Lohgad Fort information in English
To keep gold, silver, precious gems, and valuables safe, a strong vault is always made of iron. In the same way, to safeguard the treasure of Swarajya, the most secure fort is none other than Lohagad Fort.
The loot brought from the city of Surat was safely kept by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Lohagad Fort. This loot was later used for the construction of forts in the Swarajya.
Location of Lohagad Fort:
Lohagad Fort is situated in the Sahyadri mountain ranges in the Maval taluka of Pune district, in the Pavana river valley, between Naane Maval and Pavana Maval.
Height of Lohagad Fort:
The average height of Lohagad Fort from sea level is about 3,420 feet, and it is a strong, tall hill fort.
Way to Reach Lohagad Fort:
• Lohagad Fort is located about 64 km from Pune city and 90 km from Mumbai.
• There is a railway station at Malavli village near Lonavala. Travelers can get down here by taking a passenger or local train running between Mumbai and Pune. From there, via the Express Highway, one can reach Lohagadwadi through Bhaje village and then proceed to Gaimukh Khind. From this point, a path on the right leads to the base of Lohagad. Parking and food facilities are available here. From this spot, one can climb up to the fort via stone steps.
• From Lonavala, one can also travel by personal car or motorcycle via Bhangerwadi – Dudhiware Khind – Lohagadwadi – Gaimukh Khind route to reach Lohagad.
• From Pune, one can go through Pond Kolwan – Tikona – Peth Dudhiware Khind – Lohagadwadi route to reach Lohagad.
• At the starting point of the stone-step route, parking facilities are available, and light refreshments are also available here.
• While proceeding further through the stone-step pathway, tourists are required to pay an entry fee of ₹25 per person at the ticket counter as a tourism charge.
Places to See on Lohagad Fort:
While exploring Lohagad Fort, you can see:
The stone stairway path,
Ganesh Gate,
Mahadarwaja (Main Gate),
Narayan Gate,
Hanuman Gate,
A dargah,
The old blacksmith’s workshop (Lohar Shala),
Lime-making pits,
Laxmi Kothi,
Mahadev Temple,
Grain storage house,
The octagonal tank,
The sixteen-cornered tank,
Vinchukada (Scorpion’s Tail cliff).
Places to See Around Lohagad Fort:
Bhaje Caves,
Bedse Caves,
Pavana Dam,
Tikona Fort,
Tung Fort,
Visapur Fort.
The Stairway Path:
From Gaimukh Khind at the base of Lohagad, there begins a strong stone stairway path. Made of large black stones, this beautifully constructed path takes you all the way up to the fort.
Ganesh Gate:
After climbing up via the stairway, you reach the beautifully carved Ganesh Gate built into the stone fortification. The gate has iron spikes fixed on its doors. There is a circular iron ring for pulling the door and also an iron chain to lock it securely. On the inner side, there are chambers (devdis) with platforms for guards to rest. Strong stone masonry can also be seen inside. A stone inscription is present here as well.
It is said that beneath the bastions on the left and right sides of this gate, human sacrifices (narbali) used to take place. A couple named Savale was sacrificed here, and in return, their descendants were granted the title of Patil (village head) of Lohagadwadi. This ritual of human sacrifice was a dreadful, occult practice.
Historical Cannons:
After entering through the Ganesh Gate, you can see several cannons inside the courtyard — some damaged, some still preserved.
To prevent them from rusting, they were coated with oil.
Strong Fortification:
The fort is protected by a massive armored fortification. Battlements and square windows have been constructed at various places. Their design was such that soldiers could keep watch on the pathways as well as the surrounding area. While walking along the fort walls, one can see the surrounding region and also catch a glimpse of Visapur Fort.
Underground Passage:
During enemy attacks, there are underground passages built here to escape from the fort in times of crisis. However, walking through such dark passages feels dangerous nowadays. But in those times, people had the courage to use them.
Secret Path:
Ahead of the Ganesh Gate, there is also a secret path that can be seen on the upper side.
Main Gate (Mahadarwaja):
After passing through the Ganesh Gate and climbing further by the steps, one comes across the grand Main Gate, built with strong pillars and well-constructed stone steps, located at a higher point. Even today, this gate remains in a sturdy condition, and from there a steep path leads ahead.
• After entering through the Maha Darwaja (Main Gate), one can see the beautiful Visapur Fort from the ramparts. There is also a cave-like room there with a small water cistern inside.
• Climbing further up inside from the Maha Darwaja, one can also see an old toilet facility.
Narayan Darwaja (Narayan Gate):
The Narayan Gate is the third gate of the fort. It is believed to have been constructed under the orders of Nana Phadnavis, the administrator during the Peshwa period. Like the other gates, it is strong and built in a similar robust style.
