Shivaji, the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1664 was well known for his forts; he was in possession of around three hundred at the time of his death. Many, like Panhala Fort and Rajgad existed before him but others like Sindhudurg and Pratapgad were built by him from scratch. These forts were central to his empire and their remains are among the foremost sources of information about his rule. The French missionary Father Fryer witnessed the fortifications of Gingee, Madras, built by Shivaji after its conquest, and appreciated his technical knowhow and knowledge.
The hill fort Salher in Nashik district was at a distance of 1200 km from the hill fort Jingi, near Chennai. Over such long distance, hill forts were supported by seaforts. The seafort, Kolaba Fort,near Mumbai was at a distance of 500 km from seafort Sindhudurg. These all forts were put under a havaldar with a strong garrison. Strict discipline was followed. These forts proved useful during Mughal-Maratha wars.
Along with Rana Kumbha of Mewar and Raja Bhoj of Shilahar, he stands as a grand figure in the art of fortification in Indian sub-continent. There are a number of legends about these forts. Even today thousands of youths visit these forts in his memory.
Notable features of Shivaji's forts include:
- Design changes with the topography and in harmony of the contour, no monotony of design
- No ornate palaces or dance floors or gardens
- No temple complexes
- Not much difference in the area of higher or lower ranks
- Marvelous acoustics in the capital
- Sanskritization of fort names
- Community participation in the defense of forts
- Three tier administration of forts
- System of inspection of forts by higher ups including the king
- Distinct feature of forts like double line fortification of Pratapgad, citadel of Rajgad
- Foresight in selection of sites
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