Fatte gad

Fattegad Fort is a historic sea fort situated in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India, approximately 15 kilometers from the town of Dapoli. Constructed during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji by Khairiyat Khan, the structure was built using laterite stone to serve as a strategic defense point along the Konkan Coast. It functioned as one of three key forts designed specifically to guard the larger Suvarnadurg fort, working in tandem with the nearby Goa fort and Kanakdurg. Its location provided a critical vantage point for monitoring maritime activities and protecting the region from naval incursions.

The fortress holds significant historical value due to its involvement in the complex power struggles of the 18th century. Originally under the control of the naval commander Tulaji Angre, the fort became a focal point during the rivalry between the Peshwa and Angre factions. This conflict led to a joint military campaign by the British East India Company and the Peshwas, resulting in the fort's capture by Captain James before it was handed over to the Peshwas. Eventually, British forces seized control from the Peshwas in 1817, maintaining authority through the British Raj until India gained independence in 1947. Today, the site remains under the ownership of the Government of India.

Currently, Fattegad Fort exists in a dilapidated condition, with only the outer walls and a connecting bridge to Kanakdurg remaining intact. Despite its ruined state, the site is open to the public and accessible via a motorable road leading to the entrance gate. Visitors can explore the remnants within a short walking tour that typically takes about half an hour. The fort stands as a quiet testament to the region's martial past, offering history enthusiasts a glimpse into the Maratha Empire's naval defenses and the subsequent colonial transitions that shaped the area.