The Development and Characteristics of Forts in Maharashtra with Special Reference to Raigad

Maharashtra's forts, including Raigad, represent a significant architectural and historical landscape shaped by geography, political dynamics, and martial traditions. This study reveals that these forts evolved strategically across diverse ecological zones—coastal belts, forested highlands, and the rugged Sahyadri mountains—reflecting their adaptive design to environmental and defensive needs. Raigad Fort emerges as a pivotal case study, showcasing advanced planning, robust defensive systems, and socio-administrative structures that underpinned Maratha sovereignty under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The research categorizes forts by architectural and functional characteristics over time, demonstrating how ecological conditions influenced their construction and strategic significance.

Gaikwad, S. A. (2024). The Development and Characteristics of Forts in Maharashtra with Special Reference to Raigad. EduPub. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17769058