Raigad Fort, Maharashtra, India

Raigad Fort, located in Maharashtra's Raigad district, holds a special place in Indian history as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha Empire. In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj's Rajyabhishek took place here, marking the beginning of Hindavi Swarajya. The fort is situated on a hill and was chosen for its strategic location. Shivaji Maharaj, along with his chief engineer Hiroji Indulkar, developed various structures within the fort.

Our effort is to showcase the legacy and our history in the best possible way by reviving these ruins back to their glory. Reminiscing History showcases 9 illustrations for re-imagining Raigad Fort in Maharashtra.

One of the main structures is the Rajyasabhagruha, a massive court hall with a walled enclosure, Nagarkhana at one end as the main entry to the hall and the Sinhasan at the other. There are secret underground passages for the entry of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other officials directly from the Rajwada. The enclosing wall of the Rajasabha consists of a sloping roof with a covered passage all around the hall. On the south of the hall there is an administrative structure, apart from that the Rajasabha was an open hall.

The wall that is seen today enclosing the Sinhasan was built by Peshwas and has a written document proving so. Because of the openness and the precise distance of the walls from one another the Rajasabha has a resonating quality. Even the slightest sound at any end of the hall is audible from anywhere else in the massive court hall. Making it possible for Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to hold a Rajasabha efficiently in this environment and to help listen to every voice that comes to his Sabha.

Houses of officials on Raigad Fort, especially the Wadas near the Jagdishwar temple, were built for those on duty. These Wadas have similar plans and building styles, suggesting a single typology. They are small and conservative in design, built using a mix of stone and brick with wooden columns and roof. The plan usually includes one or more rooms with a Varanda on all sides.

One of the Ashtapradhan Wadas, unlike the typical houses near the Jagdishwar temple, is bigger in size. These Wadas have verandas and central rooms, making them comparatively larger.

Jagdishwar temple is situated on the Raigad fort and it's said to be visited by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj every day. The complex consists of mandapas around the wall of the temple courtyard and a shrine in the middle with Shiva's vahana Nandi.

Nandi is said to be the symbol of patience as he waits for Lord Shiva and our messenger to Lord.

On the North-west of the Raigad fort, near the 'Palkhi Darvaja' are two massive 'Manore' (watch towers) soaring straight into the sky with a beautiful reflection in Gangasagar lake. It is said that the tower before it was destroyed was about 7 floors with an internal staircase and 12 window like openings with chajjas.

'Bazarpeth' is a 850 ft long Bazar street with 22 shops on either sides of a 40ft wide central path. With high raised plinths, the shops are made of native stone with a mix of wooden columns and terracotta roofs. The plans of shops are all identical with modular planning and varanda systems. The last 22nd shop on the west side had collapsed before conservation and a wall is constructed to avoid more damage, making it look a bit different than the rest.

Today, Raigad Fort stands as a testament to Shivaji Maharaj's vision and the Maratha Empire's legacy. Visitors can explore its rich history, architecture, and the spirit of Swarajya that it embodies.