Historical Information about Ankai and Tankai Forts Ankai and Tankai Fort information in English

 Historical Information about Ankai and Tankai Forts

Ankai and Tankai Fort information in English

• Location:

Ankai and Tankai Forts are located near Ankai village in Yeola taluka of Nashik district in the northern region of Maharashtra state. These are twin forts forming a pair. From this location, the Satmala–Ajintha mountain ranges begin further ahead. These forts also lie in the same mountain range.

• Height:

Ankai Fort is situated at a height of 3152 feet / 960.97 meters above sea level.

Tankai Fort is situated at a height of 2802 feet / 854.26 meters above sea level.

• Routes to reach Ankai and Tankai Forts:

Nashik is the nearest major city to this location.

One can travel from Nashik via Chandwad route to Manmad and then proceed to Ankai village.

Another route is Nashik – Aurangabad – Vinchur – Manmad, and from there to Ankai village.

From Nashik Railway Station, one can travel to Manmad, and then proceed southwards to Ankai village located at the foothills of these forts.

Ankai village is accessible by road.

• Places to see on Ankai and Tankai Forts and nearby areas:

While traveling by road and after reaching Ankai village, which is about one kilometer from Ankai railway station, one can see a Veergal (hero stone) located in the vehicle parking area of the village.

• Veergal (Hero Stone):

The Veergal located at the parking area is approximately waist-high, that is around seven to eight feet tall. It has a sculpted depiction of a wild boar carved on it. Additionally, the hand of a Sati woman is also carved on the stone.

• Stairway Route:

While proceeding towards the fort from Ankai village, one comes across a stairway path. While ascending the fort, this path passes midway near the caves located inside Tankai Fort.

• Tankai Foothill Caves:

At the foothills of Tankai Fort, two caves are seen to have been excavated first. In front of one of these caves, a water cistern has been carved. Inside that cave, no idols or carvings are seen.

• Caves:

After viewing these two caves, upon climbing about ten to twelve steps further up, one comes across five to six caves. These caves are seen to be adjoining each other. Among these, the first two caves are two-storeyed.

• First Cave:

This cave is two-storeyed. Its layout consists of a verandah on the outer side, followed by an assembly hall, and then a sanctum. The verandah is supported by two pillars, while the assembly hall is supported by four pillars. Beautiful and ornate carvings are visible in the assembly hall. A finely carved lotus motif is seen on the ceiling.

A staircase has been carved to reach the first floor. The chambers on the first floor are supported by two pillars.

• Second Cave:

In the verandah of this cave, a Yaksha idol is seen on the left side, while on the other side there is an idol of Indrani, which appears in the form of the Hindu goddess Bhavani. The inner assembly hall is supported by four pillars and has a staircase leading to the first floor. On the upper side, above the chamber, a beautifully carved lattice is seen. On the outer side, two tigers are carved.

• Third Cave:

This cave has two idols—one of Kichaka and the other of Ambika.

• Next Cave:

The next cave is also seen to be similar in structure to the other caves.

• Fifth Cave:

This cave contains idols of the Tirthankaras, which provide information about Jainism. Idols of Lord Neminath as well as Lord Shantinath are present here. Along with these, idols of other Tirthankaras are also found here.

• Pass (Khind):

After viewing the caves, when one climbs a little further up, one reaches a pass (khind). At this place, a fortified wall can be seen. This is where the actual beginning of the fort starts. From here, ascending by the stairway path, one reaches the Southern Gate.

• Southern Gate:

The Southern Gate is the main entrance of Ankai and Tankai Forts. It is a grand, arch-shaped gate. On the inner side of the gate, chambers (ovaries) have been constructed for the guards. The bastions on both sides are still seen in good condition. Wooden remnants of the gate have survived even today.

• Second Entrance Gate:

After entering through the first entrance gate, one comes across a second entrance gate. Upon passing through it, one reaches the central area. From here, separate paths lead to both forts. At this point, Ankai Fort lies to the left, while Tankai Fort lies to the right.

