Raigad Fort

30.10.2024

Raigad Fort

Why in the news?                        

A replica of Raigad Fort has been made as backdrop at the venue of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadiya to showcase the stories of incredible valour, heroic deeds and innovative warfare techniques of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

About Raigad Fort:

• It is a hill fort situated in the Raigad district, Maharashtra.
• It is surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers, standing as an isolated massif without connections to neighbouring hills.
• Grant Duff, a British historian of the Maratha period has drawn parallels between Raigad and the Rock of Gibraltar. He has gone to the extent of labelling Raigad as the Gibraltar of the east.

History of the Raigad Fort:

• In 1653 CE, Raigad (then known as Rairi) was captured by the Maratha forces from the Mores'.
• Shivaji Maharaj assigned the work of reconstruction of the fort to Hiroji Indulkar.
• Subsequently, on 6th June, 1674 CE a grand coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj was held on Raigad post, during which he attained the title of “Chhatrapati”.
• The fort served as the second capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and played an important role in the administration and expansion of the Maratha Kingdom.

Features Of the Raigad Fort: 

○There were two main gates both flanked by bastions, Nana Darwaza and Maha Darwaza.

○It is remarkable for magnificently designed gates, fortification walls and imposing monuments.

○Other structures within the fort are: Naqqar Khana, Sirkai Devi Temple, Jagadishwar Temple – a shrine dedicated to Lord Siva - including the Hall of Public Audience (Rajsadar), Royal Complex, Queens' palace Bazarpeth, Manore (pleasure pavilions), Wadeshwar Temple, Khublada Burj, Massid Morcha, Nanne Darwaza

○The Royal Complex: It includes Ranivasa, Rajsadar, Naqqar Khana, Mena Darwaza, and Palkhi Darwaja, is well-fortified and accessible only through three entrances: Naqqar Khana, Mena Darwaja, and Palkhi Darwaja. This fortified complex is commonly known as Balle Qilla (citadel).

○Rajsadar (Hall of Public Audience): This is where Shivaji Maharaj used to hold his court (darbar) to dispense justice on routine matters and to receive dignitaries and envoys. It is a rectangular structure facing east.

○Holicha Mal: It is located outside Naqqar Khana. It is a wide-open ground that was most likely used for the annual Holi festival.

• The fort of Raigad is part of the 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”.

                                                        Source: PIB

Consider the following statements regarding the Raigad Fort:

Statement-I:It is a hill fort situated in the Raigad district, Rajasthan.

Statement-II:It is surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer D