Murud-Janjira Essay Example

manufacture lie rusting on these bastions.

Currently in a state of disrepair, the fortress was well-equipped during its period of active use, complete with palaces, officer quarters, a mosque, and even a large fresh water tank. A sculpture showcasing a creature resembling a tiger grabbing elephants with its talons adorns the exterior wall by the main entrance. This enigmatic sculpture is common to many of Maharashtra's fort-gates. The fort's humble beginnings can be traced back to its construction as a small wooden establishment by a Koli chieftain in the late 15th century. Later, Pir Khan, an army general serving Nizamshah of Ahmednagar, seized control of it.

Subsequently, the fort was reinforced by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian Siddi steward of the rulers of Ahmednagar. Henceforth, the Siddis gained independence, pledging loyalty to both Adilshah and the Mughals as circumstances required. The Portuguese, British and Marathas could not conquer the Siddi power despite their numerous attempts. Different issues thwarted Shivaji's every endeavor to seize Janjira fort. When Sambhaji was unable to succeed as well, he constructed an alternative island fortress, referred to as Kansa or Padmadurg, merely 9km to the north of Janjira.

After 1947, the rule of the Janjira state concluded. The residence of the Janjira's Nawabs located in Murud, remains well-preserved. Positioned on an oval-shaped rock near the harbour town of Murud, 165kms southward from Mumbai, Janjira fort is considered to be among India's most robust marine fortifications (The term 'Janjira' derives from the Arabic word Jazira, meaning island). The fort can be reached by sailboats from the Rajapuri jetty. The principal entrance of the fortress looks towards Rajapuri on the shoreline and is only visible once one

gets considerably near.

The fort features a small rear gateway leading towards the open sea, potentially used for escapes. It is home to 19 well-preserved rounded battlements along with an array of native and European cannons lying in decay. Despite its current dilapidated state, the fort was once fully equipped with all essential amenities like palaces, officer accommodations, a mosque, and a large fresh water reservoir. The primary gate's exterior wall showcases a peculiar sculpture of a creature resembling a tiger, gripping elephants within its claws. This enigmatic design is prominently seen on several fort entrances across Maharashtra.

Initially, the fort was a modest wooden construction erected by a Koli chief in the end of the 15th century. Pir Khan, a commander serving under Nizamshah of Ahmednagar, seized control of it. The fort was later fortified by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian Siddi governor for the kings of Ahmednagar. Consequently, the Siddis asserted their independence, pledging their loyalty to Adilshah and the Mughals as determined by changing circumstances. Although they tried numerous times, the Portuguese, the British, and the Marathas were unable to dissolve the power of the Siddis. All efforts by Shivaji to lay claim to the Janjira fort were unsuccessful due to various reasons.

Sambhaji, after his failure, constructed another island fortress, Kansa or Padmadurg, located just 9kms north of Janjira. Post 1947, the Janjira state ceased to exist. The Nawabs of Janjira's palace at Murud is still well preserved. Image: A remote view of Janjira from the south (above) along with the massive freshwater tank present within the fort (inset). A detailed sight of the eastern side of the island fortress is provided (below), revealing that

parts of the stone wall close to water line have been eroded by sea water.