Vasota Fort

17°39′47.9″N 73°41′48.9″E / 17.663306°N 73.696917°E / 17.663306; 73.696917Height3814 feetSite informationOwner Government of IndiaOpen to
the publicYesSite historyBuiltBhoj Raja of PanhalaMaterialsStone

Vasota Fort (also called Vyaghragad (व्याघ्रगड)) is located in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.^[1]

History

It was famously defended by Tai Telin a mistress of Pant Pratinidhi a killedar of the fort when he was captured.

Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahara Chief Bhoja II (1178–1193) of Panhala.^[1] Vasota always remained with Marathas, Shirkes & Mores in 16th century.

Shivaji incorporated the fort into the Maratha Empire in 1655 during the conquest of Javli. Shivaji renamed the fort "Vyaghragad" (Vyaghra – means tiger), owing to its difficult natural defense.^{[citation needed]}

In 1818 the British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery, destroying many buildings on Vasota (Chandika mandir, Daru-kothar, etc.) and looted property worth 5 lakhs.

Places to see

The fort is in dilapidated condition and is overgrown. The remnants of Shree Mahadev mandir and the plinth of a huge "sadar" (discussion place) are there.^[2] It is a protected natural reserve.

Location

Vasota Fort is located about 70 km from satara near Bamnoli village on the banks of Shivsagar lake.

See also

• Vasota Fort Info
• Vasota trek notes -- Roop Mallik
• List of forts in Maharashtra

References