Sindhudurg
Samudra Gaman or sea voyage was banned in scriptures, construction in an island represents revolutionary mindset of Marathas. Hiroji Indalkar Deshmukh architect constructed Sindhudurg, several forts got maintained through Chatrapati., Sindhudurg as well as Raigad were one of the elegant forts, completed within 1664. Raje Shivaji selected a strategic island to counter foreigners, & to keep Siddis of Murud-Janjira within limits.
Sindhudurg Fort is preserved and has a zigzag rampart with several defensive bastions. Apart from the huge stones, the building material involved 2000 khandis – 72,576 kilogram of iron erects a massive walls. Foundations in सिंधुदुर्ग got firmly made with 5 khandis or 181.5 Kg molten lead.
Creation of Sindhudurg
Molten and casted , over 4031 mounds of elements got laid on Sindhudurg’s foundation. Construction was completed over a period of 3 years from 1664 to 1667. Fort is spread over 48 acres (190,000 m²) 2 mile (3 km) long fort rampart, the fort walls have 9.1 m high & 13 ft (3.7 m) wide. Here walls serve as a deterrent to approaching enemies & waves from nearby shores.
- The main entrance is concealed in such a way that no one can pinpoint it from outside
Residents of Sindhudurg-
- Permanent residents staying at Sindhudurg has been declined, it was abandoned as it has inadequate opportunities. Over 15 families have perhaps remained. The original killedars still resides in one of the 16 houses in the fort
Findings of Sindhudurg (Underwater)
- Dr. Sarang Kulkarni’s underwater discoveries have led to the establishment of scuba industry. Sindhudurg is the destination in arabian sea for foreign as well as Indians. Tourist can get an island tour, snorkeling as well as diving in reefs.