• Ankai Fort:

Further ahead on Ankai Fort, there is yet another entrance gate. A continuous series of seven entrance gates can be seen one after another. Their design appears similar. Immediately after the second gate, the third gate is encountered.

• Ankai Kot Caves:

After crossing the third gate, the Ankai Kot caves are seen on the left side. There are three caves, and these are Hindu religious caves.

In one of these caves, a Shiva Lingam is seen. At one place, a sculpture of Mahesh (Lord Shiva) is visible. Also, at the entrance of one cave, sculptures of the two gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya, are seen carved on the outer side.

• Fourth Gate:

After viewing the caves and proceeding further upwards, one comes across the fourth gate. After passing through this gate to the upper side, a beautiful view of the lower fortifications of Ankai Fort and the other gates can be seen. The gates, fortifications, and a large part of this fort are still found to be in good condition.

• Further Gates:

Ahead, the fifth gate is encountered, followed by the sixth, and then the seventh gate.

• Summit of the Fort:

After climbing the seventh gate and reaching the upper side, one comes across a vast plateau. This is the summit of the fort.

• Mughal-style Structure:

On the summit of the fort, a structure is seen, which is encountered while moving towards the left. It is a structure built in Mughal architectural style.

• Water Cistern:

Proceeding further from there, one comes across a water cistern.

• Sita Cave:

After moving ahead from the water cistern, one reaches Sita Cave.

• Agastya Rishi Temple:

After viewing Sita Cave, when one proceeds further, the Agastya Rishi Temple is seen. It is believed that Sage Agastya resided at this place.

• Rock-cut (Katyal) Excavated Pond:

At a short distance ahead of the Agastya Rishi Temple, there is a small pond carved out of solid rock (katyal). In the center of this pond, there is a समाधि (samadhi), which is believed to be the samadhi of Sage Agastya. Devotees visiting this place take a ritual bath here before having darshan of Sage Agastya and then proceed for worship.

Several samadhis can also be seen near this pond.

• Structures and Water Tanks Ahead:

After moving ahead from the pond, one comes across a structure. Additionally, two more built water tanks are seen. A dry pond is also visible in this area.

• Roofless Wada and Dargah:

Further ahead, a large and strong structure enclosed by massive surrounding walls is seen. Inside this complex, a dargah is found, which appears to belong to the Mughal and Nizamshahi period. It is worshipped as “Bade Baba Ki Dargah.”

• Ankai Balekilla (Citadel):

Proceeding further to the uppermost part of the fort, a flagstaff (Nishan Kathi) is seen. This is the highest point of the fort, known as the Balekilla (citadel). Standing here, one can witness beautiful views of the Satmala mountain range. If the sky is clear, all the forts up to Dhodap can be seen.

• Other Visible Forts:

From this point, Gorakhgad and Hadavichi Shendi are also visible.

• Use of the Flagstaff:

The flagstaff located here was earlier used for hoisting flags.

• Route to Tankai Fort:

After exploring Ankai Fort, one returns to the pass (khind), from where the route to Tankai Fort begins. Thus, these forts form a pair of twin forts.

• Purpose of Tankai Fort:

Tankai Fort was constructed to safeguard Ankai Fort. This twin fort was built to prevent enemies from using Tankai as a base to attack Ankai Fort.

• Fortifications:

The fortifications of Tankai Fort appear elegant and well-built. The gate leading to the upper section shows signs of damage. Similar to Ankai Fort, the gate structures are alike, and at the top, a wide plateau can be seen.

• Water Ponds:

After reaching the upper part, tank-like ponds meant for drinking water can be seen.

• Shiva Temple:

On the upper part of Tankai Fort, a Shiva temple can be seen.

• Historical Information of Ankai and Tankai Forts:

The history of these forts dates back to the Treta Yuga. It is believed that Sage Agastya resided at this place. Lord Ramachandra and Sage Agastya are believed to have met here. At this very place, Sage Agastya is said to have bestowed divine weapons upon Lord Ramachandra.