Hanuman Darwaja (Hanuman Gate):
The most ancient gate of Lohagad Fort is the Hanuman Gate. Like the other gates, it is built into the stone fortification. The gate is studded with iron spikes, and it has an image of Lord Hanuman carved on it. This is the uppermost entrance gate of the fort.
Remains of the Shivkalin Assembly Hall:
Proceeding ahead from the Hanuman Gate, at a short distance, one can see the remains of tall pillars. These are believed to be the remains of the assembly hall from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Dargah:
A little distance inside the Hanuman Gate, one can see a dargah.
Mahadev Temple:
On Lohagad, there exists a very ancient Mahadev temple.
• Behind the temple, there is a pond.
Lime-making pits and Cannon:
Near the dargah, beside the remains of an old wada, one can also see the ruins of the blacksmith’s workshop. Close to this spot stands a flagpole on a stone platform, on which a small cannon is placed. There are also lime-making pits here.
Sixteen-sided Tank:
During the Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis constructed a sixteen-sided tank. It also has stone steps leading down into it.
Lakshmi Kothi:
Walking to the right from the flagpole on Lohagad, one comes across chambers carved into the high rock face. Inside are spacious halls, which appear to have been carved in very ancient times. This place is called Lakshmi Kothi. When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj plundered the wealthy city of Surat to teach a lesson to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the treasures brought back were stored here. Since then, this spot has been known as Lakshmi Kothi.
Horse Stables (Pagha):
Inside the fort, along the inner side of a high cliff, stables carved into the rock can be seen, which were used for tying horses.
Amberkhana / Grain Storage (Dhanaya Kothi):
Close to the Laxmi Kothi lies the grain storage structure. This construction resembles an underground cellar. Today, however, it remains neglected.
Underground Grain Chamber:
On Lohagad Fort, there is also an underground chamber used for storing grains like millet (vari), nachni (finger millet), and rice. At present, this chamber is found sealed.
Vinchu Kada (Scorpion’s Tail Cliff):
The shape of Lohagad resembles a scorpion, and just as a scorpion has a tail, a cliff adjoining the fort has a similar formation, which is called Vinchu Kada.
A narrow path leads to this cliff, making the approach relatively easy, but returning from it is exhausting.
On the way, one comes across a small, narrow water tank.
Near this cliff, there are old stone structures, and following the pathway ahead, one can see an arched doorway carved into the rock.
Below this cliff lies dense forest.
Owing to its resemblance to a scorpion’s tail, the cliff is known as Vinchu Kada.
Historical Information about Lohagad Fort:
In the Lohagad region and on the fort itself, Buddhist caves can be seen. From this, it is believed that the fort has existed since before the Common Era. Examples: Bhaje Caves, Bedse Caves.
The fort was under the rule of the Satavahanas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and Yadavas of Maharashtra.
Later, the fort came under the Bahmani Sultanate for some time.
After the Bahmani period, in 1489 CE, Malik Ahmad captured the fort from a local chieftain and brought it under the Nizamshahi rule.
In 1564 CE, Burhan Nizam II, the seventh Sultan of Ahmadnagar, was imprisoned and kept in this fort.
In 1630 CE, the fort was captured by the Adilshahi dynasty.
In 1657 CE, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the Kalyan–Bhiwandi region, he also took control of Lohagad Fort.
In 1665 CE, after the Treaty of Purandar, the fort was handed over to the Mughals.
On 13 May 1670 CE, the Marathas recaptured the fort.
The treasures looted from Surat were kept in the Laxmi Kothi (granary/storage) at Lohagad by Netaji Palkar.
In 1713 CE, Shahu Maharaj handed over the fort to Kanhoji Angre in appreciation of his achievements.
In 1720 CE, the Peshwas regained control of the fort from the Angres.
In 1770 CE, Peshwa’s administrator Nana Fadnavis took possession of the fort and entrusted it to his officer Bandopant Mitkure.
In 1789 CE, Nana Fadnavis strengthened the fort by constructing the Narayan Gate, the sixteen-cornered reservoir, and other structures.
In 1803 CE, the British captured the fort. However, during the reign of Peshwa Baji Rao II, the Marathas recaptured it.
On 4th March 1818, British General Prother besieged Lohagad Fort. But before that, he had already taken control of Visapur Fort. The Marathas had decided to defend Lohagad, but Peshwa Baji Rao II ordered the fort to be surrendered to the British. Thus, the fort was handed over unwillingly.
On 26th May 1909, the British Government of India declared Lohagad a protected monument.
After India’s independence in 1947, the fort has remained under the custody of the Government of India.
This is the Lohgad Fort information in English
