Latest news with #Marathas
India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
Temples In The Depths With Discovering Mumbai's Spiritual Underground
The mega-city Mumbai expands across two different names: the City of Dreams and the 'City of Dreams'. Mumbai exhibits its appeal through high-rise buildings alongside its rich cultural values and unpredictable roadways. Under the modern city's extensive built-up areas exists an undiscovered network of underground temples which contains both spiritual depth along with historical value and remarkable architectural expertise. The subterranean sanctuaries operate as places of worship while simultaneously supporting the recognition of Mumbai's extensive cultural and religious relationships with the past. This piece investigates seven interesting features of elusive underground temple complexes in detail. 1. The Historical Significance of Underground Temples The Mumbai underground temple tradition extends through centuries because different dynasties and rulers built them as part of their historical reign. Underground temple constructions fell beneath ground level to safeguard them from enemy attacks and both natural disasters and damaging elements of opposing armies. The temples originally built by the Silhara dynasty between 810–1240 CE received later support from both Marathas and Portuguese during their time. The survival of these hidden chambers demonstrates that communities used their creativity in architecture to protect their faith in times of need. 2. Walkeshwar Temple South Mumbai showcases the Walkeshwar Temple complex as its prime emblem at Malabar Hill. The site of the primary Lord Shiva temple draws numerous worshippers each year but its associated underground chambers remain little known to most people. The chambers served former religious and meditative purposes when they offered people weatherproof solitude from urban distractions. Kirti Mandir likely served as sacred spaces for devoted believers who wanted to meditate deeply with their divinity apart from the outside world. 3. Babulnath Temple The Babulnath Temple stands as a well-known shrine because it contains sacred underground chambers dedicated to Lord Shiva. The underground shrine of this temple requires the visitor to pass through narrow stone steps that lead inside the temple complex near Girgaum Chowpatty. Researchers believe that the concealed space within the temple existed during its initial construction before builders raised the structure above ground. Religious pilgrims who visit the underground chambers define their experience as deeply spiritual because they feel the combination of sacred vibes and peaceful atmosphere. 4. Mahalakshmi Temple's Cryptic Foundations The Mahalakshmi Temple located in Mumbai serves as one of the city's oldest sanctuaries while keeping several hidden secrets buried beneath its base. Archaeological research identifies portions of the temple base which penetrate into underground chambers that were probably used as storage facilities together with sacred ritual areas during older historical periods. Current restrictions do not limit access to these restrictions which highlight how traditional Indian temple architecture depended on cosmic principles to plan every architectural feature. 5. Siddhivinayak Temple's Lesser-Known Basement Shrines The Siddhivinayak Temple situated in Prabhadevi stands as an emblem for prosperity because people worship Lord Ganesha there. The temple premises hold numerous small shrines which most people who visit the temple fail to notice. Devotees can find extra opportunities to pray because the shrines contain idols of Goddess Annapurna and Lord Hanuman in addition to the primary deity. These temples are reached through corridors that maintain dim light as a result which creates a spiritual environment for devotion. Final Thoughts Mumbai's historically hidden temples represent both historical times and current-day realities that demonstrate the city's permanent vitality together with cultural variety. The subterranean temples at Walkeshwar combine with the concealed sanctuaries at Siddhivinayak to reveal historic stories about faith and architectural skill as well as survival. The development of Mumbai into an international megacity requires immediate action for protecting its hidden treasures. Our commitment to awareness campaigns and conservation efforts will secure the longevity of these underground sanctuaries so they continue inspiring future generations. When you travel to Mumbai make the effort to visit these hidden sights because they could create a spellbinding experience.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maratha youths gherao minister Sarnaik over Kunbi certificate delay
