Sangram Durg (Chakan Fort)

Overview:

Sangram Durga is a land fort situated at chakan, Pune, Maharashtra, Original area of fort was 65 acres,currently only 5.5 acres.

Fort was attacked by Shaista Khan with force of 20,000(20k) men with artillery dated on 23 June 1660. Fort was guarded by Killedar (fortress commander) Firangoji Narsala(age 70 at time) with force of 320 Mavalas (soldiers).

History:

A witness for many historical events, this ancient fort was under the reign of Allah-ud-din Khilji after the fall of Yadava clan of Devgiri. Allah-ud-din Shah Bahmani decided to capture Sahyadri’s trade routes and konkan region. This task was handed out to his commander in chief, Malik Uttujar. He stayed at Chakan (1447) during this quest. While advancing towards Vishalgad, the army of Malik Uttujar was misled into a dense forest by Shirke and More. They attacked the unaware enemy, surprising and murdering Malik Uttujar along with 2500 of his soldiers at that strategic location.(The detail article about this earliest of guerrilla battles is very interesting)

Dispute between the Muslims of south and the Islamic mercenaries (Muslims from foreign regions) resulted in the Muslims of south returning back to Chakan, hence, abandoning the conquest. The news of this event was given to Bhamani General, Mujaid Shah. The Sayyad clan and other mercenaries were held responsible for the massacre. They took refuge in Chakan fort with the help of Konkan region’s ruler.

Drunk and enraged Mujaid Shah ordered to attack the Chakan fort and to slay all the mercenaries. Following Shah’s orders, the Muslims of south led by Rustum and Sahlar Aamir surrounded the fort ready to attack. The mercenaries had plenty of supply stock and did not respond to any threats. Finally, the Muslims of south drew the mercenaries out faking that Shah has forgiven them. They invited mercenaries to come and enjoy a feast together. Sayyads and mercenaries accepted the invitation. But, they were slaughtered by the Muslims during the very feast.

Aamir Shah, the baron of Daulatabad, ceded the region of Chakan, 84 counties, to Kheloji and Maloji (the father of the great grandfather of Shivaji Maharaj). Later, the Chakan region was under the control of Shahaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj took over the fort defeating Adil Shah when Firangoji Narsala was the Commander of the fort. Firangoji expressed loyalty towards Shivaji Maharaj for which he prolonged his status as the Commander of the Chakan fort.

On 21st June 1660, Shaista Khan (Mirza Abu Talib) surrounded the fort with a strong army of 20 thousand men. Inside the fort 600 to 700 Maratha warriors, having sufficient supply of food and ammunition, kept on defending the fort courageously. They used cannons, pistols and raided the Mughals during nights (guerrilla warfare technique). Many days passed without any result. Then, Shaista Khan ordered to construct an underground tunnel going up to the Bastion on North-East side of the fortification.

The 55th day, 14 August 1660, that tunnel packed with explosives was lit. The blast created a huge gaping in the wall. Almost 75 Marathas guarding the bastion were killed and the Mughals attempted a break-in. But Marathas fought back and did not allow this. On 15th August 1660, Mughals launched a severe assault. Holding to citadel, Marathas fought with vigor but due to draining energy and resources, they couldn’t withstand the attack. Firangoji Narsala decided to counter-attack but was captured. The fort subsequently was surrendered to the Mughals.

The fort at this moment of time is virtually non-existent. The stones from the fortification and palace buildings were used to construct homes by the people. The area of the fort is a barren land and any sign of remnants can hardly be seen.

Chakreshwar temple dedicated to ‘Lord Shiva’ can be seen nearby. Ancient stone carvings of ‘Varah Avatar’ (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) can be seen here. The temple site is also well known for its significance in the beginnings of the epic Ramayana.

Shaista Khan was astonished by Firangoji’s bravery, and offered him Mughal Sardari. But Firangoji refused to accept it; instead Shaista Khan gave him and his soldiers safe passage. Firangoji came to meet Shivaji and apologised for surrendering the fort. But Shivaji was very happy with him as he had defended a small fort for almost 2 months. He said “if it took 60 days for Shaista Khan to take a small fort, imagine how many days will be required to capture an entire swarajya (kingdom). Shaista Khan will be here for few days, he is not going to take Sangram Durg with him. Whatever you have done is praiseworthy”. Shivaji rewarded Firangoji and made him Killedar of the Bhupalgad (Bhupal fort).

Place to Visit on Fort:

The fort at this moment of time is virtually non-existent. The stones from the fortification and palace buildings were used to construct homes by the people. The area of the fort is a barren land and any sign of remnants can hardly be seen.

Chakreshwar temple dedicated to ‘Lord Shiva’ can be seen nearby. Ancient stone carvings of ‘Varah Avatar’ (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) can be seen here. The temple site is also well known for its significance in the beginnings of the epic Ramayana.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: Mumbai – Talegaon – Chakan (distance 138 kms)
From Pune: Pune – Chakan (distance 32 kms)

Related Video (Chakan Fort):

Best time to Visit:

July to Feb is best time to visit chakan Fort.