Padmadurg

Padmadurg, also known as Kasa Fort, is a historical sea fort situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Constructed in 1676 by the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this military installation was strategically built using sandstone and lime mortar to monitor the nearby Janjira Fort, which was controlled by the Siddis and often targeted by Portuguese invaders. Located approximately four kilometers northwest of Janjira in the Arabian Sea, the fort served a dual purpose as a defensive outpost and a primary shipbuilding yard during Shivaji's reign, playing a critical role in securing Maratha naval dominance along the Konkan coast.

The fort holds significant historical value, having been recaptured by the Marathas under Raghuji Angre from the Siddis in 1759. Today, Padmadurg stands in a state of ruins but remains under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. Its condition reflects centuries of exposure to the elements, yet it retains its importance as a heritage site. In 2012, cleanup operations conducted by authorities uncovered around 250 historically valuable cannonballs, highlighting the site's rich martial past. Although smaller than the neighboring Janjira Fort, Padmadurg offers visitors a glimpse into the maritime strategies of the Maratha Empire.

Currently owned by the Government of India, the fort is technically open to the public, though access requires special permission from Customs or Navy authorities due to its location and security considerations. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve its unique maritime heritage for future generations. Despite its dilapidated state, the site remains an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts who can view the structure from Janjira or visit directly with authorization, continuing to stand as a testament to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary naval architecture.