Asheri Fort

 

 

Asheri Fort, also known as Asherigad, is a historic hill fort located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 102 km from Mumbai and 88 km from Thane, the fort stands on a hill near the Mendhavan Khind, along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. The base village for the trek to Asheri Fort is Khodkona, a small tribal village where restoration efforts are carried out by the local community.   

History

Asheri Fort boasts a rich history spanning several centuries and rulers:  

• Shilahara Dynasty: It is believed that the fort was originally built by Bhojraja, a descendant of the Shilahara dynasty, making it around 800 years old.  
• Bimb Raja: In the early 14th century, the fort was captured from the Kolis by Bimb Raja of Mahim (Palghar).  
• Gujarat Sultanate: The fort subsequently came under the rule of the Gujarat Sultanate.
• Portuguese: In 1556, the Portuguese, led by Antonio Moniz Barreto, the captain of Bassein, annexed Asherigad by allegedly bribing the Abyssinian captain in command. They significantly valued the fort as the northern boundary of their territory, making it the capital of 38 villages and 6 parishes. The Portuguese also enhanced its defenses.  
• Maratha Empire: In 1737, the Maratha forces under Chimaji Appa conquered the fort during their campaign against the Portuguese in the Konkan region. However, the Portuguese briefly regained control before it definitively fell into Maratha hands in February 1739.
• British East India Company: In 1818, Captain Dickinson of the British East India Company captured Asheri Fort, bringing it under British rule. 

Structure and What to See

Today, Asheri Fort is largely in ruins, but it still offers a glimpse into its past. Some of the things to see on the fort include:

• Remnants of settlements: Foundations and plinths with gutters, possibly for rainwater harvesting or drainage.
• A cave: A medium-sized cave with a wide opening, ingeniously carved to minimize wind and cold प्रवेश.
• Water cisterns and ponds: The fort once had twenty water cisterns and two ponds. One rock-cut pond is known to be filled with lotus flowers after the winter.
• Temple: A small temple is located on the top of the fort, and a cave nearby houses a sadhu. There's also a small Hanuman temple inside one of the caves.
• Fortifications: Remains of the fort's defenses, including ruined entrances and fortification symbols.
• Portuguese influence: A Portuguese post of arms is engraved in rock on the fort, along with a stone bearing a cross, Portuguese arms, and some Portuguese writing.  
• Rock-cut steps: Steps carved into the rock face along the trekking path.  
• Cannons: Remnants of old cannons can be found on the fort.

Trekking to Asheri Fort

Asheri Fort is a popular destination for trekkers. The trek is generally considered to be of medium difficulty and takes approximately 1 to 2.5 hours to reach the top from the base village of Khodkona.  

How to Reach:

• By Public Transport: The nearest railway station is Palghar on the Western Railway line of Mumbai. From Palghar, you can take a bus towards Manor/Wada and get off at Mastan Naka. From Mastan Naka, shared rickshaws or vans are available to reach Khodkona, which is about 1 km from the highway.  
• By Private Transport: Take the NH8 highway towards Ahmedabad. After reaching Mastan Naka, continue straight for about 10 km, and you will find a sign for Asherigad Fort to your left, leading to Khodkona village.

The trekking path starts from the hillock north of Khodkona and passes through a dense forest. The initial part of the route is relatively easy, leading to a col (saddle) below the fort hill. From there, a narrow and steep path on the eastern side ascends to the entrance of the fort. In some steeper sections, a ladder has been installed to aid climbers.  

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to trek to Asherigad Fort is during the winter and post-monsoon seasons, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to slippery trails.

Asheri Fort offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it a rewarding experience for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The views from the top are panoramic, showcasing the surrounding landscape.

The Strategic Importance of Asherigad

As I mentioned earlier, the Portuguese recognized the strategic value of Asherigad as the northernmost point of their dominion. Its elevated position offered several advantages:

• Commanding Views: The fort provided excellent panoramic views of the surrounding territory, allowing for early detection of any approaching adversaries. This was crucial for defense and maintaining control over the region.
• Control of Trade Routes: Its location near the Mendhavan Khind likely allowed the rulers to monitor and potentially control important land routes connecting the coast with the interior.
• Natural Defenses: The hill itself provided a natural barrier, making the fort easier to defend. The steep cliffs on many sides would have deterred potential attackers.
• Water Security: The presence of numerous water cisterns within the fort ensured a sustainable water supply for the garrison, a vital factor during prolonged sieges.

