While visiting forts in Khatav taluka of Satara district, we get to see many hill forts like Mahimangad, Vardhangad, and Bhushangad. These hill forts have such a strong hold on our hearts that we forget about the fortresses in this area. One such unknown fort can be found in Kuroli village. As there is a famous temple of Siddheshwar in the village, this village is known as Kuroli Siddheshwar. Siddheshwar Kuroli village is 10 km from Aundh city on the Vaduz Satara route and 7 km from Vaduj city. If you go from Vaduj, while entering Kuroli village, after crossing the bridge over the river, at some distance on the right side, you can see the fortifications of this fort and the two bastions at the two ends of it. As the locals are not familiar with the word “Gadhi” (fortress) in the village, they know this place as “Rajwada”. ... After leaving the main road and coming in, the two bastions at the two ends of the fortress and the small gate in the middle of the fortifications are visible. This is the rear part of the fortress and is opposite the main entrance of the fort. This square shaped fortress is spread over about an acre and has a main gate on the west side and another small gate on the east side. The height of the ramparts is about 25 feet and there are four circular bastions at the four ends of the fortress. The lower part of the rampart and bastion is built of stones and white clay is used for the construction of the upper part. The main gate of the fortress is made of stone and its wooden door is still intact. The inside of this door has stone porch. When you enter through the door, there is a four cornered mansion (Wada) in the middle of the fortress and it is locked, so you cannot see it from inside. There is a well about 60 feet deep on the left side to supply water to the fortress. Looking at the trench in the northern part of the fort, there must have been a trench surrounding the entire fort. As the part of the fort is on a high ground, most of Kuroli village can be seen from here. Half an hour is enough to visit the entire fort. Locals say that this fort belongs to the aunt of Pantpratinidhi of Aundh. Presently the fort is in possession of the Siddheshwar Temple Organization.
© Suresh Nimbalkar