of Tanaji Malusare.

How did the control of Sinhagad change hands between the Marathas and Mughals in the late 17th and early 18th centuries?

After the death of Sambhaji, the Mughals regained control of the fort. The Marathas recaptured it in 1693. Aurangzeb re-conquered it in 1703, but it returned to Maratha hands in 1706. The fort remained under Maratha rule until 1817.

What role did Sinhagad play during Rajaram I's reign?

During a Mughal raid on Satara, Rajaram I took asylum in Sinhagad fort. He ultimately died at the fort on March 3, 1700.

When and how did the East India Company gain control of Sinhagad?

During the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1817, the East India Company, under General Pritzler and on the orders of Mountstuart Elphinstone, besieged and captured Sinhagad. The fort remained under British control until India's independence in 1947.

What was Sinhagad's significance during India's modern freedom struggle?

During India's freedom struggle, Sinhagad served as a summer retreat for Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent leader often called 'The Father of Indian Unrest.' It was also the site of a historic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Tilak after Gandhi's return from South Africa.

What does the image caption "Pune Darwaja of Sinhagad fort" describe?

The image caption refers to the Pune Darwaja, which is one of the two main gates used for entering the Sinhagad fort, located on the northeast side.

What is depicted in the gallery image titled "A memorial for Tanaji and his soldiers"?

This gallery image shows a memorial dedicated to Tanaji Malusare and his soldiers, commemorating their bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Sinhagad.

What does the gallery image "Horse and Elephant stables" represent?

The image labeled "Horse and Elephant stables" shows the remnants or structures within the Sinhagad fort that were historically used to house horses and elephants, essential for military and transport purposes.

What view is captured in the image titled "Distant view of Torna & Rajgad Forts from Sinhagad"?

This image captures the scenic vista from Sinhagad fort, showing the distant outlines of two other significant Maratha forts, Torna and Rajgad, highlighting the strategic positioning and interconnectedness of these historical sites.

What is the significance of the "Lokmanya Tilak's Bungalow" image?

The image of "Lokmanya Tilak's Bungalow" at Sinhagad signifies the fort's historical connection to the Indian independence movement, as it was used as a retreat by the influential leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

What does the gallery image "Rajaram cenotaph" represent?

The gallery image titled "Rajaram cenotaph" depicts a memorial structure on the fort dedicated to Rajaram I, the third Maratha Chhatrapati, who is known to have stayed at and died near Sinhagad.

What is shown in the gallery image "Sinhagad TV tower"?

The image labeled "Sinhagad TV tower" displays the modern television relay tower that was installed on the fort in 1973 to broadcast Doordarshan signals to Pune.

What was the strategic advantage of Sinhagad's location and construction?

Sinhagad's strategic advantage stemmed from its location on a steep cliff in the Sahyadri Mountains, providing natural defenses. Its construction utilized these steep slopes to offer formidable protection against invaders.

What is the approximate height of Sinhagad above ground level?

Sinhagad fort stands at a height of approximately 760 meters (2,490 feet) above the ground level of the surrounding area.

What was the outcome of the siege of Sinhagad by Muhammad bin Tughluq?

The siege of Sinhagad by Muhammad bin Tughluq lasted for eight months, after which the fort was captured and became part of the Delhi Sultanate.

Who was Nag Naik, and what was his connection to Sinhagad?

Nag Naik was a Koli chieftain who held control of Sinhagad (then known as Kondhana) until the 14th century. He was later defeated and captured by Muhammad bin Tughluq in 1328.

What role did the monitor lizard, Yashwanti, play in the Battle of Sinhagad?

Yashwanti, a monitor lizard, was reportedly used to help Maratha soldiers scale the steep cliffs of Sinhagad during the night assault led by Tanaji Malusare in 1670.

Who was Udaybhan Singh Rathod, and what was his role in the Battle of Sinhagad?

Udaybhan Singh Rathod was a Rajput Sardar who controlled Sinhagad for the Mughal army during the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. He fought against Tanaji Malusare and his forces.

How was Sinhagad utilized by the Marathas during their long period of rule before the British conquest?

For over a century, from its recapture in 1706 until 1817, Sinhagad served the Marathas as a refuge from enemy attacks on Pune and also as a place for confining rebels or political prisoners.

What was the significance of the meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Sinhagad?

The meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Sinhagad was historically significant as it occurred after Gandhi's return from South Africa, marking an important moment in the Indian independence movement.

What is the meaning of the name "Sinhagad"?

