3. Tikona
The mountains on Deccan plateau in the vicinity of Bor Ghat have many ancient caves like Karle,
p y y
Bhaje, Bedse, Bhandara and Shelarwadi. The forts of Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona were
built in order to defend these caves. This region also has a number of Ghat‐routes connecting
the ports on the western coast to the cities located on the Deccan plateau. These forts served as
protectors of these important trade routes of ancient India. As the caves found in this area
protectors of these important trade routes of ancient India As the caves found in this area
belong to the Buddhist and Heenyana era, it is believed that these forts must have been built
around 800 to 1000 AD.
Not much is known about the history of this fort. Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty
conquered it in 1585 and thus it was made part of the Nizam territory. In 1657 king Shivaji
conquered Tikona along with the forts of Mahuli, Lohgad, Visapur, Songad, Tala and Karnala.
Thus, all areas of Konkan, which earlier belonged to the Nizam s territory, came under king
Thus all areas of Konkan which earlier belonged to the Nizam's territory came under king
Shivaji’s control. This fort was strategically very important to keep a watch on the entire region
of Pauna Mawal. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was assigned the task of ensuring security of fort Tikona.
This fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region
together with Halalkhan and others. However, the Marathas later recaptured the fort.
In 1682, king Sambhaji met with Aurangzeb's son Akbar. After this meeting, Akbar was offered to
y , p
stay at fort Tikona, however was sent later to Jaitapur since the climate here didn't suit him. A
small battle was fought with the British on Tikona in year 1818 and the fort was damaged to a
great extent. Till date the fort of Tikona lies in the form of ruins.
67. Tung
As the name suggests, we may assume that the trek of this fort is very difficult, but it’s
gg , y y ,
very easy. The fort Tung (Kathingad) was built to protect the region of Pavan Maval.
This fort was built with an intention to keep watch on transport from Bor Ghat. From
this fort we can easily locate Lohgad, Visapur & Pavan Maval.
This fort was not as significant as others in the history. In 1657, it became a part of
Swarajya with all other forts situated in Maval region. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was
appointed to protect this region. In 1665, Jaysingh invaded this region. Dilerkhan and
appointed to protect this region In 1665 Jaysingh invaded this region Dilerkhan and
others destroyed the villages around Tung & Tikona, but were unable to conquer these
forts. Then, according to Treaty of Purandar (signed on 12th June 1665), Kubadkhan
with Halalkhan and others took over fort on 18th June.
with Halalkhan and others took over fort on 18th June
As the top of the fort is very small, it takes only 1 hour to see it. Way towards the fort
g
goes along the temple of Maruti. From here we can go further by steps. After few
g p g y p
inutes we reach at Hanuman Mandir. Next to this is the main entrance to the fort.
Through this we can go at the top. At right side we see Ganesh Mandir. At the
backside, we see water trench. From here we head towards citadel. Here we see
temple of Tung Devi. Opposite to it is a cave in ground. Here two or three people can
be accommodated. It is a one‐day trek.
100. Un spoilt
Un hurried
Un touched
Un confined
Un expected
Un conquered
Un paralleled
Un paralleled
Un matched
Un stressed
Un stressed
Un limited
Standing as silent sentinels to history are the 350‐odd forts of Maharashtra. Beaten by
g y y
the sea waves, lashed at by the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched in the blazing sun,
stand imposing ramparts and crumbling walls , the last lingering memories of
Maharashtra's martial times. Nowhere in the country would you encounter such a
profusion of forts. And such variety. Sited on an island, or guarding the seas or among
the Sahyadri hills, whose zig‐zag walls and rounded bastions sit like a scepter and
crown amidst hills turned mauve.
