Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the ambitious Maratha Kingdom, way back in the 16th century. A gem of an individual he was – excellent foresight, intelligent strategies for capturing enemy territories, audacious character and a strive to provide justice in his kingdom. The best part of his kingdom, I feel; were the forts that he had built across the mighty ranges of Sahyadris. These forts are the symbol of impeccable architectural skills, something that our architectures in Mumbai today ought to look at. They have stood through the tests of time, and they stand tall and sturdy till this date. Mostly built using a weird combination of limestone, lead, rocks and jaggery; these forts make for perfect one/two day treks, and reflect the careful planning of this great man, which I fail to see in most of our urban architects today. For that, I could challenge the BMC to built a single structure like this, I am quite confident of their failure!
(The photograph depicts a statue of Shivaji Maharaj, with the Raigad fort in the background. Raigad fort was the capital of Maratha kingdom.)