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Tension gripped the district rest house in Dharashiv on Friday after angry Maratha youths gheraoed Maharashtra's transport minister and Dharashiv district's guardian minister, Pratap Sarnaik, demanding an immediate resolution of issues related to the issuance of Kunbi caste and validity certificates. These certificates pave the way for the Maratha community youths to be recognised as OBCs. The youths, agitated over what they called deliberate delays despite submitting valid documentary evidence, blocked Sarnaik's path outside the rest house, insisting he address their concerns before proceeding. For nearly 10-15 minutes, the protesters stood firm, forcing the minister, who was accompanied by district collector Keerthi Kiran Pujar, to engage in a heated exchange. The youths alleged even after Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil's successful movement, which led to a policy decision allowing eligible Marathas to be issued Kunbi certificates based on documentary proof, the caste validity committees continued to refuse issuing certificates. While Kunbi certificates are being issued to some applicants, the activists said the caste validity certificates — required for availing reservation benefits — were being withheld by the social justice department, led by minister Sanjay Shirsat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Update: The Strategy Uses By Successful Intraday Trader TradeWise Learn More Undo This delay, they claimed, caused students to miss out on educational opportunities and other welfare schemes. Sarnaik, in the presence of the protestors, dialled a call to an official from the caste validity committee and said, "You were given instructions twice earlier, yet nothing has moved. If you are in charge and still not acting as per rules, then you are responsible for the trouble faced by both govt and public." Taking strong note of the grievances, Sarnaik ordered the immediate issuance of validity certificates to eligible applicants who furnished the necessary documents. "Act immediately and ensure due process is followed," he told the officer. Following the confrontation, Sarnaik was seen discussing the issue with the district collector and directing him to ensure appropriate steps are taken for the issuance of caste certificates to the Maratha community youths.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Forgotten heroes, Sikh Gurus' defiance of Mughal persecution in focus in NCERT's new class 8 book
Stories of resistance and resilience, such as the rise of the Marathas , the contribution of women like Tarabai and Ahilyabai Holkar, the defiance of Sikh Gurus in the face of Mughal persecution , and tribal uprisings are in focus in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. The book, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond", released this week, is also the first in the new NCERT curriculum to introduce students to the Delhi Sultanate , Mughals , Marathas and the colonial era. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Product Management others MCA MBA Cybersecurity Management Public Policy healthcare Digital Marketing CXO Degree Leadership Project Management Design Thinking Data Analytics Finance Operations Management Others Healthcare Data Science Data Science PGDM Technology Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Creating Effective Product Roadmap User Research & Translating it to Product Design Key Metrics via Product Analytics Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Product Management Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Roadmapping User-Centric Product Design Agile Product Development Market Analysis & Product Launch Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Forgotten heroes occupy a significant space in the book with figures like Rani Durgavati, Rani Abakka, and Travancore's Marthanda Varma profiled alongside chapters exploring India's cultural knowledge traditions and its rich skill heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo At the beginning of the book is a section titled "Note on Some Darker Periods in History", where the NCERT offers context for the inclusion of sensitive and violent events, primarily war and bloodshed. It urges students to understand "the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power" dispassionately and states, "No one should be held responsible today for events of the past." Live Events In the new book, the chapter covering Indian history from the 13th to the 17th century - "Reshaping India's Political Map" - spans the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate and the resistance to it, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mughals and the resistance to them, and the rise of the Sikhs. Describing Babur as a "brutal and ruthless conqueror, slaughtering entire populations of cities" and Aurangzeb as a military ruler who destroyed temples and gurdwaras, the NCERT's new textbook points to "many instances of religious intolerance" during the Mughal period. While it notes Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance" for different faiths, it also mentions that "non-Muslims were kept in a minority in the higher echelons of the administration". Akbar is portrayed as having "ordered the massacre of some 30,000 civilians" after the siege of Chittorgarh. The Marathas are depicted not only for their military might under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also for their maritime supremacy and governance innovations. The Sikh Gurus' resistance to Mughal oppression is discussed in detail, highlighting their role in confronting injustice and preserving a distinct identity in challenging times. The textbook also delves into colonial-era revolts such as the Sanyasi-Fakir rebellion, the Indigo uprising, and the Great Rebellion of 1857, "offering students a more inclusive picture of struggle beyond the familiar narratives", said a faculty member of the textbook committee of NCERT.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Tides Of Triumph: A Saga Of Maratha Courage And Cultural Pride
