Mohangad

Mohangad Fort, also historically known as Jaslodgad, is a ruined hill fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Perched at an elevation of 1100 meters, the structure is located in Shirgaon near Hirdoshi village, positioned along the road connecting Bhor and Mahad. Constructed primarily from stone, the fort features architectural elements characteristic of Maratha military engineering, including rock-cut and dressed stone steps as well as several rock-cut water cisterns designed to sustain occupants during sieges. Today, the site exists as a heritage ruin under the ownership of the Government of India and remains open to the public for visitation.

The historical significance of Mohangad is deeply tied to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji I and his loyal commander, Bajiprabhu Deshpande. Historical records indicate that the fort was already described as long deserted in a letter written by Shivaji in 1659. Following the defeat of the Bandal ruler on the nearby Rohida fort, Bajiprabhu Deshpande undertook the reconstruction of Mohangad under direct instructions from Shivaji to strengthen the region's defenses. This restoration effort highlights the strategic importance of the location within the broader network of forts controlled by the Maratha Empire during the seventeenth century.

Currently, visitors to the site can explore the remaining stone structures and water systems that testify to its past utility. Although the fort has succumbed to the passage of time and stands largely in ruins, it serves as an important historical landmark for those interested in the military history of the Deccan region. The presence of well-preserved rock-cut features offers insight into the ingenuity of ancient fort construction techniques. As a publicly accessible site, Mohangad continues to attract history enthusiasts and trekkers who wish to witness the remnants of this once-strategic stronghold firsthand.