KULABA FORT INFORMATION (ENGLISH TRANSLATION)
In the medieval period, among the Marathi naval forces that held important positions and dominated the northern Maharashtra coastline adjoining the Arabian Sea, the land recognized as the pride of the naval power of the Shivaji era is Kulaba Fort.
Location:
Kulaba Fort is situated in the sea near the town of Alibag in Raigad district, located on the seashore of the Maharashtra state in western India.
The coastal region covering parts of Raigad and Ratnagiri districts is known as Ashtaghar. This coastline stretches for about 30 to 35 kilometers.
Hence, it is said — “The King of Ashtaghar is Kulaba Fort.”
The Sea Fort of Alibag is none other than Kulaba Fort itself.
Height:
Kulaba Fort being a sea fort (Jaldurg), its fortification walls rise about 100 feet above sea level.
How to Reach Kulaba Fort:
By Road:
Kulaba Sea Fort is located 95 kilometers south of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. From Alibag, the fort is around 2 kilometers into the sea, and can be reached either by boat or on foot during low tide.
State transport buses are available to Alibag from Pune, Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Kolhapur.
You can also reach Alibag via the Goa–Mumbai Highway, and from there proceed to Kulaba Fort.
By Sea Route:
From Gateway of India (Mumbai Port), one can reach Alibag and Kulaba Fort by speed boats or ferry charters.
It is also possible to reach Alibag Port and Kulaba Fort by sea route from Goa.
The nearest airport is Mumbai Airport, from where one can reach Alibag by road or sea route.
Places to See at Kulaba Fort:
Kulaba Fort is built on a rocky platform about 1.5 kilometers from the Alibag shore.
Visitors must plan their trip according to high and low tides — during high tide, the fort is accessible only by boat, while during low tide, it can be reached on foot.
Padkot (Outer Fort Wall):
While entering the fort, the first structure you come across is the Padkot (outer fortification).
Today, much of this has crumbled.
The purpose of the Padkot was to protect the inner portion of the fort from direct cannon fire from enemy ships, thereby ensuring the safety of the main fort.
Main Gate (Mahadwar):
Next, as you descend from the sloping stone path, you see a massive gateway between two bastions (Buruj).
On this gate are carvings of Lord Ganesha, lotus flowers, elephants, and the mythical Sharabh.
Inside the gate are guard rooms (Devdis) for sentries.
Second Inner Gate:
After passing the main gate, one finds a second ruined doorway with a vertical stone frame.
The upper portion has collapsed, but its design suggests it was meant for fort security — even if the enemy breached the first gate, this one would protect the inner citadel.
Bhavani Devi Temple:
From the second gate, a leftward path leads to the Bhavani Devi Temple.
It is a simple shrine housing a beautiful idol of Goddess Bhavani, who is the family deity of the Koli community and many Maharashtrian families.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, the temple is crowded with devotees.
Beside the idol of Bhavani Devi stands that of Vetal (the guardian spirit).
Flag Bastion and Nagarkhana:
Proceeding ahead from Bhavani Devi Temple, a stairway leads up to the bastion above the main gate.
Here stands a flagpole and the Nagarkhana (drum chamber), where in the Shivaji era, different tunes were played on various occasions — auspicious events, danger alerts, and to announce the arrival of the king.
From the ramparts near the main gate, one gets a breathtaking view of the Alibag coast and the vast sea — a scene of stunning natural beauty.
Fortification:
Unlike other forts, Kulaba’s walls have a unique construction style.
Built of basalt stones, they are not joined with lime mortar — the massive rocks are simply stacked on each other.
This technique allows seawater to absorb impact between the gaps, reducing the strength of waves and preventing damage.
A broad pathway runs along the inner side of the wall, with stone steps at intervals for climbing onto the ramparts.
Bastions:
Seventeen large semicircular bastions (Buruj) can be seen, with cannon openings (fangyas) and firing holes (jangyas).
Several old cannons, from the Shivaji and later periods, are still present.