Last Updated: The book explores various themes related to the maritime achievements of the Marathas following the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1659. UNESCO has recently recognised the Maratha Military landscapes of India as a World Heritage site. This prestigious acknowledgment includes twelve majestic forts, with eleven located in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. PM Narendra Modi expressed his elation on X, stating that every Indian is thrilled with this recognition. He remarked, 'When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and emphasis on social welfare." PM Modi rightly pointed out that these Maratha forts, from Raigad to Gingee, narrate the saga of Maratha courage and cultural pride, inspiring generations. While a comprehensive account of the Maratha Navy and its exploits is still sparse, what remains hidden in the layers of history is gradually being unveiled. A few scholars have delved into the structure, function, and exploits of the Maratha Navy, with BK Apte being the most prominent among them. Renowned historians like Jadunath Sarkar and Surendranath Sen have discussed the Maratha Navy in their monographs. A nationalistic approach to understanding the career of Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Angre was taken by Malgaonkar. Under Admiral Angre's leadership, the Maratha Navy made European fleets appear insignificant in the Konkan waters, and his exploits are noted in some European works, notably those of GA Ballard and John Bidulph. This book answers the question of why the Maratha Navy did not possess large ships capable of broadside attacks. The maritime forts were crucial for their function like stationary ships armed with artillery. These fortifications served multiple purposes—they safeguarded trading routes, provided bases for naval operations, and acted as deterrents against invasions from sea-based powers. The essay highlights salient features of fort architecture, including elements specifically designed for maritime defence. These features include high walls resistant to cannon fire, strategically placed artillery, intricate systems for storing fresh water, and hidden underwater obstructions to damage enemy ships that ventured too close. Centuries later, twelve Maratha forts have become UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Maritime History Society in Mumbai took the initiative to uncover the inside story of the Maratha Navy. The year 2024 marks the 350th anniversary of a defining moment in Indian history: the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Swarajya. This event signifies the emergence of the Marathas as a regional power during the era of Mughal imperialism. The legacy of the Maratha Swarajya and its leaders continues to resonate in many aspects of our country's social and cultural life. There could not have been a better occasion to start working on a book that honours the achievements of the Maratha Navy and celebrates its legacy than Navy Day. The Director of the Maritime History Society in Mumbai initiated several rounds of discussions with Professor Dr Amarendra Kumar in the Department of History at Shanti Niketan, leading to the decision to compile essays exploring diverse aspects of the Maratha Navy. Shivaji uniquely realised the significance of the sea for both defence and trade—especially when the Maratha Swarajya was still in its infancy, and the Maratha Navy was being built brick by brick. According to the author, this underscores Shivaji's sharp acumen and visionary genius. The indigenous navy he created continues to be an enduring source of inspiration for the twenty-first-century Indian Navy, as reflected in the Navy's 2022 dedication of its emblem to Shivaji's Royal Octagonal Seal. The Indian Navy's ensign, inspired by the octagonal Royal Seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, embodies a proud nation's dedication to one of the most significant chapters of its maritime legacy. The legacy of the Maratha Navy is explored in one of the essays in the collection ' Tides of Triumph," which examines various themes related to the maritime achievements of the Marathas following the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1659. The book, authored by leading scholars, traces the rise and consolidation of the Maratha Navy. The combined deployment of land and sea power is analysed, and attempts are made to demystify the persona and character of the legendary Maratha Naval chief Kanhoji Angre. top videos View all One of the essays draws parallels between Maratha naval strategy and India's post-Independence wars. This approach mirrors the operational success of the Indian Navy's Operations Trident and Python during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Just as the Marathas effectively utilised diverse vessels, the Indian Navy demonstrated how a strategic blend of capabilities could lead to mission success. To execute the offensives against the Pakistani coast, INS Kiltan and Katchall towed the smaller Vidyut-class missile boats—INS Nipat, Nirghat, and Veer—right up to Karachi for bombardment and accomplished the mission objectives. In conclusion, the book effectively presents various evidence highlighting the glorious naval traditions of the Maratha Swarajya. The contributors of the essays have contextualised and clearly articulated the diverse aspects of the Maratha Navy, which dominated during the mid-seventeenth and mid-eighteenth centuries. The legacy of the Maratha Navy endures. view comments First Published: News opinion Book Review | Tides Of Triumph: A Saga Of Maratha Courage And Cultural Pride Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
