India is called the land of ancient forts and historical buildings. Many old fort stories are called here and tells the history there. When it comes to the most forts, then the name of Rajasthan comes first. But Rajasthan is not the highest state in India. Maharashtra is the highest number of forts in the country. Yes, Maharashtra is known for its most beautiful tourist areas as well as beautiful forts. Let’s learn about some forts.

Number of forts in Maharashtra

According to the historical documents and the Department of Archeology, there are more than 350 forts in Maharashtra. These forts are not only more in number, but also have special significance due to their amazing history and architecture. Fortes on the mountains on the sea along the beach are called the pride of Maharashtra.

History and importance of forts

The forts of Maharashtra are mainly associated with the Maratha Empire and especially Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj paid special attention to forts to strengthen his empire and used them as a defense system. It is said that in his time, more than 350 forts were controlled by Marathas. In that era, these forts were used not only for war but also to run governance, protect people and control sea trade.

Some famous forts of Maharashtra

Talking about some famous forts of Maharashtra, the first of it is the fort of Raigad, which was the capital of Shivaji Maharaj and where he was crowned. Sinhagarh Fort (Pune) is a fort attached to the heroic story of Tanaji Malusare. Pratapgarh Fort is a witness to Shivaji Maharaj’s historical battle with Afzal Khan. The fort of Rajgarh has been the early capital of the Maratha Empire. Shivneri Fort is the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. Murud-Janjira Fort is an impermeable fort built between the sea, which was never fully won.

Specialty of Maharashtra

The biggest feature of Maharashtra is its sea forts. These forts built on the banks of the Arabian Sea were very important for both defense and trade. Forts like Murud-Janjira, Sindhudurg and Visadurg still show the strategy of that era.

Today, these forts are not only history, but also the biggest center of tourism. Every year millions of people come here to see these forts. Many forts are protected by the Maharashtra Tourism Department and efforts are also being made to include them in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Amit shah visits Raigad Fort Maharashtra: On Saturday (April 12) at the historic Raigad Fort in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (Amit Shah) paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 345th death anniversary. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were also present on the occasion. However, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, disappeared from this program, causing a stir in the political corridors.

According to The Indian Express, Sambhajiraje is the chairman of the Raigad Development Authority, yet he was not invited to the program. The Congress strongly criticized the state and central government on this issue. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “It is sad that Sambhajiraj was not invited to the Home Minister’s visit. This government is using Shivaji Maharaj’s name only for political gains.”

Sambhajiraje did not comment
Although Sambhajiraje refused to comment on this, one of his colleagues said, “The government and the organizers deliberately ignored him, perhaps because of his progressive ideas. They believe in taking all the communities along.”

Demand to remove the idol of Vagha Dog
Meanwhile, the demand to remove the statue of Waghya Dog is again gaining momentum. Sambhajiraje had demanded the removal of this statue last month and reiterated on Saturday that such a statue should not have any place near Shivaji Maharaj’s tomb. He said, “There is no evidence of the existence of a dog named Vaghya in history. This is just a fantasy, which was born in 1919 from Ram Ganesh Gadkari’s play ‘Rajsanyas’.”

He also said that this idol is higher than the idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which is very derogatory and should be removed as soon as possible. Chief Minister Fadnavis has assured to form a committee on this subject.

Waghya dog belonged to the British- Udayanraje Bhosle
Another descendant Udayanraje Bhosle also talked to reporters in Pune and demanded the removal of the idol and said, “This dog was the British, it has nothing to do with India.”

However, during his visit, Home Minister Amit Shah did not comment on the Vaghya Murthy dispute, which made Sambhajiraj disappointed.

In this controversy, Bhushansinharaje Holkar, a descendant of Ahilyabai Holkar, has also shown softening in his stand. He said that earlier he was against the removal of the idol because he had a misconception that the idol was being removed on 31 May – which is the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. But now they want a decision to be decided on the basis of historical facts and should not hurt anyone’s feelings.

This dispute of Raigad seems to be trapped in the triangle of emotions, history and politics.