Panhala Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Panhala Fort, also known as Panalla, Panhalgad and Pahalla, is situated in Kolhapur district of Panhala in Maharashtra, India. The name of the fort, when literally translated means “the home of serpents”.

It is one of the 15 forts built by Shilahara under Bhoja II, sometime between 1178 and 1209. Several inscriptions at the fort record its occupation by several dynasties over the years, including the Devgiri Yadavas, Bahamanis of Bidar and the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur, with the last being credited with its expansion and fortification as well. In 1659 after the demise of Afzul Khan- the Bijapur general, Shivaji Maharaj annexed the fort, but it was not until 1673 that he could permanently occupy it. Shivaji is said to have imprisoned his son in this fort after he fell out of favor with the king. According to legend, at the height of Shivaji’s power, this fort housed 20,000 soldiers and 15,000 horses. After Shivaji’s death, the fort went into the control of Sambhaji, before being captured by Aurangzeb’s general, Takrib Khan. However, in 1692, it was recaptured by Kashi Ranganath Sarpotdar with help of the Maratha commander Parshuram Pant Pratinidhi. The fort was finally annexed by Aurangzeb in 1701. It also has historical significance as being the place where Tarabai, the Queen Regent of Kolhapur, spent her formative years.

Panhala was built using stone and lead, with a perimeter of 14 Kms and a height of 845 meters. It was strategically located having a view of the major trade troute in the Sahyadri Mountain. The influence of Bijapuri and Bahamani architecture is clearly visible in the structure of the fort. It is characterized by 110 lookout posts, 7 Km of fortifications and 5-9 meter high ramparts strengthened by bastions.

Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort Images

Panhala Fort Photos

Panhala Fort Pictures

Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort Inside

Inside of Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort Inside View

Panhala Fort Inside

Panhala Fort Teen Darwaza

Panhala Fort Teen Darwaja Images

Panhala Fort Teen Darwaza Pictures

Panhala Fort Teen Darwaza

Panhala Fort Konkan Darwaja

Several structures in the fort carry significant historical value, namely – Andhar Bavadi, Ambarkhana and Teen Darwaza among others. Currently, the ruins of the fort are maintained by the Government of India and are open to the public for sightseeing.