From the Sahyadris to the sea: The 12 Maratha fortresses in UNESCO World Heritage List
Written by Kartika Jamdar Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week expressed joy at the inclusion of 'Maratha military landscapes of India' in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO described the inscription as including 12 major fortifications, 11 of which are in Maharashtra, and one in Tamil Nadu. 'These forts,…built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries [were] strategically located on coastal and mountainous terrain,… [and] formed a complex defence system supporting Maratha military dominance, trade protection, and territorial control,' UNESCO said. 🔴 BREAKING! New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India 🇮🇳. ➡️ #47WHC — UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) July 11, 2025 In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the Maratha Empire is associated with 'good governance, military strength, cultural pride and emphasis on social welfare', and the 'great [Maratha] rulers inspire us with their refusal to bow to any injustice'. 'I call upon everyone to go visit these forts and learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire,' Modi said. This is a list of the forts in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and their histories in short. Once the capital of the Maratha Empire because of its strategic location and colossal size, Raigad fort is located in the north Konkan region of Maharashtra. The fort is surrounded by deep valleys, and access is only through a steep pathway in front. The fort has special significance in Maratha history because it was here in 1674 CE, that Shivaji Maharaj was crowned and he took the title of Chhatrapati. Subsequently, the control of the fort passed to the Mughals (1689 CE), followed by the Ahmadnagar Sultanate (1707 CE), before returning to the Marathas (1727 CE approximately). The British eventually took control of the fort in 1818 CE. Within Raigad fort were located royal palaces, a royal mint, 300 stone houses, offices, a garrison for soldiers, a market, water reservoirs, and gardens. 2. PRATAPGAD Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, Pratapgad fort is situated in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. The fort is famous for its defensive architecture, which is regarded as a sign of strategic genius. The Upper Fort at Pratapgad served as an observation defence point with sturdy, towering walls. The Lower Fort, which was constructed along the slope of the hill, was crucial to defending the buildings inside the fort. 3. PANHALA Panhala Fort near Kolhapur was designed to be a self-sustaining settlement. Originally built in the 12th century CE by the Shilaharas, a feudatory dynasty of the Rashtrakutas who ultimately founded their independent kingdom, the fort was occupied by the Yadavas of the Deccan, the Bahmani sultanate, the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur, and finally the Marathas. Panhala is among the largest of the Maratha forts, with a perimeter of 14 kilometres. It was a formidable military fortress with robust walls, hidden passages, bastions, secret supplies of water, and underground granaries to cope with a prolonged siege. Panhala fort is the site of the famous Battle of Pawankhind of July 1660, which is remembered by the people of Maharashtra for the heroic stand of the great Maratha general Baji Prabhu Deshpande who, along with a handful of soldiers, engaged a large force of the Adil Shahi sultanate as Shivaji Maharaj escaped from the enemy. 4. SHIVNERI Shivneri Fort, located near Junnar in Pune district, is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The antiquity of the fort, triangular in shape and surrounded by cliffs, dates back to the 6th century CE, when it was built as a strategic military outpost. Shivneri was designed to withstand a prolonged siege. The seven-tier defences of the fort, intended to block enemy advances at multiple levels, are among its most striking aspects. The attackers would have to fight an uphill battle because each of the seven enormous gates served as a protective barrier. Within the fort were the Ganga-Jamuna springs, which flow even today, and water reservoirs like Badami Talav, which ensured a steady supply of water. 