A Historic and ancient fort of the 16th century, surrounded by the majestic Arabian sea from all the sides the Janjira fort, is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Murud Janjira Fort is about 60 km away from Alibaug, Maharashtra. Murud Janjira Fort is one of the strongest marine forts of India, situated on a rock of oval shape near the town of Murud, about 165 kms south of Mumbai. The word ‘Janjira’ is a derived from the Arabic word Jazira for island. The fort is reachable by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty.
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| Murud Janjira |
The main gate of the Murud Janjira Fort faces Rajapuri and can be seen only when in the close range. It has a small gate on seaward side for escape. The fort has 19 rounded bastions, which are still intact. There are many canons of native and European positioned on the bastions. Although it is in ruins now, the fort in its heyday had all the necessary facilities. e.g. drinking water, palaces, mosque, quarters for officers, mosque, etc. On the outer wall flanking the main gate, there is a sculpture portraying a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws.
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| Murud Janjira |
Originally the fort was small wooden structure built by a fisherman chief in the late 15th century. It was later captured by Pir Khan, a general of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar. The Murud Janjira Fort was strengthened by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian Siddi regent of Ahmednagar kings. Despite their repeated attempts, the British, the Portuguese and the Marathas failed to subdue Siddi power. Shivaji’s all attempts to capture Janjira fort also failed. When Sambhaji’s attempts to capture Janjira fort failed, he built another island fort, known as Kansa or Padmadurg.
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| Murud Janjira |
Murud is popular for its appealing beach, murmuring casuarinas, betel
palms and coconuts. The temple of Lord Dattatreya is near the fort on a
hillock. The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves are also worth
visiting.
How to Reach Murud Janjira Fort :
By Air :
Mumbai is the nearest Air port for Murud Janjira Fort. Then you can take car or taxi to reach Murud Janjira Fort by road.
By Rail :
Roha is the nearest railway station. Then you can hire a vehicle for further journey performed by road.
By Road :
By hiring a car or taxi Roha to Murud Janjira takes about an hour.
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