Key Facts about Durgadi Fort

About Durgadi Fort:

• It is a fort located in Kalyan, near Mumbai in Maharashtra.
• Perched on the banks of the Ulhas River, the fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Kalyan.
  • Kalyan is the busiest junction as well as a key location from ancient times.
  • This was an important international harbour developed during the Satvaahan era.
• Durgadi Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and marks the initiation of the Maratha Navy.
  • Shivaji Maharaj captured Kalyan and Bhiwandi from Adilshah on 24th October 1654.
  • He built a fort near the creek as a support to Kalyan and used it as a dock to manufacture ships.
• The fort is named after Goddess Durga, and a temple dedicated to the goddess is located within the premises.
• The fort holds significant historical value, as it was an important military stronghold during various periods in Indian history. 

Q1: Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?

He was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He was born on February 19, 1630 to Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai in the fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar of the Pune district. With his valor and great administrative skills, Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur. It eventually became the genesis of the Maratha Empire. He was known as the Father of Indian Navy, Shivaji was the first to realise the importance of having a naval force, and therefore he strategically established a navy and forts at the coastline to defend the Konkan side of Maharashtra. He was a secular ruler who was very accommodating of all religions. 

Source: Maharashtra court junks Muslim trust’s claim on Durgadi Fort space