Kothaligad

शे स Trekkers of Sahyadri Trekkers of Sahyadri पेठचा िकल्ला present Elevation 3,100 ft Location Karjat

Vangani Neral Route‐1 Via Neral Ambivali Kashele Dhamani Route‐2: Peth Via Karjat Kothali gad Route 1: Powai Airoli Bridge Shil Phata MIDC Vangani Neral Kashele Ambivali Dhamani Peth Route‐1: Powai‐Airoli Bridge‐Shil Phata‐ MIDC ‐Vangani‐Neral‐Kashele‐Ambivali‐Dhamani‐Peth Village Route‐2: Powai‐Airoli‐Express Way‐Diversion before Khopoli‐Karjat ‐Kashele‐Ambivali‐Dhamani‐Peth Village

Ambivali From Kashele Dhamani Neral Peth Kothali gad

Kothaligad or Peth Peth, also known as ‘Kothaligad’, is situated in Shahapur Taluka, approximately 21Km North East of Karjat. This fort stands tall in the company of various other forts like Rajmachi, Dhak, Siddhagad and Bhimashankar, a witness to our illustrious history. Kothaligad is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base. This fort though small in stature has a vast historical background. This fort was more of a ‘defense station’ than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage. Peth gained importance during Sambhaji’s era. History : History : Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered his warriors ‘Abdul Kadar’ and ‘Ali Biradarkani’ in November 1684 to capture the forts belonging to Sambhaji’s empire. Control over fort means control over Kokan region. As soon as they came to know that arms and weapons were traded here, a group of 300 gunmen reached the base in November 1684. The Marathas forced most of them back, but some still managed to reach the ‘Magarkot Dwar’ and started shouting ‘open the door’. The Marathas inside the fort opened the door on the assumption that these shouting Mughals were ‘own men’ who came for picking up the weapons for war. The Mughals immediately rushed in and the battle started. They could win the battle with help of ‘Mankoji Pandhere’. The next day, the Marathas surrounded the fort. Abdul Kadar’s position became critical. The ammunition in the fort was destroyed and used in the battle. Although the Mughals were occupying the fort, they were helpless as the Marathas looted destroyed and used in the battle. Although the Mughals were occupying the fort, they were helpless as the Marathas looted ammunition and food sent to them at their base camp, on its way. About 10‐12 days later, Abdul Aziz Khan sent his son Abdul Khan to help Abdul Kadar. But Maratha Sardar Naroji Tryambak was hiding in the valley to prevent him to approach the fort. When another war broke, the Marathas lost and Naroji was killed. Ehmat Khan capitulated Naroji and hung his head right in the middle of the road. Now, the Mughals had total control over the fort. The Golden keys of main door of the fort were sent to Aurangzeb as a N th M h l h d t t l t l th f t Th G ld k f i d f th f t tt A b symbol of victory. After confirming the victory, he rewarded Abdul Khan. The Mughals renamed the fort as ‘Miftahulfateh’, meaning victory key. The Marathas continued their efforts to conquer the fort. In December 1684, the Marathas tried to stop Mughals moving towards the fort. Seven thousand Marathas constituted a strong battalion and fought with Mahamatkhan. But success was g g far away. In April 1685, 700 Marathas attacked again. About 200 of them climbed the fort with the help of rope ladders. Battle started between two parties and a lot of blood shaded. The goddess of victory again favored the Mughals and the Marathas lost the battle and the fort. After 130 years in November 1817, Bapurao, a Maratha Sardar with Bajirao II fought with British and won the fort.

Kothaligad or Peth Fascinating Spots : The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. It looks like a filed surface. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading well‐sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading the pinnacle. Four –Five potholes and some canon balls are scattered in the fort. Kalwawantinicha Mahal, Nagfani, Siddhagad, Malanggad, Chanderi, Prabalgad, Manikgad, and Matheran all these surrounding historical places are visible from top of the fort Peth. di hi t i l l i ibl f t f th f t P th Ways To Reach : One has to board ST bus for Ambivali via Kashele or from Karjat railway station on Mumbai‐Pune route. The distance from Karjat to Ambivali is about 30 Kms. A road leads to village Peth from j g Ambivali. A tiring pathway leads to the fort door from village Peth. The pathway pierces through lush green trees and we can refresh ourselves with the lovingly smelled flowers and tasty fruits. On can get down at Neral, another railway station on Mumbai‐Pune route and reach Kashele by local conveyance and catch bus for Ambivali from there. by local conveyance and catch bus for Ambivali from there Ambivali to Peth – 2 hours, Peth village to top of the fort – 1 hour Accommodation Facility : The cave on the fort is the best place to spend a night. Drinking Water Facility : There are many a cisterns and tanks on the fort, but the one near the cave is reliable.

Adarsh and Chetan

Chetan

Adarsh and Sandesh

Dinner

Adarsh – gazing stars

The crowd, half asleep at 2AM

Adarsh, Sandesh and Adarsh

Chetan

Chetan and Rajeev

Good place at Ambivali for night y stay and food 09226093034 0214‐8683313

Adarsh, Rajeev and Soumya having morning tea

Sandesh doing van vihar

Sandesh enjoying van vihar

Bharadwaj

Rajeev, Chetan and Adarsh basking

Good photograph

Sandesh, Chetan and Adarsh

Adarsh and Sandesh

Kothaligad

Kothaligad as viewed from village Dhamani

Good photo by Sandesh

Dhamani village woman

Sandesh with (ex) polic patil of Peth – Mr. Sawant The Car was parked here.

Contact at Peth Village at the base of Kothaligad Can arrange food during the trek

Starting from Dhamani village. Travel by car not possible.

Mr. Sawant’s house at Peth – stop for water and food

Soumya Adarsh’s i ht Ad h’ right eye

Good photo

Shrike by Soumya

Indian Robin by Soumya

Kothaligad pinnacle

Peth village – neat and clean

Hanuman Mandir in Peth village

A village boy

Hibiscus (Jaswandi)

Good place for night stay. Drinking water also available.

Road to top of pinnacle in carved within

Un spoilt Un hurried Un touched Un confined Un expected Un conquered Un paralleled Un paralleled Un matched Un stressed Un stressed Un limited Standing as silent sentinels to history are the 350‐odd forts of Maharashtra. Beaten by g y y the sea waves, lashed at by the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched in the blazing sun, stand imposing ramparts and crumbling walls , the last lingering memories of Maharashtra's martial times. Nowhere in the country would you encounter such a profusion of forts. And such variety. Sited on an island, or guarding the seas or among the Sahyadri hills, whose zig‐zag walls and rounded bastions sit like a scepter and crown amidst hills turned mauve.

Kothaligad

by Rajeev Kulkarni on Mar 20, 2010

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