Murud-Janjira Fort Travel Guide

Overview

This travel guide provides detailed information about visiting Murud-Janjira Fort, a historical sea fort located near Murud village in Maharashtra, India. The fort is known for its unique architecture, strategic importance, and fascinating history. Key aspects covered include the fort's history, attractions within the fort, travel tips, and local insights.

Historical Significance

• Built by: Siddi Johar, an African businessman who arrived in India for spice trading.
• Construction Start: 1118 AD.
• Completion: 1140 AD (22 years).
• Original Name: Jazira (meaning island in Arabic).
• Key Features: The fort remained unconquered throughout history ("Ajinkya").
• Historical Context:
  • Siddi rulers controlled the fort and surrounding areas.
  • Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj attempted to conquer it but was unsuccessful due to Mughal attacks on Raigad.
  • The fort housed a community of Koli people and Muslims until 1947.

Key Attractions Inside the Fort

• Panjtan Dargah: A revered shrine predating the fort, located near the entrance.
• Sweet Water Tanks: Two large tanks providing fresh water despite being surrounded by seawater.
  • 60 feet deep and 30 feet deep respectively.
  • Natural springs discovered during the fort's construction.
• Kalaal Bangdi: The largest cannon in the fort.
  • Weighs 22 tons (22,000 kg).
  • Range of 6-7 kilometers.
  • Made of five metals, designed to prevent overheating.
• Secret Tunnel (Bhoyra Marg):
  • An underwater passage to Rajpuri village for escape during sieges.
  • Sealed in 1947 due to damage and flooding.
• Watch Towers (Buruj): 22 watchtowers offering strategic views.
• Highest Point (Balekilla): Offers panoramic views of the fort and Arabian Sea.
• Rajwada: Former Durbar Hall, now partially ruined.
• Main Gate: Features a carving of a lion and six elephants, serving as the fort's emblem.
  • Historically used as a gate pass.
  • Guarded by soldiers with spears to prevent enemy intrusion.

Travel Information

• Location: Near Murud village, Maharashtra, India.
• Nearest Transportation Hubs:
  • Mumbai Airport/Railway Station (approx. 140 km).
  • Pune Airport/Railway Station (approx. 140 km).
• Getting to the Fort:
  • Take a boat from Rajpuri village to the fort.
  • Sailboats and motorboats are available. The traditional sailboat is recommended for a unique experience.
  • Boat ride takes 10-15 minutes from Rajpuri, or 5 minutes with favorable wind.
• Ticket Information:
  • Boat ticket: ₹80 (purchase at Rajpuri).
  • Fort entry ticket: ₹25 (purchase at the fort entrance).
  • Total cost: ₹105.

Tips for Visiting

• Boat Preference: Opt for the traditional sailboat for a quieter, more authentic experience.
• Assistance: Boat operators assist with boarding and disembarking, especially helpful for elderly visitors.
• What to Wear: Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
• Best Viewing Point: Climb to the highest point (Balekilla) for the best view of the fort and surrounding sea.

Local Insights

• Construction Technique: The fort was built using stones extracted from the island itself, along with a unique mortar made of lime, salt, jaggery, lead, and sea sand.
• Water Security: The fort's freshwater tanks ensured its self-sufficiency during sieges.
• Security Measures: The fort's design and location made it difficult to conquer, with the sea acting as a natural defense.
• Local Contact: Masud Bhai, a local boat operator in Rajpuri, can provide information and guide you around the fort.

Additional Information

• Padmadurg Fort: Visible from Janjira Fort, built by Sambhaji Maharaj to challenge Janjira's dominance.
• Historical Community: The fort housed a community of Koli and Muslim people, with remnants of their homes visible today.
• Fort's Design: Three-story structure with strategic divisions, including cannon placements, watchtowers, and storage areas.