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{{short description|Fort on an island in Maharashtra, India}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} |
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{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}} |
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}} |
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{{Infobox military installation |
{{Infobox military installation |
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|name = Suvarnadurg |
|name = Suvarnadurg |
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|partof = [[Harnai, Maharashtra|Harnai]] port of [[Ratnagiri District]] |
|partof = [[Harnai, Maharashtra|Harnai]] port of [[Ratnagiri District]] |
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|location= [[Harnai, Maharashtra|Harnai]], [[India]] |
|location= [[Harnai, Maharashtra|Harnai]], [[India]] |
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|code = |
|code = |
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|built = Seventeenth century |
|built = Seventeenth century |
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|builder = |
|builder =[[Adil Shahi dynasty]]<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-9-38060-734-4 |pages=207|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UdW6lAEACAAJ }}</ref> |
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|height = |
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|caption2 = Entrance to Suvarnadurg fort |
|caption2 = Entrance to Suvarnadurg fort |
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'''Suvarnadurg''' ({{langx|mr|सुवर्णदुर्ग}} - [[Indian English|translation]]: ''Golden Fort'', also spelt ''Severndroog'' in English, a spelling sometimes also used for [[Savandurga]]<ref>{{cite book|page=378|title=A geographical, statistical, and historical description of Hindostan, and the adjacent counties, Volume 2|author=Walter Hamilton (M.R.A.S.)|publisher=J. Murray|year= 1820}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.talukadapoli.com/en/places/suvarndurg-fort-harnai-taluka-dapoli/|title=History of Suvarnadurg, Harnai {{!}} Taluka Dapoli|last=admin|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref>) is a fort that is located between [[Mumbai]] and [[Goa]] on a small island in the [[Arabian Sea]], near [[Harnai, Maharashtra|Harnai]] in [[Konkan]], along the West Coast of [[India]], in the [[States of India|Indian state]] of [[Maharashtra]]. |
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| ⚫ | The literal meaning of ''Suvanadurga'' is "Golden Fort" as it was considered as the pride or the "feather in the golden cap of Marathas". Built by Adilshah Navy for defence purposes, the fort also had a shipbuilding facility. The basic objective of establishing the fort was to counter enemy attacks, mainly by the colonialists of Europe and also by the local chieftains.<ref name=Suvana/> |
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| ⚫ | The literal meaning of ''Suvanadurga'' in the [[Marathi language]] is "Golden Fort" as it was considered as the pride or the "feather in the golden cap of Marathas". Built by Adilshah Navy for defence purposes, the fort also had a shipbuilding facility. The basic objective of establishing the fort was to counter enemy attacks, mainly by the colonialists of Europe and also by the local chieftains.<ref name=Suvana/> |
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| ⚫ | In the past, the land fort and the sea fort were connected by a tunnel, but this is now defunct. The present approach to the sea fort is only by boats from the Harnai port on the headland. It is a protected monument.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of the protected monuments of Mumbai Circle district-wise|url=http://www.asimumbaicircle.com/images/list-of-protected-monuments-n-forts.pdf}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In the past, the land fort and the sea fort were connected by a tunnel, but this is now defunct. The present approach to the sea fort is only by boats from the Harnai port on the headland. It is a protected monument.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of the protected monuments of Mumbai Circle district-wise|url=http://www.asimumbaicircle.com/images/list-of-protected-monuments-n-forts.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606093840/http://www.asimumbaicircle.com/images/list-of-protected-monuments-n-forts.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=6 June 2013}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | The fort also includes another small land fort called the Kanakadurga at the base of headland of Harnai port on the coast. Building of the fort is credited to [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]], founder of the [[Maratha Empire]], in 1660. Subsequently, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, other [[Peshwas]] and the Angres further fortified the forts for defence purposes.<ref name=forts>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Forts/SuvarnadurgFort.html|title=Suvarnadurg Fort|access-date=13 January 2010|publisher=Government of Maharashtra}}</ref><ref name=Suvana>{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080114041058/http://maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/RATNAGIRI/places_Harnai.html|archive-date=14 January 2008|url-status=dead|title=Harnai|access-date=2010-01-14|publisher=Maharashtra Gazetter Department|url=http://maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/RATNAGIRI/places_Harnai.html|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2018}} |
