Bhavangad Fort

 

 

Bhavangad Fort, also known as Bhondgad, is a historical fort located near the village of Kelve in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 3 km from Kelve, this fort stands on a small hill, roughly 150 to 200 feet high, offering strategic views of the surrounding area, including the Danda creek.

History

The construction of Bhavangad Fort dates back to 1737 during the Vasai campaign led by the Maratha Peshwa, Shrimant Chimaji Appa. The primary purpose of building this fort was to counter the Portuguese presence and activities in the region. The Portuguese had established a strong base in Vasai (Bassein) and had built a chain of forts in the nearby areas of Shirgaon, Mahim, and Kelve to exert their dominance and allegedly force religious conversions upon the local population.

Under the leadership of Chimaji Appa, the Marathas launched a campaign to expel the Portuguese. Bhavangad Fort played a crucial role in this campaign, particularly in keeping watch on the movement of Portuguese soldiers and blocking their supplies coming from Edwan, Kore, Mathane, and Usrani through the Danda creek. It is said that around 2000 laborers were employed to construct the fort in a short period during the monsoon.

After the successful Vasai campaign, the region came under Maratha control. However, in 1818, the British East India Company captured the fort.

Structure and What to See

Today, Bhavangad Fort is largely in ruins, with only remnants of its fortifications, bastions, and walls remaining. The outer walls and other structures were reportedly built without the use of lime mortar in many places, contributing to their dilapidated state.

Key features and places to see at Bhavangad Fort include:

• Main Entrance: The main entrance to the fort on the Machi (a fortified elevated area) is reached within a 10-minute walk from the base. The gate itself is broken, but the adjacent bastions are still visible.
• Bhavangadeshwar Temple: On the Machi, there is a restored temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Bhavangadeshwar. This temple was built in 1917. A significant fair is held here annually during Mahashivaratri.
• Citadel Entrance: The entrance to the citadel faces west and is designed in the Gomukhi (cow's mouth) style. Although the arch has collapsed, the surrounding bastions and fortifications are relatively intact. Lime mortar was used in the construction of this entrance. Guard chambers can be seen inside the entrance.
• Water Tank: Inside the citadel, there is a square-shaped water tank carved into the rock. This tank reportedly holds water throughout the year, and locals have built a cement platform beside it.
• Caves: A short walk down from the northeastern side of the fortifications leads to two caves that were likely used for storing grains.
• Views: The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Danda creek, Kelve Fort, and the Arabian Sea.

How to Reach

Bhavangad Fort is accessible from both Kelve and Saphale railway stations on the Western Railway line.

• From Saphale: Take a bus or a six-seater rickshaw towards Dativare and get off at Madhukarnagar stop. The fort is about 1.5 km from here.
• From Kelve: Hire a six-seater rickshaw from Kelve station. The route to Bhavangad passes through Dhanda and Khatali villages, covering a distance of about 3 km. Along this route, one can also see other nearby forts like Kelve Fort, Futaka Buruj, Customs Fort, and Danda Fort.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation is available at the Bhavangadeshwar Temple on the fort, although most trekkers prefer to visit it as a day trip. Food options are available in Kelve and Saphale.

Bhavangad Fort, despite its ruined state, holds historical significance as a testament to the Maratha resistance against the Portuguese. Its strategic location and the remnants of its structure offer a glimpse into the past, making it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and trekkers exploring the Palghar region.

The Strategic Importance of its Location

You mentioned the fort's role in the Vasai campaign, and its location overlooking the Danda creek was indeed crucial. Think about it from a military perspective in the 18th century:

• Control of Waterways: The Danda creek would have been a vital route for the movement of goods, supplies, and even troops. By establishing a fort here, the Marathas could effectively monitor and potentially block Portuguese access and communication along this waterway. This would have significantly hampered their ability to reinforce their positions or receive supplies from other settlements.
• Line of Sight: The elevated position of Bhavangad offered excellent vantage points. Soldiers stationed here could observe the movement of ships and boats in the creek and any land-based activity in the surrounding plains. This early warning system would have been invaluable in anticipating Portuguese maneuvers.
• Complementary Fortifications: Bhavangad was part of a network of Maratha fortifications strategically placed to encircle and isolate the Portuguese stronghold of Vasai. Forts like Arnala to the south and Tarapur to the north, along with smaller outposts, created a strategic ring that put pressure on the Portuguese from multiple directions. Bhavangad played its part in this larger strategy by focusing on the eastern approaches and the crucial creek.

Local Legends and Folklore

While historical records provide us with the timeline of the fort's construction and its role in the Vasai campaign, local communities often have their own stories and legends associated with such sites. It would be interesting to explore if there are any local tales connected to Bhavangad. Perhaps stories about:

• Hidden treasures or secret passages: Many old forts in India have folklore associated with hidden wealth or escape routes.
• Valiant Maratha warriors or heroic acts: Local narratives might preserve the memory of specific individuals who played a significant role in defending the fort.
• Supernatural occurrences: Sometimes, old and abandoned structures are linked to ghost stories or other supernatural beliefs within the local community.

While I don't have access to specific local legends about Bhavangad at this moment, exploring local accounts and speaking with long-time residents of Kelve or nearby villages could unearth fascinating oral histories that add another layer to the fort's story.

The State of Ruins and Conservation Efforts (if any)

You rightly pointed out that the fort is largely in ruins. This raises questions about its current state of preservation and whether any efforts are being made to conserve or restore it. Often, such historical sites face threats from:

• Natural erosion: Wind, rain, and vegetation can gradually wear down the stone structures.
• Human encroachment: Unauthorized construction or misuse of the land can damage the fort's remains.
• Lack of maintenance: Without proper upkeep, even structurally sound parts of the fort can deteriorate over time.

It would be valuable to know if the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or any local heritage organizations are involved in the preservation of Bhavangad. Understanding the current conservation status would provide a more complete picture of the fort's present condition and future prospects.

Connecting to Other Local Attractions

As you mentioned, the route to Bhavangad passes by other forts like Kelve Fort and Danda Fort. This suggests that a visit to this area could be part of a larger historical trail, allowing visitors to appreciate the interconnectedness of these fortifications and the broader historical context of the region during the Maratha-Portuguese conflicts. Exploring these other nearby sites would enrich the understanding of the strategic landscape of the time.

Perhaps future visitors could consider a day trip that encompasses not just Bhavangad but also these neighboring forts, offering a more comprehensive historical experience.