Sangram Durg (Chakan Fort) – Complete Information in English
Location:
Sangram Durg is a ground fort (Bhuikot fort) located at Chakan in Pune district of Maharashtra.
This fort is about 20 miles from Pune city and very close to Pune.
Pune – Bhosari – Chakan route.
From Nashik – Nashik – Sinner – Sangamner – Chakan.
From Mumbai – Lonavala – Chakan.
Currently, the fort is in a very dilapidated and ruined condition. Much of it has collapsed
Places to See Inside the Fort :
• Fortification (Torbands / Walls):
Most of the fortification has collapsed and is in bad condition.
However, some parts still remain intact, giving an idea of the fort’s original structure.
Large portions of the walls are built using Bhaji Bricks (traditional type bricks).
The right-side fortification is in comparatively good condition, while the left side is largely damaged.
• Ruins of Structures:
Inside the fort, one can see the ruins of old collapsed buildings.
• Bastions:
Many bastions are damaged, but a few survive.
They still show loopholes and gun-holes, used for firing guns and arrows at enemies.
The bastions on the western and north-west sides are in better condition.
A saffron flag proudly flies on one of the bastions.
• Moat:
A large water-filled moat once surrounded the fort.
Now, most of it has dried up or is filled in.
In medieval times, the moat made direct attack very difficult.
• Remains of a Silted Well:
Inside the fort premises, there was a large well used for water supply.
Now it is filled up, but the old mechanism for drawing water can still be seen in the high wall structure.
• Newly Repaired Fortification:
Some parts of the fort walls have been rebuilt in recent times.
There is a staircase leading up, but it is locked for security reasons.
• Entrance Gate:
One of the entrance gates is partly intact.
Over time, it has suffered heavy damage.
The arch is still standing, but the gate area is closed off for safety and due to the road passing nearby.
• Damodar Vishnu Temple:
Inside the fort is the Damodar Vishnu Temple.
Much of it appears to be recently reconstructed.
A beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu is present inside.
• Cannon Platform:
In the central area of the fort, most structures have disappeared.
In an open space, a circular platform (Katta) has been built, and a cannon is placed on it.
• Road Passing Through Fort:
A road now runs through the centre of the fort, due to which the original unity of the structure is lost.
• Modern Settlements:
Due to modern habitation around the area, the fort’s presence is slowly fading from sight.
Historical Information About Sangram Durg
There is no clear information about who originally built the fort.
The fort was under Adilshahi rule.
The fort commander (Killedar) was Firangoji Narsala.
Firangoji left Adilshahi service and joined the Swarajya on the command of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji Maharaj appointed him as the Killedar of Sangram Durg.
Shahistekhan’s Attack – 1660
When Shivaji Maharaj was trapped at Panhala Fort, Mughal general Shahistekhan marched from the north into Swarajya.
He set up his camp in Lal Mahal at Pune.
For an easy victory, he decided to attack the small fort of Sangram Durg first.
On 21 June 1660, he laid siege to Sangram Durg.
He thought the fort would fall easily — like a lump of clay.
But Firangoji Narsala and the Marathas gave fierce resistance for nearly 60 days.
Mughal Secret Strategy:
Cannons and guns failed to break the fort.
Shahistekhan then dug a tunnel under the moat and filled it with explosives.
On 14 August 1660, the explosion destroyed the eastern bastion.
Many Maratha soldiers were killed and Mughal troops entered the fort.
Even then, the Marathas fought bravely.
Finally, they withdrew and the fort went into Mughal hands.
Firangoji’s Loyalty:
Shahistekhan offered Firangoji rewards and a high rank to join his side.
But Firangoji rejected the offer and returned to serve Shivaji Maharaj with his Mavlas.
300 Marathas vs 50,000 Mughals,
yet the Marathas showed extraordinary courage.
This battle is famous in history.
Present Condition:
The fort is in a poor and ruined state today.
Since 2014, renovation work has been going on, and some portions of the walls have been restored.
