UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 1 November 2026

Sinhagad Fort Latest News

A 100-foot tall saffron flag will be erected by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) at Sinhagad Fort in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.

About Sinhagad Fort

• Sinhagad, earlier known as ‘Kondhana’, is a fortress located near Pune, Maharashtra. 
• It perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, 1,312 m above sea level. 
• It was built in a strategic location and was surrounded by several other forts like Torna Fort, Purandar Fort, and Rajgad Fort.  

Sinhagad Fort History

• Sinhagad Fort has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. 
• It was originally known as Kondhana and was named after the sage Kaundinya. 
• It has changed hands multiple times, with rulers from different dynasties leaving their mark.
• Mohammed bin Tughalak captured the fort from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, in 1340 CE. 
• In 1496 CE, Malik Ahmad, the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty, took control of the fort.
• Nearly 200 years later, the Maratha leader Shahaji Bhonsale captured the fort. 
• In 1647 CE, Shivaji held the stronghold.
• In 1665 CE, as per the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji handed over Sinhagad to the Mughals. 
• The fort’s famous chapter unfolded in 1670 when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj orchestrated a daring mission to reclaim the fort from the Mughals.
• The Battle of Sinhagad was led by the fearless Tanaji Malusare ( Shivaji’s favorite general), who, along with his brave warriors, scaled the steep cliffs under the cover of darkness. 
• Despite putting up a fierce fight, Tanaji succumbed to his injuries. 
• When Shivaji Maharaj heard of Tanaji’s sacrifice, he famously remarked, “Gad ala, pan Sinha gela” (The fort is won, but the lion is lost). 
• In honor of his valiant warrior,  Shivaji Maharaj honoured the fort with the name Sinhagad Fort, or Lion’s Fort.
• The battle has led to an unforgettable victory for the Marathas over the Mughal Army.
• The fort remained under the control of the Marathas until 1818 CE, when it was surrendered to the British after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. 
•  The fort was later used as a retreat for many European residents of Pune.

Sinhagad Fort Architecture

• It is a marvel of Maratha architecture and engineering. 
• It comprises a strong fortified wall which runs for almost 2 miles. 
• The fort features two main entrances—the Pune Darwaza, facing Pune, and the Kalyan Darwaza, opening towards the Konkan region—both showcasing intricate stonework and strategic placement for enhanced security.
• It has an advanced water storage system, which includes ancient rainwater harvesting techniques and natural reservoirs that ensure a continuous water supply.
• The fort has several bastions, ramparts, walls, and gates that enclose its premises. 
• The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, a brewery, some military sheds, and the tombs of Rajaram Chhatrapati (Shivaji’s youngest son) and Tanaji Malusare.

News: IE