The name "Sinhagad" translates from Marathi to "Lion's Fort," a name believed to have been given in honor of the bravery of Tanaji Malusare, often referred to as the "Lion of Sinhagad."

What is the elevation of Sinhagad in feet?

Sinhagad fort stands at an elevation of 1,317 meters, which is equivalent to approximately 4,321 feet above mean sea level.

What was the primary function of the television relay tower installed in 1973?

The television relay tower installed in 1973 at Sinhagad served the purpose of broadcasting signals from Doordarshan, the national public service broadcaster of India, to the city of Pune.

What historical period does the watercolor painting by Henry Salt depict in relation to Sinhagad?

The watercolor painting by Henry Salt depicts Pune dating back to the late Peshwa era, clearly showing the towering Sinhagad fort in the background, illustrating its prominence even during that period.

What was the duration of the siege of Sinhagad by Muhammad bin Tughluq?

Muhammad bin Tughluq besieged Sinhagad for a period of eight months before its capture in 1328.

What is the significance of the Bhuleswar range in relation to Sinhagad?

Sinhagad fort is perched on an isolated cliff belonging to the Bhuleswar range, which is part of the larger Sahyadri Mountains, highlighting its strategic highland location.

What happened to Siddi Amber after Shivaji gained control of Kondana in 1647?

After Shivaji Maharaj gained control of Kondana in 1647, the Adilshahi ruler Adil Shah imprisoned Siddi Amber for his perceived treasonous act of handing over the fort.

What was the approximate age of the original memorial of Tanaji Malusare when it was unearthed?

The original commemorative memorial of Tanaji Malusare, unearthed in February 2019, is believed to be approximately 350 years old.

What is the meaning of the phrase "Gad ala, pan Sinha gela"?

The Marathi phrase "Gad ala, pan Sinha gela" translates to "The Fort is conquered, but the Lion is lost." It is famously attributed to Shivaji Maharaj upon learning of Tanaji Malusare's death after the capture of Sinhagad.

What was the role of General Pritzler in the history of Sinhagad?

General Pritzler was the commander of the East India Company forces who besieged and captured Sinhagad in 1817 during the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Sinhagad Wiki: Sinhagad: The Lion's Fortress

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Fortress Overview

Strategic Location

Sinhagad, historically known as Kondhana, is an ancient hill fort situated approximately 28 kilometers southwest of Pune, Maharashtra, India. Its commanding position atop a steep cliff in the Sahyadri Mountains made it a formidable stronghold throughout history.

A Site of Legend

The fort has been the stage for numerous significant battles, most famously the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. This pivotal conflict cemented its place in the annals of Maratha military history.

Popular Destination

Today, Sinhagad is a cherished weekend retreat for the residents of Pune and a popular destination for trekkers and history enthusiasts. Accessible by road or a challenging trek, it offers breathtaking views and a tangible connection to the past.

Geographical Context

Geographic Placement

Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleshwar range within the Sahyadri Mountains, Sinhagad fort stands as a testament to strategic defensive architecture. Its elevation provides a commanding presence over the surrounding landscape.

Elevation and Visibility

The fort sits approximately 760 meters (2,490 feet) above the surrounding ground and reaches an elevation of 1,317 meters (4,321 feet) above mean sea level. On clear days, the fort offers panoramic views, allowing observers to see other significant Maratha forts such as Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna.

Coordinates

The precise geographical coordinates place Sinhagad at approximately 18°21′56.39″N latitude and 73°45′18.97″E longitude, anchoring its position within the Deccan plateau.

Fortress Architecture

Natural Defenses

Sinhagad's design leverages its natural topography. The extremely steep slopes provide inherent protection against direct assault, making access challenging for adversaries. The fort's construction emphasizes this natural advantage.

Entry Points

Two primary gates grant access to the fort: the Pune Darwaja, located towards the northeast, and the Kalyan Darwaja, situated to the southeast. These gateways were crucial defensive points, designed to control entry.

Historical Significance

Early Origins

Initially known as Kondhana, the fort's history dates back centuries, possibly named after the sage Kaundinya. It was under the control of various dynasties, including the Delhi Sultanate, Bahmani Sultanate, Ahmadnagar Sultanate, and the Sultanate of Bijapur, before its pivotal role in the Maratha era.

Until the 14th century, the fort was held by Nag Naik. In 1328, Muhammad bin Tughluq captured it after a prolonged siege. It later passed through the hands of the Bahmani, Ahmadnagar, and Bijapur Sultanates, highlighting its strategic importance in the Deccan region.

