Historical Information about Ankai and Tankai Forts
Ankai and Tankai Fort information in English
• Location:
Ankai and Tankai Forts are located near Ankai village in Yeola taluka of Nashik district in the northern region of Maharashtra state. These are twin forts forming a pair. From this location, the Satmala–Ajintha mountain ranges begin further ahead. These forts also lie in the same mountain range.
• Height:
Ankai Fort is situated at a height of 3152 feet / 960.97 meters above sea level.
Tankai Fort is situated at a height of 2802 feet / 854.26 meters above sea level.
• Routes to reach Ankai and Tankai Forts:
Nashik is the nearest major city to this location.
One can travel from Nashik via Chandwad route to Manmad and then proceed to Ankai village.
Another route is Nashik – Aurangabad – Vinchur – Manmad, and from there to Ankai village.
From Nashik Railway Station, one can travel to Manmad, and then proceed southwards to Ankai village located at the foothills of these forts.
Ankai village is accessible by road.
• Places to see on Ankai and Tankai Forts and nearby areas:
While traveling by road and after reaching Ankai village, which is about one kilometer from Ankai railway station, one can see a Veergal (hero stone) located in the vehicle parking area of the village.
• Veergal (Hero Stone):
The Veergal located at the parking area is approximately waist-high, that is around seven to eight feet tall. It has a sculpted depiction of a wild boar carved on it. Additionally, the hand of a Sati woman is also carved on the stone.
• Stairway Route:
While proceeding towards the fort from Ankai village, one comes across a stairway path. While ascending the fort, this path passes midway near the caves located inside Tankai Fort.
• Tankai Foothill Caves:
At the foothills of Tankai Fort, two caves are seen to have been excavated first. In front of one of these caves, a water cistern has been carved. Inside that cave, no idols or carvings are seen.
• Caves:
After viewing these two caves, upon climbing about ten to twelve steps further up, one comes across five to six caves. These caves are seen to be adjoining each other. Among these, the first two caves are two-storeyed.
• First Cave:
This cave is two-storeyed. Its layout consists of a verandah on the outer side, followed by an assembly hall, and then a sanctum. The verandah is supported by two pillars, while the assembly hall is supported by four pillars. Beautiful and ornate carvings are visible in the assembly hall. A finely carved lotus motif is seen on the ceiling.
A staircase has been carved to reach the first floor. The chambers on the first floor are supported by two pillars.
• Second Cave:
In the verandah of this cave, a Yaksha idol is seen on the left side, while on the other side there is an idol of Indrani, which appears in the form of the Hindu goddess Bhavani. The inner assembly hall is supported by four pillars and has a staircase leading to the first floor. On the upper side, above the chamber, a beautifully carved lattice is seen. On the outer side, two tigers are carved.
• Third Cave:
This cave has two idols—one of Kichaka and the other of Ambika.
• Next Cave:
The next cave is also seen to be similar in structure to the other caves.
• Fifth Cave:
This cave contains idols of the Tirthankaras, which provide information about Jainism. Idols of Lord Neminath as well as Lord Shantinath are present here. Along with these, idols of other Tirthankaras are also found here.
• Pass (Khind):
After viewing the caves, when one climbs a little further up, one reaches a pass (khind). At this place, a fortified wall can be seen. This is where the actual beginning of the fort starts. From here, ascending by the stairway path, one reaches the Southern Gate.
• Southern Gate:
The Southern Gate is the main entrance of Ankai and Tankai Forts. It is a grand, arch-shaped gate. On the inner side of the gate, chambers (ovaries) have been constructed for the guards. The bastions on both sides are still seen in good condition. Wooden remnants of the gate have survived even today.
• Second Entrance Gate:
After entering through the first entrance gate, one comes across a second entrance gate. Upon passing through it, one reaches the central area. From here, separate paths lead to both forts. At this point, Ankai Fort lies to the left, while Tankai Fort lies to the right.
• Ankai Fort:
Further ahead on Ankai Fort, there is yet another entrance gate. A continuous series of seven entrance gates can be seen one after another. Their design appears similar. Immediately after the second gate, the third gate is encountered.
• Ankai Kot Caves:
After crossing the third gate, the Ankai Kot caves are seen on the left side. There are three caves, and these are Hindu religious caves.
In one of these caves, a Shiva Lingam is seen. At one place, a sculpture of Mahesh (Lord Shiva) is visible. Also, at the entrance of one cave, sculptures of the two gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya, are seen carved on the outer side.