Later, during the 6th and 7th centuries CE, Jain and Hindu caves were carved here by cutting into hard rock.

After this period, the region came under the rule of the Satavahana, Rashtrakuta, and Yadava dynasties. This is evident from the Hemadpanti style of architecture seen in the constructions present here.

Subsequently, this region came under Islamic rule.

During the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in the year 1635 CE, the Mughal Subedar Khan Khanan took control of this fort from the Nizamshahi ruler by bribing the fort commander.

Understanding the importance of the Aurangabad–Surat trade route, the Mughals carried out construction works on this fort in 1635 CE.

Later, after conflicts between the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, the fort came under Peshwa rule.

From 1752–53 CE, this fort remained under Maratha rule, and many forts in this region also became part of the Maratha Empire.

In 1818 CE, the fort was captured from the Maratha commanders by British Captain MacDowell and brought under British government control.

At present, after India became independent on 15 August 1947, this fort is under the control of the Government of India.

Thus, this is the complete historical information of Ankai and Tankai Forts.

Dategad / Sundargad Fort Information Date Gad / Sundargad Killa Information in English

 Dategad / Sundargad Fort Information

Date Gad / Sundargad Killa Information in English

• Location:

Dategad Fort, also known as Sundargad, is located in Patan Taluka of Satara District, in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra State. The fort of Ghera Dategad is situated near the foothill village of Tolewadi.

• Height:

The average height of this fort above sea level is approximately 3,425 feet.

• This fort comes under the easy category.

• Travel route to visit Dategad Fort:

Satara is the district headquarters and is connected to other cities of India by road and railway.

• The distance from Pune to Dategad Fort is approximately 180 kilometers.

• The distance from Mumbai to Dategad Fort is approximately 320 kilometers.

• Dategad Fort is located at a distance of about 400 kilometers from Nashik.

• One can reach Dategad Fort via the route Mumbai – Pune – Satara – Umbraj – Malhar Peth – Chiplun Road, then from Patan proceed further to the foothill village of Tolewadi, from where the fort can be accessed.

• The distance from Umbraj to Patan is 28 kilometers, and from Patan to Tolewadi village is 5 kilometers.

From Tolewadi village, Dategad Fort is located at a distance of about 1 kilometer.

• Places to See on Dategad Fort:

• From Patan, the taluka headquarters, one can reach the village of Tolewadi, located at the foothill of the fort. There is a resort named Sundargad at this place. Vehicles can be parked in this area, and from there the fort can be reached on foot. There are two routes to reach the fort, and both routes lead up to the main entrance gate of the fort.

• Katyal Cave:

On the outer side of the main gate of the fort, a cave can be seen close to the footpath. This cave has been carved out of katyal (hard) rock. It appears to have been made for the guards to take rest. Inside the cave chamber, a small cavity with tiny holes can be seen, which is difficult to enter. It seems that this cavity might have been a secret passage in the past or may have been formed due to rainwater drainage.

• Main Entrance Gate:

This fort belongs to the Layan (rock-cut) fort type. The fort appears to have been constructed by carving ancient igneous rock using chisels and hammers, removing the unwanted portions. After climbing a few steps, the main entrance gate comes into view. This gate is carved out of jambhya-colored rock. Some collapse is visible on the upper portion of the gate. From its present form, the architectural style of that period can be understood. Holes for water drainage can be seen below the threshold. Entry into the fort is through this gate.

• Guard Chambers (Devadis):

Guard chambers carved into the rock can be seen on either side of the entrance gate. Like other forts, similar structures are found here as well. These chambers appear to have been carved for the guards and soldiers to rest while on duty.

• Dhalaj:

After entering through the gate, one comes across a Dhalaj. This Dhalaj is spacious, from where access to the upper part of the fort is possible. In this Dhalaj, idols of the Hindu deities Ganesh and Hanuman can be seen.

