Murud Janjira: The sea fort with secret passages built by Siddis from Africa

Nestled on a picturesque island off the coastal village of Murud in Maharashtra, the majestic Murud Janjira Fort amid shimmering blue waters of the Arabian Sea evokes the grandeur of a bygone era. About 55 km from Alibag, the fort has withstood the test of time and the onslaught of numerous invaders. 

The origins of this magnificent fortress date back to the 15th century when a group of local fishermen from Rajapuri built a wooden fort atop a massive rock to protect their families from pirates. However, the Nizam Shahi Sultan of Ahmednagar saw its potential as a stronghold for maritime defence and captured the small wooden fort. 

His military strategist Malik Ambar (1548 - May 13, 1626) of the African Siddi tribe started the construction of the formidable stone fort along the Arabian Sea in the 16th century.

Siddis from Africa and Malik Ambar 

The story of Murud Janjira is intricately linked to the history of the Siddis, who began coming to India from Africa in 1100 AD. 

By the 13th century, a substantial number of Siddis had arrived either as traders, soldiers, or enslaved individuals brought by the Nawabs and Sultans of various kingdoms. 

Over time, they established themselves as powerful rulers in certain regions, with Murud Janjira Fort being their most prized possession. The island fortress along the Arabian Sea was a defensive stronghold for the Siddi rulers against invaders and rival maritime powers. 

Originally from the Adal Sultanate in present-day Ethiopia, Malik Ambar was sold by his parents as a slave when he was a child. His journey eventually brought him to India.

After being sold to Chengiz Khan, a former Habshi (Abyssinian) slave who had risen to become the Peshwa of the Ahmednagar Sultanate, Malik Ambar’s extraordinary talents in military strategy and governance soon came to the fore. He went on to become the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Ahmednagar Sultanate in the Deccan region. 

The Siddis found the fort a crucial asset in their defence against repeated invasion attempts by the Marathas, Mughals, and Portuguese.

Also Read: Maharashtra's 5 sea forts that kept enemies in check

Architectural marvel with secret passages

Positioned in the heart of the Arabian Sea, the fort served as an impenetrable bastion, ensuring the safety and autonomy of its rulers against constant threats from regional and European adversaries.

The fort is said to have secret passages, including underwater tunnels that connect it to nearby villages. 

These secret tunnels were built to help with escape and supply lines during sieges. The exit point of a tunnel is visible from the fort, but the tunnel is blocked.

Over the centuries, the Portuguese, the Marathas, and the British attempted to seize control of this stronghold. However, despite the many sieges and the passage of time, the fort’s towering bastions and defensive walls remain unscathed. 

Also Read: Gooty: The fort with 15 forts and 108 ponds

The name ‘Janjira’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘Jazeera,’ meaning ‘island,’ a fitting moniker for this isolated maritime citadel. 

The Murud Janjira Fort stands as an architectural marvel. Built to withstand the ferocity of numerous invasions, its strong fortifications and strategic location rendered it nearly unconquerable. It is for this reason that the fort earned the reputation of being ‘invincible’.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the fort is its well-preserved infrastructure. 

Within its fortified walls, visitors can explore intricately carved tombs, water harvesting structures like reservoirs, and well-preserved stone structures. The fort once housed 572 cannons, of which only three remain today. 

The entrance to the fort is particularly striking, adorned with an exquisite sculpture depicting a ferocious tiger seizing six elephants in its powerful claws—a symbolic representation of the fort’s indomitable spirit. The main entrance, known as the ‘Darya Darwaza’ or ‘Sea Gate,’ opens directly onto the waters, offering a stunning view of the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.

The architectural brilliance of Murud Janjira Fort is evident in its sturdy construction and strategic design. Built primarily from locally sourced stone, the fort features high defensive walls reinforced with bastions, watchtowers, and gun placements to thwart seaborne attacks. 

The interior layout has an intricate network of courtyards, living quarters, and administrative chambers, all designed to ensure maximum defence while accommodating a functional settlement. The fusion of Indian, Persian, and Arabian architectural influences is a testament to the diverse cultural interactions of the time, reflecting the unique heritage of the region.

Also Read: Harihar Fort's 80-degree rock-cut stairs take you to the top of the world

Look up our YouTube Channel