Khanderi

Khanderi, officially known as Kanhoji Angre Island, is a historic sea fort situated in the Arabian Sea approximately five kilometers off the coast of Thal and Kihim in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Located about twenty kilometers south of Mumbai, this strategic installation was constructed in 1679 under the direct orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Built primarily from durable basalt stone, the fort features an octagonal lighthouse and occupies an island characterized by two high hills facing north and south. Along with its sister fort, Underi, Khanderi formed a critical defensive line along the Konkan coast, historically separating Maratha territory from areas controlled by the Siddis.

The site holds immense historical significance as a cornerstone of the Maratha Empire's naval power, later passing through the control of the East India Company and the British Raj before becoming part of independent India. In 2025, it was designated as a component of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural value. Although the island was initially uninhabited, it was developed to include fresh water wells, a temple dedicated to Sri Betal, and several old metal cannons. Unique features on the grounds include the tomb of the local saint Daud Pir and a rare musical stone that emits metallic notes when struck, adding to the location's distinct character.

Currently, Khanderi falls under the jurisdiction and ownership of the Indian Navy, classifying it as a restricted military area. Despite this status, the site remains open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its rich heritage while respecting ongoing naval operations. The fort stands as a testament to seventeenth-century military engineering and maritime strategy, preserving the legacy of commanders like Maynak Bhandari who oversaw its initial fortification. Today, it serves not only as an active naval outpost but also as a protected historical monument that offers insights into the region's complex colonial and imperial past.