Complete Information About Chandan–Vandan Forts
Location
The twin forts of Chandan and Vandan are located near Bhuiñj village in Satara district of Maharashtra.
Travel Route to the Fort
Pune and Mumbai are major cities in Maharashtra. From these cities, one can travel on National Highway 4 towards Satara.
The Chandan–Vandan Forts are located approximately 24 kilometres from Satara city.
Bhuiñj is another important place situated on the national highway in Satara district. The Chandan–Vandan Forts are located close to Bhuiñj.
Places to See at the Fort
After reaching the foothills of the fort, visitors come across a newly constructed stone-paved staircase route. It takes approximately fifteen minutes to reach the upper part of the hill by this route.
Watchtowers have been constructed at several places along the route for resting and observing the surrounding area.
From here, the trail continues towards the upper portion of the hill. There is a small temple dedicated to a goddess at this location.
Walking further ahead, we reach the pass located between the two forts, Chandan and Vandan. From this pass, Chandan Fort is located on one side and Vandan Fort on the other.
Vandan Fort
While heading towards Vandan Fort, we come across an old route. Several stones from the steps along this route have become loose or fallen away.
Following this path, we reach the main entrance gate of the fort.
Main Entrance Gate
The main entrance gate is beautiful and still in relatively good condition. Its architectural style resembles the medieval construction style associated with the period of King Bhoj.
There are strong bastions on both sides of the entrance. Some stones on the upper portion have fallen away.
A beautiful carving of Lord Ganesha can be seen on one of the bastions near the entrance. Lord Ganesha is regarded as the remover of obstacles and is therefore traditionally worshipped in Hindu culture.
Beautiful lotus motifs, symbolizing prosperity, are also carved on both sides of the entrance.
After entering the gate, spacious guard chambers, known as devadis, can be seen on both sides. These chambers were built for the guards to rest and stay. The architectural design is quite impressive.
Second Gate – Bhoj Gate
After passing through the first entrance, we climb upward using the inner stone staircase. We then come across another entrance gate known as the Bhoj Gate.
It is believed that the fort was built by the Shilahara king Bhoj, and therefore this gate is known by his name.
The guard chambers inside this gate were partially buried under soil and debris. In fact, the entire gate was once covered with accumulated soil.
Shivaji Maharaj devotees and fort enthusiasts from Maharashtra removed the accumulated soil and debris and reopened the entrance.
At present, restoration work is being carried out on the inner side of the gate. The structure is still quite strong and remains in relatively good condition.
Barracks and Soldiers' Residential Foundations
After walking further uphill, we can see the remains of structures that were built for soldiers and guards stationed at the fort.
These structures were built on high stone foundations and are quite impressive. They resemble traditional residential mansions.
Stone niches, cupboards and small chambers can be seen carved into the walls at several places.
Soldiers and Maratha warriors would have used these structures for resting and spending time together.
Lime-Making Mill
Further uphill, we come across an old lime-making mill.
This structure was used to prepare lime required for construction work at the fort.
Materials such as limestone, resin, gum and leaves of the Hirda tree were used to prepare strong lime mortar. This mortar was then used to join the stones together during construction.
Ruins of Mansions and Buildings
Further ahead, several ruins of old mansions and buildings can be seen.
These remains give us an idea about the architectural style and construction techniques used during that period.
Vandaneshvar Temple
After walking further upward from the remains of the Vandaneshvar Temple, a ruined staircase can be seen.
Further ahead, there is a structure covered with a metal sheet. Among the remains of the old construction, a beautiful Shiva lingam can be seen.
Other structural remains are also visible nearby, along with a trident.
The surrounding ruins provide an idea of how the temple may have been constructed in the past.
Residential Structures and Sadar Remains
Further ahead, several remains of residential structures can be seen in the upper part of the fort.
These buildings may have been used as residences for soldiers, Maratha warriors and commanders stationed at the fort.
The remains of a Sadar, an administrative or assembly structure, can also be seen here.
Gunpowder and Grain Storehouse
Further uphill, there is a storehouse that was probably used for storing gunpowder and grain.
Even today, the structure is in relatively good condition and gives us an idea about the construction techniques of that period.
The building appears to have three sections, which may have been used for storing gunpowder and food grains.
The roof is also relatively well preserved. It appears to have been constructed using stones arranged in a triangular structural pattern.
Memorial Platforms
Further ahead, visitors can see the remains of several memorials or stone platforms.
These may have been the memorials or burial structures of important commanders or other prominent people associated with the fort.
