Bahadur Fort

 

 

Bahadur Fort, also known as Bahadurgad or the fort of Pedgaon, is a historical land fort situated in Pedgaon village of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, India. It's located on the northern bank of the Bhima River, about 15 km east of Daund and approximately 100 km from Pune.   

Originally, Pedgaon was an important frontier post and a chief store for the Mughal army. In 1672, during the Mughal Empire, the Deccan Viceroy, Khan Jahan, camped here while pursuing the Maratha army led by Shivaji Maharaj. Khan Jahan undertook the construction of water channels to bring water from the Bhima River, and he renamed Pedgaon as Bahadurgad. The remains of the Mot (a water lifting mechanism) and the Persian wheel from this period are still visible.

Notably, Shivaji Maharaj cleverly captured this fort by outsmarting the Mughal chief. Inside the fort, there's a two-storied palace believed to have been used by Aurangzeb, and it's said that Sambhaji Maharaj once met him here.

In 1759, the Marathas, under Sadashivrao Bhau Peshwa, captured Pedgaon, and it remained under their control until 1818.

The fort has a rectangular layout with two main entrance gates. The gate facing the village is in relatively good condition, while the one towards the river is mostly in ruins. Within the fort, you can find a 5-foot tall statue of Maruti (Hanuman) and a group of five temples built during the Yadav period, showcasing Hemadpanti architecture. These temples are dedicated to Baleshwar, Lakshmi-Narayan, Mallikarjun, Rameshwar, and Bhairavnath. Additionally, there are heroic stones (Virgal), Satigal (memorial stones), cannonballs, a Deepmal (pillar of lamps), and a Shiva statue in front of the Bhairavnath temple.

Today, many structures within the fort are in ruins, with remnants scattered throughout the area. The fort is also known as Dharmaveergad, reportedly renamed in memory of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

More on its History:

• Strategic Importance: Beyond being a storehouse, its location on the Bhima River made it a crucial point for controlling movement and resources in the region.
• Shivaji's Strategy: The story of Shivaji Maharaj's capture of the fort highlights his cunning military tactics. By feigning a smaller attack and then retreating, he lured the Mughal forces out, leaving the fort vulnerable for his main force to seize the horses and wealth. This event is considered a significant example of his strategic brilliance.
• Sambhaji Maharaj's Ordeal: Sadly, Bahadur Fort also witnessed a tragic episode in Maratha history. After being captured by Aurangzeb's forces, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the poet Kalash were brought to Bahadurgad. It is said that they were humiliated and tortured here before being moved to Tulapur for their execution. This association gives the fort a somber significance for Marathas.
• Later Maratha Control: The recapture of the fort by the Marathas under Sadashivrao Bhau Peshwa in 1759 signifies the shifting power dynamics in the region during the decline of the Mughal Empire.

More on its Architecture and Features:

• Rectangular Layout: The fort's rectangular shape is a typical design for land forts, offering a defined perimeter for defense.
• Entrance Gates: The contrast in the condition of the two main gates – one well-maintained towards the village and the other ruined towards the river – likely reflects the different levels of strategic importance and exposure to the elements.
• Yadav-era Temples: The presence of five temples built during the Yadav period (roughly 12th-14th centuries) is significant. The Hemadpanti style of architecture, characterized by intricate carvings and the use of interlocking stones without mortar, is a hallmark of this era in Maharashtra. The temples dedicated to various deities point to the religious significance of the site even before the fort's later history.
• Mastani Mahal: Some accounts mention the existence of the ruins of "Mastani Mahal" within the fort. While details are scarce, this suggests the presence of residential or palatial structures, possibly from the later Mughal or Maratha periods.
• Water Management: The remnants of the Mot and Persian wheel highlight the efforts made to ensure a water supply to the fort, crucial for a sustained military presence. The reported system of drawing water from the Bhima River and distributing it within the fort using mud pipes showcases the engineering skills of the time.
• Scattered Ruins: The numerous ruined structures, heroic stones (Virgal), and cannonballs serve as poignant reminders of the fort's past and the various periods of conflict and habitation it has witnessed. The Deepmal (lamp pillar) suggests a social or religious gathering space within the fort.

Visiting Bahadur Fort (Dharmaveergad):

• It's generally considered an easy fort to explore, requiring about three hours for a complete visit.
• While some restoration efforts might be visible, the fort is largely in ruins, offering a glimpse into its historical past.
• Local guides might be available to provide more detailed information and stories associated with the fort.
• The fort's renaming to Dharmaveergad is a mark of respect and remembrance for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's sacrifice.

In essence, Bahadur Fort stands as a testament to the various powers that controlled the region, from the Mughals to the Marathas, and bears the marks of both strategic military importance and significant historical events. The blend of its fortifications and the older temple architecture provides a unique glimpse into Maharashtra's rich past.