Stability, Strategic Importance and Architectural Features of Historical Hindu Padma Durg Sea Island Fort at Arabian Sea, India

Abstract

The Padma Durg or Kasa Fort is the Sea Island Fort of Military Importance, lies in Arabian Sea, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. In order to control Coastal Region Maratha King Shivaji Maharaja built this Fort in 1676 AD. The Fort is listed in the protected Monuments of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2011. Strategically, the Fort is located between Sindhu Durg and the coast of Arabian Sea. An underground connectivity was developed between these two Islands, Due to hard rock and intact nature of basaltic litho types the Fort was built in sound foundation and took about 22 years to construct. It was also utilized as main Ship Construction Yard during Maratha Empire. This Fort presently need conservation and protection since it has been in neglected Condition. In this study Satellite Remote Sensing data imagery has been interpreted and analyzed, along with the Fort configuration and correlated with description given in literature. The ASI had found around 250 Cannon balls of historical importance in 2012 during cleanup activities. By restoration of Fort and availability of Boats from Murud koliwada Beach may promote the Tourism Center and attract the visitors to this Island Fort, build by Hindu Maratha Empire. It can be developed as Heritage Centre of India.