Padmadurg Fort

Maharashtra, India

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Padmadurg Fort, also known as Kasa Fort, is a historic sea fort located off the coast of Maharashtra, India, built by the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1676.

It was constructed on a rocky island to challenge the powerful Janjira Fort, controlled by the Siddis, and to assert maritime control over the Arabian Sea region. The fort covers around 9 acres and features six rounded bastions, thick defensive walls, and multiple cannon placements designed for naval defense. Over time, the fort witnessed several fierce battles between the Marathas and the Siddis.

After Shivaji’s reign, it was taken over by the Siddis for some time and later by the British, who used it as a jail. Today, the fort stands largely in ruins due to the ravages of time and cannon fire, with parts inaccessible to the public, but its remnants still highlight its strategic maritime importance and architectural ingenuity. The fort’s name, Padmadurg, refers to its lotus-like shape, symbolizing resilience amid the sea.