Sinhagad

Sinhagad or Sinhgad (Devanagari, Marathi: सिंहगड) meaning "Lion Fort", is located near the city of Pune, India, situated on a hill rising 800 metres above the surrounding countryside. The base of the fort is approximately 550 meter (1800 ft) above sea level, and its top is 1,350 m (4,430 ft) above sea level.

History

Previously called Kondana (Devanagari: कोंढाणा), the fort's location has been strategically important since at least the 14th century and has been the site of many important battles.

Battle of Sinhagad

One of the most famous battles ( Battle of Sinhagad ) for Sinhagad was fought to recapture the fort by Tanaji Malusare, a General of Shivaji in March 1670. It was after this battle that the Kondhana fort was renamed to Sinhagad after Tanaji, whose nickname was 'the lion' (Sinha). Having spearheaded the attack and fighting valiantly, Tanaji's life was lost in capturing this important fort [cite web|url=http://www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/hindu_history/landmaratha.html|title=Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the National Revival under the Marathas|author=Sudheer Birodkar|publisher=hindubooks.org] .

A legend has grown that upon hearing of Tanaji's death, Shivaji remorsed with the words "Gad ala pan Sinha gela" (Marathi, Translation: The fort has been captured but the lion has been lost). Historically, this quote is believed to be one of the most important associations of the fort with Maratha history but it is a misquote. Historians point out that Shivaji's exact words were : 'Gad aala, Pan sinvha gela'. (The fort was captured but the Lion was lost.)

A bust of Tanaji has been established on the fort in memory of his contribution to the battle.

Lokmanya Tilak

More recently, during the 20th century, Lokmanya Tilak, the Indian freedom fighter, built a bungalow atop the fort. Also, Gandhiji is said to have asked for water from it whenever he was imprisoned in the nearby town of Pune.

Present Day

Parts of the once extensive fortification are now in ruins, but visitors still sense how the fort acted as an active military outpost. It is a popular weekend destination for many residents of Pune, with some enthusiasts trekking to the top of the fort from the base near Sinhagad village. The site also houses a memorial to Tanaji as well as the tomb of Rajaram, Shivaji's younger son, who also died here. Visitors can see the military stables, brewery and a Lord Ganesha temple, as well as the historic gates.

The fort is also part of training at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Cadets from the academy are regularly sent on a hikes and runs from NDA to Sinhagad in full battle gear to build endurance and stamina. The fort also houses a television tower for broadcasting local TV signals.

Photo Gallery

References

ee also

*Tanaji Malusare
*Shivaji
*List of forts in Maharashtra
*Sinhagad Express

External links

* [http://visitsinhgad.googlepages.com Beautiful Sinhgad Pics , Sinhgad Image gallery]
* [http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:91V79RpwWkoJ:www.auromusic.org/online%2520books/An%2520_approach_to_indian_history-Kittu/10.htm+Ghorpad+Tanaji&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5 An approach to Indian History - Prof. Kittu Reddy]
* [http://sunilshinde.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/06/shivajis_forts_.html Sunil Shinde's site visit to Sinhagad with photos]
* [http://www.indbazaar.com/travel/display.asp?artid=148 indbazaar.com - The Conquest of Kondana]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/himanshu_sarpotdar/sets/72157600124889291 Flickr.com - More Photos from Himanshu Sarpotdar]
* [http://www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/hindu_history/landmaratha.html hindubooks.org - Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the National Revival under the Marathas]