Myth of gold sees 11th century Palghar fort ravaged by hunters

In a recent conservation programme of the 11th century Segwah Fort of Palghar district, activists threw light on how the fort has fallen prey to the greed of local treasure hunters. Volunteers of Vasai Fort Conservation movement revealed that the heritage structure is riddled with craters dug by treasure hunters, looking for allegedly hidden gold.

Amidst the lack of monitoring by the forest department and increasing human greed, the glorious witness to the Maratha dynasty is lying in shambles.

Conservationists, who conducted a tank cleaning and restoration programme at the fort on July 10, said that the important monuments of the fort were covered in “layers of mud,” including seven tanks of the fort.

“Even among the experts in the field, the fort is very obscure due to its discrete location. However, there were signs of Shivaji era architecture. Also the huge entrance door of the main section, was covered in layers of mud and filth, affecting the historical value of the monuments,” said Shridutta Raut, a noted fort conservationist of the state, who spearheaded the programme.

Shockingly, while cleaning the important section 32, volunteers of the group found huge craters that had been dug in and around the citadel, which has affected the entire structure.

Upon enquiring, the group found out that local residents, allegedly believing in myths of hidden treasure, are to blame for digging the craters. Moreover, due to the absence of any forest guards or any kind of monitoring system, illegal excavations have continued to take place in the fort for a long time.

“The fort has a very important historical value as it served both the Maratha and Peshwa dynasty and was a part of other empires. Due to less manpower and lashing rains, we weren’t able to clean all the seven tanks and fill craters. But next month, on the occasion 277th anniversary of the fort’s induction to Peshwa Dynasty, we are to return with 150 volunteers and fill the craters of the fort affecting its value,” added Mr Raut.