fort

Raigad Fort Raiad Fort – The Pride of the Maratha Empire Raigad Fort is one of the most important and majestic forts in Maharashtra. Located in the Sahyadri mountain range near Mahad in the Raigad district , the fort stands at a height of about 2,700 feet (820 meters) above sea level. It is not just a fort but a symbol of Maratha pride and glory , as it served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire . History Originally known as Rairi Fort , Raigad was built by Chandrarao More of the Jawali kingdom. In 1656 , Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it and recognized its strategic importance. He reconstructed and expanded it, turning it into his royal capital . He renamed it Raigad , meaning “Fort of Royalty.” In 1674 , the coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj took place here, marking the official beginning of the Maratha Empire . From Raigad, he ruled his kingdom, made laws, and led his armies. After Shivaji’s death in 1680 , the fort passed to his son Sambhaji ...