In a decisive move, the Maharashtra Chief Minister ordered the removal of encroachments at Vishalgadh Fort on July 15. The Kolhapur district administration began the demolition process the same evening, under heavy police presence, with around 35 stores being cleared by the end of the day. Last year, a district survey identified 160 illegal constructions on the fort, which is a protected monument under the Archaeology Department.
The action followed significant protests led by Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a former Rajya Sabha MP and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On July 14, he organized a large-scale protest demanding the removal of illegal encroachments, after the state administration had failed to act. The protest turned chaotic, with reports of vandalism in the Gajapur area and alleged damage to a local Masjid, videos of which circulated widely on social media.
Earlier, the Sakal Hindu Samaj had staged a similar protest on July 7, drawing hundreds of activists and Maratha loyalists to the foothills of the fort, calling for action against the illegal encroachments. The substantial protest on July 14 spurred the state CM into ordering the demolition of the unauthorized structures.
Historical significance and encroachment issues
Vishalgadh Fort, located in Kolhapur district, holds historical significance as the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sought refuge after escaping Bijapur’s Adilshahi army led by General Siddhi Masood in 1660. To honour the 364th anniversary of this event, the Sakal Hindu Samaj and Shivaji Maharaj’s descendants pushed to reclaim the fort from encroachments, which they argue dishonor its legacy.
Encroachments at Vishalgadh, mostly attributed to the local Muslim population, have included illegal constructions and business expansions, particularly of the local Masjid. Protesters claim that illegal structures have proliferated without proper state permissions, significantly altering the fort’s landscape.
Following the violence on July 14, Sambhajiraje declared he would remain at the site until all illegal structures were removed. He highlighted that only six of the 158 encroachments were under litigation, questioning the lack of action on the others. Both Sambhajiraje and the Sakal Hindu Samaj emphasized that their demands were non-communal, targeting illegal structures regardless of religious affiliation.
Mahesh Vibhute of the Sakal Hindu Samaj reiterated that the issue was about legality, not communalism. He noted that both Hindu and Muslim communities had expanded their premises illegally, and the encroachments needed to be addressed uniformly.
The encroachment issue at Vishalgadh Fort has a long history, with structures around the Malik Rehan Dargah being particularly contentious. The Archaeological Survey State Department had declared the fort a protected site in 1999, yet unauthorized expansions have continued. The Dargah area, expanded significantly without proper authorization, has been a focal point of protests.
Local activists stress the need for better recognition and maintenance of Hindu historical sites at the fort, alongside the removal of all illegal structures to preserve the fort’s cultural heritage.
Past incidents of encroachments at historic forts in Maharashtra
Pratapgarh Fort
On Shivpratap Din in November 2022, the anniversary of Afzal Khan’s defeat by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra Police dismantled the illegal expansion of Afzal Khan’s grave at Pratapgarh Fort. The Bombay High Court had ordered the removal of these structures five years ago. Over the past two decades, what was once an unnoticed grave evolved into a permanent structure with independent rooms, built by Muslim ascetics around 2000.
Hindu organizations, notably the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), had long demanded the demolition of the illegal structures. A PIL highlighted the grave’s encroachment, originally 5 square feet, now expanded to 1,000 square feet. The illegal construction was carried out by the Hazrat Mohammed Afzal Khan Memorial Trust, occupying 5,500 square feet of ASI-regulated land. The Bombay HC ordered the removal, emphasizing the need to uphold the law against illegal encroachments.
Raigad Fort
A mosque was illegally constructed at Raigad Fort, causing distress to followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Yuvraj Sambhaji raised the issue with the archaeological department, and BJP leaders petitioned the central government for action.
Chandangad Fort
Chandangad Fort in Satara has been renamed ‘Dargah Chandan’, with plans to construct a mosque. Urs celebrations at the fort have also been noted, similar to those at Lohagad Fort at the site of the Bhairoba temple.
Islamists are accused of altering history by inventing fictional characters. There are instances where shrines have been converted into tombs, such as the Bhairoba shrine on Lohagad Fort.
Encroachments in such places of historicity seem to be coming from specific communities who seemingly intend to desecrate and destroy Hindu culture and history. Any step taken to undo these encroachments only lead to flashing of victim cards and trends on social media. Encroachments, whoever does it, need to be dealt with an iron hand.