5. LOHAGAD Located near Lonavala at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet, the 'Iron Fort' was originally built by the Lohtamia dynasty in the 10th century CE, and subsequently passed into the possession of the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Yadavas, the Bahmanis, the Nizam Shahis, the Mughals, and eventually the Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj took the fort in 1648 but was forced to give it up to the Mughals in 1665. The Marathas recaptured the fort in 1670, after which it was used as a storehouse for the loot from the Surat campaign. Lohagad Fort is known for its four huge gates, namely the Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja. The 'Vinchukada', or 'Scorpion's Tail', is one of Lohagad's most striking features, a long, narrow, fortified spur that extends from the main fort. 6. SALHER Salher Fort is located in Satana taluka of Nashik district, near the village of Salher. It is a significant landmark of the Sahayadri mountain range, the highest fort in Maharashtra and one of the highest in the Western Ghats, located at a height 1,567 metres (5,141 feet). At different times in its history, Salher has been known as Gavalgarh and Sultangad. It is the site of the pivotal open-field Battle of Salher (1672 CE), in which the Maratha forces under Moropant Pingle, the first peshwa of the Maratha Empire, and Prataprao Gujar, the commander of the Maratha army, decisively defeated the Mughals led by Diler Khan, Ikhlas Khan, and Bahlol Khan. This was the first such battlefield victory of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj over the Mughals. 7. SINDHUDURG The fort stands on the island of Khurte in the Arabian Sea, off the Konkan coast. It was constructed in 1664-67 by Hiroji Indulkar, the chief military engineer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to provide a secure base for maritime operations against the Portuguese, the British, and the local Siddis. Sindhudurg is known for its skillfully camouflaged main entrance, which is very difficult to spot from the outside. Within the fort is a temple, one of the very few dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj himself. 8. SUVARNADURG The 'Golden Fortress' is another island fortress built by Shivaji Maharaj off Harnai port in Ratnagiri district. Suvarnadurg has a sister fortress on the mainland known as Kanakadurga; the two structures used to be connected by a tunnel, which is now unusable. Initially built by the Adil Shahi dynasty, Suvarnadurg was captured and rebuilt by Shivaji in 1660. As an important base of the Maratha navy, it was not only a fortress but also housed a shipbuilding yard. During Sambhaji's reign, when the commander of the fort tried to defect to the Siddis, Kanhoji Angre, then only 18 years old, stopped him and arrested the traitor. As a reward, Sambhaji made him the commander of Suvarnadurg. Kanhoji Angre would grow up to become the chief of the Maratha navy, and one of the most renowned admirals in Indian history. 9. VIJAYDURG One of the oldest of the Maratha forts, the 'Fort of Victory' on the Arabian Sea coast in present-day Sindhudurg district was originally built by the Shilahar dynasty in the late 12th century. It was then known as Gheria. The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1653, who renamed it after the Hindu solar year, which was then extant, 'Vijay'. Vijaydurg would later be the site of fierce naval battles with the British East India Company, which would finally conquer it in 1756 after several failed attempts. A striking feature of Vijaydurg is a hidden undersea tunnel, 200 metres long, connecting the fort with the mainland. At a short distance from the fort, up the Waghotan river, is the Rameshwar dockyard, which was used by the Maratha navy to build and repair its warships. 10. KHANDERI Khanderi, a small island off the coast of Alibaug, was fortified by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1679 to secure Maratha control over the coastal waters. After Shivaji Maharaj sent 300 soldiers and 300 labourers to build defences on the uninhabited island, the English, the Portuguese, and the Siddis, all contested his attempt at occupation. Shivaji's admiral Daulatkhan succeeded in reinforcing the island and establishing artillery positions despite English naval attacks and the efforts by the Siddis to stop him. In time, Khanderi would become a key maritime outpost, reflecting Shivaji's strategy to challenge foreign naval dominance and protect Maratha interests along the Konkan coast. 11. RAJGAD The 'King of Forts' was captured by the young Shivaji Maharaj in 1647, and served as his capital for 26 years before Raigad. This was where Rajaram I, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, was born, and where his first wife, Saibai, passed away. It was also the fort where Shivaji Maharaj planned many of his military campaigns and safeguarded the wealth from the Surat campaign of 1664. The fort houses many architectural marvels like the Padmavati Machi, which was the residence of Shivaji Maharaj, and had the Padmavati Temple. To the west stood the three-layered stronghold of Sanjivani Machi, a stunning example of military engineering that was intended to repel enemy invasions. 12. GINGEE/ JINJI (Tamil Nadu) Gingee Fort is located in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu and is considered one of the most formidable fortresses of peninsular India. Like many other forts, Gingee has served as the stronghold of several dynasties, such as the Vijayanagar Nayaks, the Bijapur Sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas, the French, and the English. Perched atop three rocky outcrops — Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg — the complex is made up of interconnected citadels fortified with ramparts and deep moats that create a nearly seamless triangle of defence. Noteworthy interior structures include the multi-storey Kalyana Mahal (marriage hall), granaries, prison cells, and a temple dedicated to the local deity Chenjiamman. It has reservoirs and natural springs, which were critical in sustaining the fort during prolonged sieges. The writer is an intern with The Indian Express
