Kalanandigad built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gets ‘state-protected monument’ tag

Kolhapur: Kalanandigad, a historic fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been notified as a state-protected monument, with Maharashtra govt initiating steps for its conservation and preservation.The state tourism and cultural affairs department issued a notification on May 22, bringing the fort under protection of the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.The fort, spread over 304 hectares in Kalivade village of Chandgad tehsil, will now undergo conservation work. The notification cites historical references to the fort in ‘Sabhasad Bakhar’. It states, “As mentioned in Sabhasad Bakhar, Kalanandigad was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj created for settling of Herekar Sawant, Bhosale and Tambulwadikar Sawant.” The fort had strategic importance and served to safeguard Swarajya while keeping watch on the Portuguese and Sawant-Bhosales of Sawantwadi.Situated at an elevation of 3,300 feet above sea level, the fort derives its name from its distinctive shape resembling ‘Nandi’ (bull) when viewed from above, and the use of black stone (‘kala’) in its construction.Several historic structures remain visible on the fort, including a Gomukhi-style entrance, a temple dedicated to goddess Bhavani, rock-cut toilets reflecting advanced sanitation practices from over 400 years ago, and water cisterns designed to channel and store water.Interestingly, noted writer-performer Pu La Deshpande had ancestral ties to the fort, with his forefathers serving as killedars (fort commanders). His family is originally from Jangamhatti village in Chandgad tehsil.