Raigad Fort, Monument of National Importance in Raigad district, India

Raigad Fort is a hilltop fortification in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, positioned at 1,356 meters (4,449 feet) elevation. The site spreads across the summit plateau and includes defensive bastions, entrance gates, residential quarters, and open courtyards connected by stone pathways.

Shivaji Maharaj expanded the hilltop site in 1674 and declared it the capital of his newly established realm, holding his coronation ceremony within its walls. The settlement served as the administrative center of the empire until enemy forces captured it in 1689, ending its role as the seat of power.

The fort's name derives from Rai, meaning king, and gad, meaning fort. The Jagdishwar Mandir near the main market avenue has Sardar Hiroji Indulkar's name engraved on its first step, and his samadhi and that of his dog Waghya stand nearby. The Samadhi of Rajmata Jijabai, Shivaji's mother, is at the base village of Pachad.

The climb involves about 1,737 steps and takes roughly an hour. The Raigad Ropeway, a 750 m cable car rising 400 m, reaches the top in about four minutes; it is run by the Shri Shivaji Raigad Smarak Mandal and began operating in 1996. The Maha Darwaja was traditionally closed at sunset.

The bastion called Hirakani Buruj honors a milkmaid who descended the sheer cliffs at night to return home to her infant child after the gates closed. Her courage impressed the ruler so deeply that he named the fortification after her, and the tower still carries her name today.