Ponda Fort

The Ponda Fort is located in Ponda, in the state of Goa on the west coast of India.

Ponda Fort
Farmagudi, Ponda, Goa
Near Ponda in India
Ponda Fort
Coordinates15°24′46″N 73°59′21″E
TypeFort
Site information
Open to
the public		Yes
ConditionRenovated
Site history
Built byMuslim forces of Adil Shah.

The present structure is a reconstruction of the old primitive at this location, surrounded by a park. Inside, there currently is a statue in honor of Shivaji, the 17th century Maratha ruler and founder of Maratha Empire.

History

Ponda in those days was ruled by Adil Shah Empire where they had built a huge Fort known as “Fonda Kott” (Kott means Fort). In 1675, Shivaji Maharaj attacked Ponda Fort and captured it from all sides. There was rigorous bloodshed and deaths in this battle. Adil Shah Armies faced a strong defeat in this battle.

After Shivaji's death his son Sambhaji took a strong control over the Maratha Empire. Sambhaji just like Shivaji was a great leader, philanthropist, and a great administrator. In 1683, the Maratha killedar named Naik was bribed by the Portuguese to take control over Ponda Fort. The Portuguese Governor General Conde De Alvor along with his army attacked the Ponda Fort and gained control over it. At this time Sambhaji Maharaj along with his Commanders Yesaji Kank & Krishnaji Kank were stationed at Rajapurs, Maharashtra. On getting this news he immediately rushed to Dicholim along with his army and requested 900 numbers of army from Mohammed Akbar, the son of Aurangzeb. In those days due to family feuds Aurangzeb's son, Mohammed Akbar departed away from Mughal Empire and joined hands with Sambhaji Maharajah. This raised an alarm of death threat to Akbar from his father Aurangzeb. Due to a friendly relation, Sambhaji built a palace and a Namaz Gha (worship place) in Dicholim for Mohammed Akbar. The Portuguese Governor General who led the attack Conde De Alvor who escaped from the battle by fearfully watching the Maratha slay the Portuguese men in blood bath. In this battle, the Ponda Fort was badly destroyed.

After Sambhaji Maharaj's death in later years, the Peshwa gained control over the Maratha Empire which also included Ponda Fort.

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References
  • Bradnock, Robert W.; Bradnock, Roma (2001). Goa handbook (2nd ed.). Footprint Handbooks. p. 85. ISBN 9781900949453.


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