Avchitgad is a hill fort situated in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, near Roha in the Raigad district.
History:
It is believed that the Shilahar kings built Avchitgad, and later it came under the control of the Nizam of Ahmednagar. The great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is also believed to have reconstructed this fort. The name "Avchitgad" literally translates to "hurried fort," possibly indicating that the reconstruction work was carried out quickly. In February 1818, during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, Colonel Prother of the British East India Company won control of Avchitgad from the Peshwas.
What to See:
- Main Gate: The main entrance of the fort is reported to be in good condition.
- Cisterns: There is a large dodecagonal-shaped cistern, likely used for bathing and washing. Nearby, there are also six smaller cisterns with potable water.
- Pingalsai Temple: A small temple dedicated to the goddess Pingalsai is located at the top of the fort.
- Cannons: Four cannons can be found on the fort.
- Bastions: The fort has two main bastions, one at the northern end and another at the southern end. An inscription dating back to 1796 AD can be seen on the southern bastion.
- Inscription: The inscription on the southern bastion reads: "Shri Ganeshayanama Shri Jayadev shake 1718 Nal Nam samvatsarae Chaitra shudha pratipada."
- Surrounding Views: From the top of Avchitgad, one can get views of neighboring forts like Talagad, Telbaila, Sarasgad, Ghangad, Sudhagad, Raigad, and Savashnagad.
- Forest: The fort is surrounded by a dense forest that is home to wildlife such as leopards, monkeys, and foxes.
Trekking:
Avchitgad is considered an easy to medium-grade trek, suitable even for beginners. There are three main routes to reach the fort:
- From Padam-Kharapti: This route takes approximately 2 hours and passes through a dense jungle.
- From Pingalsai: This route is also about 2 hours long and is considered relatively easy.
- From Medha: This is the shortest route, taking around 1 hour. The trail begins near a large well called "Haud," which has potable water.
The routes from Medha and Pingalsai meet at a saddle-shaped hill. From the top, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri ranges.
How to Reach:
The nearest railway stations to Avchitgad are Roha and Nidi. From there, local transport can be hired to reach the base villages. The base villages, Medha, Padam-Kharapti, and Pingalsai, are also accessible by road.
Avchitgad, beyond its historical and trekking significance, offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of hill forts in the Maratha kingdom. Its location likely served as a watchtower and a defensive outpost, connecting the larger forts in the region. The presence of multiple water cisterns highlights the crucial need for self-sufficiency within these fortifications, allowing garrisons to withstand prolonged sieges.
The variety of trekking routes, each with its own distinct character – the dense jungle path from Padam-Kharapti, the easier ascent from Pingalsai, and the short, direct trail from Medha – caters to different levels of trekking experience. The meeting point of the Medha and Pingalsai routes at a saddle offers a moment to appreciate the converging paths and the shared journey to the summit.
The inscription on the southern bastion provides a valuable chronological marker, indicating later construction or repair work on the fort in the late 18th century, well after Shivaji Maharaj's era. This suggests the fort continued to be of some importance even under later Maratha rule.
The panoramic views from the summit truly bring the geography of the region to life. Identifying neighboring forts like Talagad, Telbaila, and the imposing Raigad helps one understand the interconnected network of Maratha defenses. The surrounding dense forest not only adds to the natural beauty but also hints at the challenges and resources available in this terrain during historical times.
For those interested in exploring the forts of Maharashtra, Avchitgad offers a rewarding experience that combines history, nature, and light adventure. The relative ease of the trek makes it accessible to a wider audience, allowing more people to connect with the rich heritage embedded in these ancient structures. Remember to carry sufficient water and wear appropri
Venturing further into the experience of Avchitgad, one can imagine the lives of the people who once inhabited and defended this strategic point. The echoes of history resonate within the stone walls and the silent bastions. Consider the soldiers who stood watch, scanning the horizon for any signs of approaching adversaries. Picture the daily routines within the fort – the drawing of water from the cisterns, the prayers offered at the Pingalsai temple, and the strategic discussions that would have taken place within its confines.
The dodecagonal cistern is a particularly interesting architectural feature. Its unique shape suggests careful planning and construction, perhaps indicating a significant investment in water management. The presence of both large and smaller cisterns likely served different needs, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the fort's inhabitants.
The cannons, though now silent relics, speak volumes about the fort's defensive capabilities. Placed strategically on the bastions, they would have provided a formidable deterrent to any attacking forces. The fact that four cannons still remain offers a tangible connection to the fort's military past.
The trek itself becomes a journey through varying landscapes. The dense jungle path offers a sense of immersion in nature, while the open trails provide glimpses of the surrounding hills and valleys. The change in terrain as one ascends adds to the overall experience, culminating in the rewarding views from the top.
Thinking about the flora and fauna of the region adds another layer of appreciation for Avchitgad's significance. The dense forest acts as a biodiversity hotspot, and encountering wildlife during the trek can be an exciting aspect of the adventure. It underscores the importance of preserving these natural environments alongside the historical structures they encompass.
Avchitgad, therefore, is more than just a collection of ruins. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a multi-faceted experience for trekkers and history enthusiasts alike. Its relatively accessible nature makes it a valuable destination for those seeking to explore the forts of Maharashtra and connect with the region's rich past. As you stand on its summit, taking in the panoramic vista, you're not just seeing the landscape; you're witnessing centuries of history unfold before you.
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