{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2018}} |
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The fort is on an island in the [[Arabian |
The fort is on an island in the [[Arabian Sea]] on the west coast within the jurisdiction of [[Ratnagiri district]], off the Kanakadurga fort and below the headland Harnai port. The nearest town is [[Dapoli]], a hill station (near [[Chiplun]]), {{convert|17|km|mi}} from Harnai. Kanakadurga,<ref name=TalukaDapoli>{{Cite web|url=http://www.talukadapoli.com/en/places/kanakdurg-harnai/|title=Kanakdurg, Harnai {{!}} Taluka Dapoli|last=admin|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref> the harbour fort, built originally as a strategic link to the sea fort has a lighthouse. Harnai, near the dilapidated Kanakadurg fort, is an important harbour, which is right on the edge of the land that protrudes into the Arabian Sea. This is a natural harbour known for large fishing and marketing. It is conjectured that the Kanakadurga fort<ref name=TalukaDapoli/> and other land side forts such as [[Bankot|Bankot fort]], Fategad fort and Gova fort<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.talukadapoli.com/en/places/goa-fort-harnai/|title=Goa fort, Harnai {{!}} Taluka Dapoli|last=admin|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref> were built primarily as lookout forts for the security of the Suvarnadurg fort. There is no landing jetty at the Suvarnadurga fort. However, the landing is on the shores of the sandy beach of the rocky island. Another feature of the area is that a narrow channel separates the Gova, Kanakadurg<ref name=TalukaDapoli/> and Fattehgarh forts on the mainland. |
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;Climate |
;Climate |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[Image:Suvarnadurg fort.JPG|thumb|Suvarnadurg fort]] |
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The fort was captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 by defeating [[Ali Adil Shah II]] (1656–1672). [[Kanhoji Angre]] (1667–1729), popularly known as "Samudratla Shivaji" (Shivaji of the sea) was the [[Koli People|Koli]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/as-nda-cadet-i-was-witness-to-vice-admiral-awatis-kindness/145378/|title=As NDA cadet, I was witness to Vice Admiral Awati’s kindness|last=LT GEN K. J.|first=SINGH|date=|website=ThePrint.In|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref> Admiral of the [[Maratha Empire|Maratha Navy]]; in 1696, Kanhoji's naval fleet was stationed here. However, the fort was formally handed over to Kanhoji in 1713 by Shahu Raja.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/> |
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[[Kanhoji Angre]] |
[[Kanhoji Angre]], popularly known as "Samudratla Shivaji" (Shivaji of the sea) was the<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/as-nda-cadet-i-was-witness-to-vice-admiral-awatis-kindness/145378/|title=As NDA cadet, I was witness to Vice Admiral Awati's kindness|last=LT GEN K. J.|first=SINGH|website=ThePrint.In|access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref> Admiral of the [[Maratha Empire|Maratha Navy]]; in 1696, Kanhoji's naval fleet was stationed here. However, the fort was formally handed over to Kanhoji in 1713 by Shahu Raja.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/> Angre, who was also known as Kanhoji Angria, was appointed in 1698 as Admiral of the Maratha Naval Fleet by the [[Peshwas]]. He had complete control over the west coast, from [[Bombay]] to Vengurla, except for the fort of [[Murud-Janjira|Janjira]], which remained with the Siddis (for 200 years). For maintaining "fealty" with the [[Satara (city)|Satara]]s (Shivaji's family stronghold), he was granted 26 forts and its dependent villages, which included Suvarnadurg. In subsequent years, these forts became strongholds for piracy. According to both Indian historians of [[Anglo-Maratha Wars (disambiguation)|Anglo-Maratha Wars]] such as Anil Athale<ref name=AnilAthale>{{cite book| last=Athale | first=Anil| title=Struggle for Empire: Anglo-Maratha Wars, 1679–1818|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WuL2PQAACAAJ|publisher=Reliance Publishing House|date=2002| isbn=9788175101203}}</ref> and now revisionist western historians such as John Keay<ref name=JohnKeay>{{Cite book|last=Keay|first=John|title= The Honorable Company: A History of the English East India Company|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XpdgQt6Tc54C|publisher=Harper Collins, U.K.|isbn=9780007395545|date=2010-07-08}}</ref> and Simon Leyton. Leyton wrote in ''The "Moghul's Admiral": Angrian "Piracy" and the Rise of British Bombay'': "It is now generally accepted by historians that Kanhoji [Angre], at least, was not a pirate in any sense of the word; rather, he is more properly thought of as the 'Admiral' of the Marathas"—an Indian Kingdom—"who for many years confronted European attempts to claim navigational rights over coastal shipping lanes".