Rohida fort information in English
Rohida kille ke bare me jankari Engraji madhe
The fort located in the hilly region of Maharashtra and having a unique structural layout is known as Vichitragad, also called Rohida Fort.
• Location:
In India, within the state of Maharashtra, in Pune district near Bhor, lies a subdivision called Rohida Valley situated in the Nira River basin, nestled in one of the spurs of the Mahabaleshwar range of the Sahyadri mountains. Here, near the villages of Chikhalwadi and Bajarwadi, stands this hill fort — Rohida Fort.
Height of Rohida Fort: The height of Rohida Fort is 3,660 feet.
• Routes to Reach Rohida Fort:
Pune city in Maharashtra is well connected to the rest of India by national, state, and railway networks. It also has national and international air services. From here, one can reach Rohida Fort via Bhor.
One can travel by bus from Pune → Bhor → Bajarwadi and then climb through the narrow path to reach the first gate of Fort Rohida. The route is somewhat slippery.
Another route is via Pune → Bhor → Mahad Road Junction → Vanewadi → Shirvali → Ambeghar → Chikhalwadi Phata → Chikhalwadi → Rohida Fort.
The distance from Pune to Bhor is about 10 km, and from Bhor to the south, Rohida Fort is approximately another 10 km away.
• Other Names of Rohida Fort:
The fort is known by various names — Rohida, Vichitragad, and Binicha Killa.
• Places to See on Rohida Fort:
• Ganesh Gate:
After climbing up from Bajarwadi village, one first reaches the Ganesh Gate. Earlier, there was a statue of Lord Ganesh on the frame of this gate, which is now destroyed. The Ganesh Gate still stands strong today. Built from black stone, it reflects the grandeur and strength of that era.
• Second Gate:
After entering through the Ganesh Gate and climbing about 20–22 steps, one comes across the Second Gate. The frame of this gate still exists. Multiple successive gates were built for the protection of the fort. Carvings of different animals like tigers and elephants can be seen on it. Due to the faint carving of a mythical creature Sharabh on the gate, it appears to be a construction from the Yadava period.
• Water Tank:
After passing through the second gate and turning right, there is a water tank carved in the ground beside the steps. This tank contains water throughout the year.
• Third Gate:
Further along the path, one reaches the Third Gate, which has an arched structure with carvings of elephant heads. On both sides of this gate are inscriptions — one in Persian script and the other in Devanagari script.
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| Persian script |
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| Devanagari script. |
• Citadel (Balekilla):
After entering through the third gate, one reaches the upper part of the fort known as the Balekilla (Citadel).
• Sadar and Fatte Buruj:
A short distance within the Balekilla lies the Sadar area. This was the place where the fort commander, nobles, and officials held important meetings and discussed daily matters. Close to it stands a semi-circular bastion known as Fatte Buruj.
There are a total of six bastions on this fort. The Fatte Buruj has many openings (Jangyas) for defense. It is believed that since victory was achieved here, it was named Fatte Buruj. From this point, one can get a panoramic view of the Bhor Taluka.
• Sarja Buruj:
Proceeding ahead from Fatte Buruj along a pathway protected by iron railings, one reaches another bastion called Sarja Buruj. This is the largest bastion on the fort, used mainly for surveillance and during wartime. Several loopholes and small openings can be seen here. The pedestal where the fort’s flag used to be hoisted is still visible.
• Secret Door (Chor Darwaja):
Moving further from Sarja Buruj, one comes across a secret door, located at the edge of a valley. It was used in times of emergency or danger. At present, this door is in a ruined condition due to the passage of time and neglect.
• Fortification Walls:
The fort walls (Tatbandi) are still found to be strong, though some sections have collapsed over time.
• Water Reservoirs:
During the construction of bastions and walls on Rohida Fort, stones were excavated from various places. The pits created during excavation were later converted into water tanks to store water. These tanks provided drinking water for the fort’s soldiers. Many such water tanks can still be seen across the fort today.
• Remains of the Killedar’s Residence:
Walking ahead from Fatte Buruj, one can see the ruins of an old mansion. These appear to be the remains of the Killedar’s (Fort Commander’s) residence as well as the Sardar’s quarters. In earlier times, these structures were built to accommodate the killedar, sardars, and other soldiers stationed at the fort. Now, only the ruins can be seen. Some remains of household items have also been found at this site.
