Durgadi Fort

Why in the News?

• The Kalyan civil court recently ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims made by the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
• The Trust had filed a claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses both a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall), alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Key Facts About Durgadi Fort

1. Historical Significance:

• Durgadi Fort dates back to the 16th century, originally part of the Adil Shahi Sultanate based in Bijapur.
• It is mentioned in British documents as early as 1570, housing a tomb, prayer space, and other structures.
• In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed the fort Durgadi Killa (Fort of Durga).
• After the British took control of Kalyan in 1818, the temple ceased functioning, and by 1876, the idol of Goddess Durga was stolen.

2. Geographical Location:

• Durgadi Fort is located in Kalyan in Thane district, about 50 km northeast of Mumbai.
• The fort is situated on elevated ground, offering scenic views over the Ulhas River.

3. Cultural and Religious Impact:

• The fort holds significant religious importance for both Hindus and Muslims.
• Initially, the fort housed a mosque, but it was later modified by the Marathas to include a Durga temple.
• Durgadi Fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.

Durgadi Fort, with its rich history and religious significance, has played an important role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of Maharashtra. The recent court ruling reinforces its status under the Maharashtra government but also highlights its contested history, which continues to evoke discussions about communal identity and heritage preservation.