Bharatgad Fort

 

Bharatgad is a fort situated 18 kilometers away from Malvan, in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, India. This fort stands on the southern bank of the Gad river, also known as the Kalaval creek. It occupies an area of approximately 4 to 5 acres and is now covered with mango orchards.  

History:

• Initial Survey by Shivaji Maharaj: In 1670, the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited the Masure hill with the intention of constructing a fort. However, due to the scarcity of water at that location, he abandoned the plan.
• Construction by Phonda Sawant: In 1680, Wadikar Phonda Sawant decided to build the fort. This decision was likely influenced by disputes with the chief of Kolhapur, Bavdekar, and the need for a strategic stronghold.  
• Completion: The construction of Bharatgad Fort was completed in 1701 after a well was successfully dug on the hill, ensuring a water supply. This well is reportedly 228 feet deep and carved out of solid rock.
• Capture by Tulaji Angre: In 1748, Tulaji Angre, the son of the renowned Maratha naval commander Kanhoji Angre, attacked and captured Bharatgad. This was likely due to the Phonda Sawants siding with the Peshwas against the Angres. However, the Sawants soon recaptured the fort.
• Control by Karveerkar: In 1787, the ruler of Karvir (Kolhapur) conquered Bharatgad from the Sawants but later handed its control back to them.  
• British Era: In 1818, Captain Hutchinson of the British East India Company captured Bharatgad. It was noted at this time that the well on the fort had become dry, possibly due to damage from artillery fire, leading the garrison to use wooden barrels for water storage. Records from 1818 indicate that there were eighteen cannons on the fort.  

Structure and Features:

• Location and Layout: The fort is located on a hill near the Kalaval creek in Masure village. It has a roughly circular shape in the center, tapering towards the north and south ends, encompassing an area of about 7 acres. The fort is divided into two main parts: a plateau and a citadel (Balekilla).
• Defenses: The fort is protected by a 20-foot wide and 10-foot deep moat that surrounds the ramparts. The stones excavated from the moat were used in the fort's construction.
• Gates and Bastions: The fort has a main north-facing gate, which is reached after climbing a few steps. The fort walls and its nine bastions, both small and large, are generally in good condition. Some bastions feature stone pillars in the center, possibly for reinforcement during the rainy season.
• Citadel (Balekilla): Situated in the center of the fort on elevated ground, the citadel is further protected by a 10-foot high wall and four strong bastions at its corners.
• Inside the Citadel: Within the citadel, there is a restored temple of Mahapurush with a Tulsi Vrindavan (a structure for the holy basil plant). A deep well with steps carved into the rock is located near the temple. The citadel also contains remnants of a gunpowder storeroom and grain storage rooms.
• Other Features: The fort also has a cave and a hidden door, believed to be in the southern bastion, leading towards the main entrance. Two latrines can be seen in the ramparts.  

Present Condition and Tourism:

• Bharatgad Fort is currently privately owned.
• Despite some ruins, the gates and bastions are reported to be in good condition.
• The Archaeological Department has undertaken some repair work to restore the fort.
• It takes approximately one hour to explore the various parts of the fort.
• The fort is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Masure, the base village, is about 18 km from Malvan, which offers accommodation and food facilities. Tea and snacks are also available in smaller hotels on the way to Masure.
• Bharatgad can be visited on the same day as the nearby Bhadwantgad and Sarjekot forts.

Bharatgad, with its historical significance and the natural beauty of its surroundings, offers a glimpse into the region's past and is a point of interest for tourists visiting the Sindhudurg district.

You'd like to know more about Bharatgad? Certainly! Let's delve deeper into some aspects:

Strategic Importance:

• Controlling the Creek: Bharatgad's location on the Gad river (Kalaval creek) gave it significant strategic importance. It allowed the rulers to monitor and control the maritime activity in the region, potentially levying taxes on trade and ensuring the safety of their own vessels.
• Defense Against Inland Threats: Situated inland from the coast, Bharatgad served as a crucial defensive outpost against potential incursions from the east. It formed part of a network of forts in the Sindhudurg region that provided a layered defense.
• Link in the Fort Chain: Bharatgad was likely connected strategically to other nearby forts like Sarjekot and Bhadwantgad. These forts could have served as communication points, provided mutual support during attacks, and collectively controlled a larger territory.

Life Within the Fort:

• While much of the internal structures are now in ruins, the presence of grain storage rooms and a gunpowder storeroom within the citadel suggests the fort was self-sufficient to some extent during times of conflict. A permanent garrison of soldiers and possibly some administrative personnel would have resided within its walls.
• The deep well was vital for the fort's survival, especially during sieges. The fact that it was carved out of solid rock indicates the effort and resources invested in ensuring a reliable water source. The later drying up of the well during the British capture highlights the vulnerability of such fortifications to sustained attacks.
• The temple of Mahapurush within the citadel would have served as a place of worship for the inhabitants, reflecting the religious and cultural life within the fort community.

