Murud Janjira

The state of Maharashtra is blessed with a vast 750 km
coastline. Visiting the various forts that decorate the
coastal necklace is a wonderful experience. The journey
starts from the Revas port and continues up to Terekhol.
Walking among dense coconut trees and experiencing
the Konkani lifestyle is truly amazing. Main among the
forts are Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Janjira and others.
“Jazeera” is an Arabic word, which means an island. The
name Janjira resembles it quite a lot, because it is
derived from the same. The fort of Janjira is situated on
an island, which is quite literal. The fort was previously
called as “Jazeere Mehroob”, and the folks gave
imparted the name that prevails now. This island is
situated 3 km within the sea, near the village Murud, a
beautiful tourist center. As we understand more about
each fort, we come to know that different rulers ruled
them in different times. But the story of Janjira is quite
different, because the Siddis ruled them till recent times.
Nobody could conquer it. Shivaji had conquered many
forts, but could never bring this one under his control.
Due to these Siddis the moguls could sustain in
Sahyadris, and the English could trade freely over the
seas. As Marathas were hostile to them, they had to face
the three. Thus we can deduce the importance of Janjira
fort.

History:
This fort was also known as ‘Fort Mehroob’. After the
death of Malik Ahmed Nizamshah in 1508 A.D. his 7 yr
old son Burhan assumed the throne. Two Nizam warriors
Mirza Ali and Kalab Ali came to Dand Raajpur in the
northern Konkan. Their rule was a nemesis for the local
fishermen. The fishermen erected a wooden fortification
on a neighbouring island. Ram Patil was the leader of
the folks and posed a threat to Nizam. Nizamshah
dispatched a Sardar named Piramkhan to remove the
hurdle of Ram Patil. Piramkhan drugged Ram Patil and
captured the island. Later Ram Patil was sent to the
Nizamshah and was converted into a Muslim. After his
death in A.D. 1538, Burhan Nizamshah was appointed
here. In 1567 the wooden structure was replaced by well
cut rocks and the strong fortification was completed in
1571. It was known by the name of ‘fort Mehroob’. In
A.D. 1587 Alargkhan was appointed here. After his death
in 1612 his son Ibrahim Khan gained control and Siddi
Surur Khan came after him, during 1618-1620. Till 1947,
about 20 Siddhi Nawabs enjoyed rule over the region.
However, when it seemed that did not prove to be
economically vioble, Malik Amber, separated this part
from Janjira and gave it into the hands of Siddi Amber
Sanak. It remained in his control till 1948. The residents
of Janjira Finally enjoyed freedom. After 330 yrs of
foreign rule by about 20 Siddhis, Janjira finally become a
part of the Indian constitution. After winning the forts of
Talegad, Ghasalgad and Raigad in A.D.1648, Shivaji
Maharaj turned towards north Konkan. He realized the
strategic importance of Janjira. His first effort to take
Janjira in 1659 did not bear any fruits. Shamraj Pant and
Baji Gholap, who were sent for this mission, could not
succeed. In the second attempt in the same year,
Nilopant Raghunath Mujumdar and Mayaaji Bhatkar
succeeded in beleaguering the fort, but could not
capture the fort. Shivaji Maharaj made yet another
attempt to capture the fort. Raje dispatched Vyankoji
Datto with an army to the fort. Shivaji Raje dispatched
Vyankoji Datto with an army. Siddi retaliated and a huge
battle ensued. Once again, Shivaji Maharaj was
unsuccessful. After this third attempt he tried once
again in 1678, but his efforts turned out to be futile. In
A.D.1682 Sambhaji raje sent Dadoji Raghunath to
capture Janjira but again Aurangzeb arrived in south and
he had to leave the campaign. This impregnability was
breached in 1948, when Janjira became a part of
independent India. This must be the only fort, which was
so invulnerable. The story that reveals the reason why
Janjira remained unconquered for 400 years is quite
interesting. Joshi families, a well-known family of
Brahmins, were veteran astrologers. Their predictions
used to be correct. Once the main person was out
somewhere, when some courtiers of Siddi came to him
to ask an auspicious moment when the fort could be
constructed. The Siddis had captured this island from
local fishermen by treachery, and wanted to develop it.
The daughter of Brahmin knew about the calculations,
and told them about a moment that would be the
luckiest for the fort, which would make it invulnerable.
When the man returned, he was shocked to hear that the
wrong people were given the favor. The construction
started on the decided moment, and Janjira became
immortal.
Fascinating Spots :
As we go from Murud to Rajpuri, the southernmost point
of Murud-Janjira city, we get a grand view of Janjira. It
cannot be seen from the main beach. The fort that is
seen from here is Padmadurg, built by Shivaji as a
counterpart to Janjira. As we go nearer, we come to
know the hugeness of the fort. The entrance to the fort
faces the east. Ferryboats from Rajpuri village halt at the
entrance door of the fort. Inscription in Persian on a
white stone near the door can be clearly seen. Rock
carvings on both sides of the entrance are of Gajant
Lakshmi. A can be seen on the Mahadwar of the fort take
you to a place where Cannons are kept. The biggest of
them is named ‘Kalad Bangdi’.
Peer Panchayatan :
As one enters the main entrance and walks ahead,
another door on the left is seen. On the right hand side
is a room like structure, which is called the Peer
Panchayatan. There are 5 peers in this room. A few
graves can be seen in the front yard. 3 rusted anchors
lie unmoved here.

Horse Stable :
Moving ahead from the Peer Panchayatan along the
coastline we come across the stable.
Surulkhan’s Palace :
The 3-storey dilapidated structure ahead is the
Surulkhan’s palace. It is the tallest building here.

Lake :
Northwards from the palace lies a lake. The lake
measures about 20 m in diameter.

Citadel :
As we walk ahead the steps the along the lake, we reach
the citadel. A square for flag hoisting is constructed
here.

Royal Courtyard :
It is situated behind the citadel.

Western Darwaaja :
On the western side o the fort, just below the coast
level a small door can be seen. This door was used as
an emergency exit. Above the door along the coast is a
jail. On the ramparts nearby there are cannons of metal,
which still are in better condition. It has been
discovered that there were 572 cannons on the fort in
1669. There are 22 bastions, on many of which such
cannons are seen. Even today these have stood the test
of time and are in a good condition. It takes about 2-2 ½
hrs to see the fort.

Getting There :
Get to Alibaug from Mumbai /Pune. You can then go to
Murud from Alibag via Revdanda. Small boats take you
to the fort from Murud. The journey by boat takes about
½ hr.The other route is the Pali-Roha-Naggothne-Salar-
Nandgaon-Murud route.One can also plan his travel in
the Konkan region by following the Mahad-Gorgaon-
Mhasale-Borlipanchatan-Didhi route. Boats take us to
the fort from Didhi.