Mulher Fort Information in English
• Location:
Mulher Fort is located in Satana taluka of Nashik district in the state of Maharashtra, India, and lies in the Sahyadri mountain range.
• A pair of twin forts can be seen here — one is Mulher and the other is Moragad.
• Height:
The average height of this fort is 4,284 feet / 1,306 meters above sea level.
• Routes to Reach Mulher Fort:
• From Nashik city directly via Dindori – Vani – Salherwadi – Vaghambe route, one can reach Mulher.
• Via Malegaon route in Nashik district – Malegaon – Vadner – Nampur – Taharabad route to Mulher.
• Information about Mulher Fort:
• Mulher Fort is situated in Satana taluka of Nashik district. On reaching the foothills of the fort, a pair of twin forts can be seen in front — one is Mulher and the other is Moragad.
• There is a dharamshala near Mulher. Uddhav Maharaj Dharamshala provides good accommodation facilities for visitors. One can stay here and start the fort exploration early in the morning.
• First Fortification and Ruined Gate of the Fort:
While walking towards the fort, the first thing encountered is a fortification wall and the first gate of the fort. Most of it is in a ruined condition, and at present only the standing frame pillars can be seen.
• Further along the path, a chhatri (canopy) is seen. Moving ahead from there, the remains of some ruined structures can be observed.
• Grand Water Tank:
Moving further ahead, we come across a grand, well-constructed water tank. Inside it, a pillar can be seen which was used to measure the water level.
• Mahadev Temple:
Next to the tank, a beautiful Mahadev temple can be seen. In front of this temple, there is a spacious assembly hall (sabhamandap), and inside the temple a Shivling is present. Behind it, a Ganesh idol can also be seen. Pillars and arched gateways are visible in the sabhamandap.
Proceeding further along the footpath, one comes across the Someshwar Temple. The construction of this temple is similar to that of the temple near the tank. Information available near the temple suggests that it was built in 1480 AD. Inside, there is a deep sanctum (garbhagriha) where a Mahadev pinda is enshrined. This temple is believed to have been built by Babhulraje. Nandi is seated in the sabhamandap in front of the sanctum. The arched ceiling of the sabhamandap displays beautiful lattice work. Every morning, the rays of the sun fall directly on the Mahadev pinda. This temple stands as an excellent example of fine architecture.
• After taking darshan of Someshwar Temple and moving upwards, one reaches the central mountain pass (khind) located between Moragad and Mulher Fort, which connects both forts.
• Wall in the Mountain Pass:
As Mulher and Moragad forts are very close to each other, they support one another. To prevent an enemy from easily capturing one fort with the help of the other, a strong wall was constructed in this mountain pass by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when the fort became part of Swarajya. Battlements and loopholes were built on the upper side of this wall. Since the first encounter with the enemy could occur here, this strong defensive wall was constructed.
• Bastion and the Nearby Rocky Hill:
After crossing the wall and moving ahead, while climbing slightly upwards, a bastion is encountered. Over time, a portion of it appears to have collapsed. Nearby, there is a high rocky hill and a narrow path. Proceeding along this path, a structure is found with a gate. Due to a rockfall from above, this gate has become blocked.
• Main Gate (Mahadarwaja):
Climbing further up from this blocked gate, one comes across the Mahadarwaja, which is still in good condition. Its grandeur even today bears testimony to the fort’s former glory. Lotus flowers and a Ganesh idol are carved on this gate, reflecting the essence of Hindu culture.
• Water Cisterns:
At the places from where stones were extracted for the construction of the fort, water cisterns were created. Such water tanks can be seen here.
• Goddess Temple:
Moving ahead from the water cisterns, a small shrine can be seen under a tree. A facial idol of a Hindu goddess is visible there. Stone paving can be seen in the temple areas.
• Water Tanks:
At a short distance from the temple, a water tank can be seen. In fact, two to three such tanks are found at this location, out of which two have dried up. Stone masonry (dressed stone) construction is visible around these tanks. A stone pillar used to measure the water level can also be seen inside the tanks. Over time, these tanks have been neglected. Earlier, the water from these tanks was used for drinking, bathing, and other daily requirements.
• Palace Ruins:
At one place on the fort, large-scale collapsed structures can be seen. Moving further, the remains of a palace are found. During that period, this place had a well-planned architectural structure meant for the residence of the king, his family, and servants. At present, except for an arched doorway frame, only ruined remains are visible. The artwork and fine carvings on this arched frame provide information about the architectural style of that era.
• Eleven Water Cisterns:
In the inner area of the fort, eleven water cisterns can be seen. While extracting stones from quarries for the construction of structures on the fort, excavation was carried out in such a way that water cisterns were formed. These cisterns supplied a large portion of the fort’s water requirements. Even today, a significant amount of water is found in them.
• Katyāl Caves:
In the upper part of the fort, Katyāl caves can be seen. These caves have been entirely carved using chisels and hammers. They are extremely ancient, and it is believed that people lived here from very early times. These caves, consisting of a series of rooms, are still suitable for habitation. Their construction is believed to date back to the Shalivahan and Satavahana periods.
• After completing a full exploration of the fort and descending, one can also see a rock-cut idol of Lord Hanuman carved into the mountain at one place.
• Historical Information of Mulher Fort:
• Many places in and around Mulher Fort are associated with references to the Mahabharata period.
• It is believed that several caves were constructed here during the Shalivahan and Satavahana periods.
• In the 13th century AD, this region was ruled by King Babhulraje. King Babhulraje shared a friendship with Emperor Akbar, and on several occasions, military assistance was provided by Emperor Akbar.
• When Shah Jahan became the Mughal emperor, he appointed his son Aurangzeb to this province in 1638 AD. Aurangzeb later invaded this region and annexed it into the Mughal Empire.
• In 1672 AD, while returning to Swarajya after the second sack of Surat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this region.
• Later, this fort came under the control of the Peshwas.
• In 1818 AD, when the British ended Peshwa rule, they captured this fort from the Marathas and caused large-scale destruction to the structures here.
• On 15 August 1947, after India gained independence, this fort came under the administration of the Government of independent India.
• Such is the historical account of Mulher Fort.
