Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort Latest News

A video showing a local resident confronting a group of tourists for allegedly smoking cigarettes at Maharashtra’s historic Lohagad Fort has gone viral on social media, triggering a wider discussion on responsible tourism and the need to protect heritage monuments.

About Lohagad Fort

• Lohagad, also known as Iron Fort, is a hill fort located near Lonavala in the Pune district, Maharashtra.  
• It is raised 1033 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats.
• The mountain divides basins of the Pavana and the Indrayani rivers, and the Lohagad fort overlooks the Pavana reservoir situated south of the mountain range.  
• The Visapur fort is located on its eastern side. 
• It is a UNESCO world heritage site. 

‹ ›

Lohagad Fort History

• Initially established during the Lohtamia dynasty in the 10th century CE, the fort soon became a coveted prize for rulers across the ages. 
• Over time, it bore witness to the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals, and Marathas, each leaving an indelible mark on its strategic and cultural significance.
• In 1648 AD, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seized Lohagad, recognizing its defensive and strategic importance. 
• However, due to the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, he was forced to relinquish it to the Mughals. 
• Undeterred, he recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it as a treasury vault to store the riches from his successful Surat campaign. 
• Later, during the Peshwa era, statesman Nana Phadnavis sought refuge here, constructing essential structures like a large tank and step-well, which still stand as silent witnesses to history.

Lohagad Fort Architecture

• The fort boasts four grand gates—Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja—each narrating tales of war, resilience, and bygone eras. 
• These gates, still largely intact, exhibit intricate carvings and remarkable masonry that highlight the exceptional engineering skills of the past.
• One of Lohagad’s most breathtaking features is the ‘Vinchukada’, or ‘Scorpion’s Tail’—a long, narrow, fortified spur extending from the fort’s main structure. 
• This naturally sculpted rock formation resembles a scorpion’s sting and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri landscapes.

News: IT