Sinhagad fort, earlier known as Kondana or Kondhana, stands 20kms, south-west of Pune. Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, its height above sea-level is 1380 metres. Given natural protection by its very steep slopes, the walls and bastions were constructed at only key places .
Sinhagad fort has long history. It was the scene of one of the most daring exploits in Maratha history when, in 1670 AD, it was recaptured by Shivjaji’s forces under Tanaji Malusare, who laid down his life in the battle. On his death, a saddened Shivaji said, “The fort is won, but the lion is gone!” Whereupon the fort got is new name: Sinha (lion) gadha (fort). Finally the British seized the fort from the Peshwas in 1818 AD, destroying its almost all ancient monuments. Only the traditional gates and broken walls remain now.
