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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

In news: Durgadi Fort

Prelims Only | History and Art & Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

In news: Durgadi Fort

Why in the News?

  • The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
    • The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Key facts about Durgadi Fort:

Historical Significance  
  • It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan.
  • Mentioned in British documents since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures.
  • In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa.
  • After the British took control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
Geographical Location
  • Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
Cultural and Religious Impact
  • The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims.
  • It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas.
  • The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.

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