JANJIRA FORT
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| Front View |
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| Janjira Fort from Aerial View |
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| Carving at the Entrance- tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws |
Janjira Fort or the Janjira Jal-durg is one of the most
impressive structures located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, about 165 km
from Mumbai. Janjira is one of the strongest Fort of Marine Forts of India. The
word Janjira is a corruption of the Arabic word ‘Jazira’ for Island. This
amazing structure was built by Malik Ambar (Siddi Dynasty), who was an
Abssinian minister in the court of the Sultan of Ahmednagar. Janjira Fort was
built during the end of the 17th century and till date withstood the tests of
time. It reflects the marvel of ancient engineering. The fort stands with an
impressive height of 40 feet and is bounded by high walls on all sides. It
endures the lashes of the sea waves through ages and still stands strong.
On several occasions, the Fort of Janjira
was attacked by various outside forces but none of the enemy forces could
conquer it. Janjira fort is very well fortified and survived foreign attacks.
The surrounding of the fort is full of coconut and betel nut trees. Over 350
years, the Janjira Fort remained unconquered and survived from the attacks of
the great rulers like Shivaji, Sambhaji and the Peshwas including the Portuguese, British and Marathas.
There are several towers and turrets in the Janjira Fort, which are used
for keeping guns and cannons. This fort had a total of 500 canons previously
but now only a few of them 19 rounded bastions still intact. Inside the Janjira
Fort, you can see the water tanks, beautiful tombs and stone sculptures. At the
gate, the sculpture depicting a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its
claws is very impressive. This portrays the valor of the Siddis. You can find
19 burj inside the Janjira Fort. Kalal Bangadi, Chavari and Landa Kasam are the
well known guns that are found under every burj.
Recognized as one of the major monuments in
India, it is frequented by thousands of travelers from all over the country.
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