New History of the Marathas v1.c16.61

v1.c16.61

Most of these forts possess a history of their own, and wonderful reminiscences, which have gathered about them in local tradition, bring to a visitor's mind a picture of those old days. What minute care and observation Shivaji personally bestowed upon the construction of his forts can be understood from the following extract out of an old description of the fort of Malvan which Shivaji named Sindhudurg : " Sindudurg is a star in the firmament, an ornament of pride to the Maharaja's raj, just as every Hindu house has for its front decoration the tulsi-basin. The gods obtained only fourteen gems, but Shivaji added this fifteenth to the number. When he came to Rājāpur for the first time he minutely examined the various rocks locked in water and dotting the western coast, and was struck with the position of the rock islet opposite Malvan. He at once called together the fishermen of the place and gathered from them all details of that frowning sea-monster. It was difficult of direct approach except with a zig-zag serpentine sea-passage, through which only a small fishing boat could make its way. Large ships could have no access to it. Shivaji rewarded the Kolis liberally and at once employed them as enterprising sailors. He consulted the astrologers and selected an auspicious day to begin the foundation. He ordered five hundred stone-dressers and two hundred iron-smiths, purchased two hundred tons of iron-metal and started the work of construction. A grand inauguration ceremony was held, sugar was distributed, feasts and dinners were lavishly given amidst music and rejoicing. One hundred Hons were distributed in charity to appease the sea-goddess along with cocoanuts, dresses, and other offerings. Three thousand skilled artizans, some of whom were specially obtained from the Portuguese government of Goa, were at once engaged for the various jobs. A guard of five thousand Mavlas was set up; a budget of one crore of Hons was sanctioned. All possible measures against damage by the waves or the danger of an enemy were taken. Shivaji appointed Govind Vishvanāth Prabhu as the Chief supervisor of the works and himself returned to Raigad. Within three years a mighty bleak black spot arose on the fortress and then the Maharaja made his formal ceremonial entry into it with a salvo of guns. He named it Sindhudurg.” 10