Square Water Tank
In the upper part of the fort, there is an arched entrance. After entering through this doorway, visitors can see a square-shaped water tank carved into the rock.
The tank contains water throughout the year.
The tank was created by cutting and removing rock, and the stones obtained during excavation were probably used for construction work.
Because the tank was built along the natural slope of the land, rainwater could collect in it. Water from a natural spring in the surrounding area also flows into the tank.
Even during the summer, the tank can be seen containing water.
It was probably used to meet the water requirements of the soldiers and other people living at the fort.
Flagpole
A flagpole can be seen on the upper portion of the fort, near the citadel.
A saffron flag flies from the flagpole. The saffron flag holds an important place in Hindu and Maratha cultural traditions.
Chandan Fort
After climbing up from the pass and moving towards the other side, a route leading from Vandan Fort towards Chandan Fort can be seen.
Following this route, we reach Chandan Fort. The path goes around the fortification and eventually reaches the main entrance through a carved stone staircase.
Ruined Entrance Gate
The entrance gate on this side is in a ruined condition.
Its roof and one entire side have been destroyed. However, one of the guard chambers is still visible.
Pir and Dargah
Further ahead, there is a dargah located nearby. It represents the religious faith of the Muslim community.
Some portions of the structure have fallen into ruins.
Shiva Temple
After climbing further to the upper portion of the fort, we come across a Shiva temple.
The temple is constructed using stone. Inside the sanctum, there is a Shiva lingam, and a Nandi statue can be seen outside.
The Nandi statue is damaged.
The condition of the temple suggests that it may have suffered damage during attacks in the past.
A large number of devotees and visitors gather here during the month of Shravan for religious celebrations.
Ruins of Another Gunpowder Storehouse
On the upper side of the fort, the remains of another gunpowder storehouse can be seen.
It appears to have consisted of three rooms. The roof has been destroyed, leaving only the remains of the structure.
Citadel – Balekilla
While heading towards the Balekilla, or citadel, on the upper portion of the fort, stone platforms can be seen on both sides.
It is believed that there may once have been a gateway at this location.
Beyond this point lies the Balekilla. It is a relatively flat area situated at a higher elevation.
Two distinct sections of the citadel can be seen here.
Hazrat Gaus Pak Subhani Dargah
A well-built dargah can be seen in the upper portion of the fort.
It is known as the Hazrat Gaus Pak Subhani Dargah.
It is regarded as a sacred religious place by the Muslim community. An annual Urs is held here.
Sadar and Other Building Ruins
Several construction remains can be seen in the upper Balekilla area.
These structures were probably used as residences for soldiers and other people stationed at the fort.
The remains of a large structure built on an elevated stone foundation can also be seen. These are believed to be the remains of a Sadar.
Well
There is also a well in the upper portion of the fort that was once used as a source of drinking water.
However, the water is currently not considered safe for drinking.
Fortification
The fortification surrounding the fort has collapsed at several places.
Many of the bastions have also deteriorated and fallen into ruins.
Historical Information About Chandan–Vandan Forts
The Chandan–Vandan Forts have a long and important history.
A copper-plate inscription dating to 1191–92 CE has been found, indicating that the fort was built during the reign of Shilahara King Bhoj II.
After the end of King Bhoj's rule, the fort came under the control of the Yadava dynasty.
During the Yadava period, the fort and the surrounding region were included in their territory.
Later, the fort came under the control of the Sultanate and subsequently the Bahmani rulers.
After that, the fort came under the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.
Following the killing of Afzal Khan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the Satara region in 1673. He also conquered several forts in the surrounding area, including the Chandan–Vandan Forts.
The earlier names of these forts are said to have been Shurgad and Sangramgad. Later, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renamed them Chandan and Vandan.
The fort remained under Maratha control for a period. Later, during the reign of Aurangzeb, it came under Mughal control.
After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the fort once again came under Maratha control.
The fort remained under Maratha rule until the decline of the Maratha Empire.
In 1818, after the fall of the Maratha Empire, the fort came under British rule.
After India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the fort came under the administration of independent India.
Today, visitors can see the ruined fortifications, gateways, temples, dargahs, water tanks and remains of various historical structures.
Accommodation and Drinking Water
Accommodation for an overnight stay may be possible at Vandan Fort.
Water may also be available at Vandan Fort. However, the water should be properly treated or purified before drinking to ensure that it is safe.
This is Complete Information About Chandan–Vandan Forts
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