• Palace Remains:
Among the various remains on the fort, one section of the residential area contains the ruins of a royal palace, which suggest that the fort once held royal importance.
• Rohideshwar Temple:
A little ahead from the palace ruins lies a temple, built in a simple architectural style. It has been renovated recently. The temple is dedicated to Rohidmalla (Rohideshwar). Inside the temple, idols of Lord Ganesh, Bhairav, Bhairavi, and a Shivling (Mahadev’s symbol) can be seen.
A little further from this temple lies a pond, whose fortification wall has collapsed. For safety, it has been fenced with iron mesh. Near the pond are several samadhis (memorials) and other remains. These are believed to have been built in memory of the brave Mavlas (Maratha warriors) and Sardars who sacrificed their lives in battle.
Within the temple premises, stones used for catapults (Gofni stones) and old bricks (Kasha bricks) from that period have been discovered. These have now been preserved inside the temple.
• Waghjai Bastion (Buruj):
On the way to the Waghjai Temple, one can see the Waghjai Bastion, which is a massive and strong structure. Steps have been built to climb the bastion. Openings (Jangyas) and firing holes (Fanjyas) are visible throughout, indicating its defensive purpose. A small niche is present for hoisting the flag. There are also small arched shelters (Devdis) designed so that guards could keep lamps lit throughout the night without being extinguished by the wind.
• Waghjai Temple:
A short distance ahead of the Waghjai Bastion lies the temple of Goddess Waghjai. The temple has a beautiful dome (Kalash) and a large assembly hall (Sabhamandap) in front. A Tulsi Vrindavan (holy basil stand) is also seen. Inside the temple, there is a beautiful idol of Goddess Waghjai.
• Other Bastions:
The Damugade Bastion on Rohida Fort has a unique design compared to the other bastions.
From the Shirvali Bastion, one can view the scenic beauty of the area below the fort.
The Patne Bastion appears to be slightly collapsed.
• Fortification and Defense Design:
For the fort’s protection, bastions were constructed at points where enemy attacks were expected. These bastions are made entirely of stone, bound firmly with lime mortar to make them solid and durable.
Stone steps are provided for climbing up, and throughout the bastion, loopholes for firing guns or arrows and openings for cannon fire are visible. Small arched guard shelters (Devdis) were also built for sentries to rest while keeping watch.
The fort’s design appears unusual and complex, which is why it is called Vichitragad — the “Strange Fort.”
• Lime Grinding Pits:
After exploring the fort, one reaches the lime grinding pits, which were used to produce lime mortar needed for constructing the fort’s walls and bastions.
Historical Information about Rohida Fort:
Rohida Fort initially belonged to the Chalukya dynasty, later came under the Rashtrakutas, and then under the rule of Shilahara King Bhoj.
During the Yadava period, the fort was held by Yadava Sardars, who undertook significant construction work here.
After the Yadava rule, the fort came under the Bahmani Sultanate.
In May 1656, Bahmani Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah undertook repairs and reconstruction of several gates and buildings on the fort. This is confirmed by Persian inscriptions found on-site.
In 1656 AD, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Rohida Fort from the Adilshahi Sardar Vitthal Mudgal and brought it under the Swarajya (Maratha Empire).
The loyal Maratha commander Kanhoji Jedhe, from the Rohida-Maval region, was a prominent noble in the Swarajya. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj granted him half the Deshmukhi rights of Rohida Fort and full control of the Bhor division. When revenue officers questioned why he received lesser income (only 30 hon), Shivaji replied —
“Jedhe is our loyal servant; he shall receive only the traditional remuneration due to him.”
During this period, Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal family joined the Maratha service. It was here on this very fort that Shivaji Maharaj first met Bajiprabhu Deshpande, the brave warrior who later sacrificed his life at Ghodkhind (Pavan Khind) while ensuring Shivaji Maharaj’s safe escape and protecting Swarajya.
As per the Treaty of Purandar (1666), the fort was handed over to the Mughals.
On 24th June 1670, Rohida Fort was recaptured and brought back under Swarajya.
Except for a brief period of one year, the fort remained under Maratha control from 1670 onwards.
In 1700, the Bhor State was granted to Shankaraji Narayan Sacheev. Since then, until its merger with independent India, Rohida Fort remained under the Bhor princely state.
Thus, this is the glorious and fascinating history of Rohida Fort — also known as Vichitragad. Information in English .
