Torna Fort

Torna Fort or Prachandagad is a large fort located in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is historically significant as one of the first forts to be captured by Shivaji in 1643, forming the nucleus of the Maratha empire. The name derives from "Prachanda" (Marathi: huge or massive) and "gad" (Marathi: fort).

History

This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shaiva Panth, followers of the Hindu god Shiva, in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort.

In 1643, Shivaji, son of a local jagirdar with royal ambitions, captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it one of the first forts in what would become the Maratha empire. Shivaji renamed the fort "Prachandagad", and constructed several monuments and towers within it.

In the 1700s, the Mughal empire gained control of this fort after defeating Shivaji's son Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort "Futulgaib" ("Language unknown": Divine victory), in recognition of the difficult defense the Mughals had to overcome to capture this fort. It was restored to the Maratha confederacy by the Treaty of Purandar.

Location

The fort is about 40 km southwest of Pune in the Sahyadri mountain range. It is the highest fort in Pune district.

Buildings inside the fort

The fort is over a mile in length. Important buildings within the fort include:
*Konkan Darwaja (Marathi: Konkan door)
*Kothi Darwaja
*Bini Darwaja
*Menghai Goddess temple
*Toranjai Goddess temple
*Budhla Machi
*Zunjar Machi
*Sadar

Tourism

The Torna Fort is a popular destination for trekkers especially after the south-west monsoon, from September to December. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation provides accommodation near the Menghai Devi temple.

Routes

From Pune, travellers start in the early morning from Swargate bus stand. The relevant routes go by via Khed Shivspur, Cheladi/Nasarapur/Baneshwar, then Winzar, to the village of Velhe. The main path to Torna starts from here, and local people can help with directions. The way to the top is moderate to difficult, with some precautions to be taken in rainy season. It is a two or three hour climb to the "Bini Darwaaja", the main entrance to the fort.

There is an interesting alternative path from Rajgad. A pleasant ridge walk of 5-6 hours starts from "Male Darwaaja" of Rajgad, near the left side of "Sanjeevani Machi", and ends at "Budhla Machi" of Torna Fort.

ee also

*List of forts in India

External links

* [http://amitkulkarni.info/pics/torna-trek/ Some photographs of Torna Fort]