Rangana Fort built by King Bhoj II. Ahead July 1440, Mohhamad Gawan’s captured this
fort. Later dividing of Bahamani dynasty, Adilshahi controlled this fort. In Sep.1660,
Rahooji Pandit whose General of Konkan in Chh.Shivaji Maharaj army, taken this fort.
Many enemies trying to conquered this fort, but they are helpless. Chh. Shivaji
Maharaj spent 6000 Hon’s( ancient time measurement of rupees)for security of Rangana
Fort. Ahead, Aurangzeb captured nearest fort Bhudargad, Samangad but he could not
able to conquer this fort. Herekar Sawant trying to many times to conquer this fort
but fort Rangana was impregnable. Finally he captured this fort only for treachery
of Maratha’s Internal fled.
Rangana fort is situated at 112 km. distance from Kolhapur at direct south side
on the border of Kolhapur and Sindudurg districts. Bhatwadi is nearest village and
small S.T.Stand. From Bhatwadi to Rangana this road passes through thick forest
and streams.
It is learnt for local residents that there are some wild animals strolling this
forest. Chikkewadi is a small habitat of 8 to 10 houses at 6-7 km. After trekking
shrub studded hill for almost 1 1\2 km. first entrance of Rangana in form of broken
remains show its presence. Only some wall portion of red stone and excavation of
surrounding trench is seen there. The plain area ahead was the Rangan’s historic
market place. One can guess that there were many houses nearby. Water vessels made
of stones are seen lying scattered. There is a small temple in ruined state. All
other area is covered by stones and forest.
There is a small plane portion of hill in the shape of bridge between this place
and the main Rangana area. On both sides of this path there are deep valleys. This
plain area also seems to be prepared artificially by breaking rocks. If we stand
on the plain ground, we see the Rangana’s steep bastion. On both sides of the bastion
thick protection walls are constructed. While entering through small walk way on
left side of protection wall one sees sky scrapping hill above and deep valley below.
After traveling 2 furlongs this way we come to Rangana’s first gate. Salient features
of old construction of historic buildings are seen here more prominently. Large
sized stones and very delicate decorative carvings are seen everywhere. From first
gate, both sides have high stone walls. Now they are getting broken. While climbing
up one faces second large bastion and big gate. After this gate on the right side
of plane area there is a wall and doorframe indicating old small building (Wada),
and in front there is a well supply water all the year round. Ahead of this place
there is third gate with arches and red stone walls. There are sitting places in
the arches. After crossing that gate we come on the large plane ground. On one side
we see the Natures beauty of Konkan up to sea, and on other side area covered with
valleys and hills of Kolhapur district watching this magnificent scenery moving
ahead. We have to stop at a big lake. One side of this lake is constructed wall.
There is a plenty of water storage and this remains permanently. So very near to
the lake there is old temple of Rangana the store station of goddess seems to be
quite old days. The top tin shade is recent. The carvings on the wooden portion
construction are excellent. There is a high DeepMala of black stones. By seeing
Hanuman statue there, one can guess that there might be Hanuman temple in old time.
If we climb some steep rise through thick buses we go to second peak. One can see
Hanumanta Ghat, Sawantwadi to Vengurla region and Manohargad and Mansantoshgad in
front. There are three gates this side but all in broken condition. In front, there
are large deep fearful valleys.
The rangana area is spread 3 km long and about 1 km wide. There are many water tanks
on this fort. It is said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to stay on this fort
while traveling from Raigad to Kokan and Karnataka. It has remained unknown to common
man even today because of its construction at a place not comes in normal view.
History of Rangana is hidden by forest and hills and therefore, not gets attention
of many. But deleting Rangana would be incomplete history of Maharashtra. This was
considered as an important place in the region from Goa to Panhala. The trip to
Rangana is a test of human also.
Rangana fort is famous as Prasidhagad in the Maratha history. The capital of Kolhapur
region was Panhala at all times. At 50 km. south of this place is Rangana fort not
easily accessible, strong and not easily defeat able even to enemy. Rangana is near
Patgaon a sacred place due to Mouni Maharaj residence in Bhudargad district. Three
hundred years back the fort area seems to be surrounded by thick forest. Considering
to day’s unauthorized deforestation still the thick forest is there, so the fort
is not easily visible to the visitors even they reach at the foot of the fort. The
fort is spread over the crest of the Sanhyadri. The fort is standing like an attentive
surveillance soldier standing at the most strategic place. From Rangana, forts like
Manohar & Mansantosh can be seen. This fort comes under region called as ‘Maval
Patta’. The nature full of hills & valleys surrounding Rangana is equally attractive.
On this fort, Ranganai temple is standing witness to ancient history. One beautiful
lake also is there. Some time ago ancient statue from the temple was found stolen.
1. Rangnai’s Temple.
2.Shiva’s Temple.
3.Lake.
4.Bhuyari Marg.
5.Ganesh Temple.
5.Konkan Darwaja.