RAIGAD

In ancient times, the Nag dynasty ruled this area and named the port town "Pavanpalli," which means "town of gentle winds" because of the lovely breezes that came from the Arabian Sea. The Nags were proud and worked hard to protect their coastal empire. However, new powers emerged to challenge the Nags.

The powerful Yadav clan from Devgiri arrived, wanting to expand their trading empire. They saw that the port was busy with markets and ships carrying strange goods. They thought, "This place needs a name that reflects its importance." After thinking carefully, the Yadav writers chose a new name, "Panyavela," which means "place where goods are sold by the sea." This name captured the essence of the port, where merchants from all over came to sell their things. Over time, "Panyavela" became simply "Panvel," a name that would last long after the Yadavs left. But the town's origins were not forgotten, as people still talked about a rice grain with the name of their hometown.

Over 200 years ago, the Ahilyanagar district faced a severe drought, leading to crop failures and a desperate need for food and water. In the small community of Karjat, villagers decided to leave in search of work. They traveled south to a tiny wadi in the Raigad district, which was even smaller than Karjat. The locals welcomed them, and as the Karjat residents settled in, the wadi transformed into a bustling village. The new settlement retained the name "Karjat", honoring their original home.

Maynak Bhandari was a humble fisherman from the coastal village of Alibaug. Despite his simple beginnings, he became one of the earliest Subhedars, or Admirals, in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha Navy. His skills and dedication were vital in defending the empire's coastline against external threats and in expanding its naval capabilities.

When Shivaji set his sights on the formidable Murud-Janjira fort, a stronghold of the Siddis, he recognized the need for a strategic approach to breach its defenses. He summoned Bhandari and entrusted him with a daring mission: to secretly construct a set of stairs around the fort under the cover of darkness. This would allow the Maratha forces to scale the fort's high walls and launch a surprise attack.

Bhandari took the task to heart, working night after night alongside his loyal troops. However, as the days passed, the expected arrival of the Maratha army did not happen. Realizing that the delay could jeopardize their plans, Bhandari made the difficult decision to dismantle the stairs before dawn, ensuring that they would not serve as a guide for the enemy. On the day of Shivaji's Rajya Abhishek at Raigad, Bhandari felt a mix of fear and anticipation as he awaited the Maharaj's judgment. To his surprise, Shivaji did not scold him for the failed mission. Instead, he honored Bhandari with a grand palkhi and a boat named Palkhi, recognizing his unwavering loyalty and the sacrifices he made for the Maratha Navy. Today, Maynak Bhandari’s descendants still reside in Alibaug, as they continue to share his story.

In the spring of 1818, Raigad Fort, once the proud capital of the Maratha Empire, faced a siege by the British East India Company. This fortress, known for its towering walls and strategic significance, was a measure of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy and the Maratha Swaraj.

Amidst the turmoil, Varanshibai, the wife of Peshwa Bajirao II, sought refuge within the fort's walls. She was determined to uphold her family's legacy and resist the British forces. Surrounded by an Arab garrison, Varanshibai stood firm against the British demands for surrender.

The British launched a relentless assault on Raigad, bombarding the fort with cannon fire that shook its very foundations. The siege lasted for several days, with British artillery strategically positioned on nearby Potlya Hill, allowing them to rain destruction upon the fort. The once-impenetrable fortress faced unprecedented damage, and Varanshibai's mansion was consumed by flames.

Despite the efforts of the Maratha defenders, the overwhelming force of the British proved too great. On the final day of the siege, the Maratha garrison, led by Sheikh Abu, surrendered. British Colonel Prother entered the fort, taking control of the Mahadarwaja, the main gate, marking the end of the Maratha stronghold.

The aftermath of the siege left Raigad in ruins. The magnificent structures, including Shivaji Maharaj's palace and sacred Samadhi, were left to decay. The capture of Raigad was not just a military defeat; it signified the end of an era for the Maratha Empire. The emotional toll on the local population was profound, as they mourned the destruction of their heritage and the collapse of the Maratha Swaraj.

Hirkani was a young mother who sold milk to wealthy families at Raigad Fort. One day, while delivering milk, she realized that her baby was left alone at home and that the fort gates would soon close, preventing her from returning.

In a panic, she rushed to the gates, but they had already shut, trapping her inside. Hirkani's heart raced as she thought of her crying baby. She knew she had to get to her child, no matter the risk. Looking at the steep cliffs surrounding the fort, Hirkani saw no choice but to climb down the dangerous path. Despite the treacherous terrain, she began her descent, battling the harsh wind and her fatigue. Her hands were raw, but the thought of her baby kept her going. After what felt like an eternity, she finally reached the village below. Exhausted and bruised, Hirkani hurried home. When she entered her house and held her baby, tears of joy streamed down her face.

Her incredible bravery soon spread throughout the kingdom, even reaching the ears of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Impressed by her courage, he ordered the construction of a watchtower in her honor, naming it Hirkani Buruj.