Thursday, February 2, 2012

Sinhagad, the Lion Fort

Sinhagad is an important fortress located at a distance of 30 kms from Pune. The fort is perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is on a steep hill that rises to a height of 1312 meters above sea level. This fort was earlier known by the name Kondana Fort.

Because of the natural protection provided by the steep hill, the walls and bastions were constructed at only key places. It was known to be one of the toughest fort that could be captured by anybody in a battle.


One of the most famous battle associated with this fort is the one fought by Tanaji, a general of Shivaji in 1670. Tanaji and his men scaled a steep cliff leading to the fort with the help of a monitor lizard. At the top, a fierce battle took place and Tanaji lost his life, but won the fort.
After hearing about his death, Shivaji said "Won the Fort, lost the Lion". In honor of Tanaji the fort was renamed as "Sinhagad" meaning "The Lion Fort".

In the above image one can not see the height at which fort is located as the view is obstructed by other hills. The steps to the fort seen in the second are the new additions.

54 comments:

  1. Wow , nice fort ..

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  2. a Wonder!



    Warm Aloha from Waikiki
    Comfort Spiral

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  3. Wonderful. Absolutely amazing.

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  4. Wonderful pics, Rajesh ... Love this place.

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  5. Wah!! You reminded me of my 4th Standard History- Shivaji Lesssons.

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  6. Fabulous views!

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  7. Very nice! The fort looks rather interesting!

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  8. While it seems no place is impregnable, this must be close. Wow! It's quite beautiful, though!

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  9. I see your point Rajesh, this was a very smart place to build a fort way back then. I think these days it would be a fantastic place to visit and a great trek up to the top for the view!

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  10. What a magnificent place!

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  11. Interesting story!

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  12. Good thing they allow these two towers to be built in there. Great view!

    SWF

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  13. I like the natural beauty and rugged look of the fort and terrain. Interesting information about the history.

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  14. A great place for a fort!! What terrific captures for the day, Rajesh, and another fascinating piece of Indian history! And such lovely, blue skies!

    Sylvia

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  15. I love to see your India travel photos every week!Thank you for sharing and have a nice weekend!

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  16. The views from the fort must be spectacular!

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  17. An imposing place, and great shots of it.

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  18. Great tour and story!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  19. Captured so beautifully! Have a great weekend.

    My Sky watch

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  20. Beautiful captures and history.

    Happy weekend.

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  21. Wow! A solid fort with a breathtaking view.

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  22. Very interesting post.

    Regards and best wishes

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  23. I like the way the framing beautiful castle, beautiful view. Greetings.

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  24. Good battle strategies, very well hidden fort. Thanks for sharing these rich history with us.

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  25. Beautiful shots and interesting story!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Have a great weekend :O)
    Mette

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  26. Great captures Rajesh!
    The second photo likes a stairway to heaven...
    Greetings from Holland,
    Anna :-))

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  27. Beautiful photos.I love to visit the place.

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  28. Wonderful views, Rajesh.
    Happy weekend!

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  29. Thank you for learning me more. And show me how it lokks through your lenses.
    Have a nice weekend,

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  30. This is a very imposing fort. It's hard to believe how other forces could get up that cliff and then fight a battle.

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  31. nice pics
    yes it was great battle

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  32. This looks like it would be an interesting place to explore.

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  33. A very impressive mount has perched on top an even tougher fort. It is quite easy to see how such a fort could ever be captured. The stout walls on the mount shows the advantage of holding and maintaining the high ground...

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  34. Amazing places and photos!
    Thank you!

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  35. wonderful!!

    maybe when i visit pune..i can visit this place too!!

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.com/

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  36. Wow....what a great post!! I love historical spots like this around the world. Your images are super.

    My Sunday Shadows Link: MISTY MORNING

    I do hope to see you stop by for a visit if you can find time. Have a great Sunday.

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  37. Just a great shots...Visiting form skywatch...

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  38. Wow! Great photos and story about the fort!
    Hugs, antonella :-)
    I've linked up this week and have a free printable too!

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  39. Such a steep hill with shadowy crevices highlighting how steep and rugged it is! Intriguing post!

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  40. The terrain is so steep I wonder how they built this fort!! I remember a post you did previously about Tanaji the Lion where there was a bust of the hero in an arcade. He sounds like he was a very interesting man. Happy SSS.

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  41. What an amazing structure. I cannot imagine any group trying to overtake it considering where it is located. Seems like the ones up top would definitely wipe out the ones coming up the hill. Nice captures. genie

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  42. Thank you all for appreciating this magnificent hill fort.

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  43. Amazing and very interesting Rajesh!

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  44. Very nice place.

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  45. Beautiful photos. Thanks you for share with us. Have a nice week. Greetings from Romania.

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  46. I have heard that story somewhere...Nice share!

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  47. Beautiful post and pics.

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  48. Anonymous18:23

    you refreshed my memories, I have been here 3 times.

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  49. Nice pics. Liked the post

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  50. a place worth visiting-this fort is completely merging with the surroundings in terms of color & texture.

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  51. Thank you all for appreciating gigantic fort.

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