• Fourth Gate:
After viewing the caves and proceeding further upwards, one comes across the fourth gate. After passing through this gate to the upper side, a beautiful view of the lower fortifications of Ankai Fort and the other gates can be seen. The gates, fortifications, and a large part of this fort are still found to be in good condition.
• Further Gates:
Ahead, the fifth gate is encountered, followed by the sixth, and then the seventh gate.
• Summit of the Fort:
After climbing the seventh gate and reaching the upper side, one comes across a vast plateau. This is the summit of the fort.
• Mughal-style Structure:
On the summit of the fort, a structure is seen, which is encountered while moving towards the left. It is a structure built in Mughal architectural style.
• Water Cistern:
Proceeding further from there, one comes across a water cistern.
• Sita Cave:
After moving ahead from the water cistern, one reaches Sita Cave.
• Agastya Rishi Temple:
After viewing Sita Cave, when one proceeds further, the Agastya Rishi Temple is seen. It is believed that Sage Agastya resided at this place.
• Rock-cut (Katyal) Excavated Pond:
At a short distance ahead of the Agastya Rishi Temple, there is a small pond carved out of solid rock (katyal). In the center of this pond, there is a समाधि (samadhi), which is believed to be the samadhi of Sage Agastya. Devotees visiting this place take a ritual bath here before having darshan of Sage Agastya and then proceed for worship.
Several samadhis can also be seen near this pond.
• Structures and Water Tanks Ahead:
After moving ahead from the pond, one comes across a structure. Additionally, two more built water tanks are seen. A dry pond is also visible in this area.
• Roofless Wada and Dargah:
Further ahead, a large and strong structure enclosed by massive surrounding walls is seen. Inside this complex, a dargah is found, which appears to belong to the Mughal and Nizamshahi period. It is worshipped as “Bade Baba Ki Dargah.”
• Ankai Balekilla (Citadel):
Proceeding further to the uppermost part of the fort, a flagstaff (Nishan Kathi) is seen. This is the highest point of the fort, known as the Balekilla (citadel). Standing here, one can witness beautiful views of the Satmala mountain range. If the sky is clear, all the forts up to Dhodap can be seen.
• Other Visible Forts:
From this point, Gorakhgad and Hadavichi Shendi are also visible.
• Use of the Flagstaff:
The flagstaff located here was earlier used for hoisting flags.
• Route to Tankai Fort:
After exploring Ankai Fort, one returns to the pass (khind), from where the route to Tankai Fort begins. Thus, these forts form a pair of twin forts.
• Purpose of Tankai Fort:
Tankai Fort was constructed to safeguard Ankai Fort. This twin fort was built to prevent enemies from using Tankai as a base to attack Ankai Fort.
• Fortifications:
The fortifications of Tankai Fort appear elegant and well-built. The gate leading to the upper section shows signs of damage. Similar to Ankai Fort, the gate structures are alike, and at the top, a wide plateau can be seen.
• Water Ponds:
After reaching the upper part, tank-like ponds meant for drinking water can be seen.
• Shiva Temple:
On the upper part of Tankai Fort, a Shiva temple can be seen.
• Historical Information of Ankai and Tankai Forts:
The history of these forts dates back to the Treta Yuga. It is believed that Sage Agastya resided at this place. Lord Ramachandra and Sage Agastya are believed to have met here. At this very place, Sage Agastya is said to have bestowed divine weapons upon Lord Ramachandra.
Later, during the 6th and 7th centuries CE, Jain and Hindu caves were carved here by cutting into hard rock.
After this period, the region came under the rule of the Satavahana, Rashtrakuta, and Yadava dynasties. This is evident from the Hemadpanti style of architecture seen in the constructions present here.
Subsequently, this region came under Islamic rule.
During the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in the year 1635 CE, the Mughal Subedar Khan Khanan took control of this fort from the Nizamshahi ruler by bribing the fort commander.
Understanding the importance of the Aurangabad–Surat trade route, the Mughals carried out construction works on this fort in 1635 CE.
Later, after conflicts between the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, the fort came under Peshwa rule.
From 1752–53 CE, this fort remained under Maratha rule, and many forts in this region also became part of the Maratha Empire.
In 1818 CE, the fort was captured from the Maratha commanders by British Captain MacDowell and brought under British government control.
At present, after India became independent on 15 August 1947, this fort is under the control of the Government of India.
Thus, this is the complete historical information of Ankai and Tankai Forts.
