Shivneri Fort

Shivneri Fort a historic military fortification located around 105 km from Pune, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is known as the birthplace of Shivaji, who would go on not only to rule Maharashtra but to found the Maratha Empire.

Shahaji Bhonsale, Shivaji's father, was a general in the army of the Adil Shahi Sultan of Bijapur. He was concerned for the safety of his wife Jijabai during her pregnancy, and therefore moved his family to Shivneri Fort. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly-built citadel.

Shivaji was born at the fort in 1627, and spent his childhood there. He acquired all the skills and training on this fort which he used while establishing swaraj (self-rule). He learnt the early lessons of swaraj on this fort.

Inside the fort is a small temple of goddess Shivai Devi, after whom Shivaji was named. There are also statues of Jijabai and her young son.