The Iron Fort
Although the exact origin of this fort have been lost to the ravages of time, it is believed to have been constructed by the Satavahana dynasty who ruled this land between 30 BC to 200 AD. This dynasty, referred to in the Puranas as Satavahanas, Satakarnis, Andhras and Andhrabrityas, was known even to the Greeks for their large armies and fortified towns. And one glance at the fort even today evidences their reputation - high arches and fortifications protect the buildings within, including a step-well built by Nana Phadnavis of the Peshwa dynasty.
The fort has exchanged hands frequently over its lifetime - Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and the Marathas.
Amongst its various architectural features are high entrance arches, impenetrable stone walls and, seen on the left of this picture, a narrow, fortified spur in the mountain, called Vinchukanta, which means sting of a scorpion in the local Marathi language.