A Child’s Diary: Saee Yogesh Kokil’s Corona Lockdown Days

December 7, 2020

Trek to Rajgad was my first one and the best ever

I and my dad went for a trek to Rajgad fort. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj adulated for his tactical governance, disciplined military, kindness and high respect for women; was attributed to have had a control of almost 360 forts in his reign in Marathwada. Rajgad was capital of Maratha Empire. The fort lies 4,514ft above the sea level. It is believed that Shivaji Maharaj stayed the highest number of days on this fort than any other.

This fort consists of a steep slope which once again increases its strategic importance. Entrance inside is mainly through three doors Chor Darwaja , Pali Darwaja and one more door under which according to a myth; treasure was buried. The fort is surrounded with numerous types of plants and truly gives the best feeling of being close to nature, and the Sunrise amid dense fog which I experienced early in the morning was Heavenly.

 This fort has three Machi; Padmavati, Suvela and Sanjivani. A machi is plateau on which certain structures are made which is used for administration purposes, storage of ammunitions and food grains. The main structure where the King used to live is called Balley Killa. It is said that this one is hard to climb. The temperature here drops to such an extent that I loved enjoying the bonfire.  In the eve we cooked rice and few crispy papads.

Near the tip of Suvela Machi, inside a rock, hole is cut naturally and it’s known as Nedha. In many films this structure is portrayed. I would like to tell for every construction there is a story. If you understand all myths then each and every stone has history; and if you just plainly visit then every edifice is rock. Finally, we descended through Pali Darwaja. No matter how difficult it was but that was just an amazing and pride giving trek.

Lastly, “Monuments are the grappling-irons that bind one generation to another.” So we will preserve them…..