Subhanmangal Fort (Shirval) – Witness to the First Victory of Swarajya | History, Information and Tourism
Introduction
Maharashtra has numerous forts and historical monuments that hold great importance in its history. When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began the establishment of Swarajya (self-rule), he brought several forts under its control. Among these, Subhanmangal Fort, located in Shirval village in Pune district, holds a special place.
This land fort reminds us of the courage and valour of the Marathas during the early days of Swarajya. The victory achieved by the Marathas at this fort is regarded as an important event in the history of Swarajya.
Today, most of the fort has been destroyed. Only one bastion, the Durga Devi Temple and a few historical remains can still be seen here. Even these surviving structures remind us of the glorious history of Swarajya.
. Geographical Location of Subhanmangal Fort
Subhanmangal Fort is located in Shirval village, Pune district, Maharashtra. Shirval is an important village situated along the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway. This land fort is located in the region surrounding the Nira River.
The remains of the fort can be seen a short distance from the main road of Shirval village. At present, most of the fort has been destroyed. Only one bastion and the Durga Devi Temple remain.
How to Reach Subhanmangal Fort
Subhanmangal Fort can be reached by travelling from Pune or Mumbai.
- From Pune: Shirval can be reached via the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway.
- From Mumbai: Travel along the Mumbai–Pune Highway to Pune and then continue towards Shirval via the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway.
- From Shirval Bus Stand: From the bus stand, take the main road in the direction of the Nira River. The remains of the fort can be seen nearby.
The fort is easily accessible from Shirval village.
. Places to Visit Around Subhanmangal Fort
1) The Fort Bastion
Subhanmangal is a land fort. In earlier times, forts were protected by defensive walls and bastions. Bastions played an important role in the fort's defence system.
Today, only one bastion of this fort remains. From this bastion, visitors can see the surrounding areas of Shirval village, the Nira River, Pragati High School and the settlements near the national highway.
2) Durga Devi Temple (Bhavani Temple)
A small temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is situated a short distance from the fort's bastion. The goddess is also known as Bhavani Mata.
It is believed that some construction work on this temple was carried out during the Peshwa period. In modern times, the temple has undergone repairs, including plastering of its walls.
Inside the temple, there is a small shrine where the idol of the goddess is installed. The interior of the temple is clean and well maintained. Some remains of historical structures can also be seen in the temple areas.
3) Veergal (Hero Stones)
Some damaged Veergal, or hero stones, can be seen in the outer area of the Durga Devi Temple.
In ancient times, stone memorials were erected in memory of warriors who lost their lives in battles or while defending forts. These memorial stones are known as Veergal.
These hero stones provide insights into the warfare traditions, bravery and cultural practices of preserving the memories of courageous warriors during that period.
4) Shiva Lingam
A square-shaped Shiva Lingam can be seen within the temple areas. Some remains of ancient structures are also visible nearby.
5) Ancient Drinking Water Shelter
An ancient drinking water shelter can be seen along the national highway in Shirval village.
This structure is built in a square architectural style. Its roof is still in relatively good condition. Two large water containers carved out of stone can also be seen here.
In ancient times, such shelters were constructed to provide drinking water to travellers and passers-by. This structure offers an insight into the water supply arrangements and facilities provided for travellers during that period.
The Rameshwar Temple is situated in Shirval village, near the Nira River and in the vicinity of Subhanmangal Fort.
It is an ancient religious site and an important centre of faith for local devotees. Visitors can also seek blessings at this temple during their visit to the fort.
4. Historical Background of Subhanmangal Fort
Subhanmangal Fort holds special significance in the history of the establishment of Swarajya by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began his mission of establishing Swarajya from his ancestral jagir in the Pune region. At that time, he adopted a strategy of bringing several forts and territories under the control of Swarajya, which were then under the rule of the Adilshahi Sultanate.
After Shahajiraje Bhosale was taken prisoner by the Adilshahi forces, the Sultanate sent Fatte Khan on a military campaign against Swarajya in an attempt to put pressure on Shivaji Maharaj.
Fatte Khan established his camp at Belsar, near Purandar Fort. At that time, Shivaji Maharaj's army was comparatively small. Therefore, he adopted a careful military strategy to avoid unnecessary casualties among his soldiers.
An important incident related to the control of Subhanmangal Fort also took place during this conflict.
Later, after receiving information about the negligence of the Adilshahi officers responsible for the fort's security, Shivaji Maharaj sent Kavji Malhar on a mission to recapture the fort.
Kavji Malhar attacked the fort along with his troops. The Maratha soldiers broke through the fort wall and entered the fort. In this battle, Balaji Haibatrao, the Adilshahi fort commander, was defeated, and the Marathas captured Subhanmangal Fort and brought it under the control of Swarajya.
This victory is regarded as one of the important successes of the early military campaigns of Swarajya. For this reason, Subhanmangal Fort occupies a special place in the history of Maratha courage and valour.
. Historical Importance of Subhanmangal Fort
Subhanmangal Fort is not merely a land fort; it is also a witness to important historical events that took place during the establishment of Swarajya.
The fort played an important role in the mission of establishing Swarajya undertaken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The victory achieved by the Marathas under the leadership of Kavji Malhar reminds us of their courage and military valour.
Today, the condition of the fort is extremely poor. Over time, its defensive walls and several other structures have been destroyed. Only one bastion, the Durga Devi Temple, hero stones and a few other remains can still be seen here.
It is our responsibility to preserve and protect this historical heritage.
. What to See During a Visit to Subhanmangal Fort
During a visit to Subhanmangal Fort, visitors should explore the following historical and religious sites:
1. The historic bastion of Subhanmangal Fort.
2. The Durga Devi Temple, also known as the Bhavani Mata Temple.
3. The ancient hero stones located within the temple areas.
4. The Shiva Lingam and other historical remains.
5. The ancient drinking water shelter in Shirval.
6. The Rameshwar Temple situated near the Nira River.
Conclusion
The history of every fort in Maharashtra reminds us of the courage and valour of our ancestors. Subhanmangal Fort is an important historical heritage site associated with the early phase of the establishment of Swarajya by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
It is sad to see the present condition of the fort. Nevertheless, the surviving bastion, temple and hero stones continue to remind us of the bravery of the Marathas.
It is essential to preserve and protect these historical structures. Sharing information about historic forts like Subhanmangal with everyone is important for helping the younger generation understand the history of Swarajya and develop a sense of pride in our forts and heritage.
Let us explore the history of Maharashtra's forts and work together to preserve our historical heritage!
