Information on Kolaba Fort (Raigad, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Kolaba Fort is a beautiful Island fortress built by the Maratha Kingdom. It is 352 years old defensive forts know for architectural, histories, cultural and religious importance. It is located near Alibag Town, 112kms south of Mumbai in Raigad District of Maharashtra in India.

Kolaba Fort Architecture

Kolaba Fort is built in the Indian traditional architectural pattern. This fort is designed in an irregular shape according to its outer front land areas approached the sea water. It has very strong thick walls, which are ranging from 15-25 meters in height. These are purely granite stone blocks. The specialty of this fort is it has used the mortar past on the outer lining of the stones only. It has got a unique masonry on its structure. There are 17 bastions found on its main outer walls. There are two gateways found here. The main entrance is facing towards the Alibagh Town. It is build with strong teak wood with iron spokes punched on its doors. This gate way is in-between two large bastions and it is an arched gate way. The 2nd gateway is facing towards the Arabian Ocean on its west end. There are many inner complexes found here with vast spacious areas surrounded with very old trees and vegetations. Three large cannons are placed on the top of its ramparts; this is used to fire towards the sea invaders. There are large pillared halls and living rooms found here. This may be used as the central courtyard. There are unique stone carving works found on its entire inner structure. The outer walls of the inner complexes have stone art work; these are carving of strong animals like the Elephant and Bulls to show the strength of this fort. Few of the inner complexes are having tiled roofs, these are constructed in the 19th century AD were Clay tiles was a common material used in the constructions. There are many temples built inside in varied times. The Jai Bhavani temple is dedicated to the River Goddess. A Hanuman Temple is also found here; here the idol is holding the Agasthya Malai in his hands is carved in a two feet sculptor. There is a large square shaped pond found here. This pond is the source of fresh water inside this fort. This pond is situated near the Sri Ganaesha Temple. The famous Siddhi Vinayak Temple is built in the year 1759 AD by Raghoji Angre. This temple is still in use by its local peoples. Its architectural splendor is simply outstanding and noteworthy.

Kolaba Fort History

Kolaba Fort was built in the year 1662 by the great Maratha King the Shivaji. It was the last fortification work under taken by him before his death. He is well known for his empire building with defensive forts built around his province to safeguard the Maratha interest. This fort was build here to have a vigil on the south Kankan coastal regions. This fort was used as the naval base towards the south of Mumbai. Till the 18th century the colonialist like British and the Portugal attempted to capture this fort and was defeated many times here. Locally it had a tough fight with the Siddhi clans. This fort housed the families of its administrative and defense officials. They stayed here until the 1840 AD. It has housed 1500 armed personal and 700 horses in times of battle. This was the largest fortification in this area. This is now under the Archeological Survey of India. Thus its historical importance plays an important role to shape the country's historical past and glory. Even today the fort carries the same glory and historical significance as it was earlier and portrays the past.

Kolaba Fort Tourism Importance

Kolaba Fort is the best Island fort to be visited once in Mumbai. It is a splendid architectural marvel of stones. It has got a very good view of Arabian Sea from the top of this fort. It is a protected monument and a heritage site in Maharashtra. It is worth a visit as one can soak the beauty of the nature as well as enjoy the splendid view of the fort, which has immense historical importance and showcase the same to the visitors who frequent the fort.