• Hanuman (South-facing Maruti) Layan Sculpture:

In the Dhalaj of the fort, a nearly twelve-foot-high heroic Hanuman sculpture carved and sculpted into a katyal rock wall can be seen. This layan sculpture is painted in saffron color. Hanuman is considered a deity who makes difficult tasks easy and is a symbol of strength and valor. Hanuman was worshipped before going to war; therefore, he is revered as a deity of victory and one who makes the impossible possible. This layan sculpture comes directly into view upon entering through the gate. During sunset, the rays of the sun fall directly on this sculpture.

(Layan means a structure carved directly into solid rock.)

• Ganesh Layan Sculpture:

In Hindu tradition, Ganesh is regarded as the remover of obstacles, and his blessings are taken at the beginning of any work. On the wall next to the Hanuman sculpture, a carved image of Lord Ganesh can be seen. This sculpture is approximately 6 to 7 feet high. A special feature of this idol is that its ears are shaped like the petals of the hibiscus flower (Jaswand), which is dear to Lord Ganesh. This sculpture has also been created using chisels and hammers.

• Rock-cut Step Path:

After having darshan of Lord Ganesh and Hanuman, one comes across a step pathway carved into igneous rock. This path leads to the upper part of the fort. While ascending along this path, a rock-cut layan cave chamber is encountered, which appears to have been made for the rest of Mavlas and soldiers.

• Sword-shaped Well:

After reaching the top of the fort, one comes across a sword-shaped well, which is seen to be carved into igneous rock. This well is 50 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 30 meters deep. Excavation in the form of paired steps can be seen for descending into the well. On one side, the steps are larger in size, while on the other side, smaller steps are provided. As one descends deeper into the well, a sense of calmness and coolness is experienced. It appears that this well was designed to provide drinking and utility water for the people of the fort garrison. Local people call it Geruchi Vihir. Geru is a Ghati Marathi word meaning red-jambhya colored soil.

• Shiva Temple:

On the inner side of the well, there is a small layan (rock-cut) cave temple. Inside it, one can see Nandi and the Shiva lingam. As the rulers here primarily followed the Shaiva sect, a Shiva temple is seen on almost every fort. Just as the river Ganga resides in Lord Shiva, here this belief is reflected through the Shiva lingam and the water of the well.

• Fortification (Ramparts):

All around the fort, tall, straight katyal rock walls can be seen. These walls are about 15 to 20 feet high, and construction was carried out on their upper portion. For this purpose, stones (chiselled blocks) were extracted from the rocky slopes of the fort. Using these stones, the fortifications were built. At some places, the ramparts appear to have collapsed.

• Water Tanks:

At various places on the fort, deep water tanks can be seen carved out by cutting stones from the lower portions. Through these tanks, water storage arrangements were made for the people residing on the fort.

• Remains of the Sadar (Court Hall):

At one place on the fort, a wide structural remnant can be seen. This structure with raised plinths appears to be the Sadar, or court hall, whose upper portion was made of wood. Over time, it seems to have been destroyed by foreign invaders. Now only the remains are left. It is believed that assemblies and consultations were held here.

• Construction Remains:

At many places on the fort, remains of various structures can be observed. From the plinth remains, it becomes evident that extensive construction was carried out to provide accommodation for the fort commander, chief officers, garrison soldiers, and staff.

• Other Water Tanks:

Several deep water tanks have been carved at different locations on the fort. It appears that the stones extracted from these tanks were used in the construction of residential buildings as well as the fortifications.

• Flag Staff:

At a high point on the fort, a flag staff can be seen, on which the saffron flag symbolizing Hindu statehood can be seen fluttering.

In this manner, the entire fort can be explored within just two to three hours, after which one begins the return journey.

• Historical Information of Dategad Fort:

• This fort is pre-Shivaji era. From its architectural style, it appears that the fort was constructed during the period of the Shalivahan dynasty that ruled this region earlier, or during the rule of some other Hindu dynasties.

• The area of this fort lies on the ancient trade route of Vijapur, Karad, and Chiplun. To keep watch over traffic on the ghat routes, the rulers of that time seem to have constructed forts such as Ghera Dategad, Jaigad, Gunavantgad, Vasantgad, and Sadashivgad in this region.

• In the 15th century AD, this fort was likely under the control of the Shirke Sardars.

• In the 15th century AD, the Bahamani Sultan Mallik Murtija brought this fort under the authority of the Bahamani Sultanate.

• Later, after the disintegration of the Bahamani rule, this fort came under the control of the Adilshahi.

• In 1659 AD, after the killing of Afzal Khan and the successful Jaoli campaign, this fort was included in the Swarajya. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj liked the beautiful surroundings of this place and renamed the fort Sundargad. He entrusted the fort to Sardar Salunkhe. As they resided in the Patan region, they came to be known as Patankar.

• In 1689 AD, after the death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, this fort was captured by the Mughals.

• Later, Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade and Salunkhe Patankar once again brought this fort into Swarajya. At that time, Rajaram Maharaj granted this fort and 34 villages of the Patan region to the Patankars as an inam (reward).

• Subsequently, this fort remained under Swarajya.

• In 1818 AD, the Peshwa rule of the Maratha Empire came to an end, and Dategad came under British control. To prevent the Marathas from uniting and revolting again, the British destroyed the structures on this fort, as they did on other forts.

• Later, in 1947 AD, after India gained independence, this fort came under the control of the Government of Independent India.

• At present, this fort is in a ruined condition. Shiv devotees of the Patan region are carrying out repair and conservation work and are preserving its archaeological heritage.

• Thus, this is the information and journey of Dategad / Sundargad Fort.

दातेगड / सुंदरगड किल्याची माहिती Dategad / sundargad kilyachi mahiti marathi

 दातेगड / सुंदरगड किल्याची माहिती

Dategad / sundargad kilyachi mahiti marathi

• स्थान :

महाराष्ट्र राज्यातील सातारा जिल्ह्यात सह्याद्री पर्वतात पाटण तालुक्यात घेरा दातेगड हा किल्ला पायथा टोळेवाडी गावाजवळ आहे.

• उंची : या किल्याची समुद्र सपाटीपासून उंची सरासरी ३४२५ फूट आहे.

• सोप्या श्रेणीत हा किल्ला येतो.

• दातेगड किल्ला पहायला जाण्यासाठी प्रवासी मार्ग :

सातारा हे जिल्ह्याचे ठिकाण असून ते रस्ते व लोहमार्ग या द्वारे भारतातील अन्य शहरांना जोडलेले आहे.

• पुणे येथून १८० किलोमीटर अंतरावर दातेगड किल्ला आहे.

• मुंबई येथून ३२० किलोमीटर अंतरावर दातेगड किल्ला आहे.

• नाशिक येथून ४०० किलोमीटर अंतरावर दातेगड किल्ला पहायला मिळतो.

• मुंबई – पुणे – सातारा – उंब्रज – मल्हार पेठ – चिपळूण रोडने पाटण येथून पुढे टोळेवाडी पायथा गाव तेथून दाते गडावर जाता येते.

• उंब्रज पासून पाटण २८ किलोमीटर व तेथून टोळेवाडी गाव ५ किलोमीटर अंतरावर आहे. तेथून एक किलोमीटर अंतरावर दातेगड किल्ला आहे.

• दातेगडावर पाहण्यायोग्य ठिकाणे :

• पाटण या तालुक्याच्या ठिकाणावरून आपण गडाच्या पायथ्याशी असलेल्या टोळेवाडी गावी पोहोचू शकतो. तेथे एक सुंदरगड नावाने रिसॉर्ट आहे. त्या परिसरात आपले वाहन पार्क करून पायी गडावर पोहोचू शकतो. गडावर जाण्यासाठी दोन मार्ग आहेत. दोन्ही मार्ग आपल्याला गडाच्या दरवाजापर्यंत नेऊन पोहोचवतात.

