Shivaji, the 17th-century emperor of the Maratha Empire, had many forts built which remain throughout Maharashtra today, but if there's is one that epitomises his vision, it's this one, located on the Arabian Sea coast at Malvan, the largest town in the state's Sindhudurg district. One of five sea forts designed by the emperor's master engineer Hiroji Indalkar to protect against pirates and other enemies, both foreign and domestic (such as Siddis of Murud-Janjira). Built in 1664-67 on a 48-acre island, it has a watchtower, a cleverly disguised entrance, and its massive three kilometres of walls are 9.1m high and 3.7m thick. Other features include three freshwater tanks which hold fresh, clean water throughout the year for the handful of families that still live here; a secert passage; the hand and footprint of the emperor himself; a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; and an unusual idol of the emperor without facial hair, placed by his son Rajaram.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Twinkle Garg's post 5 of the Most Impressive Historic Spots in India's Maharashtra State.
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