Bankot Fort, also known as Himmatgad or Fort Victoria, is a historically significant fort located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India.
Location and Accessibility
Bankot Fort is located approximately 47 kilometers from Dapoli and 21 kilometers from Shrivardhan.
To reach Bankot from Harihareshwar, one can take a ferry service from Bagmandala to the base village of Bankot, crossing the Savitri River. From Bankot village, it takes around half an hour to one hour to walk to the fort entrance. There is also a safe and wide road leading up to the fort, allowing access by vehicles right up to the main gate.
History
The history of Bankot Fort dates back to ancient times.
- Early Mentions: The first recorded evidence of the fort can be found in the writings of the Greek geographer Ptolemy in the 1st century AD, who referred to it as Mandargiri or Mandagora. The Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang is also believed to have visited or embarked at Bankot around 640 AD, although this identification is uncertain.
- Bijapur and Portuguese Rule: In 1548, the Portuguese captured the fort from Mohammed Adil Shah of Bijapur, highlighting its importance as a coastal stronghold.
- Maratha Era: In 1700, the Maratha Koli Admiral Kan
- British Influence: Due to rivalry between the Peshwas and Tulaji Angre (who took charge after Kanhoji's death), the Peshwas allied with the British. In 1755, after the fall of Suvarnadurg, Bankot Fort surrendered to Commodore James of the British fleet. The British renamed it Fort Victoria. However, maintaining the fort was not economically viable for the British, and it was later handed back to the Peshwas. Bankot was the first residency of the British Raj in Southern Konkan.
- Later Years: In 1837, the Mamlatdar's office was moved from Bankot to Mandangad, indicating a shift in administrative importance.
Architecture and Features
Bankot Fort is constructed using lateritic rocks, which are common in the coastal region. The fort is roughly square-shaped and is surrounded by a moat dug into the laterite. Key features of the fort include:
- Two Gates: The main entrance gate faces north, towards the Bankot creek, and features stone carvings. The western gate opens onto a plateau.
- Vestibules: The main entrance has vestibules for the gatekeepers.
- Nagarkhana: Steps from the main entrance lead to the Nagarkhana, offering views of the Savitri River.
- Bastions: Ramparts can be accessed from the western doorway, leading to bastions. One bastion, built by the Siddis, has a secret entrance.
- Ganesh Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh (Ganeshpatti) is located at the main entrance.
- Graveyard: In the outer regions of the fort, there is a graveyard with vertical pillars as headstones and marble inscriptions. These are believed to be the graves of the wife and daughter of Sir Arthur Mallet, who was connected to the Arthur's Seat point in Mahabaleshwar. His family members drowned in the Savitri River creek near Bankot.
- Wells and Tanks: The fort once had a deep well and water tanks, most of which are now dry or filled.
Significance
Bankot Fort held strategic importance throughout its history due to its location at the mouth of the Savitri River, a significant trade route in medieval times. It served as a defensive structure for various rulers, including the Bijapur Sultanate, the Portuguese, the Marathas under Kanhoji Angre, and briefly the British.
Current Status and Tourism
Today, Bankot Fort stands in ruins, but its historical significance and the panoramic views it offers make it a point of interest for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the remnants of the fort's walls, bastions, and gates. The surrounding area, with the Bankot Creek and the Arabian Sea meeting, offers scenic beauty. Nearby attractions include Velas Beach, Harihareshwar Temple, and Shrivardhan, making it a part of a larger coastal itinerary.
While there are no official guides at the fort, locals may share information about its history. The best time to visit Bankot Fort is generally between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
The Strategic Importance of its Location
Bankot's position at the confluence of the Savitri River and the Arabian Sea was not just picturesque; it was strategically vital for several reasons:
- Control of Trade Routes: The Savitri River served as an important inland waterway for trade and transportation. Controlling its mouth meant having a say in the movement of goods and people in and out of the region.
- Naval Power: The natural harbor formed by the creek offered a safe anchorage for ships. This made Bankot a valuable base for naval operations, as evidenced by Kanhoji Angre's presence and later the British naval interest.
- Coastal Defense: Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, the fort provided excellent vantage points to monitor maritime activity and defend against potential sea-borne invasions. Its strong fortifications made it a formidable obstacle for any attacking force.
- Resource Access: The surrounding region was rich in agricultural produce and natural resources. Controlling Bankot allowed rulers to secure access to these resources and exert influence over the local economy.
The Transition of Power and its Impact
The shifting control of Bankot Fort reflects the broader political landscape of the time:
- Bijapur's Loss to the Portuguese (1548): This highlights the growing power of the Portuguese on the western coast of India and their desire to control key ports for trade and military advantage.
- Maratha Ascendancy under Kanhoji Angre (1700): Kanhoji Angre's establishment at Bankot underscores the rise of Maratha naval power and their challenge to foreign dominance on the seas. His strategic brilliance and control of coastal forts like Bankot were crucial in protecting Maratha interests.
- The British Intervention (1755): The alliance between the Peshwas and the British against Tulaji Angre demonstrates the internal power struggles within the Maratha Confederacy and the increasing influence of the British in Indian affairs. The brief control of Bankot by the British as "Fort Victoria" marks an early stage of their expansion in the region.
- Return to the Peshwas and eventual decline: The fact that the British found maintaining Bankot uneconomical indicates the changing priorities of colonial power and the shifting strategic importance of different locations over time. The later transfer of administrative functions to Mandangad further signifies this decline in Bankot's prominence.
The Mystery of the Graveyard
The presence of the British-era graveyard within the fort premises adds a poignant layer to its history. The story of Sir Arthur Mallet's family members drowning near Bankot is a tragic reminder of the human element intertwined with historical events. These graves serve as a tangible link to the British presence and the personal losses experienced during that period. Further research into the inscriptions on these graves could potentially reveal more details about the individuals and their connection to the region.
Potential for Further Exploration
While Bankot Fort is in ruins, it holds significant potential for historical and archaeological exploration:
- Excavation: Systematic archaeological excavations could unearth earlier layers of the fort's history, potentially revealing artifacts from the Bijapur Sultanate or even earlier periods mentioned by Ptolemy.
- Architectural Study: A detailed study of the remaining structures could provide insights into the construction techniques and architectural styles prevalent during different periods of its occupation.
- Local Oral History: Gathering oral histories from the local communities around Bankot could offer valuable perspectives and stories that might not be documented in official records.
Visiting Bankot Today
For travelers interested in visiting Bankot Fort:
- Best Time to Visit: The post-monsoon and winter months (October to March) offer the most pleasant weather for exploration.
- Things to See: Visitors can explore the remnants of the ramparts, the main gate with its carvings, the Nagarkhana offering panoramic views, and the area where the Ganesh temple and the British graveyard are located.
- Nearby Attractions: Combining a visit to Bankot with trips to Harihareshwar (known for its temple and beach), Shrivardhan (another historical town), and Velas (famous for its turtle nesting site) can make for a well-rounded coastal experience.
- Accommodation and Amenities: Basic accommodation and food options are available in nearby towns like Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan. It's advisable to carry water and snacks when visiting the fort itself.
Bankot Fort, despite its ruined state, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history, power struggles, and human stories. Its strategic location, the layers of its past, and the scenic beauty of its surroundings make it a compelling destination for those seeking to connect with the rich heritage of the Konkan coast
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