Sinhagad

Sinhagad: Sinhagad @ sunrise

Sinhagad: View from atop Sinhagad

Sinhagad: View from the "Pune Darwaja"

Sinhagad ("Lion Fort" in Marathi) is a fort located near the city of Pune, India, situated on a hill which rises 800 metres above the surrounding countryside. The fort's location has been strategically important since at least the 14th century and has been the site of many important battles. One of the more famous battles was the recapturing of the fort by Tanaji Malusare, a general for Shivaji in March of 1670. It is said that Tanaji's troops used Bengal monitors, renowned for their tight grip, to climb over the steep walls of the fort.In the ensuing battle, Tanaji was killed, but the fort was successfully captured by his troops.

During the 20th century, Lokmanya Tilak, the Indian freedom fighter, built a bungalow atop the fort and Gandhiji is said to have asked for water from it whenever he was imprisoned in the nearby town of Pune. During World War II, the location was temporarily used as a camp for German prisoners of war.

The once extensive fortification is now in ruins, but visitors can still get a sense as to how the fort may have appeared while as an active military outpost. It is a popular weekend destination for many residents of Pune. The site also houses a memorial to Tanaji as well as the tomb of Rajaram, Shivaji's younger son, who also died here.The fort is also part of training at National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, the cradle of military leadership in India. Cadets from all three wings â€"â€" army, navy and air force â€"â€" are regularly sent on the punishing hike (run, actually) from NDA to Sinhagad, in full battle gear, to build endurance, stamina, determination and team spirit. The Sinhagad hike is also handed out as punishment to cadets who step out of line occasionally. And officers later proudly tell stories of how many times they climbed Sinhagad.