<ref name=SimonLeyton>{{Cite journal|last=Leyton | first=Simon|title=The "Moghul's Admiral": Angrian "Piracy" and the Rise of British Bombay|date=2013 |url=http://brill.com/jemh |journal= Journal of Early Modern History |volume=17 |pages=75–93 |doi= 10.1163/15700658-12342358| name-list-style=vanc}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | He had two legitimate and two illegitimate sons, and Sambaji his legitimate son was given control of Suvarnadurg. Following the death of one of the brothers in 1734, there were intense fights and acts of piracy continued. In spite of conflicts with the British [[East India Company]] in 1732, Sambaji was back in Suvarnadurg unharmed. However, by 1749, Tulaji, the stepbrother of Sambaji, had become very powerful and his ships sailed unharmed, even much bolder than what his father Kanhoji had achieved. This situation forced the Peshwas to join forces with the British to suppress Tulaji's activities. In 1755, they jointly attacked Tulaji's stronghold of Suvarnadurg and took control of the fort within 48 hours. Suvarnadurg was then given to the Peshwas, who subsequently gave it to the British.<ref name=Suvana/><ref name= "Saletore pp.109, 111">Saletore pp.109, 111</ref> |
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Kanhoji relentlessly carried on his fight against the British and in 1721 joined hands with the [[Portugal|Portuguese]]; when 33 British soldiers were killed, 21 wounded and many ammunition and field guns were seized by the Marathas. In 1722, when Kanhoji was to attack the English factory at [[Karwar]], in spite of the British sending their ships 'Victoria' and the 'Revenge' to attack Kanhoji's forces, he was not cowed down; even though his Dutch Commander was killed and his 16 ships were captured. However, he died on 4 June 1729, an unvanquished hero for 31 years against all foreign attacks. It is said that "Had he been in England, like [[Francis Drake|Drake]], he would have been knighted and lionised as a national hero, but in India he died merely as an independent ruler who never permitted any foreign ruler to filch even a part of his precious little dominion”.<ref name=Suvana/><ref name= "Saletore p.108">Saletore p.108</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Subsequent to Kanhoji's demise, Tulaji Angre took charge of Suvarnadurg and it became the seat of his power. However, he fell foul of the Peshwas. He was considered arrogant. In the war with Tulaji, the Peshwas were supported by the British. The joint siege of the fort lasted from 25 March to 2 April 1755. On 12 April 1755, British Commodore [[Sir William James, 1st Baronet|William James]] captured the fort and formally handed it over to the Peshwas. However, this support proved detrimental to the Peshwas, as the British extracted, as a reward, control over the Bankot fort but only allowed the Peshwas to have control over the Suvarnadurg. In 1802, Bajirav Peshwa under attack by the [[Holkars]] was trying to take refuge in this fort but had to flee to [[Vasai]] as he was chased to the fort by the Holkars. In 1818, Captain William, leading a British force, attacked the fort and took full control of it on 4 December 1818. Soon thereafter the other forts also came under British control. The fort was thus under the control of the Peshwas till 1818. The fort has witnessed a scene of "triumph and tragedy, of the display of heroic courage and abject cowardice."<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/><ref name = "Naravane p.4">Naravane p.4</ref> |
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| ⚫ | He had two legitimate and two illegitimate sons, and Sambaji his legitimate son was given control of Suvarnadurg. Following the death of one of the brothers in 1734, there were intense fights and acts of piracy continued. In spite of |
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| ⚫ | The Angrias are also credited with not only strengthening the fort but also establishing the shipbuilding yard at Suvanadurg and creating a large fleet of warships to secure the west coast, the [[Konkan coast]], from encroachment by the British, [[French East India Company|French]] and [[Dutch East India Company|Dutch East India companies]]. It is also inferred that the small forts (Guva, Kanakadurga, Bankot fort, Fattegad fort and Gova fort) were primarily built by Kanhoji Angre to defend Suvarnadurg from any enemy attack from the land route.<ref name=forts/> |
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| ⚫ | Subsequent to Kanhoji's demise, Tulaji Angre took charge of Suvarnadurg and it became the seat of his power. However, he fell foul of the Peshwas. He was considered arrogant. In the war with Tulaji, Peshwas were supported by the British. The joint siege of the fort lasted from 25 March |
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| ⚫ | The Angrias are also credited with not only strengthening the fort but also establishing the |
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==Structures== |
==Structures== |