Life Within the Fort (Based on Historical Context)

While the fort is now in ruins, we can infer aspects of life within its walls based on historical accounts of similar forts and the remaining structures:

• Military Garrison: The primary function of the fort would have been to house a military garrison responsible for its defense and the control of the surrounding area. These soldiers would have lived within the fort, utilizing the available shelters and resources.
• Administrative Center (Under the Portuguese): During the Portuguese era, as the capital of 38 villages and 6 parishes, the fort would have housed administrative officials responsible for governance, revenue collection, and maintaining order in the region.
• Religious Structures: The presence of temples within the fort suggests that religious life played a role for the inhabitants. These temples would have been places of worship and community gathering.
• Water Management: The extensive network of water cisterns highlights the importance of water management in a hilltop fort, especially during the dry months. These cisterns would have been carefully maintained to ensure a constant supply.
• Limited Civilian Population: While primarily a military and administrative center, there might have been a small civilian population within the fort, including artisans, traders, and families of the officials and soldiers.

The Trekking Experience in More Detail

For those planning a trek to Asheri Fort, here are a few more details:

• The Initial Trail: The initial walk from Khodkona village is through relatively flat terrain, often passing through fields and the outskirts of the village. This section provides a gentle warm-up before the ascent begins.
• The Forest Section: As you approach the base of the hill, the trail enters a forested area. This part of the trek can be quite scenic, especially after the monsoon when the vegetation is lush.
• The Ascent: The climb up the eastern side of the hill is the most challenging part of the trek. The path becomes narrow and steep, with loose stones in some sections. The ladder installed in one of the steeper parts is a crucial aid. Exercise caution here.
• Reaching the Top: Upon reaching the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Arabian Sea in the distance on a clear day, the plains stretching out, and the nearby hills. Exploring the ruins scattered across the plateau provides a tangible connection to the fort's history.
• Time Required: While 1 to 2.5 hours is a general estimate, the actual time taken can vary depending on your fitness level, the pace of trekking, and the time spent exploring. It's advisable to start early, especially during the hotter months.
• What to Carry: It's essential to carry sufficient water, snacks, wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, and carry basic first-aid. A hat or cap and sunscreen are also recommended, especially during sunny days.

Conservation and Local Efforts

It's heartening to know that the local community in Khodkona is involved in the restoration efforts of Asheri Fort. Such initiatives are crucial for preserving these historical sites for future generations. These efforts might include clearing vegetation, repairing damaged structures, and maintaining the trekking trails. Supporting these local initiatives can contribute to the long-term preservation of the fort.

Asheri Fort, despite its ruined state, stands as a testament to the region's rich and varied history, having witnessed the rise and fall of multiple dynasties and colonial powers. The trek to the fort is an engaging experience that combines adventure with a journey back in time.

Asheri Fort: A Wider Historical Lens from Maharashtra

While Asheri Fort is located in the northern part of Maharashtra (Palghar district), understanding its history within the broader context of the region's past can be quite insightful:

• Fort Building Traditions: Maharashtra has a rich tradition of hill forts, strategically built by various rulers like the Marathas, Yadavas, and others. Asheri, though having seen Portuguese influence, shares the fundamental characteristic of leveraging natural terrain for defense, a common theme across many forts in the state. Think of the formidable forts closer to Solapur, like Lohagad, Visapur, or even further afield like Raigad – they all embody this strategic use of the landscape.
• Maratha Resistance: The eventual capture of Asheri Fort by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa in 1739 is a significant event in the larger narrative of Maratha resistance against foreign powers. This victory was part of a broader campaign to reclaim territories held by the Portuguese in the Konkan region, showcasing the growing power of the Maratha Empire. This resonates with the historical significance of Solapur itself, which has seen various power struggles and displays of Maratha valor.
• Trade and Connectivity: While Solapur was an important inland trading center, forts like Asheri played a crucial role in securing coastal trade routes. The control of such routes was vital for the economic prosperity of the region. Understanding the interconnectedness of these strategic points provides a more holistic view of historical Maharashtra.