Shivneri

Shivneri is a hill fort located near Junnar in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is famously known as the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The fort sits at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The history of Shivneri is rich, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Satavahana period. The fort was strategically important and changed hands several times before coming under the control of the Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj was born within the fort in 1630. His mother, Jijabai, took refuge in the fort during her pregnancy.

Shivneri Fort is characterized by its robust fortifications, including ramparts, bastions, and gateways. Key features within the fort complex include the Shivneri Devi temple, a water cistern known as Ganga-Jamuna, and the ruins of palaces and residential structures. The Dobhphata gate, the Malshej Ghat side, and the Koli Darwaja are some of the notable entrances.

The fort played a significant role in Shivaji Maharaj's early life and military campaigns. Its strategic location allowed for effective control of the surrounding region. Today, Shivneri is a popular tourist destination and a place of historical pilgrimage, attracting visitors interested in Maratha history and Maharashtra's heritage. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the fort, preserving its historical significance.