Bhagwantgad is a fort located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, about 18 km away from Malvan.
Historically, Bhagwantgad was built by Pant Pratinidhi of Kolhapur to counter the activities of the Sawants of Sawantwadi, who had constructed Bharatgad fort on the southern bank of the same creek in 1701.
Bhagwantgad witnessed some military action in 1748 when Tulaji Angre attempted to seize it but faced strong resistance for about 18 months. Eventually, in 1818, the British East India Company's 4th Rifles, led by Captains Gray and Pierson, took control of the fort after the Maratha garrison abandoned it.
Today, Bhagwantgad lies mostly in ruins, with its gates and bastions dilapidated. The only structure that remains in relatively good condition is the Siddheshwar Temple. Inside, a shapeless stone serves as the idol of Lord Siddheshwar, and a Tulsi Vrindavan (a structure for the holy basil plant) can also be seen.
Despite its ruined state and the dense vegetation, Bhagwantgad offers picturesque views of the Kalaval creek and the neighboring Bharatgad fort.
To reach Bhagwantgad, one can take a boat from Kava Masure village to the Bhagwantgad village side of the creek. From there, a short walk leads to the fort. It's often visited along with Bharatgad.
It's important to note that there's another place named Bhagwangad which is a religious site located near Kharwandi village on the border of Beed and Ahmednagar districts.
Bhagwantgad, though largely in ruins today, still holds a certain charm and historical significance. Here's a bit more about this fort in the Sindhudurg district:
More on its Strategic Importance:
Bhagwantgad's construction by the Pant Pratinidhi of Kolhapur was a direct response to the growing power of the Sawants of Sawantwadi and their fort, Bharatgad. Situated opposite each other on the banks of the Kalaval creek, these two forts essentially stood as rivals, overseeing and guarding their respective territories. This rivalry highlights the fragmented political landscape of the Maratha Confederacy during that period. The strategic placement allowed Bhagwantgad to monitor any naval or land-based movements of the Sawants along the creek.
Architectural Details (What Remains):
While the main entrance and much of the fortifications are now dilapidated, one can still discern the layout of the fort.
- Siddheshwar Temple: As mentioned earlier, this is the most intact structure. The simple stone idol and the Tulsi Vrindavan offer a glimpse into the religious practices of the time. The temple's location within the fort suggests its importance to the garrison and the local community.
- Ramparts and Bastions: Even in their ruined state, the remnants of the fort walls and bastions hint at the original defensive structure. Exploring the overgrown areas might reveal sections of the once formidable stone fortifications. The strategic placement of bastions would have provided vantage points for cannons to cover different angles of approach.
- Gates: The description mentions a destroyed west-facing gate and a second fortified gate adjoining a bastion. These would have been crucial entry and exit points, designed with defensive considerations.
- Possible Water Source: While not explicitly detailed, hill forts of this era typically had provisions for water storage, such as rock-cut cisterns or wells, to sustain the garrison during sieges. Further exploration might reveal traces of these.
The Experience of Visiting Today:
A visit to Bhagwantgad is less about witnessing grand architecture and more about experiencing a slice of history intertwined with nature.
- The Boat Ride: The short boat journey across the Kalaval creek offers a unique perspective of the landscape and the strategic positioning of both Bhagwantgad and Bharatgad.
- The Walk: The walk through the Bhagwantgad village and the subsequent trek to the fort provide an opportunity to connect with the local surroundings. The path leading past the school and through the vegetation adds an element of exploration.
- Panoramic Views: The fort's elevation offers excellent views of the Kalaval creek and the neighboring Bharatgad. This vantage point underscores the historical significance of the location.
- Seclusion: Unlike some of the more popular forts, Bhagwantgad sees fewer visitors, offering a sense of tranquility and solitude amidst nature. However, this also means that the pathways might be less maintained, and exploring the ruins requires caution.
Connecting with Nearby Sites:
As mentioned, Bhagwantgad is often visited in conjunction with Bharatgad. The proximity of these two historically significant sites, facing each other across the creek, provides a compelling narrative of the regional power dynamics of the 18th century. A visit to the ancient Rameshwar Temple near Angnewadi on the way to Bharatgad can further enrich the historical context of the region, hinting at the longer history of conflicts and settlements in this area.
In conclusion, while Bhagwantgad may not boast grand surviving structures, its historical context, strategic location, and the natural beauty surrounding it make it an interesting destination for those looking to explore the lesser-known forts of Maharashtra and delve into the region's past.
Comments
Post a Comment