Jivdhan, Mountain fort in Junnar taluka, India.
Jivdhan is a mountain fort in Junnar taluka situated at 1,200 meters elevation on a steep hilltop. The ruins include stone walls spread across the summit, cisterns for water storage, and various structures that once housed occupants.
The fort was built as a strategic stronghold and later served as a prison under Maratha rule. Murtaza Nizam Shah was held there until Shahaji secured his release, marking a significant event in regional power dynamics.
The fort's design reflects how people adapted to hilltop living by building cisterns and storage areas for long-term occupation. These practical structures show the methods communities used to sustain themselves in this remote location.
The climb to the fort takes approximately three hours through forest paths, with some sections requiring rope assistance. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential, as the route involves steep ascents and exposed terrain.
From the northern bastion, visitors can see five other forts in the distance: Naneghat, Harishchandragad, Hadsar, Chavand, and Ratangad. This layout reveals how the defense network in this area was designed to work together across the landscape.
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