Khanderi Fort: A Maratha Naval Base Gets a Much-Needed Restoration

The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 7 crore for the conservation of the Khanderi Fort, a strategically important 17th-century Maratha naval base located in Alibaug. The project will focus on repairing 21 collapsed bastions, fortifying dilapidated walls, and reconstructing a portion of the seaside wall that collapsed in 2009. The fort, declared a state-protected monument and renamed Kanhoji Angre Island, is a significant historical site for its role in Maratha naval history. The conservation plan includes building facilities for visitors and researchers, ensuring accessibility for those interested in learning about the fort’s rich past. The project is divided into five phases, with the first phase prioritizing the repair of over 10 bastions. The conservation efforts aim to preserve the fort’s structure and historical significance, making it a more accessible and informative site for tourists and historians alike. The Khanderi Fort is one of four forts nominated for World Heritage Site status, highlighting its importance in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.