Manohar Mansantosh Gad

Shivapur, Maharashtra, India

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Manohar Mansantosh Gad, located near Shivapur in Maharashtra, is a twin fort complex built to control the Hanamanth pass on the Amboli and Kudal passways.

It is believed that Shivaji Maharaj either built or repaired this fort, and he stayed here for over a month in 1667 after lifting the siege of Rangana Fort. The fort changed hands multiple times, including control by the Kolhapur Chhatrapati and revolts by the fort garrison in 1834 and 1836, which were suppressed by the rulers with arrests and confiscation of cannons.

The fort gained prominence during a rebellion against the British in 1844, where it became a stronghold that challenged British authority with ammunition manufacturing nearby and guerrilla activities. However, British forces eventually besieged the fort, damaging its defenses and forcing the rebels to flee in early 1845.

The fort is accessed from nearby towns like Kudal and Sawantwadi, with trekking routes passing through dense forests and steep climbs. It remains an important historical site reflecting regional resistance against colonial rule and Maratha military history.