Historic forts of Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a rich military history guarded by over 350 forts across the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan coastline, and the Deccan plains. For competitive exams like MPSC, studying these forts — their geographic type, height, architect/builder, and role in historical events (especially under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas) — is crucial. Use this interactive map to trace their locations, learn historical milestones, or practice with the built-in exam quiz mode.
Tap a fort marker on the map or select from the list below.
Quick facts for exams
Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Swarajya. It is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned on 6 June 1674.
Shivneri Fort (Junnar) is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, born on 19 February 1630.
Sinhagad Fort (previously Kondhana) is famous for the heroic battle of 1670 where Tanaji Malusare sacrificed his life to recapture it.
Torna Fort (Prachandagad) was the very first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1646, marking the beginning of the Swarajya at the age of 16.
Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg are masterfully engineered sea forts designed to secure the Konkan coastline and counter Siddi and colonial navies.
Daulatabad Fort (Devgiri) features a famous rock-cut moat and three concentric walls. It briefly served as India's capital under Muhammad bin Tughluq.
Forts at a glance
| Fort | District | Type | Height (m) | Built / fortified by | MPSC importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raigad | Raigad | Hill fort | 820 m | Rebuilt as the capital by Hiroji Indulkar for Shivaji Maharaj | High |
| Shivneri | Pune | Hill fort | 1067 m | Ancient hill stronghold; fortified under the Yadavas and later the Nizamshahi | High |
| Sinhagad | Pune | Hill fort | 1312 m | Ancient fort; held by Yadavas, Nizamshahi, Mughals and Marathas in turn | High |
| Rajgad | Pune | Hill fort | 1376 m | Fortified and expanded by Shivaji Maharaj on Murumbdev hill | High |
| Torna | Pune | Hill fort | 1403 m | Believed built by Shaiva ascetics; later under Bahmani and Nizamshahi control | High |
| Pratapgad | Satara | Hill fort | 1080 m | Moropant Trimbak Pingle, on the orders of Shivaji Maharaj | High |
| Sindhudurg | Sindhudurg | Sea fort | Sea level | Shivaji Maharaj — construction supervised by Hiroji Indulkar | High |
| Vijaydurg | Sindhudurg | Sea fort | Sea level | Shilahara king Bhoja II; greatly strengthened by Shivaji Maharaj | High |
| Panhala | Kolhapur | Hill fort | 845 m | Shilahara king Bhoja II | High |
| Daulatabad (Devgiri) | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Hill fort | Sea level | Yadava king Bhillama V | High |
| Murud-Janjira | Raigad | Sea fort | Sea level | Fortified by the Siddis under the Ahmadnagar Sultanate (earlier a Koli stronghold) | High |
| Lohagad | Pune | Hill fort | 1033 m | Ancient origins; strengthened under the Nizamshahi and the Marathas | High |
| Visapur | Pune | Hill fort | 1084 m | Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa | Standard |
| Harishchandragad | Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) | Hill fort | 1424 m | Kalachuri-era origins; caves and temples carved around the 11th century | Standard |
| Salher | Nashik | Hill fort | 1567 m | Ancient fort of the Baglan region (Bagul kings); later under the Marathas | High |
| Sajjangad | Satara | Hill fort | 1000 m | Bahmani-era fortification; later Adil Shahi and Maratha control | High |
| Purandar | Pune | Hill fort | 1387 m | Ancient (Yadava-era references); rebuilt under Bahmani, Nizamshahi and Maratha rule | High |
| Arnala | Palghar | Sea fort | Sea level | Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat; rebuilt by the Marathas after 1737 | Standard |
| Vasota | Satara | Hill fort | 1171 m | Shilahara-era rulers | Standard |
| Tikona | Pune | Hill fort | 1066 m | Medieval origins; held by the Nizamshahi, captured by Shivaji Maharaj (1657) | Standard |
| Suvarnadurg | Ratnagiri | Sea fort | Sea level | Built by Shilahara dynasty; later fortified by Shivaji Maharaj | High |
The map above is a simplified educational schematic. Coordinate alignments, borders, and positions are approximate and not to scale.