Panhala Fort

22.04.2024

Panhala Fort

Why in the news?                                                                                                                                                                                          

          Recently World Heritage Day was celebrated at Panhala Fort (Maharashtra) by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mumbai Circle.

Important points:

• The theme of World Heritage Day 2024 has been 'Explore and Experience Diversity'.
• Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India also organized a photo exhibition under the title 'Maratha Military Landscape' showcasing the history and heritage of the fort.
• On 29 January 2024, ASI had submitted nominations of 12 forts from India for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024–25 cycle.
• Of these 12 forts, 11 are from Maharashtra and 1 from Tamil Nadu. The nominations were sent under the title 'Maratha Military Scenario'.

About Panhala Fort:

• Panhala Fort is located in Maharashtra, which has a prominent place in the history of Maharashtra.
• Panhala Fort was declared a monument of national importance on January 2, 1954.
• Panhala Fort was locally known as the abode of serpents and was traditionally associated with the sage Parashara.
• It is strategically located near trade routes connecting the Sahyadri Mountains, the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast.
• The antiquity of this fort dates back to the time of ruler Bhoj of the Shilahara dynasty in the 11th century.
• The fort reveals various structures, reflecting the transfer of power into the hands of the Yadavas of Devagiri, the Bahmanis of Bidar, the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, the Marathas and the Mughals.
• The fort is situated atop a roughly triangular hill and is one of the most important forts of the Deccan.

Features of Panhala Fort:

• Three-storeyed Tower: Its fort structures include a three-storeyed tower, called Nayikinicha Sajja or the Tower of the Dancing Girl.
• It was built during the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shah II in 1000 AH 1591 AD.
• It is endowed with delicate plaster moldings in the interior.
• Ambarkhana: It is located in the center of the fort which consists of 3 buildings known as Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
• It has sixteen bays each with its own flat vault with a hole at the top.
• Dharam Kothi: To its west, there is another granary called Dharam Kothi. There is only one staircase to reach its top.
• Sajja Kothi: Sajja Kothi in this fort is a two-storey structure with the upper gallery occupying the dominant and highest position on the hill and dates back to the reign of the Bijapur king Ibrahim Adilshah AH 1016 (1607-08 CE).

                                                                 Source: The Hindu