Sindhudurg -Swarajyacha Tulshi Vrundavan
PTVA had organised Killa making activity for the parents of all PTVA schools. Our PTA parents took up the making of the *Sindhudurg* fort. After attending many meetings with the management, the actual making of the fort began on 19th October ’24 under the guidance of our Headmistress Mrs.Kalpana Kalekar and under the leadership of our enthusiastic teachers Mrs. Manashri Kashalkar & Mrs.Kamakshi Kulkarni. Not to miss the mammoth contribution of the parents and especially the team of artists Mr. Mestry and Mr.Mayekar.
The teamwork could be witnessed right from day one from the possession of stall till collection of various materials like landfill, bricks, soil, etc..
Each parent in the team contributed in their own creative way as per their availability.The fun, guidance and charisma of each team member, late working hours by our teachers brought the Sindhudurg fort to life. The making of the fort was completed by 23rd October ’24 and was exhibited for the students and visitors on 24th & 25th October ’24.
Sindhudurg was the first sea-fort built by Shivaji Raje on Kurte island on the coast of Malvan by the famous architect Hiroji Indulkar using 1 crore hons. The fort was completed within a period of 3 years from (25th November 1664 to 29th March 1667).
The main objective for the construction of this fort was to counter the rising influence of the English, Portuguese, Dutch and Siddis on the Konkan coast.
The famous Shri Shiv Rajeshwar temple the one and only temple of Shivaji Raje in Maharashtra is found on this fort. The foot and hand prints of Shivaji Raje are also found only on this fort.
There are also many other miracles on this fort like the 3 freshwater wells – Dudh bhav, Dahi bhav and Sakhar Bhav, the Y shaped coconut tree, the 3 holy water tanks- Jijabai, Saibai and Putlabai .The Sakpal Naik family were the Killedars of this fort.
The display of the foundation stone of Sindhudurg – *Moryacha Dhonda* added to the authenticity of the fort. The chiseling of Ganesh idol made on the rock was eye-catching.
It was truly an amazing experience!
(Manashri Kashalkar class teacher of IV-D)
