Surgad

Surgad Fort, translating to "Gods Fort," is a historic hill fort situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Located near the town of Roha and the village of Vaijanath, it stands on a spur fragmented from the Sahyadri mountain ranges at an approximate elevation of 280 meters. Constructed primarily from stone, the fort was originally built by the Shilahar kings and later utilized by the Nizam of Ahmednagar. Its strategic position allowed it to serve as a crucial observation point guarding the trade route along the Kundalika river between Sudhagad and Revdanda forts. The site holds significant historical value, having been reconstructed by the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji and subsequently changing hands multiple times during regional conflicts, including captures by Bajirao I and British forces during the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818.

The architecture reflects an era prior to the widespread use of artillery in battle, featuring rock-cut cisterns for water storage, of which seventeen remain on site. While the main gate is currently in poor condition, the plateau still hosts a lone cannon, two bastions at the northern and southern ends, and the ruins of buildings known as Sadar and daru-kothar. A notable feature is a stone block bearing inscriptions in both Farsi and Devnagari, recording details of its construction under Governor Tukoji Haibat. Religious structures include a small temple dedicated to Veer Maruti atop the fort and another to Ansai Devi near its base. Today, the property is owned by the Government of India and classified as ruins, yet it remains open to the public. Surrounded by dense teak and Dhawda forests, Surgad offers an easy hiking trail for visitors interested in exploring its dilapidated structures and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.