• कात्याळ गुहा :

गडाच्या मुख्य दाराच्या बाहेरील बाजूस आपल्याला जवळच पायवाटेला एक गुहा पाहायला मिळते. ती कात्याळ खडकात खोदून तयार केलेली पहायला मिळते. ती पहारेकऱ्यांना विश्रांती घेण्यासाठी केली असावी. या गुहा खोलीतील आतील बाजूस लहान छिद्रे असणारी लहान पोकळी दिसते. यामध्ये जाणे अवघड आहे. पूर्वी गुप्त मार्ग असो किंवा पावसाळी पाण्याच्या निचऱ्याने तिची निर्मिती झाली असल्याचे जाणवते.

• मुख्य प्रवेशद्वार :

सदरचा गड हा लयन गड प्रकारात येतो. या गडाची निर्मिती प्राचीन अग्निजन्य खडकास छिन्नी हातोडा वापरून नको असलेला भाग काढून तयार केली असल्याचे जाणवते. पायरी चढून थोड वर समोर मुख्य प्रवेशद्वार लागते. खडकात खोदून तयार केलेलं हे जांभ्या रंगाच्या खडकाचे आहे. वरील बाजूस थोडी पडझड झालेली आहे. सध्याच्या रूपावरून तत्कालीन बांधकाम रचना समजून येते. उंबऱ्याखालून पाणी निचरा होण्यासाठी छिद्रे ठेवलेली दिसतात. या दरवाजाने आत प्रवेश करता येतो.

• पहारेकरी देवड्या :

दरवाजा बाजूला खोदून केलेल्या देवड्या पहायला मिळतात. इतर गडाप्रमाणे या ही गडावर त्यांची रचना दिसते. पहारा देत असलेल्या सैनिकांना विश्रांतीसाठी त्या खोदल्याचे दिसतात.

ओसरी 

• ढाळज :

 दरवाजातून आत आल्यावर आपल्याला ढाळज लागते. ही ढळज ही विस्तृत अशी आहे. जेथून आपल्याला गडाच्या वरील भागात जाता येते. या ढाळजे मध्ये आपणास गणेश व हनुमंत या हिंदू देवतेच्या मूर्ती पाहायला मिळतात.

• हनुमंत ( दक्षिण मुखी मारुती ) शिल्प लयन मूर्ती :

किल्याच्या ढाळजे मध्ये आपल्याला एक जवळ जवळ बारा फूट उंच कात्याळ भिंतीत खोदून कोरून तयार केलेली लयन वीर हनुमंत मूर्ती पाहायला मिळते. ती शेंदरी रंगात रंगवलेली आहे. हनुमंत म्हणजे अवघड काम सुलभ करणारी देवता. जी वीर शक्तीचे प्रतीक आहे. युद्ध करण्यासाठी जाताना हनुमंत पूजा करतात. म्हणून विजय व अशक्य ते शक्य करणारी देवता म्हणून हनुमंत पूजा केली जाते. ते लयन शिल्प दरवाजातून प्रवेश करताच समोर येते. या मूर्तीवर सूर्य मावळत असताना सूर्य किरणे पडतात.

( लायन म्हणजे दगडी खडकात खोदून तयार केलेली संरचना. )

• गणेश लयन मूर्ती :

हिंदू धर्मात दुःख नष्ट करणारी देवता. व कोणत्याही कार्याचा आरंभ करण्यासाठी आशीर्वाद गणेशाचा घेतला जातो. हनुमंत मूर्ती शेजारील भिंतीवर आपणास गणेश मूर्ती कोरलेली पाहायला मिळते. ही जवळ जवळ ६ ते ७ फूट उंच असावी. मूर्तीचे वैशिष्ट्ये तिचे कान गणेशास प्रिय फुल असणाऱ्या जास्वंदी फुलाच्या रचनेप्रमाणे आहेत.

ही सुद्धा छिन्नी हातोडा वापरून बनवली आहे. सूर्य उगवत असताना या मूर्तीवर किरणे पडतात. असे सुंदर दृश्य येथे दिसून येते.