Maratha Era and the Lion's Roar

The fort became central to Shivaji Maharaj's vision of Swarajya. Its recapture in 1670, famously led by Tanaji Malusare in the Battle of Sinhagad, is a defining moment. The fort was renamed Sinhagad ("Lion's Fort") in honor of Malusare's bravery, encapsulated in Shivaji's poignant words: "Gad ala, pan Sinha gela" (The fort is conquered, but the lion is lost).

Shivaji first gained control in 1647 and recaptured it in 1656. After passing to Mughal hands via the Treaty of Purandar (1665), it was heroically retaken in 1670 by Tanaji Malusare. The fort remained under Maratha control until 1689, changing hands multiple times between the Marathas and Mughals, including serving as a refuge for Rajaram I, who died within its walls in 1700. It remained a key Maratha stronghold until 1817.

Colonial Period and Modern Relevance

During the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1817, the East India Company captured Sinhagad. Post-independence in 1947, it became part of the Republic of India. The fort also served as a retreat for freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak and hosted a significant meeting between him and Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1973, a television relay station tower was erected on the fort to broadcast Doordarshan signals to Pune. The fort continues to be a symbol of Maratha valor and Indian history.

Fortress Features

Spiritual Sites

Within the fort's ramparts, visitors can find a temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, a significant deity in the region. Adjacent to the temple is a statue of Hanuman, the revered monkey god known for his strength and devotion.

Commemorative Memorials

Sinhagad is home to memorials honoring key figures from its past. A memorial dedicated to the valiant Maratha general Tanaji Malusare stands as a tribute to his sacrifice. Additionally, a memorial for Rajaram I, the third Maratha Chhatrapati, is also located here.

Modern Infrastructure

A television relay tower was established on Sinhagad in 1973. This structure, while modern, is situated within the historical context of the fort, serving the communication needs of the region.

Historical Structures

The fort complex includes remnants of its past military and administrative functions, such as military stables and a brewery, offering insights into the fort's operational capabilities during different eras.

Visual Chronicle

Gates

Key entry points include the Pune Darwaja and the Kalyan Darwaja, showcasing the fort's defensive gateways.

Scenic Vistas

From the summit, one can observe the distant forts of Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna, as well as the Khadakwasla Dam, offering panoramic views.

Structures

Notable structures include the Kondhaneshwar Temple, horse and elephant stables, and memorials to Tanaji Malusare and Rajaram I.

Modern Landmark

The Sinhagad TV tower stands as a modern addition to the historical landscape.

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References

Haig, W. (1922). Five Questions in the History of the Tughluq Dynasty of Dihli. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 54(3), 319-372. doi:10.1017/S0035869X00053557

Kincaid, C.A. and PÄrasanÄ«sa, D.B., 1925. A History of the Maratha People: From the death of Shahu to the end of the Chitpavan epic (Vol. 3). S. Chand.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sinhagad Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an AI, drawing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content is presented for educational and informational purposes only. It may not reflect the most current data or all nuances of the subject matter.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or architectural consultation. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert opinions for in-depth research or decision-making. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Sinhagad: The Lion's Fortress

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Fortress Overview ℹ️

⛰️ Strategic Location

⚔️ A Site of Legend

🚶 Popular Destination

Geographical Context 📍

🌍 Geographic Placement

📏 Elevation and Visibility

🗺️ Coordinates

Fortress Architecture 🏛️

🛡️ Natural Defenses

🚪 Entry Points

Historical Significance 📜

⏳ Early Origins

👑 Maratha Era and the Lion's Roar

🇬🇧 Colonial Period and Modern Relevance

Fortress Features ⭐

🙏 Spiritual Sites

🎖️ Commemorative Memorials

📡 Modern Infrastructure

🐎 Historical Structures

Visual Chronicle 🖼️

🚪 Gates

🏞️ Scenic Vistas

🏛️ Structures

📡 Modern Landmark

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Fortress Overview

Strategic Location

A Site of Legend

Popular Destination

Geographical Context

Geographic Placement

Elevation and Visibility

Coordinates

Fortress Architecture

Natural Defenses

Entry Points

Historical Significance

Early Origins

Maratha Era and the Lion's Roar

Colonial Period and Modern Relevance

Fortress Features

Spiritual Sites

Commemorative Memorials

Modern Infrastructure

Historical Structures

Visual Chronicle

Gates

Scenic Vistas

Structures

Modern Landmark

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Advisory

Content Disclaimer