Padmadurg Fort


Padmadurg Fort – The Coastal Guardian of the Maratha Navy

Padmadurg Fort, also known as Kasa Fort, is one of the most significant sea forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the golden era of the Maratha Empire. Located off the coast of Dandi Beach near Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Padmadurg stands majestically in the Arabian Sea, about 10 kilometers northwest of Murud-Janjira Fort. It was constructed as part of Shivaji’s naval defense system to challenge the power of the Siddis of Janjira and to strengthen Maratha dominance along the Konkan coast.

Historical Background

The fort was built around 1676 CE under the orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its primary purpose was to serve as a naval base and to counter the strategic threat posed by the Siddis of Janjira, who controlled the nearby island fort of Murud-Janjira — one of the strongest sea forts in India. The Siddis were known for their alliance with the Mughals and for constantly threatening the Maratha coastal territories.

To balance this power, Shivaji built Padmadurg, which means “Fort of the Lotus.” The name symbolizes beauty, strength, and resilience — much like the lotus that rises proudly above the water. Historical records mention that Hiroji Indulkar, a skilled architect in Shivaji’s court, supervised the construction of this impressive sea fort.

Padmadurg, along with other forts such as Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, and Kolaba, formed an essential part of Shivaji’s naval defense network. It served as a dockyard, a watch post, and a shelter for Maratha ships. Even after Shivaji’s death, the fort continued to play an important role during the reign of Sambhaji Maharaj and later during the Peshwa period. However, like many Maratha strongholds, it eventually fell into the hands of the British in the early 19th century.



Architecture and Structure

Padmadurg Fort is built using black basalt rock and spreads across a small island area of about 8 acres. The fort’s design is compact yet powerful, displaying the engineering brilliance of Maratha architecture. Though parts of the fort have been damaged by time and sea waves, much of its structure still stands strong today.

Important features of the fort include:

  • Six sturdy bastions (buruj), each positioned strategically to provide defense and surveillance over the sea.

  • Massive outer walls built to resist the impact of waves and cannon fire.

  • Remnants of old structures such as soldiers’ quarters, storage rooms, and watchtowers.

  • A small freshwater well, which remarkably provides potable water despite being surrounded by seawater.

  • Old cannon bases, still visible on some bastions, showing the fort’s military purpose.Padmadurg Fort showcases the engineering brilliance of Maratha architecture, adapted to the challenges of building on a rocky island surrounded by strong sea currents. Although much of the fort now lies in ruins due to time and erosion, its structural remains still reflect its former grandeur.

    Key Features:

    1. Fort Walls and Bastions:
      The fort is surrounded by thick stone walls, about 20–25 feet high, built using locally available black basalt rock. There are six bastions (watchtowers) placed strategically to provide a 360-degree view of the sea. These bastions were once equipped with cannons to repel enemy ships.

    2. Main Gate:
      The fort’s entrance faces the Murud shore and was designed to remain hidden from direct view of the enemy. During Shivaji’s time, boats would approach the fort only through secret tidal channels known to local sailors.

    3. Water Cisterns:
      Despite being surrounded by seawater, the fort has freshwater cisterns carved out of rock, providing drinking water to the garrison stationed there.

    4. Residences and Storehouses:
      The remains of stone structures suggest the presence of quarters for soldiers, storage rooms for food and ammunition, and possibly an administrative office for naval officers.

    5. Temples and Shrines:
      Inside the fort, there were small temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Bhavani Devi, deities worshipped by Maratha soldiers before embarking on naval expeditions.

    6. Docking Area:
      There are traces of a small jetty or docking area, which allowed Maratha ships to anchor safely during low tide and load or unload supplies.

    Padmadurg and Janjira – The Historic Rivalry

    Padmadurg Fort was constructed primarily to challenge the might of Janjira Fort, which was controlled by the Siddi rulers of African origin. Janjira was known to be unconquerable, with its walls rising directly from the sea and defended by the Siddis’ powerful navy.

    Shivaji Maharaj tried several times to capture Janjira through both military attacks and clever tactics, but the fort’s strong design and Siddi fleet made it nearly impossible. To counter this, he built Padmadurg nearby as a strategic rival fort, symbolizing Maratha defiance and determination.

    Though Padmadurg never managed to overpower Janjira, it served as a constant reminder of the Maratha Navy’s strength and their mastery over sea fortifications.

    Life Inside the Fort

    During its prime, Padmadurg housed over 200 soldiers, naval officers, and workers. The fort functioned like a small, self-contained town — with residential quarters, storage houses, temples, and water tanks. Supplies such as food, weapons, and ammunition were regularly brought from the mainland by small boats.

    Life inside the fort was tough due to the isolation and harsh weather, but it was also filled with pride and duty. The soldiers stationed there played a vital role in protecting Maratha trade routes, securing ships, and sending alerts about enemy activities.

    Modern Times and Present Condition

    After the fall of the Maratha Empire, Padmadurg Fort came under the control of the British in the early 19th century. With the advent of modern naval warfare, the fort lost its military importance and gradually fell into neglect. Over the years, exposure to strong sea winds, tides, and lack of maintenance caused significant damage to its structures.

    Today, the fort stands in a partially ruined state, but its massive walls and bastions still echo stories of Maratha valor. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now oversees the site and has recognized it as a protected monument.

    Tourism and Access

    Padmadurg Fort is one of the lesser-visited sea forts due to its offshore location, but it is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and adventure lovers.

    • Nearest Town: Murud (in Raigad District)

    • Distance from Mumbai: About 150 km

    • How to Reach:

      • The fort lies around 10 km off the coast of Murud.

      • Access is only possible by boat during calm sea conditions (October to March).

      • Boats can be arranged from Rajapuri Jetty or nearby fishing villages.

    • Best Time to Visit: October to February – when the sea is calm and the weather pleasant.

    • Note: Permission from the Indian Navy or Coastal Police is often required to visit the fort, as it lies in a restricted maritime zone.

    Nearby Attractions

    1. Murud-Janjira Fort: The legendary unconquered sea fort, visible from Padmadurg.

    2. Murud Beach: A serene stretch of sand with water sports and sunset views.

    3. Kashid Beach: Famous for its white sand and scenic beauty.

    4. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary: Located nearby, ideal for nature and bird lovers.

    5. Nawab’s Palace: Historical residence of the Murud Nawab family.

    Preservation and Heritage Significance

    Though in ruins, Padmadurg Fort stands as a monument of pride for Maharashtra’s maritime history. It represents the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who understood the importance of sea power long before other Indian rulers did.

    Local authorities and heritage enthusiasts are working towards restoration and tourism promotion, while maintaining the fort’s original character. Efforts are also being made to include Padmadurg in Konkan’s Heritage Fort Circuit, alongside Sindhudurg and Suvarnadurg.

From the top of the fort, one can see the imposing Murud-Janjira Fort in the distance — the very reason Padmadurg was constructed. 

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