Khanderi and Underi Forts – The Twin Sea Guardians of the Konkan Coast


Khanderi and Underi Forts – The Twin Sea Guardians of the Konkan Coast

Khanderi and Underi Forts are two magnificent sea forts located near Alibaug, off the coast of Maharashtra’s Raigad district. Standing proudly in the Arabian Sea, these forts were built to guard the coastline and control sea routes between Mumbai (then Bombay) and the Konkan region. Though separated by just about 2 kilometers, each fort has a unique history, strategic purpose, and architectural design. Together, they symbolize the maritime strength of the Marathas and the fierce naval conflicts that took place during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Historical Background

The Khanderi Fort (also known as Kanhoji Angre Island Fort) was built in 1679 CE by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest warrior kings of India. The fort’s primary purpose was to establish control over sea trade routes and to keep an eye on the Siddis of Janjira, who were allied with the Mughals and posed a constant threat to Maratha coastal security. The construction was supervised by Sarkhel (Admiral) Mainak Bhandari, one of Shivaji’s trusted naval commanders.

However, the Siddis of Janjira and the British saw Khanderi as a major threat to their naval dominance. Several battles were fought between the Marathas, the Siddis, and the British to control the island. Despite multiple attacks, the Marathas successfully retained Khanderi under their control, largely due to the leadership of Kanhoji Angre, the legendary Maratha naval chief. Later, in the early 18th century, the British finally captured the fort after repeated bombardments.

The Underi Fort, on the other hand, was built around 1680 CE by the Siddis of Janjira, specifically to counter the growing influence of the Marathas at Khanderi. It served as a rival fortification, enabling the Siddis to monitor Maratha movements closely. The proximity of the two forts often led to fierce naval skirmishes and cannon duels across the sea channel separating them.

Architecture and Structure

Both forts are examples of brilliant Maratha and Siddi naval architecture, adapted to the unique challenges of building on small rocky islands.

Khanderi Fort features:

  • Thick basalt stone walls capable of withstanding strong waves and cannon fire.

  • Two large bastions (buruj) with mounted cannons for defense.

  • A lighthouse, built by the British in 1867, which is still operational today.

  • Temples dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Bhavani, and a Dargah (shrine) of Daud Pir, reflecting religious harmony.

  • Freshwater wells, a remarkable engineering feat on a sea island.

Underi Fort, smaller but equally strong, has:

  • High walls and multiple bastions, some of which still have rusted cannons in place.

  • A small jetty for docking boats.

  • Storage rooms, water cisterns, and soldiers’ quarters, now partially in ruins.

  • A Dargah and lighthouse, used for navigation and prayer by local fishermen.

 

The Strategic Importance

The location of Khanderi and Underi Forts made them maritime watchtowers of the Konkan coast. From these forts, naval forces could monitor and control ships entering or leaving the nearby harbors.

  • Khanderi Fort was like a floating military base. It served as a strategic outpost for the Maratha Navy, led by Kanhoji Angre, the legendary admiral who was often called the “Lion of the Arabian Sea.”

  • Underi Fort, on the other hand, served as the Siddi stronghold, constantly clashing with the Marathas for control of sea trade routes.

For several decades, both forts exchanged fire, witnessed sieges, and changed hands, but each retained its unique identity and strength.

Khanderi Fort – The Maratha Sea Power

Khanderi Fort, officially renamed Kanhoji Angre Island, stands majestically amid the sea waves. Built by Shivaji Maharaj, it was designed not only for defense but also for communication with other forts such as Kolaba Fort (Alibag), Underi, and Murud-Janjira.

Architectural Features:

  1. Fort Structure:
    Khanderi Fort is constructed mainly with large stone blocks. It has strong ramparts, watchtowers, and bastions that could support heavy cannons.

  2. Lighthouse:
    A major attraction today is the Khanderi Lighthouse, built by the British in the 19th century. It still operates and guides ships navigating the busy Mumbai harbor.

  3. Temples and Graves:
    The fort contains a Vetal Temple and a tomb of Daud Pir, a local saint revered by fishermen and sailors.

  4. Water Tanks:
    Like most Maratha forts, Khanderi has freshwater tanks carved into the rock — a remarkable engineering achievement considering the fort is surrounded by seawater.

Historical Significance:

The British, Portuguese, and Siddis all tried to capture Khanderi, but the Marathas successfully defended it for many years. The fort became an important naval base under Kanhoji Angre, from where he launched attacks on enemy ships and collected taxes from passing vessels.

Kanhoji Angre turned Khanderi into a symbol of Maratha naval dominance, controlling the western waters of India and challenging European naval powers.

Underi Fort – The Siddi Stronghold

Located just opposite Khanderi, Underi Fort was built by Siddi Kasim around 1680 to counter the growing Maratha influence. It is smaller than Khanderi but equally strong in design.

Architectural Features:

  1. Circular Structure:
    Underi Fort has a circular layout with strong outer walls made of basalt rock.

  2. Bastions and Cannons:
    The fort has 14 bastions, each equipped with cannon positions for defense.

  3. Gates and Storage Rooms:
    The main gate of Underi faces the sea and can be accessed only during low tide. The fort also has underground storage rooms, water cisterns, and residential quarters.

  4. Mosques and Temples:
    The fort reflects a blend of Islamic and local architectural styles, with small mosques and shrines that served the resident soldiers.

Historical Role:

Underi Fort remained under the control of the Siddis, even when Khanderi was captured by the Marathas. This led to continuous skirmishes between the two sides. The Siddis used Underi as a defensive base and often launched attacks on Maratha ships and coastal settlements.

Eventually, the British recognized the importance of these sea forts and used diplomacy to maintain peace between the Marathas and Siddis, ensuring neither could dominate the region completely.

The Khanderi–Underi Rivalry

The rivalry between these two forts is one of the most fascinating chapters in Maharashtra’s maritime history. For decades, Marathas (Khanderi) and Siddis (Underi) fought for control of the Arabian Sea.

  • Both forts regularly exchanged cannon fire.

  • Their proximity — barely 2 km apart — meant that any movement on one fort could be observed from the other.

  • Despite intense battles, neither side could permanently conquer the other due to the forts’ strong defenses and the rough sea conditions.

This rivalry not only shaped the local maritime strategies but also influenced how the Maratha Navy evolved into one of the most formidable indigenous sea forces in Indian history.

How to Reach Khanderi and Underi Forts

  • Nearest Town: Alibag (20 km away)

  • Base Point: Thal or Kihim Village

  • Access: The forts are located offshore and can be reached only by boat during low tide. Local fishermen offer small boats for transport, but trips depend heavily on the weather and tidal conditions.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (post-monsoon to winter), when the sea is calm.

Visitors are advised to go with local guides, as the forts are surrounded by rough waters, and entry is allowed only when the tide is low.

Tourist Attractions

  1. Khanderi Lighthouse: Still operational and offers scenic views of the Arabian Sea.

  2. Vetal Temple and Daud Pir Tomb: Reflecting the fort’s cultural diversity.

  3. Bastions and Cannons: Remnants of the Maratha naval era.

  4. Panoramic Sea Views: From both forts, one can enjoy mesmerizing views of Alibag’s coastline and other nearby islands.

Preservation and Heritage Importance

Both forts are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, due to constant exposure to seawater, high tides, and lack of regular maintenance, the forts have suffered significant wear over the years. Heritage enthusiasts and local organizations often conduct clean-up drives and awareness campaigns to preserve these historical structures.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is also promoting marine heritage tourism, highlighting forts like Khanderi, Underi, and Kolaba as key attractions on the Konkan Fort Trail.

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