Vijaydurg Fort

Vijaydurg (sometimes written as Viziadrug), the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, was

constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty (construction

period 1193-1205). The fort was earlier known as "Gheria", as it is situated close to the

village of "Girye". Shivaji captured this fort from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1653 and

renamed it as "Vijay Durg" as the then Hindu solar year's name was "Vijay" (Victory).

Earlier, the fort encompassed an area of 5 acres (1 acre = 4840 square yards or 4047

square metres) and was surrounded by sea on all four sides. Over the years the eastern

trench was reclaimed and a road constructed thereon. Presently the area of fort is about

17 acres and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Shivaji extended the area of

the fort by constructing three walls on the eastern side, each 36 metres high. He also

constructed 20 bastions.

According to legend, this is one of only two Maratha forts where Shivaji personally

hoisted the saffron flag. The other fort is "Torana".

Vijaydurg Fort was called the "Eastern Gibraltar", as it was virtually impregnable. Its

locational advantages include the 40 km long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek. Large vessels

cannot enter the shallow water of this creek. Also, Maratha warships could be anchored

in this creek and yet remain invisible from the sea. It is a protected monument.