PANHALA FORT - ART AND
CULTURE
News: ASI educates and promotes
Panhala Fort on World Heritage Day in Kolhapur
What's in the news?
●
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mumbai
Circle, commemorated World Heritage Day at Panhala Fort.
Key takeaways:
●
On January 2, 1954, Panhala Fort was declared as a monument of national importance.
Panhala Fort:
●
Located in Maharashtra,
Panhala Fort holds significant historical importance in the state's history.
●
Locally known as the abode of serpents and associated with the sage Parashar.
●
Strategically positioned near trade routes connecting the Sahyadri mountains, Deccan
plateau, and Konkan coast, attracting attention from various dynasties.
●
Originating back to the 11th century CE under the
rule of the Shilahara dynasty ruler
Bhoja.
Uniqueness:
●
It witnessed transitions
of power under the Yadavas of Devagiri, Bahamani of Bidar, Adilshah of
Bijapur, Marathas, and Mughals.
Architectural Features:
●
The fort comprises three double-walled gates, with
the eastern gate, Chaar Darwaja, now
in ruins.
●
The main entrance, Teen Darwaja, on the western side, is adorned with a pointed arch
opening.
○
A Persian inscription from Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah I's reign in 1547-48 CE adorns its inner gate.
●
The Wagh
Darwaja, on the north, appears concealed by natural scarp, leading to a
narrow pathway down the hill.
●
Notable structures include the Nayikinicha Sajja or the dancing girl’s tower, adorned with
delicate stucco mouldings during Ibrahim Adil Shah II's reign in 1591 CE.
●
Ambarkhana, situated at the fort's center, consists of three
buildings named Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, each with sixteen bays and a flat
vault with a hole on top.
●
Dharma Kothi, another granary is located to the west, featuring
a single staircase leading to its top.
●
Sajja Kothi, a double-storied structure, occupying a prominent
position on the hill, dates to the reign of Bijapur King Ibrahim Adil Shah in
1607-08 CE.