DURG VIKAS

Every civilization has some or the other historical monuments or structures to be cherished by generations to come. Places and temples that are mentioned in mythological epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata still stand witness to the drama described in those epics. Many palaces have memories of great kings and emperors of their times.

The forts of Maharashtra also have been silent witnesses to the great kings from Satvahan age up to Chattrapati Shivaji. Some of these forts exist since the Satvahan age, while some were built or reconstructed during Shivshahi. Forts have been an integral part of Maharashtra's geography before Shivshahi and also during Shivshahi; today, forts are an integral part of Maharasthra's history.

Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the first Hindu empire or Hindavi Swaraj with the help of his forts. A true foresighted king that he was, he realized the importance of forts and how they will act as a backbone of the Maratha empire. To capture these forts from Mughals or other rulers, and to protect these forts from enemies, many of Shivaji's soldiers (called Mavale) sacrificed their lives; Tanaji Malusare on Sinhgad, Baji Prabhu Deshpande at Pawankhind, Murar Baji Deshpande on Purandar, and many more such known and unknown brave warriors.

Today, these forts lie empty and uncared for. Many of these forts were destroyed in battles or by the British army and later by wear and tear. Along with these factors, we also are responsible for the current sad situation of the forts. Just to name a few examples of unkept forts-one bastion of the Vijaydurga fort has already collapsed, Bhagwangad is surrounded by huge trees such as banyan and sacred fig making the fort quite inaccessible, temples on forts like Rohida are collapsing, forts such as Rajkot, Mahadevgad, Subhangad, Sarjekot are lost and need to be looked for in order to locate their existence on this earth, solar lamps fitted on Rajgad, Torana, and Rohida are being destroyed by our own people. Forts are now place for alcohol parties, romantic outings. Another growing threat for the forts is "Plastic Waste" that is thrown around by careless visitors. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his Mavale put in their blood and sweat to establish the Hindavi swaraj. Now that the heritage has been passed on to us, is this the way we value it?

NO. It is Our responsibility to conserve these remains and last witnesses to great history. We, the youth of this nation can come together and ensure that our children also know and get to see our heritage. This is and has been our motivation behind "Fort Conservation and Development Movement". We know that this dream is not simple, it is as tough as moving mountains and it may take years to achieve it, we also may not live to see it happen;but, we can ignite the spark and start the movement. We are determined that we can achieve it with help and support from our fellow Indians. It may take time to change the thinking of people, to make them aware of their responsibility towards forts, but it is not impossible! With help and best wishes from one and all and with blessings from the Almighty and Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj we would be able carry on with this.