The Glorious Story of Janjira
Shortpedia
Content Team
The history of Janjira State can be traced back to the 15th century. It was a princely state during the British Raj. The Sidi dynasty used to rule over the state that was in union with Jafrabad. Located in the present-day Raigad district of Maharashtra, the state of Janjira included the towns of Murud and Shrivardhan. It also included the Island of Murud-Janjira. The fortified Island was the capital of the rulers. As per the records, the state of Janjira was spread over an area of 839 km sq. The earliest records tell that Janjira was ruled by King Patil. However, in 1489, the Sultanate of Ahmadnagar ordered Admiral Piram Khan to capture the Murud-Janjira castle from Patil.
Capturing the castle directly was next to impossible due to its fortifications. Hence, Piram Khan tricked Patil by throwing him a party and intoxicated him to take the castle under his control. The Ottoman records also mention the significance of Janjira that played a key role in resisting the Portuguese aggression.
As per the early records, Sidis had a rivalry with a specific Maratha community under Angrias. However, in 1733, Peshwa Bajiroa captured much of the surrounding area to come to the negotiation table with Sidis. The Marathas then enjoyed direct control over Janjira.
But after the British aggression, Marathas' aggression against Sidis decreased as they were consumed in fighting the British. Janjira was after that ruled as a part of the Deccan State Agency under the Bombay Presidency. The rulers maintained a military force even in the nineteenth century. It was after India's independence that the state was merged with India.
The Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort is now a popular tourist attraction and a place of great historical significance. Sitting atop an island just off the coastal town of Murud, Raigad, the mighty fort is a place of architectural significance. Janjira is not an Indian word. It seems to have actually originated from the Arabic word Jazeera which means Island. In the Marathi language, it was previously known as Habsan. Murud isn't a Marathi word either. It's a Konkani word.
Talking about the physical aspects of the fort, it is located on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast near the port city of Murud. The fort is located 165 km south of Mumbai, and when it comes to marine forts in India, it is right at the top. Its safe fortifications made it extremely difficult for the attackers to win the fort.
To visit the fort, one has to take boats from the Rajapuri jetty. The fort has 26 rounded bastions that played a great role in security. The fort had all the facilities in the old days. The fort comprises several palaces, quarters for officers, a mosque, two small 60-foot-deep natural freshwater lakes, and large halls.
Janjira also houses the palace of the nawabs, which is still in very good condition.
There's a lot to explore in the fort. Among the most special attractions inside the fort are the 3 huge cannons called Kalalbangdi, Chavri, and Landa Kasam. The fort has several sea-facing gates, and the most important among those is the amazing 'Darya Darwaza.' This palace is like a hidden treasure for history buffs and photographers. Nearly 32 km from Murud-Janjira, there's another fortress perched atop. In the old times, this fortress was used as an outpost by the rulers.
To visit Janjira, you will have to reach Rajapuri, a small village on the coast connected to all the major cities in Maharashtra. From Rajapuri, a small boat will take you to the main entrance of the fort. The 40 feet high walls of the majestic fort explain why it was so difficult to conquer it. With 19 huge cannons deployed in its security, the mere thought of capturing the fort would send chills down the spines of enemies.
This is really an intriguing fort. It has a well inside that provides fresh drinking water despite the fort being surrounded by salty water. As far as touristic views are concerned, several spots in the fort provide you a magnificent bird's eye view of the Arabian sea. Janjira is really one of the most affordable places to visit in Maharashtra for a short trip. As far as stay options are concerned, there are many hotels and homestays that you can book online or upon reaching the place for a short and sweet stay. Club it with the delicious local food, and it will be an experience worth remembering for a long time. If looking for a luxurious stay, booking a seashore resort might be a good idea.