• कात्याळ खोदीव पायरी मार्ग :

श्री गणेश व हनुमंत देवतेचे दर्शन केल्यावर आपणास एक अग्निजन्य खडकात खोदलेला पायरी मार्ग लागतो. या मार्गानं आपण गडाच्या वरील भागात पोहोचू शकतो. या मार्गानं चढून जाताना आपल्याला ऐक खोदीव लयन गुहा खोली लागते. मावळे तथा सैनिक यांच्या विश्रांतीसाठी ती केली असल्याचे जाणवते.

• तलवारीच्या आकाराची विहीर :

गड माथ्यावर गेल्यावर आपल्याला एक तलवारीच्या आकाराची विहीर लागते. जी अग्निजन्य खडकात खोदलेली दिसून येते. ही विहीर ५० मीटर लांब, ३ मीटर रुंद व ३० मीटर खोल आहे.विहिरीत उतरण्यासाठी जोड पायरी स्वरूपात खुदाई दिसून येते. एका बाजूस मोठ्या आकाराची तर दुसऱ्या बाजूस लहान आकाराची पायरी अशा स्वरूपात उतरण पायऱ्यांची दिसून येते. जस जसे विहिरीत उतरावे तसे शांत, थंडावा जाणवतो गडावरील शिबंदीतील लोकांना पिण्याच्या व खर्चाच्या पाण्याची सोय करण्यासाठी तिची रचना केलेली असल्याचे दिसते. स्थानिक लोक तिला गेरूची विहीर म्हणतात. गेरू म्हणजे घाटी मराठी शब्द याचा अर्थ लाला जांभ्या रंगाची माती होय.

• शिव मंदिर :

विहिरीत आतील बाजूस एक लहान लयन गुहा मंदिर आहे. तिच्यामध्ये आपणास नंदी व महादेव पिंड पहायला मिळते. येथील राजे मुख्य शैव पंथी असल्याने प्रत्येक किल्यावर आपणास शिवमंदिर पहायला मिळते. शिव तिथे गंगा तसेच येथे शिवपिंड व विहिरीतील जल या रूपाने या गोष्टीचा प्रत्यय येतो.

• तटबंदी :

• किल्ल्याला सभोवती उंच तासीव कात्याळ भिंत पहायला मिळते. ही १५ ते २० फूट उंच असून वरील बाजूस बांधकाम करण्यात आले होते. यासाठी किल्ल्याच्या सखल उतारावरील खडकातील चिरे म्हणजेच दगड काढले होते. त्याच्या सहाय्याने येथे बांधकाम केले असल्याचे दिसून येते. ही तटबंदी काही ठिकाणी ढासळली असल्याचे दिसते.

• पाण्याची टाकी :

• किल्यावर जागोजागी सखल भागातील दगड काढून पाण्याची खोल टाकी बनवली असल्याचे दिसून येते. याद्वारे गडावर राहणाऱ्या लोकांची राहण्याची सोय केली गेली असल्याचे दिसून येते.

• सदरेचे अवशेष :

किल्ल्यावर एके ठिकाणी आपणास विस्तृत असे बांधकाम पाहायला मिळते. ही ज्योते असलेली संरचना म्हणजे बैठक सदर असल्याचे जाणवते. ज्याच्या वरील भाग लाकडाचा असतो. काळाच्या ओघात परकीय आक्रमकांनी नासधूस केल्याचे दिसते. आता फक्त अवशेष शिल्लक आहेत. येथे सल्लामसलतीसाठी सभा भरत असावी.

• बांधकाम अवशेष :

येथे जागोजागी अनेक बांधकामाचे अवशेष पाहायला मिळतात. सदरच्या किल्यावर मोठ्या प्रमाणात किल्लेदार, मुख्य अधिकारी, शिबंदीतील सैनिक व कर्मचारी यांच्या राहण्याची सोय करण्यासाठी अनेक ठिकाणी बांधकाम केले गेल्याचे चौथरा अवशेषांवरून जाणवते.

