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Kolhapur and Panhala:
Kolhapur is famous for its pleasant climate. It has a rich tradition of famous wrestlers. It has a royal past and hence people from Kolhapur still carry a royal attitude. It has a high income level and is known to have the maximum numbers of premium cars per capita in Maharashtra. It is also famous for its non-vegetarian food made from Pandhara Rassa and Tambada Rassa (white gravy and red gravy).
Temples:
The famous temple of Mahalaxmi is in the town. The famous temple for Jyotiba(Shiva in form of Warrior) is approx 18 km away from Kolhapur city and just 7 km away from Panhala fort.
Panhala fort:
This is one of the biggest and finest forts of Maharashtra. It was constructed by King Bhoj of Shaliwahan dynasty during 11th century A.D. with a 15 km boundary wall and 135 bastions. The boundary wall is made of mud and is 15 ft thick. Thickness was given to build strength and mud facilitated faster construction, however on the outer periphery stones are used. This fort is famous for two important instances, the famous saying of “Kahan Raja Bhoj Aur Kahan Gangu teli” was created here. Also the episode of Shivaji escaping from the siege of Siddi Jouhar and reaching Vishalgad took place here. Legends for both as told by locals are described here.
“Kahan Raja Bhoj aur Kahan Gangu Teli”:
On the fort are 3 massive granaries, named Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. While these were being constructed the walls would keep collapsing once taken up to 6ft or so. A priest was called to suggest the solution. He suggested that the sacrifice of a pregnant woman or a mother and her new born would solve the problem. The hunt for such woman was carried out and Jakhubai, daughter -in-law of Gangu Teli agreed to sacrifice her life for the empire. Thus came the saying which originally was said in exactly opposite context as “Kahan Gangu Teli aur Kahan Raja Bhoj”.
Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from siege of Panhala:
Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire ruled for a long period from Panhala though later Raigad was declared as the capital. In the year 1660, Mughal warrior Siddi Jouhar led a prolonged siege to the fort. It became evident that sustaining on the fort was not possible and Shivaji made a plan to escape. His look alike Shiva Kashid from the neighbouring village was trained to act like him and on the night of 12th July 1660; he led a platoon to break the siege in westwards direction and escape; eventually to be caught. The force was overjoyed as the motive of the siege was fulfilled and moved with captured Shiva Kashid to Siddi’s camp toward east. Taking this opportunity Shivaji escaped from the same direction however he took a difficult route from the Masai Plateau to Vishalgad(destination fort 80 km away).
Shiva Kashid was presented in front of Siddi and he acted like the real Shivaji. A person named Rustam Jamaal was present there. He had witnessed the fight between Shivaji and Afzal Khan in the tent at Pratapgad. He remembered having seen Sayyad Banda’s sword (Khan’s Bodyguard) hitting Shivaji near his ear. Thus there should have been a scar, which was missing. He expressed his suspicion and Shiva Kashid was interrogated and killed immediately. The force then went chasing Shivaji but by then he had gained the vital lead. Finally both forces came closer near Ghodkhind (a narrow pass in the mountain near Vishalgad) where Baji Prabhu, the legendary warrior engaged Siddi’s force to make sure Shivaji reached Vishalgad without any problem. In the fierce battle, Baji attained martyrdom.
Important Structures at Panhala :
Teen Darwaja:
The most beautiful entrance on the western side is constructed in 3 different styles representing Hindu, Islamic and European style of construction. It’s a must see for everybody. On the outer side there are marks of 3 cannon shells fired by Siddi’s force during the siege.
Andhar Bavadi:
Bavadi means well, it is a three storyed well to store rain water. It was constructed during rule of King Bhoj and is pretty much intact.
Sajja Kothi or Sadr-e-Mahal:
This is the highest spot in the fort. Shivaji’s son Sambhaji was kept in captivity here as result of family feud and misgivings.
Other important buildings are Dharma Kothi and Kalawant Mahal.
TIP:
This fort is very big and it is advisable to have a good guide to enjoy history. You can try and take along with you Sharif Haneef Nagarjee (cell number 09765109424). He is the 9th generation of family of Nagarjees(official announcers of the fort) appointed by King Shivaji and has good knowledge of history of not only Panhala but also of Maratha Empire.
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