There was a time when kings used to rule the world. The rule itself depended on many factors, chief among them was the ability to protect the kingdom. With conquests and attacks becoming a norm, forts became the first and sometimes the only line of defense.

What’s more interesting is that India has more forts than any other country in the world. The state of Maharashtra alone has over 70 forts. Let us rekindle the historian in all of us and imagine the dance of life performed at every fort, hundreds of years ago. Here is a curated list of these places.

SINHAGAD FORT

Sinhagad which means lion’s fort, is the most prominent and popular fort near Pune. It sits on top of the Sahyadri mountain range at a height of seven hundred above the sea level. The steep slopes providing it strong natural defense.

And just like with every fort it has a story to tell as well. Tanaji Malusare, a general was ordered by Chattrapati Shivaji who was a close childhood friend to win back the fort.

He did that, with generous help from his domesticated monitor lizard helping him scaling the walls but lost his life during the siege. Shivaji, moved by the loss said ” We gained the fort but lost the lion “

Hence the name, Sinhagad.

Image Courtesy: Komal, Mikhil, Shruthi& Ajay.

AGA KHAN PALACE

The only time including a palace in the list of forts makes sense is when it has been given the status, “Monument of national importance”. Built in the year 1892 as a form of charity to the neighboring people of Pune, hit by a drastic famine. Sponsored by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III.

But this palace is famous for keeping Gandhiji as a prisoner during

Quit India Movement.

Here Kasturba Gandhi(his wife) and Mahadevbhai Desai(his secretary), passed away. Their memorial is inside the palace. Information is provided all over in the palace

Morning prayer sessions have been held daily at the samadhi since decades, a sizeable crowd gathers everyday.

Image courtesy: Jahnvi, Shahana & Benjamin

SHANIWARWADA

This 280-year-old fort palace was built by Bajirao-I, one of the most powerful rulers of India and made the seat of Peshwa power here.

The most interesting part is that the doors remain sturdy even after these hundreds of years even though the palace was mostly destroyed by a fire almost 17o years ago.

The palace is said to be haunted at full moon night, by a young prince who was murdered here. Many people come here to camp just outside the palace, to witness that.

Image courtesy: IndianSketches, ilsey, fiona & abhishek