Small niches in the walls once held lamps — protected from the sea breeze by their hollow design.
British-era Cannons:
On the Alibag-facing side of the fort wall, there are two British cannons mounted on iron carriages, enclosed within square iron cages.
They are made of solid forged steel, still well-preserved.
Engraved inscriptions reveal their origin —
“Dawson Hardy Field, Low Moor Iron Works, Yorkshire, England.”
Their design and balanced construction display the engineering precision of that era.
Kanhoji’s Dome (Kanhojichi Ghumti):
Towards the sea gate (Darya Darwaza), one finds a half-domed stone structure resembling a small temple.
Built of stone joined with lime, this was likely used by guards and soldiers as a rest or dining place.
The upper stones are beautifully carved and interlocked.
• Darya Darwaza / Yashwant Gate:
A little ahead from Kanhoji’s tomb, near the Arabian Sea, there is a gateway known as Darya Darwaza or Yashwant Darwaza.
Beautiful carvings can be seen on this gate — intricate floral designs, the idols of Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles), Lord Hanuman (the destroyer of evil), lotus flowers, and a large crocodile sculpture representing the sea.
The nearby fortification is built in the Hemadpanti style, using large stone blocks placed one over another without using lime, which still stands strong.
• Pushkarani Tank:
Next to the Ganpati Temple on the fort, there is a large water tank known as the Pushkarani Tank.
It is recognized as the largest freshwater reservoir on the fort.
• Siddhivinayak Temple:
Near the Pushkarani Tank, there is a beautifully carved Deepmala (lamp tower) and a temple of Lord Ganesha.
The temple consists of a Sabhamandap (hall) and Garbhagriha (sanctum). The Shikhara (spire) of the temple is very artistic.
The carvings on the door frames show the fine craftsmanship of ancient times.
Inside the sanctum, there is a marble idol of Siddhivinayak, and beside it are the idols of Vishnu, Shankar, Devi, and Surya, representing the Panchayatan.
Outside the temple stands a beautifully carved Deepmala made from stone.
In the temple courtyard, a Tulsi Vrindavan (holy basil shrine) can also be seen.
• Shiva Temple:
Next to the Siddhivinayak Temple is a Shiva Temple.
Outside stands the idol of Nandi, and inside, the Shivalinga is covered with copper plating and adorned with a serpent figure.
• Hanuman Temple:
On the other side of the Siddhivinayak Temple is a Hanuman Temple.
The idol of Lord Hanuman is beautifully painted in saffron color (Shendri).
Outside the temple, there is a stone fire altar (Homa Kund).
• Ruins of the Mansion:
A little distance from the Siddhivinayak Temple are the ruins of old mansions and buildings, believed to be the remains of Kanhoji Angre’s residence and other nobles’ houses.
The stone structures, carvings, and multiple rooms show the grandeur of the past.
After the fort came under British control, these structures were destroyed.
• Andhar Baw (Dark Well):
On the fort, there is a stone-built well known as Andhar Baw.
The water in it is potable, and it still serves as a source of drinking water for people today.
• Shipbuilding Dock:
Near the Darya Darwaza, there was a shipbuilding dock.
The sea wall here has a curved design, and inside, the construction forms a right angle.
During high tide, enough water enters inside for ships to dock.
This appears to be an artificial structure, and shipbuilding was carried out at this location.
• Padmavati Temple:
After completing the fort tour, while returning from the ruins of the mansions, before exiting the fort, two small temples can be seen.
One of them is the Padmavati Temple.
Next to it once stood another temple of Gholavati Devi, which has now been destroyed over time.
The idol of the goddess is carved in black stone, showing the goddess with a trident (Trishul) in hand, a buffalo under her feet, and placed inside a metal shed.
This goddess’s idol was established in 1698 CE by Kanhoji Angre.
• Sarjekot:
From Kolaba Fort, a built pathway leads to Sarjekot, a nearby fortification constructed for the protection of Kolaba Fort.
