Malegaon Fort also known as Mahuligram Fort, is located at the confluence of the Girna and Mosam rivers.
Built in the 18th century, this fort has stood the test of time and even now, it’s still quite strong, thanks to its transformation into a school. Yes, you read that right – this fort now houses a school! But don’t let that stop you from visiting it, because the fort is a must-see attraction in Malegaon.
The fort has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it was built by Naroshankar. The fort was the site of a major rebellion when Satar Chatrapanti II Shahu’s younger brother, Chatur Singh, took refuge there and was later imprisoned by Trimbakji Dengle, the commander of the Peshwas. After the overthrow of the Peshwas, the fort was ruled by the Arabs.
On May 16, 1818, the British besieged the fort of Malegaon, and for almost a month, 300-350 Arabs fought the British with the help of the fort. However, on July 10, 1818, the fort was captured by the British due to the explosion of the liquor store in the fort.
Now, the fort moat exists only on one side. However, it had triple fortifications, but the outer ramparts have disappeared in the settlement. There is still one tower on the river side that’s intact and can be seen from the fort.
As you enter the fort, you’ll see the newly constructed building of the school and three guns placed in front of it. But don’t let that distract you from the real beauty of the fort. Start the gadferi from the spacious space between the two walls on the right side, and you’ll see the magnificence of the bastions in the inner fortifications during your tour.
The entrance to the fort is grand and welcoming, with a wooden entrance door that’s still intact. There’s a double door facing north, but it’s closed from outside, so you have to enter the door from inside the fort. Once you step out of the door, you’ll realize the magnificence of the entrance, which is flanked by two strong bastions.
There’s a two-storey hall to the right of the entrance, which used to be a theater on the top floor. Now the ground floor is occupied by a classroom, and the theater cannot be accessed due to the loss of slabs on two floors. But arched niches carved into the walls of the theater can still be seen.
There’s a staircase in the rampart to go above the door, and you can walk around the ramparts inside the fort from Fanji by going up to the ramparts. At the top of the gate, there are rooms and openings to keep watch inside and outside the fort. The turrets on the bastions flanking the gate are beautiful, and the roof of these towers is supported on eight stone pillars.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can descend from Fanji to the ramparts using the stairway, which emerges from the other side within the embankment itself.
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