Architectural Style and Materials:

• The use of locally available stone, likely laterite, for the fort's construction is characteristic of the architecture in the coastal regions of Maharashtra. Laterite is relatively soft when quarried but hardens upon exposure to air, making it a suitable and durable building material.
• The presence of bastions at regular intervals along the ramparts demonstrates an understanding of military architecture of the time, allowing for effective defense from multiple angles. The stone pillars in some bastions might have been an indigenous method to strengthen the structure against the heavy monsoon rains prevalent in the region.
• The moat surrounding the fort provided a significant obstacle for any attacking force, slowing their advance and making them vulnerable to fire from the ramparts.

The Sawantwadi Connection:

• The construction of Bharatgad by Phonda Sawant highlights the importance of the Sawantwadi rulers in the history of this region. They were a powerful local dynasty who often asserted their independence and played a crucial role in the political landscape of the Konkan coast. Their decision to build Bharatgad was a strategic move to secure their territory and influence.

Modern Day Significance:

• While now privately owned, the fact that the Archaeological Department has undertaken restoration work indicates the recognition of Bharatgad's historical and cultural value.
• Its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Malvan makes it a potential attraction for those interested in exploring the forts and history of Maharashtra. Visiting Bharatgad, along with the nearby forts, offers a more comprehensive understanding of the region's rich past.
• The mango orchards that now cover parts of the fort represent a shift in land use over time, reflecting the changing economic activities in the region.

Bharatgad in the Context of Maharashtra's Forts:

• Coastal Fort Network: Bharatgad is part of the extensive chain of forts along Maharashtra's coastline. These forts, both inland and sea-based, played a crucial role in the maritime and land-based defenses of various empires and rulers, including the Marathas, the Adilshahis, and the Portuguese. Bharatgad, while not directly on the sea, served as an important inland strongpoint connected to the coastal activities via the Gad river.
• Strategic Positioning: Like many forts in Maharashtra, Bharatgad was strategically located on a hill, leveraging the natural terrain for defense. This was a common practice, providing a commanding view of the surroundings and making it difficult for enemies to approach undetected. The presence of a river (Gad) further enhanced its strategic value, potentially serving as a natural barrier and a means of transportation.
• Comparison to Other Sindhudurg Forts: Sindhudurg district is renowned for its numerous forts, most notably the sea fort of Sindhudurg itself. Comparing Bharatgad to other forts in the region like Vijaydurg, Devgad, or even the smaller inland forts like Bhadwantgad and Sarjekot, we can see common architectural elements (ramparts, bastions, gates) adapted to the specific terrain and strategic needs of each location. Bharatgad's more inland position might have influenced its design and primary defensive focus compared to the sea forts.
• Maratha Legacy: While initially built by the Phonda Sawants, Bharatgad's association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's initial survey highlights the strategic importance he placed on the region. The later capture and recapture of the fort by different Maratha factions (Angres, Sawants, Peshwas) underscores the power struggles and shifting alliances within the Maratha Confederacy.

Local Folklore and Legends (if any):

• While historical records provide factual accounts, forts in Maharashtra often have local folklore and legends associated with them. These stories might involve tales of hidden treasures, heroic battles, or the spirits of those who once lived or died within the fort's walls. It would be interesting to explore if there are any such local narratives surrounding Bharatgad passed down through generations in the Masure village and surrounding areas. Local villagers or historians specializing in the Sindhudurg region might hold such information.

Current Preservation Efforts and Challenges:

• The reported involvement of the Archaeological Department in repair work is a positive sign for the preservation of Bharatgad. However, many privately owned forts face challenges in terms of maintenance and protection against natural decay, encroachment, and vandalism. Understanding the extent of the preservation efforts and the challenges faced would provide a clearer picture of the fort's future.

Visiting Bharatgad from Solapur:

• Considering our current location in Solapur, a visit to Bharatgad would involve a significant journey westward towards the Konkan coast. This would typically involve road travel, potentially taking several hours depending on the route and mode of transport. The journey itself would offer a glimpse into the diverse landscapes of Maharashtra, transitioning from the inland plains to the coastal hills.

Further Research Avenues:

• To gain a deeper understanding of Bharatgad, further research could focus on:
  • Local historical archives: Examining any records maintained by local families or institutions in the Sindhudurg region.
  • Archaeological surveys: Reviewing any detailed archaeological reports on the fort that might provide insights into its construction phases and past inhabitants.
  • Oral histories: Interviewing elderly residents of Masure and nearby villages to uncover any local stories or traditions related to Bharatgad.

By exploring these broader contexts and potential avenues for further information, we can build an even richer understanding of Bharatgad's place in the history and cultural landscape of Maharashtra. Is there a particular aspect of this broader context you'd like to delve into further?