Sea Forts in Maharashtra

Murud-Janjira Fort for example is one of the most prominent sea forts in Maharashtra located on an island off the coast of the Murud village in the Raigad district. Incredibly well made, the fort did not fall into the hands of the Marathas, the Portuguese, and the British forces that laid siege to it on several occasions. Earliest constructed in the 15th century by Siddis, the Black-African Group of people, descendents of African-origin sailors, Murud-Janjira fort bears testimony to the architectural splendor and art of assimilation of Indian and Mughal architectural styles.

As you can only get to the fort with small sailboats, it is situated in the Arabian Sea. Its formidable walls stretching directly from the sea have 19 bastions, where once the cannons were placed and some of which are preserved up to the present time. On the interior, worked-over palaces, mosques, and minor water reservoirs are seen which assured that the fort was capable of supporting a self-sufficient ecosystem. This water forts in Maharashtra are essential to life.

Since it stood on the extremity of dive, Murud-Janjira became one of the most important naval forts as a move to dominate trade circuit along the Konkan coast. That’s why its background and design features can be considered profound as a symbol of the seafaring might and defiance of the constructors. Today, people including tourists and History lovers visit this place and it is a symbol to represent Maharashtra’s naval History.  

Sindhudurg Fort is one of the significant sea forts of Maharashtra, which is situated on a small island of the Arabian Sea off the coast, specifically in the Malvan of Sindhudurg division. This fort is considered the creation of the Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj in 1664-67 and reflects the might of the  Maratha navy and the tactical thinking of the king. The Maratha King, Shivaji had appointed a chief architect Hiroji Indulkar and all the necessary fortifications of the structure were laid by him in a very precise manner.

These outer walls connected with a ramp, which covered more than 3 kilometers of the area; the construction of the building is similar to the rock of the island to almost make It invisible from the sea.  The main entrance is situated through a secret passage between two bastions and it is quite a common feature in Maratha fort architecture to hinder the entry of the invaders.

There are Shrines of  Shivaji, Bhavani, and Mahadeo inside this fort which testifies to the specific social and religious sense of the place. Water forts in Maharashtra are essential to life and the garrison got this from the fresh water wells within the fort. Sindhudurg Fort had a small but strategic naval base along with a naval force to protect the coastline of Marathas from foreign attacks. At present, the Sindhudurg Fort with grandeur reflects Shivaji’s vision and the Maratha Empire’s supremacy of the Sea is a major tourist spot for many including history lovers.  

Vijaydurg Fort is one of the historical sea forts of Maharashtra located on the western coast near Devgad in the Sindhudurg district. A historic fortress that was constructed during the rule of the Shilahar dynasty in the twelfth century and was later extended by the ruler of Marathas, Shivaji Maharaj, Vijaydurg was an important naval center during the Maratha Empire. Hence, its strategic position gave it the tag of  ‘Gibraltar of the East’.

The fort occupies an area of 17 acres of land and since it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides it is a perfect military fortress. An interesting feature of the construction of the fort is the existence of an underwater wall which served as protection against any boats coming close to the fort because of good military engineering. The dark interiors of the fort offer archaic monuments of the palaces, granaries, and watchtowers within it.

Of interest, the fort also had a shipbuilding yard indicating that the fort was a strategic center of maritime activities. The Vijaydurg was involved in most of the sea battles and certainly helped to keep the Maratha empire in control of the  Konkan region. Modern-day Vijaydurg Fort is an embodiment of the power and strategic bluff of the Maratha Empire’s naval force and is interesting for people with a passion for history and tourism. 

Kolaba Fort, also known as Kolaba Durg, is a notable sea fort in Maharashtra. Built by the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj in the late 17th century, the fort served as a key naval station for the Maratha  Empire. Its proximity to the mainland—just about 1-2 kilometers from the shore—allows it to be accessible by foot during low tide, adding to its unique charm and strategic significance.

The fort Is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides and features robust walls and bastions that  once housed cannons, designed to protect against invasions. The main entrance is grand and fortified, reflecting the Maratha architectural style. Within the fort’s premises, there are several freshwater wells and temples, including those dedicated to Mahishasura and Padmavati, which highlight the fort’s self-sufficiency and cultural importance.

Kolaba Fort also played a crucial role during the reign of the Maratha Empire, serving as a base for naval operations and a defense point against enemy fleets. Today, Kolaba Fort stands as a testament to the Maratha naval legacy, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts who are eager to explore its storied past and architectural grandeur. Its scenic location and historical significance make it a popular destination for those visiting Alibaug. 

Suvarnadurg Fort, situated on a rocky island off the coast near Harnai sea forts in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, is a significant maritime fort that played a crucial role in the  region’s naval history. Constructed by the Adil Shahi dynasty and later captured and expanded by the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century, the fort served as an important naval base and a defensive stronghold against European colonial powers.

The fort’s name, Suvarnadurg, meaning “Golden Fort,” reflects its strategic and economic  importance. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides and can be accessed by boat. The fort’s robust stone walls and bastions were designed to withstand the harsh sea conditions and enemy  attacks. Notably, the fort features a tunnel that connects it to the mainland, used for secretive movements and supplies.

Inside the fort, remnants of old buildings, watchtowers, and water tanks highlight its self-sufficiency and strategic planning. Suvarnadurg was part of a chain of sea forts that provided a defense network along the Konkan coast, safeguarding the Maratha Empire’s maritime interests. It attracts tourists and history enthusiasts who are keen to explore its historical significance and scenic beauty.  The fort's enduring legacy offers a glimpse into the maritime prowess that once dominated the  Arabian Sea. 

Andheri Fort, situated in Maharashtra, is among the few sea forts dotting the Konkan coast that have not gained much popularity. Located near Alibaug coastal town, during Maratha's reign, the fort played a crucial role. The Andheri Fort was constructed in the seventeenth century as part of a network of forts that were supposed to protect the region against invasions and control its coastal trade routes.

The fort has typical architectural features of the Maratha style with thick stone walls and strategically placed bastions where cannons were once placed. The high ground on which it stands makes it possible to observe maritime activities and coordinate strategies against potential dangers such as European colonial powers. Like other sea forts in Maharashtra, Andheri Fort was an indispensable asset for the naval operations of the Maratha Empire.

To watch over maritime activities along Konkan coastline, this served as an important surveillance point. Moreover, being at the mouth of rivers, it protected the interior from sea-based incursions. Today’s Andheri Fort is a monument to sea forts in Maharashtra’s glorious navy past; however, unlike some other marine castles often visited or well-preserved no one knows about it except locals who live nearby.