Khanderi
| Khanderi | |
|---|---|
| खांदेरी | |
| Raigad District, Maharashtra | |
  Khanderi | |
| Coordinates | 18°42′15″N 72°48′47″E / 18.7042°N 72.8131°E |
| Type | Sea fort |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1660 |
| Built by | Shivaji |
Khanderi (Khanderi Sea island) is an island with a fort, located south of Mumbai, along the coast of Maharashtra, India.
Location and history
Khanderi (Official name Kanhoji Angre Island, Old British name Kennery) is located 5 km off the coast of Maharashtra (off Thal, Kihim) and 20 km south of Mumbai. Khanderi, along with its sister fort Underi (Jaidurg) formed the major fortification along the Maharashtra coast, the former falling under Shivaji's control and the latter under his opponents, the Siddis.
The island consists of two high hills, one facing north and the other facing south. Initially, the islands of Underi and Khanderi were uninhabited. In 1679, Khanderi was occupied by the forces of Shivaji, who oversaw the building of the fortifying walls.[1] Subsequently, Khanderi fort was built during the reign of the Maratha king Shivaji in 1660 CE[2] to keep a check on the Siddis at Murud-Janjira fort and was the site of many battles between Shivaji's forces and the navy of Sidi.[3] It contained two wells to supply water to the forces within, and a temple of Sri Betal.[4]
The fort was subsequently ceded in 1818 to the forces of the British East India company at Bombay as part of the Peshwa territory
Most of the fort is still intact, with the most prominent structure being a lighthouse built by the British in June 1867 and the two storey building upon which the lighthouse is located.[5][6]
The fort is a restricted area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian navy.
Additionally, the fort has a few old metal canons, the tomb of Daud Pir,[7] a local saint and a musical stone that emits metallic musical notes when struck.[8]
In 1998, Khanderi island was renamed Kanhoji Angre Island in honour of the Maratha General Kanhoji Angre.
In September 2013, The Indian Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Shipping drew up plans to develop Khanderi island and its octagonal light house as a tourist destination.[9]
References
- ↑ Khond, Vishal. "Trek to Khanderi". Trek Mates India. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
- ↑ "Friends of Forts". Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ↑ Sarkar, Jadunath (2010). Shivaji and his times. Mumbai: Orient Blackswan. p. 215. ISBN 8125040269.
- ↑ Rau, Ratnakar (1997). Govind, Shivaji's warrior. Hyderabad: Orient Longman Limited. p. 104. ISBN 8125007741.
- ↑ Gazetteer. Govt. Central Press. 1883. pp. 324–327. Retrieved 2009-03-19.
- ↑ Hoiberg, Dale; Indu Ramchandani (2000). Students' Britannica India. Popular Prakashan. pp. 401–2. ISBN 0-85229-762-9. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
- ↑ "Twin trek to Fort Khanderi". Trek Mates India. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
- ↑ Rajendra, Mahajan. "Musical stone at Khanderi Fort". Video - You Tube. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
- ↑ Sanganee, Hemant (28 September 2013). "Welcome to the Kanhoji Island Light House". Dumkhum. Retrieved 10 November 2013.