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Suvarnadurg fort is located on a rocky island in the Arabian Sea on the west coast. It is spread over an area of {{convert|8|acre|ha}} and is about {{convert|1|mi|km}} from the main land.<ref name=Suvana/> As is common in other similar forts, it is encircled by a dry moat. It tapers towards the southern direction from where the Kanakadurga fort is clearly visible. The walls have been mostly cut out of the rock exposures on the island. However, some part of the fort walls are built with large stone blocks of {{convert|10|-|12|ft|m}} square. It has two entrances or gates, known as the 'Mahadarwaja' (big gate) also called the postern wall (above the high tide level) on the east and 'Chor Darwaja' on the west; the former gate faces the land and the latter faces the sea. The fort comes into sight only at very close quarters. The fort can be approached only during the low tide condition when it is also easier to walk in the precincts of the fort. The present entry from the main east gate is blocked by thorny bushes but can be accessed from a narrow entry, locally known as the [[devdi]]s. At the main entry, carvings of a [[Hanuman]] carved on the wall and a carved turtle on one of the leading steps are seen. The sea-gate depicts carved figures of a tiger, eagle and elephants. The fort is fortified with many bastions, which also have small built-in rooms. The central part of the fort has two granaries and a decrepit building. From the Chor Darwaja, steps lead to the fort. Locations of old palaces in the fort area are inferred from the large number of foundation plinths seen in the fort area. A stone building in the fort precincts has been identified as an ammunition magazine. Fifteen old guns have also been located in the fort.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/><ref name = Naravane>{{Cite book|last= Naravane|first= M. S|title= The maritime and coastal forts of India|work= Islands|page=12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k59aVCIlFB8C& |
Suvarnadurg fort is located on a rocky island in the Arabian Sea on the west coast. It is spread over an area of {{convert|8|acre|ha}} and is about {{convert|1|mi|km}} from the main land.<ref name=Suvana/> As is common in other similar forts, it is encircled by a dry moat. It tapers towards the southern direction from where the Kanakadurga fort is clearly visible. The walls have been mostly cut out of the rock exposures on the island. However, some part of the fort walls are built with large stone blocks of {{convert|10|-|12|ft|m}} square. It has two entrances or gates, known as the 'Mahadarwaja' (big gate) also called the postern wall (above the high tide level) on the east and 'Chor Darwaja' on the west; the former gate faces the land and the latter faces the sea. The fort comes into sight only at very close quarters. |
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The fort can be approached only during the low tide condition when it is also easier to walk in the precincts of the fort. The present entry from the main east gate is blocked by thorny bushes but can be accessed from a narrow entry, locally known as the [[devdi]]s. At the main entry, carvings of a [[Hanuman]] carved on the wall and a carved turtle on one of the leading steps are seen. The sea-gate depicts carved figures of a tiger, eagle and elephants. The fort is fortified with many bastions, which also have small built-in rooms. The central part of the fort has two granaries and a decrepit building. From the Chor Darwaja, steps lead to the fort. Locations of old palaces in the fort area are inferred from the large number of foundation plinths seen in the fort area. A stone building in the fort precincts has been identified as an ammunition magazine. Fifteen old guns have also been located in the fort.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/><ref name = Naravane>{{Cite book|last= Naravane|first= M. S|title= The maritime and coastal forts of India|work= Islands|page=12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k59aVCIlFB8C&q=Suvarnadurg+Fort&pg=PP21|access-date=2010-01-14|publisher= APH Publishing|year= 1998|isbn=978-81-7024-910-8}}</ref> |
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There are several potable water sources (tanks, ponds and wells) in the fort; however, these dry up in the summer months. There is [[step well]], which has plenty of water.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/> |
There are several potable water sources (tanks, ponds and wells) in the fort; however, these dry up in the summer months. There is [[step well]], which has plenty of water.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/> |
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;Kanakadurga fort |
;Kanakadurga fort |
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Kanakdurga fort (headland fort) projects into the sea, adjoins the Harnai port and is spread over an area of {{convert|0.25|ha|acre}}. It is approached through a flight of steps. This fort is now in ruins, except for a few water tanks, two dilapidated bastions (one at each end), a lighthouse on elevated ground, and also a residence for the caretaker. It was also once a military camp. The fort has nine water ponds with abundant water supply, of which eight are separated by stone walls and the ninth pond is a little away to the west.<ref name=forts/><ref name=Suvana/><ref name=TalukaDapoli/> |
