Jaigad Fort

Maharashtra, India

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Jaigad Fort is a coastal fort located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, perched on a cliff where the Shastri River meets the Arabian Sea. Built in the 16th century by the Bijapur Sultanate, it served as a strategic stronghold to monitor naval activities and protect trade routes along the Konkan coast.

The fort later came under the control of local chieftains and then the Maratha naval commander Kanhoji Angre, who made it a key base for his fleet. It played an important role in Maratha maritime defense until it was captured by the British in 1818. The fort covers about 13 acres and features strong stone walls, bastions, a deep moat, secret passages, a Ganpati temple, and the residence of Kanhoji Angre.

Today, Jaigad Fort remains an important historical site offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscape, attracting visitors interested in history, architecture, and nature. The nearby beach and lighthouse add to the site's appeal as a tourist destination.