# Malhargad

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 18.412222, 74.048889
- **Location Text:** /Sonori Fort

Malhargad, also known as Sonori Fort, is a historic hill fortress located in the Pune district of western India, situated approximately 30 kilometers from Pune near the town of Saswad. Perched within the Bhuleshwar range of the Sahyadri mountains, it holds the distinct distinction of being the last fort constructed by the Maratha Empire, completed in 1775. The structure was commissioned by Bhivrâo Yashvant and Krishnaji Mâdhavrâo Pânsê, a prominent Peshwa Sardar who served as the chief in charge of the Peshwa artillery. Named in honor of the deity Malhari Khandoba, the fort was strategically built to monitor the vital Dive Ghat along the historic Pune-Saswad route, playing a key role in regional defense during the late Maratha period.

The architectural layout features two temples constructed side-by-side within the complex: a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Khandoba and a larger temple devoted to Lord Mahadeva. Historical records indicate that Elder Madhavrao Peshwe visited the site, underscoring its importance to the ruling administration. Although a palace belonging to the Panse family once stood in the nearby village of Sonori, much of that structure has since fallen into ruins. In contrast, the fort itself remains in good condition today, preserving its structural integrity and offering visitors clear views of the city of Jejuri and the Parvati Hills from its summit.

Currently, Malhargad serves as a significant tourist attraction and a testament to late Maratha military engineering. Its location on the east-west spread of the Bhuleshwar range places it alongside other notable forts such as Sinhagad and Purandar. The site continues to draw history enthusiasts and trekkers who wish to explore its well-preserved temples and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. As a protected historical remnant, it stands as a quiet monument to the final chapter of fort construction under the Maratha rule before the onset of British colonial dominance in the region.

![Photo of Malhargad](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Malhargad_pinnacle.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malhargad (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)