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==Visitor information== |
==Visitor information== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{portal|Islands}} |
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{{Reflist|30em}} |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
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*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/ketanbravo/110138399/ Plan of Suvarnadurg Fort] |
*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/ketanbravo/110138399/ Plan of Suvarnadurg Fort] |
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*[http://wikimapia.org/#lat=17.816359&lon=73.0839729&z=15&l=0&m=a&v=2&show=/205429/Suvarnadurga-Harnai-Fort&search=Harnai%20Fort Suvarnadurga Fort on Wikimaps] |
*[http://wikimapia.org/#lat=17.816359&lon=73.0839729&z=15&l=0&m=a&v=2&show=/205429/Suvarnadurga-Harnai-Fort&search=Harnai%20Fort Suvarnadurga Fort on Wikimaps] |
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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvOCQ-7pnxU Documentary Video of Suvarnadurg] |
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{{Forts in Maharashtra}} |
{{Forts in Maharashtra}} |
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[[Category:Maratha Navy]] |
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[[Category:Forts in Maharashtra]] |
[[Category:Forts in Maharashtra]] |
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[[Category:Konkan]] |
[[Category:Konkan]] |
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[[Category:Monuments and memorials to Shivaji]] |
[[Category:Monuments and memorials to Shivaji]] |
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[[Category:Forts in Ratnagiri district]] |
[[Category:Forts in Ratnagiri district]] |
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[[Category:Islands of India]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in India]] |
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Latest revision as of 13:54, 11 November 2024
| Suvarnadurg | |
|---|---|
| Part of Harnai port of Ratnagiri District | |
| Harnai, India | |
 Entrance to Suvarnadurg fort | |
  Suvarnadurg | |
| Coordinates | 17°49′01″N 73°05′06″E / 17.817°N 73.085°E |
| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Government of Maharashtra |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | Seventeenth century |
| Built by | Adil Shahi dynasty[1] |
| Battles/wars | Marathas, Angrias and British |
| Events | Battles for the fort in 1755 and 1818 |
Suvarnadurg (Marathi: सुवर्णदुर्ग - translation: Golden Fort, also spelt Severndroog in English, a spelling sometimes also used for Savandurga[2][3]) is a fort that is located between Mumbai and Goa on a small island in the Arabian Sea, near Harnai in Konkan, along the West Coast of India, in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
The literal meaning of Suvanadurga in the Marathi language is "Golden Fort" as it was considered as the pride or the "feather in the golden cap of Marathas". Built by Adilshah Navy for defence purposes, the fort also had a shipbuilding facility. The basic objective of establishing the fort was to counter enemy attacks, mainly by the colonialists of Europe and also by the local chieftains.[4]
In the past, the land fort and the sea fort were connected by a tunnel, but this is now defunct. The present approach to the sea fort is only by boats from the Harnai port on the headland. It is a protected monument.[5] The fort also includes another small land fort called the Kanakadurga at the base of headland of Harnai port on the coast. Building of the fort is credited to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire, in 1660. Subsequently, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, other Peshwas and the Angres further fortified the forts for defence purposes.[6][4]
Geography
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (March 2018) |
The fort is on an island in the Arabian Sea on the west coast within the jurisdiction of Ratnagiri district, off the Kanakadurga fort and below the headland Harnai port. The nearest town is Dapoli, a hill station (near Chiplun), 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Harnai. Kanakadurga,[7] the harbour fort, built originally as a strategic link to the sea fort has a lighthouse. Harnai, near the dilapidated Kanakadurg fort, is an important harbour, which is right on the edge of the land that protrudes into the Arabian Sea. This is a natural harbour known for large fishing and marketing. It is conjectured that the Kanakadurga fort[7] and other land side forts such as Bankot fort, Fategad fort and Gova fort[8] were built primarily as lookout forts for the security of the Suvarnadurg fort. There is no landing jetty at the Suvarnadurga fort. However, the landing is on the shores of the sandy beach of the rocky island. Another feature of the area is that a narrow channel separates the Gova, Kanakadurg[7] and Fattehgarh forts on the mainland.
