Maharashtra is famous for its rich maritime legacy. The existence of sea forts, some dating as far back as the 12th century; demonstrate the vision, technological know-how and architectural expertise of the then rulers.
The island forts of Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg, located along the Konkan Coast in the Arabian Sea, were strategically erected either to thwart the rising influence of the foreign rulers particularly the Dutch, English, Portuguese and the French; or to suppress the rise of the Siddis.
SUVARNADURG – THE GOLDEN FORT
Suvarnadurg lies a quarter mile away from the coast of Harnai village in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. Suvarnadurg literally means ’The Golden Fort’. It was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 by defeating Ali Adil Shah II, and was a feather in the golden cap of Marathas; hence the name.
Suvarnadurg has two entrances – ‘Maha…