Pratapgad is a large fort located in Satara district, in the state of Maharashtra in India. Significant as the site of the Battle of Pratapgad, the fort is now a popular tourist destination.
Pratapgadh is a large fort located in the Satara District, of Maharashtra, India, 25 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. This fort stands 900 metres above sea level. This fort was built in 1656 by Moropant Trimbak Pingle under the command of the Maratha rular Shivaji. The fort is best known for the Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, fought on November 10, 1659, in which the Marathas successfully defended the fort against Afzal Khan's army. Afzalkhan, brave & formidable sardar of Bijapur during an arranged meeting with Shivaji Maharaj, tried to kill him trecherously but with great alertness Shivaji killed the mighty sardar instead. And in ensuing guerilla war he massacered Afzalkhan's mighty army.
The fort holds a temple dedicated to the goddess Bhavani, Shivaji's chosen deity.
Pratapgad Fort is a mountain fort built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort is at a distance of 24 km from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. The fort holds a sturdy view of coastal Konkan. The Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's tomb are other places of interest.Pratapgad consists of two forts - an upper fort built on the top of the hill and a lower fort immediately below on the south and the east. Surrounding areas can be easily taken guard from the fort on almost all the sides. The southern side is rocky while the eastern side has a strong outwork ending in the Afzal Buruj.
The famous minister More Tirmal Pingale on the command of Shivaji Maharaj to control the rebellious satraps of the surrounding Javali Basin built Pratapgad Fort in 1656. It is believed that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhavani here.The historic battle between Chatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate fought here. Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's Tomb are major attractions where are situated near the fort.
Monsoons are an ideal time to visit these forts. The best months range from June through October, although winter in the region stretches up to February. It is also excellent for day’s excursion from Mahableshwar
Located at 3500 ft (approx) above sea level, Pratapgad formed a vital and a very powerful cog in Shivaji’s network of forts. Pratapgad commanded the region of Satara. The fort is built on two levels, each complimenting the other on matters of surveillance.
Pratapgad was the glorious backdrop for Shivaji’s legendary battle against Moghul satrap Afzhal Khan in 1656, when Shivaji used tiger claws to rip open his opponent’s belly. It is a strategically located fort in Satara and known more now for its proximity, to the popular tourist destination Mahableshwar.
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