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Building forts has proved its importance in history. They were used for empire establishment and sustenance, keeping the enemies away, and securing the future of the kingdom. This fact was very well known to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In his lifetime, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja won over 200 forts, however in different places it is said that he built 300. All these forts, to date, define the beauty of Maharashtra.
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How Many Forts Are Won by Shivaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is well known for seizing several forts. It is estimated that during his lifetime, he seized and constructed and controlled 240 to 280 forts. According to certain sources, the list is 300. However, there are 9 forts won by Shivaji Maharaj that are very popular. This includes the forts like Torna Fort. He used all forts to control the territory and to strengthen his kingdom.
List of Forts Won by Shivaji Maharaja
Here is a list of the 9 forts that were won by Shivaji Maharaj.
| S.No | Fort Name | Construction Period |
| 1 | Torna Fort | 13th century |
| 2 | Sinhagad Fort | 14th century |
| 3 | Raigad Fort | 14th century |
| 4 | Shivneri Fort | 12th century |
| 5 | Vijaydurg Fort | 1196–1206 CE |
| 6 | Sindhudurg Fort | 1664–1667 |
| 7 | Rajgad Fort | 1654–1662 |
| 8 | Pratapgad Fort | 1656 |
| 9 | Lohagad Fort | 10th century |
Also Read: The story of Shivaji Maharaja
7 Important Forts Won By Shivaji Maharaja
Here is a list of the seven most importtnat forts won by Shivaji Maharaj
Torna Fort (Prachandgad)
The Torna Fort was one of the forts won by Shivaji Maharaja. He conquered this fort while he was just 16 years old and renamed it as “Prachandgad” due to its massive structure.. This capture is marked as the beginning of the formation of the Maratha Empire. The fort is located near Pune, at an elevation of 1,403 meters. It has notable features like the Zunjar Machi and Budhla Mach
Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is one of the second forts won by Shivaji Maharaja. This fort was known as the Kondhana and was captured in 1670. Shivaji famously remarked, “Gad ala, pan Sinha gela” (The fort is won, but the lion is lost). The reason was this place where Tanaji Malusare lost his life. The fort was strategically made with very steep slopes to provide natural protection.
Raigad Fort
This is one of the forts won by Shivaji Maharaja. This fort is located 820 meters above sea level in the Sahyadri range. The fort has features like the Maha Darwaja and Shivaji’s samadhi. This fort is famous because Shivaji spent the last years of his life here. This fort is accessible by a ropeway and by normal steps.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort, where Shivaji Maharaj was born. The fort is named after Goddess Shivai Devi. The fort has 7 gates, rock-cut caves and is situated near Junnar. You can even find a Goddess Shivai Devi temple inside the fort.
Vijaydurg Fort
Vijaydurg Fort is built by Raja Bhoja 2nd. However, Shivaji is the one who fortified the fort. Therefore, it is counted under the list of the forts won by Shivaji Maharaja. It is also known as the “Eastern Gibraltar” for its strong defence systems. This fort is located at the Sindhudurg coast, and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea. The fort was used as a naval base
Sindhudurg Fort
The Sindhudurg Fort was constructed by Shivajji around 1664. This fort has also served as a naval base of the Maratha kingdom. The fort has a temple that is dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and his footprints. It has become a popular tourist destination. You can access the fort by ferry. The main entrance of the fort is concealed to protect against enemy attacks.
Rajgad Fort
The Rajgad Fort is the former capital of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji spent about 26 years here. Even the birth of his son Rajaram took place here. Some of the features of the fort are: Balekilla (citadel). It is difficult to seize this fort due to its massive base diameter,. The fort has been divided into 4 main sections called Machis: Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, and Sanjivani Machi.
What Was the First Fort of Shivaji Maharaj?
The Torna Fort AKA Prachandagada Fort is said to be the first fort captured by the Maratha Maharaja. He was just a young boy of 16 years of age when he started taking control over the Deccan part of India. The Torna Fort is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and mountains. Here the average temperature can range from 19-3 degrees Celsius.
What Was the Strongest Fort of Shivaji Maharaj?
The Lohagadh Fort is the strongest fort captured by Shivaji Maharaja. In Martha, it means the “Iron Fort,” situated on the hills of Lonavala, Maharashtra. This fort was used to keep the prisoners in the Shivaji era. The four walls of this fort are still in broken form which shows the test of time and the glories of Maharaja.
Which Was the Most Magnificent Fort of Shivaji Maharaj?
Raigad Fort is the most beautiful fort by Shivaji Maharaja. It was also the capital of the Maratha kingdom in 1674, for the time he was crowned as the king. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja was able to capture his fort from Rajchandraju More, the one who built it, in 1659.
The other prominent first captured by the emperor are the following
- Shivneri Fort
- Pratapgad
- Vijaydurg Fort
- Raigad Fort
- Shriman Bungalow Panhala Fort
- Sindhudurg Fort
- Lohagad Fort
- Purandar Fort
- Torna Fort
- Murud-Janjira Fort
- Khanderi fort
- Lohagad
- Sinhagad
- Sinhagad Fort
- Suvarnadurg Fort
FAQs
Shivaji won about 120 battles. He was a leader and a military strategist who used guerrilla warfare tactics effectively against larger armies.
Shivaji surrendered about 23 forts after the Treaty of Purandar. He kept 12 forts, and paid compensation of 400,000 gold hun to the Mughals.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a ruler who has 240 forts. He was the leader of the Maratha Empire.
Mathas turned out to be stronger than the Mughals. However, both proved to be strong at one point in time.
Relevant Blogs
It was everything about the forts won by Shivaji Maharaja. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our page Famous Personalities of India or general knowledge page! Alternatively, you can also read our blog on general knowledge for competitive exams!
