While exploring the forts of Dhule district, one comes across a village popularly known by its twin name “Nane-Sitane.” In reality, these are two entirely separate villages, located about 3.5 km apart. The common feature linking them is that both once had a fort. Of these, the fort at Nane has been completely destroyed, whereas the fort at Sitane has managed to survive to some extent. Visiting this fort gives one a true sense of what it means for something to exist “in name only.” Sitane village, located in Parola taluka of Dhule district, is about 46 km from Parola (the taluka headquarters) and 32 km from Dhule city. There are no remnants of a fortified town around the village, but some remains of the fort still exist within. ... This fort was once situated on a small elevation and originally had four bastions, one at each corner. Today, two of these bastions are completely destroyed, while the other two survive in a partially ruined state. The mansion (wada) at the center of the fort has been divided into two portions due to partition. One half of the mansion has fallen into disrepair due to neglect, while the other half still retains much of its old charm. The façade of the mansion is built of well-dressed stone, and its wooden elements feature beautiful carvings. However, this portion too has suffered significant damage due to lack of upkeep. The Jadhav family currently resides in the fort, and they claim that their ancestors built this mansion and fort about 300 years ago. The Jadhav originally hailed from Rajasthan, and it is said that their forefathers settled in Sitane and established the village. This suggests that the fort was likely constructed during the Peshwa period. In the open areas of the fort, newly constructed houses can be seen, and even one of the bastions has been built upon. The original owners of the fort now reside near Panvel, close to Mumbai, and with their permission, visitors can view the interior of the mansion. As this fort was designed solely for residential purposes, it lacks any significant defensive structures. Since no other remnants of the fort survive, the entire visit can be completed within about 15 minutes.
© Suresh Nimbalkar