About 60 kilometres from Ratnagiri city lies Rajapur, a region especially blessed by nature’s beauty. The Rajapur port, situated on the estuary where the Arjuna River meets the sea, is located 30 kilometres inland from the open sea. This made it one of the safest ports during its time. Goods from the markets atop the Western Ghats would descend via the Anuskura Ghat to reach Rajapur port, and from there, they were transported by ships to Arabia and other destinations. In 1648, when this region was under Adilshahi control, the British established a warehouse here. To protect the goods in the warehouse, they built fort-like fortifications with bastions and mounted cannons—essentially constructing a strong fort. Later, after the British made Mumbai Island their main center of trade, this warehouse was abandoned. Today, only a few remnants of the warehouse survive in Rajapur. ... Since locals are largely unaware of the warehouse's history, one should inquire about it as the current police colony occupies its grounds. The primary reason for visiting the Rajapur warehouse is that it was looted by Shivaji Maharaj after the Surat campaign. Traveling from the Rajapur S.T. (State Transport) bus stand on the Mumbai–Goa highway into Rajapur city, one crosses the Arjuna River Bridge on the way to the Dhootpapeshwar temple. Just to the left after crossing the bridge are the remnants of the Rajapur warehouse. After the Rajapur Municipal Council was established in 1940, the stone building of the warehouse was used for government offices. When you enter the warehouse area, you see ruins made of laterite stone. One two-storied building houses the police station, while the other structures are in a dilapidated state. To the left of the police station is a square well, and behind it stands a bastion. From the police station and the ruined building on its right, steps lead down toward the riverbank behind the warehouse. Some stone steps are visible in the riverbed. The river-facing fortification wall of the warehouse still survives, and bastions are visible at both ends of this wall. Climbing the bastion behind the ruined structure reveals portions of the remaining fortification. Since a police colony now occupies the rest of the site, much of the warehouse’s remains have disappeared. Since ancient times, Rajapur has been known as a port and trading hub. In 1312, when the Adilshahi forces conquered Rajapur, it was the main administrative center of the region. Rajapur was a major market town and a hub for imports and exports. In the latter half of 1648, the British established a warehouse here. During Shivaji Maharaj’s time, Rajapur held significant importance. The town produced loyal and capable men like Balaji Awaji Chitre, who served the king with distinction. Rajapur had close ties to the Afzal Khan campaign, and preparations for the Konkan expedition were carried out here. When Afzal Khan was killed, three of his ships filled with trade goods were anchored in the Rajapur creek. Maharaj sent Doroji to seize them, but with British assistance, two of the ships managed to escape into deep waters. During Shivaji’s siege at Panhala, British officers Henry Revington and Gifford supplied cannons and gunpowder to Siddi Johar, who bombarded Panhala Fort. In response, and to teach the British a lesson, Shivaji Maharaj ordered the looting of the Rajapur warehouse in 1661. The British officer Gifford was captured and held in the fort at Kharepatan. In 1713, through the mediation of Balaji Vishwanath, peace was established between Kanhoji Angre and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, and the Rajapur warehouse came under the control of Kanhoji Angre. During the early 18th century, Rajapur remained under Angre’s authority. In 1756, the Peshwa captured Rajapur from Tulaji Angre. Finally, in 1818, Colonel Imlak seized control of Rajapur for the British.
© Suresh Nimbalkar