Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Parnera Fort

Parnera, Gujarat, India

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Parnera Fort, located on Parnera Hill near Valsad in Gujarat, India, has over 500 years of history and was originally built by a Hindu king.

The fort, positioned about 152 meters above ground, has witnessed numerous conflicts, including battles with the Portuguese in the 16th century who destroyed it twice, and later confrontations involving the Marathas under Shivaji Maharaj. It served as a military base during the Peshwa era and changed hands among various rulers including the Gayakwads and the British, who demolished parts of it during the 1857 rebellion.

Folklore tells of Shivaji Maharaj escaping the fort through a hidden passage on horseback during a war. The hill is also known for several temples dedicated to deities like Shiva, Kali, and Ambika, and hosts an annual fair during Navratri. Remnants of the fort include a few remaining cannons out of the original 150 and ancient stepwells that once supplied water to the garrison.