Jivdhan

Jivdhan Fort is a historic hill fortress located in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats, situated approximately one kilometer from Ghatghar in the Junnar Taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Rising to an elevation of 3,754 feet, the site originated during the ancient Satavahana era and served as a crucial strategic guard fort protecting the nearby Naneghat pass, a vital commercial route connecting the seas to the mainland. Its architectural features include wonderfully carved rock-cut steps leading to the Kalyan Gate, which are equipped with wall hooks to assist climbers, as well as well-preserved main gates and unexplored storehouses atop the summit.

The fort holds significant historical importance due to its role in regional power struggles during the medieval period. It is famously known as the prison where Murtaza Nizam Shah III, the last nominal ruler of the Nizamshahi dynasty, was held by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. In 1635, the Maratha commander Shahaji Maharaj fulfilled a promise by rescuing the boy king from this fort and declaring him the King of Ahmednagar. Centuries later, the structure faced destruction when Colonel Prother of the British East India Company captured and partially demolished the fort following a siege between 1815 and 1818.

Today, Jivdhan is recognized as one of the Famous Five trekking destinations in the region, alongside Chavand, Hadsar, Shivneri, and Naneghat. It is classified as a high-difficulty trek due to misleading jungle tracks and the occasional need for climbing equipment, attracting adventure enthusiasts rather than casual tourists. While the main gates remain in good condition, the interior contains non-potable water tanks and a temple dedicated to a Goddess. The surrounding landscape is characterized by prickly shrubs known locally as Kate adulsa and serves as a habitat for the Malabar giant squirrel at the foothills.