by Vijaylakshmi
PUNE: Maharashtra govt has declared Khanderi fort in Alibaug a state-protected monument. The decision marked a shift from earlier plans to develop the island where the fort is located into a tourism hotspot, officials told TOI on Friday.
The 17th century Maratha-era fort on Kanhoji Angre island has a rich history dating back to the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Initially fortified between 1679-1680 CE, it served as a crucial naval base for the Maratha empire.
Previous development plans, jointly proposed by the shipping and tourism ministries, had suggested transforming the island into a tourist destination. The project included plans for boat services, a hotel and recreational areas. “The fort is an early naval establishment of the Marathas. It has impressive features including a broad fortification wall, 21 bastions, and four wells,” a senior official from the directorate of archaeology and museums told TOI.
With the declaration, Khanderi fort joins 386 monuments and ancient sites under state protection currently.
The official said with the protection status, it was the archaeological department’s responsibility to maintain the monument. “We can access funds for conservation now. This wasn’t possible without the status. Additionally, we’ve nominated the site for UNESCO World Heritage status, with the UNESCO team likely to visit in Sept.”
He further said the benefit was that the monument would be protected according to world heritage norms now. Moreover, any parties owning land where the monument was located would need permission from the archaeology department, before any construction or development works.
Sachin Joshi, archaeologist at Deccan College and member of the Maharashtra Fort Conservation Committee, said, “As one of the forts nominated for World Heritage Site status, the protection will benefit Khanderi fort.”
However, an archaeologist raised concerns: “The directorate is short-staffed. It remains to be seen how effectively the fort will be protected and maintained. There are several issues in the fort’s vicinity, including instances of fishermen consuming alcohol on the fort premises.”