Although the main gate has collapsed, the ramparts are still intact.
Inside the fort, there is also a well with drinkable water.
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• Historical Information about Kolaba Fort:
Before the construction of Kolaba Fort, there was a small island with a check post.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the place — for monitoring marine trade ships and keeping watch over the Siddis, British, and Portuguese naval enemies —
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj granted permission for the construction of Kolaba Fort on 29th March 1680 CE.
• In 1680 CE, after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the construction of this fort was completed in 1682 CE under the rule of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
• As Kolaba Fort was a post on the maritime trade route, it played an important role in keeping control over the Siddis, British, and Portuguese.
• In 1700 CE, Kanhoji Angre blockaded British ships and compelled the British and Portuguese to obtain permission from the Maratha Navy for trade by issuing an official document.
• In 1695 CE, Kanhoji Angre shifted the headquarters of the Maratha Navy to Kolaba.
• In 1698 CE, the Siddi of Janjira attacked Kolaba Fort, but the Marathas repelled the attack and counterattacked at Thal, defeating the Siddis.
• In 1713 CE, John Keyston came from Vasai (Bassein) and attacked Kolaba Fort.
At that time, Kanhoji Angre skillfully moved his fleet into the shallow waters of the creek, making the attack ineffective.
• In the same year, 1713 CE, Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath handed over the responsibility of Kolaba and other naval forts to Kanhoji Angre as per an agreement, to avoid internal conflicts within the Maratha Empire.
• Kanhoji Angre entrusted the administration of Kolaba Fort to Sardar Darya Sarang and Mainak Bhandari.
• From Kolaba Fort, attacks were carried out on British ships that did not recognize the Maratha naval authority, and booty was collected.
• On 17 November 1722 CE, the British, with the help of the Portuguese, launched a massive attack on Kolaba Fort — the northern capital of the Maratha Navy.
About 6,000 soldiers from the British and Portuguese navies took part.
The British stationed 10 warships near the fort and sent 1,000 infantrymen to attack the fort during low tide.
At that time, Kanhoji Angre sought help from Peshwa Baji Rao I. The Peshwa sent a reinforcement of 25,000 troops.
• The Maratha cavalry, under the leadership of Pilaji Jadhav, attacked swiftly, cutting down the British soldiers.
When the Maratha forces arrived, the Portuguese retreated, and the Marathas achieved victory.
• On 4 July 1729 CE, Kanhoji Angre passed away. After his death, internal conflicts arose among his heirs. He had four sons — Sekoji, Manaji, Tulaji, and Sambhaji.
• From 1729 to 1733 CE, Sekoji Angre served as Sarkhel (Admiral). He died without an heir.
• In 1733 CE, Tulaji Angre became Sarkhel, but Manaji was given control of Kolaba and the surrounding region.
• In 1756 CE, the Maratha Navy at Vijaydurg, under Tulaji Angre, was destroyed by the British Navy in alliance with the Peshwas.
After that, only the Kolaba fleet under Manaji’s supervision remained.
• From 1759 to 1793 CE, Raghoji Angre, son of Manaji, served as Sarkhel.
During his rule, he recaptured Padmadurg and Underi Forts.
• In 1759 CE, Raghoji Angre built the Siddhivinayak Temple on Kolaba Fort.
• In 1787 CE, a fire broke out and the Angre mansion was burnt down.
Several times, due to such fires, many buildings on Kolaba Fort were destroyed.
• From 1793 to 1796 CE, another internal power struggle took place within the Angre family.
• In 1796 CE, the second Manaji ascended the post of Sarkhel.
• After 1818 CE, with the downfall of the Maratha Empire, the Angre rule came under British control.
The British later abolished the Angre authority by rejecting the adoption of heirs.
• In 1842 CE, the British removed timber and materials from the Angre mansion and used them in the construction of the Alibag Municipal building, while some were auctioned off.
• At present, the Kolaba Fort is under the control and protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
This is the detailed information about Kolaba Fort.