• इतर पाण्याची टाकी :

किल्यावर जागोजागी अनेक सखोल पाण्याची टाकी खोदली असल्याचे पाहायला मिळते. जेथील दगड रहिवासी इमारत तसेच तटबंदी बांधकामात वापरले गेल्याचे जाणवते.

• ध्वज स्तंभ :

• किल्याच्या उंच भागात एके ठिकाणी आपणास ध्वजस्तंभ पहायला मिळतो. ज्यावर हिंदू राज्यधर्माची भगवी पताका फडकताना पहायला मिळते.

अशाप्रकारे फक्त दोन ते तीन तासात गड परिक्रमा होते. व आपण परतीच्या मार्गास लागतो.

• दातेगड किल्याची ऐतिहासिक माहिती :

• सदरचा गड हा शिवपूर्व कालीन आहे. पूर्वी या परिसरात असलेल्या शालिवाहन राजवटीच्या काळात किंवा अन्य हिंदू राजवटीत या किल्याची निर्मिती केली असल्याचे बांधकाम रचनेवरून जाणवते.

• सदरच्या गडाचा परिसर प्राचीन विजापूर, कराड , चिपळूण या व्यापारीमार्गावर आहे. तत्कालीन राजांनी घाट मार्गावर वाहतूकीवर नजर ठेवण्यासाठी या परिसरात घेरा दातेगड, जयगड, गुणवंतगड, वसंतगड, सदाशिवगड, या गडांची निर्मिती केली असल्याचे जाणवते.

• इसवी सनाच्या पंधराव्या शतकात शिर्के सरदारांच्या ताब्यात हा किल्ला असावा.

• इसवी सनाच्या १५ व्या शतकात बहामनी सुलतान मल्लिक मुर्तिजा याने हा किल्ला बहामनी सत्तेत अखत्यारीत आणला.

• पुढे हा किल्ला बहामनी सत्तेच्या विघटनाने निर्माण झालेल्या आदिलशहाकडे आला.

• इसवी सन १६५९ साला त अफजलखान वध व जावळी मोहीम फत्ते केल्यावर हा किल्ला स्वराज्यात दाखल केला. शिवरायांनी येथील सुंदर परिसर आवडला व किल्याचे नाव सुंदरगड ठेवले. व सरदार साळुंखे यांच्याकडे हा किल्ला सुपूर्द केला. ते पाटण परिसरात राहत असल्याने त्यांना पाटणकर या नावाने ओळखले जाते.

• इसवी सन १६८९ रोजी संभाजीराजांच्या मृत्यूनंतर हा किल्ला मुघलांनी जिंकून घेतला.

• सरसेनापती संताजी घोरपडे व साळुंखे पाटणकर यांनी पुन्हा हा किल्ला स्वराज्यात आणला. तेव्हा राजाराम महाराज यांनी हा किल्ला व पाटण परिसरातील ३४ गावे इनाम म्हणून पाटणकरांना दिली.

• पुढे हा किल्ला स्वराज्यात राहिला.

• इसवी सन १९१८ सालात मराठा साम्राज्याचा पेशवाईचा अस्त झाला. व दातेगड ब्रिटिशांच्या ताब्यात गेला. पुन्हा मराठ्यांनी एकत्र येऊन उठाव करू नये यासाठी इंग्रजांनी इतर किल्ल्याप्रमाणे या किल्ल्यावरील वास्तूंची नासधूस केली.

• पुढे इसवी सन १९४७ सालात भारत स्वतंत्र झाल्यावर हा किल्ला स्वतंत्र भारत सरकारच्या ताब्यात आला.

• सध्या भग्न अवस्थेत असलेल्या या किल्ल्याची पाटण परिसरातील शिवप्रेमी डागडुजी करत आहेत. याचे पुरातत्व टिकवून ठेवत आहेत.

•अशी आहे दातेगड/ सुंदरगड किल्याची माहिती dategad/ sundargad kilyachi mahiti marathi madhe