Information on Panhala Fort (Kolhapur, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Panhala Fort is the most notable and central architectural fort located in the Deccan in India. It is situated at an elevation of 3177 feet over the sea level and is just 20 kilometers away from Kolhapur, in Maharashtra, India. More specifically, it is situated on a pass at the Sahyadri mountain range. It was a key trade path for the people from Bijapur to the coastal areas. This epic fort was established in between 1178 AD and 1209 AD by the famous and powerful Shilahara monarch Bhoja II. Due to the tactical location, the Fort witnessed various conflicts such as battles of Marathas, the Mughals and British East India Company. The crucial amongst them was the Battle of Pavan Khind, which makes the Panhala Fort unforgettable in the history of India. It is one such fort wherein Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj resided few days.

Panhala Fort Architecture

The Panhala fort was designed and structured with the use of high quality stone and lead. The Fort is one of its kind with several structures within it. The architectural significance of Panhala Fort is that it followed the style of Bijapur with peacock motif, which is present in a number of structures and was created by the Brahmani Sultanate. Some ancient strongholds of Bhoja II are also found in certain of the structures of the Fort. Other than that, many bastions and fortifications relating to other rulers and emperors are also present in the 7 kilometre long and steep triangular zone of the Fort. The Fort has various steep slopes for safety and protection.

Other than that, many other notable monuments are structured inside the Fort, which were considered crucial by the Archaeological Survey of India. Few of the well-known structures includes Andhar Bavadi, Ambarkhana, Andhar Bavadi, Andhar Bavadi, Dharma Kothi and many more. Also many notable temples such as the Mahakali temple, the temple of Sambhaji II, Someshwar and Ambabai are also present in this Fort. A mausoleum is seen in the Fort, which was constructed for Ramchandra Pant Amatya and his wife who died in the Panhala Fort. The shrine of a Muslim saint named Sadhova exists in the Panhala fort.

Panhala Fort History

Panhala Fort was created by Bhoja II, a Shilahara king during his reign in India amid 1178-1209 AD. In this era the place was powerfully ruled by the kings of Bahamani and Yadava. However, during 1489 AD the province and the fort was successfully captured by Adil Shah, the conqueror of Bijapur. Furthermore, in 1659 AD the great Shivaji captured the Fort but when Siddi Johar and his men surrounded the fort, Shivaji had nothing to do but to escape from there in a rainy night to Vishalgarh.

Afterwards, the fort remained by the Marathas expect for a short time when it was captured by the Mughals and during the rule of British a defense force was left to guard the Fort. The Panhala fort due to its location and strategic design was always conquered and one of the most vital among all was the Battle of Pavan Khind.

Panhala Fort Tourism Importance

Presently, there is a school, some government offices and a hostel for boys situated in the Fort. Other than that, most of the remaining structures are opened for tourists. Now a major hill station has been opened for the tourist in Panhala town and the government is also named it a protected monument. This fort is of significance as it is well connected and people can conveniently reach the place. The fort depicts the architectural beauty as well as historical events. Several tourists visits the Panhala Fort to enjoy the beauty and to know regarding the various artifacts.