- Climate
The general climate on the west coast, which is where the Suvarnadurg is located, could be categorised as hot and humid. The temperatures vary from a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F) in summer to a low of 24 °C (75 °F) in winter. South West Monsoon controls the precipitation on the west coast, which lasts from June to September, and rainfall is in the range of 140–170 centimetres (55–67 in).[9]
History
[edit]
Kanhoji Angre, popularly known as "Samudratla Shivaji" (Shivaji of the sea) was the[10] Admiral of the Maratha Navy; in 1696, Kanhoji's naval fleet was stationed here. However, the fort was formally handed over to Kanhoji in 1713 by Shahu Raja.[6][4] Angre, who was also known as Kanhoji Angria, was appointed in 1698 as Admiral of the Maratha Naval Fleet by the Peshwas. He had complete control over the west coast, from Bombay to Vengurla, except for the fort of Janjira, which remained with the Siddis (for 200 years). For maintaining "fealty" with the Sataras (Shivaji's family stronghold), he was granted 26 forts and its dependent villages, which included Suvarnadurg. In subsequent years, these forts became strongholds for piracy. According to both Indian historians of Anglo-Maratha Wars such as Anil Athale[11] and now revisionist western historians such as John Keay[12] and Simon Leyton. Leyton wrote in The "Moghul's Admiral": Angrian "Piracy" and the Rise of British Bombay: "It is now generally accepted by historians that Kanhoji [Angre], at least, was not a pirate in any sense of the word; rather, he is more properly thought of as the 'Admiral' of the Marathas"—an Indian Kingdom—"who for many years confronted European attempts to claim navigational rights over coastal shipping lanes".[13]
He had two legitimate and two illegitimate sons, and Sambaji his legitimate son was given control of Suvarnadurg. Following the death of one of the brothers in 1734, there were intense fights and acts of piracy continued. In spite of conflicts with the British East India Company in 1732, Sambaji was back in Suvarnadurg unharmed. However, by 1749, Tulaji, the stepbrother of Sambaji, had become very powerful and his ships sailed unharmed, even much bolder than what his father Kanhoji had achieved. This situation forced the Peshwas to join forces with the British to suppress Tulaji's activities. In 1755, they jointly attacked Tulaji's stronghold of Suvarnadurg and took control of the fort within 48 hours. Suvarnadurg was then given to the Peshwas, who subsequently gave it to the British.[4][14]
Subsequent to Kanhoji's demise, Tulaji Angre took charge of Suvarnadurg and it became the seat of his power. However, he fell foul of the Peshwas. He was considered arrogant. In the war with Tulaji, the Peshwas were supported by the British. The joint siege of the fort lasted from 25 March to 2 April 1755. On 12 April 1755, British Commodore William James captured the fort and formally handed it over to the Peshwas. However, this support proved detrimental to the Peshwas, as the British extracted, as a reward, control over the Bankot fort but only allowed the Peshwas to have control over the Suvarnadurg. In 1802, Bajirav Peshwa under attack by the Holkars was trying to take refuge in this fort but had to flee to Vasai as he was chased to the fort by the Holkars. In 1818, Captain William, leading a British force, attacked the fort and took full control of it on 4 December 1818. Soon thereafter the other forts also came under British control. The fort was thus under the control of the Peshwas till 1818. The fort has witnessed a scene of "triumph and tragedy, of the display of heroic courage and abject cowardice."[6][4][15]
The Angrias are also credited with not only strengthening the fort but also establishing the shipbuilding yard at Suvanadurg and creating a large fleet of warships to secure the west coast, the Konkan coast, from encroachment by the British, French and Dutch East India companies. It is also inferred that the small forts (Guva, Kanakadurga, Bankot fort, Fattegad fort and Gova fort) were primarily built by Kanhoji Angre to defend Suvarnadurg from any enemy attack from the land route.[6]
Structures
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Suvarnadurg fort is located on a rocky island in the Arabian Sea on the west coast. It is spread over an area of 8 acres (3.2 ha) and is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the main land.[4] As is common in other similar forts, it is encircled by a dry moat. It tapers towards the southern direction from where the Kanakadurga fort is clearly visible. The walls have been mostly cut out of the rock exposures on the island. However, some part of the fort walls are built with large stone blocks of 10–12 feet (3.0–3.7 m) square. It has two entrances or gates, known as the 'Mahadarwaja' (big gate) also called the postern wall (above the high tide level) on the east and 'Chor Darwaja' on the west; the former gate faces the land and the latter faces the sea. The fort comes into sight only at very close quarters.
