Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort

Context: World Heritage Day was celebrated at Panhala Fort by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mumbai Circle.

About Panhala Fort:
• Historical Significance: Panhala Fort holds a significant place in Maharashtra\'s history, traditionally associated with sage Parashar and strategically located along trade routes connecting the Sahyadri mountains, Deccan plateau, and Konkan coast.
• Dynastic Influence: Originally built by the Shilahara dynasty ruler Bhoja in the 11th century CE, the fort saw successive rulers including the Yadavas of Devgiri, Bahamani of Bidar, Adilshahi of Bijapur, Marathas, and Mughals, reflecting the transfer of power over centuries.
• Structural Features:
o The fort had three double-walled gates, including the Chaar Darwaja (eastern gate) and the Teen Darwaja (western gate) with a pointed arch entrance and intricate tracery design dating back to Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah I\'s reign in 1547-48 CE.
o The Wagh Darwaja (north gate) is camouflaged by natural scarp and leads to a narrow pathway downhill.
o Nayikinicha Sajja or the dancing girl’s tower, a three-storied structure with delicate stucco mouldings, was built during Ibrahim Adil Shah II\'s reign in 1591 CE.
o Ambarkhana, located in the fort\'s center, consists of three buildings named Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, each with sixteen bays and flat vaults.
o Dharma Kothi, a granary with a single staircase leading to its top, is situated west of Ambarkhana.
o Sajja Kothi, a double-storied structure dated to the reign of Bijapur King Ibrahim Adilshah in 1607-08 CE, occupies a prominent position on the hilltop.