Raigad Fort

Raigad Fort is a historic hill fortress located in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India, situated near the town of Mahad within the Sahyadri mountain range. Rising 820 meters above sea level, this formidable structure was constructed between 1656 and 1674 under the Maratha Empire, with architectural oversight by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his chief engineer, Sardar Hiroji Indulkar. Built primarily using basalt, granite, and lime mortar, the fort exemplifies classic Maratha military architecture designed for both defense and administration. It stands as one of the strongest fortresses on the Deccan Plateau and was historically known as Rairee before being renamed upon its elevation to capital status.

The site holds immense historical significance as it served as the capital of Shivaji's Hindavi Swarajya following his grand coronation on June 6, 1674. It subsequently hosted the coronations of his successors, Sambhaji and Rajaram I, cementing its role as the political heart of the Maratha Empire during its formative years. Over the centuries, control of the fort shifted between the Marathas, the Mughal Empire, and the East India Company before coming under the Government of India after 1947. Today, it is recognized as a key component of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2025 for its cultural value.

Currently open to the public, the fort remains in a ruined but accessible condition, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region. Visitors can reach the summit by climbing approximately 1,737 steps or by utilizing the modern Raigad Ropeway. Notable features include the remnants of the wooden main palace, the queen's quarters with six windowless chambers, surviving watchtowers, and the artificial Ganga Sagar lake. The site also houses the Samadhi of Rajmata Jijabai, preserving the legacy of the Maratha rulers for contemporary tourists and historians alike.