The fort can be approached only during the low tide condition when it is also easier to walk in the precincts of the fort. The present entry from the main east gate is blocked by thorny bushes but can be accessed from a narrow entry, locally known as the devdis. At the main entry, carvings of a Hanuman carved on the wall and a carved turtle on one of the leading steps are seen. The sea-gate depicts carved figures of a tiger, eagle and elephants. The fort is fortified with many bastions, which also have small built-in rooms. The central part of the fort has two granaries and a decrepit building. From the Chor Darwaja, steps lead to the fort. Locations of old palaces in the fort area are inferred from the large number of foundation plinths seen in the fort area. A stone building in the fort precincts has been identified as an ammunition magazine. Fifteen old guns have also been located in the fort.[6][4][16]
There are several potable water sources (tanks, ponds and wells) in the fort; however, these dry up in the summer months. There is step well, which has plenty of water.[6][4]
- Kanakadurga fort
Kanakdurga fort (headland fort) projects into the sea, adjoins the Harnai port and is spread over an area of 0.25 hectares (0.62 acres). It is approached through a flight of steps. This fort is now in ruins, except for a few water tanks, two dilapidated bastions (one at each end), a lighthouse on elevated ground, and also a residence for the caretaker. It was also once a military camp. The fort has nine water ponds with abundant water supply, of which eight are separated by stone walls and the ninth pond is a little away to the west.[6][4][7]
Visitor information
[edit]Mumbai is at a distance of 230 kilometres (140 mi) from Harnai. Harnai, located in a rocky bay, has an all-weather road that connects to Dapoli and Khed. The road distances to other nearby forts and towns are: Bankot-Anjarle-Harnai: 23 kilometres (14 mi); Dapoli-Harnai: 16 kilometres (9.9 mi); and Anjarle-Harnai: 7 kilometres (4.3 mi). The only approach to the fort is by boats, from Harnai. Boats have to be arranged through the local fishermen. It is a port of call for coastal steamers and thrives on fishing as a major marketing centre.[4] The nearest railway station on the Konkan Railway of the Indian Railways is at Khed. The nearest airport is at Mumbai.
References
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- ^ Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. p. 207. ISBN 978-9-38060-734-4.
- ^ Walter Hamilton (M.R.A.S.) (1820). A geographical, statistical, and historical description of Hindostan, and the adjacent counties, Volume 2. J. Murray. p. 378.
- ^ admin. "History of Suvarnadurg, Harnai | Taluka Dapoli". Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Harnai". Maharashtra Gazetter Department. Archived from the original on 14 January 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2010.
- ^ "List of the protected monuments of Mumbai Circle district-wise" (PDF). Archived from the original on 6 June 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d e f g "Suvarnadurg Fort". Government of Maharashtra. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
- ^ a b c d admin. "Kanakdurg, Harnai | Taluka Dapoli". Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ admin. "Goa fort, Harnai | Taluka Dapoli". Retrieved 10 January 2019.
- ^ Naravane p.16
- ^ LT GEN K. J., SINGH. "As NDA cadet, I was witness to Vice Admiral Awati's kindness". ThePrint.In. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
- ^ Athale, Anil (2002). Struggle for Empire: Anglo-Maratha Wars, 1679–1818. Reliance Publishing House. ISBN 9788175101203.
- ^ Keay, John (8 July 2010). The Honorable Company: A History of the English East India Company. Harper Collins, U.K. ISBN 9780007395545.
- ^ Leyton S (2013). "The "Moghul's Admiral": Angrian "Piracy" and the Rise of British Bombay". Journal of Early Modern History. 17: 75–93. doi:10.1163/15700658-12342358.
- ^ Saletore pp.109, 111
- ^ Naravane p.4
- ^ Naravane, M. S (1998). The maritime and coastal forts of India. APH Publishing. p. 12. ISBN 978-81-7024-910-8. Retrieved 14 January 2010.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)
External links
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