The Thal beach fort is the mighty fort, which overlooks the Underi fort. The fort played an important role during the construction of Khanderi Fort and even after. The fort of Thal is 10 km north of Alibaug. While Khanderi-Underi fort has to be visited we have to go to Thal that time we can see the strategic location of this lost fort in history. A strong fort stood on a natural hill on the bank of the sea. As recorded in the historical documents, this fort had a rampart approximately 100 feet long and 90 feet wide and had four bastions. Now only the remains of the foundation of this fort remain. There is nothing left to see. From here we can see the islands of Underi and Khanderi in the sea. The fort is small and can be seen in 10 minutes. Those who come with a purpose of seeing an actual fort are likely to be disappointed, but those who want to witness the military prowess of the Marathas and see its geographical importance must visit this fort. ... After starting the construction of Khanderi Fort in 1659 AD, Shivaji Maharaja built this small fort with a checkpoint to provide logistics and other help for the construction of this fort. Thal fort was responsible for providing construction materials and other logistics to the soldiers and laborers of Khanderi fort and for protecting the new fort from the land side from the British and Siddhi’s army. Though small in size, many battles have been fought around this fort and the history of the fort is also bloody. After the death of Sambhaji Maharaj, this fort came under the control of Siddhi. Sekhoji Angre regained control of this fort with the help of the Peshwa on 8th July 1733. After this, a few years later, on 16th June 1747, this fort came under the control of Siddhi. Later in 1750, Manaji Angre recaptured this fort. 200 men of Siddhi were killed in this battle. During this battle, Manaji Angre was shot in the leg and he went to stay in Colaba fort. During the Peshwa period, the Marathas wanted to protect, so they broke the fort and sent the cannons on it to Colaba fort. It is mentioned in the letter of 1751 that Manaji Angre broke the fort of Thal, the fort of Revas and took the cannons to Colaba.
© Suresh Nimbalkar