The Intriguing History Of Mahabaleshwar

story serves right, in the year 1215, King Singhanof the Raja of Satara. Col. Lodwick (Late General
of Deogiri, emperor of the Yadav Empire, wasSir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in April
the first person to have visited Old1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian
Mahabaleshwar.He built a small Krishna temple andguides climbed up the mountain face reaching
a water reservoir at the source of the riverwhat is now known as the Lodwick Point. Starting
which is now called the Krishna River. Later inwith Sir John Malcolm in 1828, a succession of
1350, it was taken over by a by a Brahminthem from Elphinston, Arthur (for whom the Point
dynasty which offered peace and prosperity.Arthur Seat is named), Carnac, Frere and many
During the 16th century they were overthrownothers became regular visitors.
by the Maratha family of Chandra Rao More, whoAlthough this small town has gone through so
then became the rulers of Jaoli andmuch turmoil and resistance, it had never been
Mahabaleshwar. Presumably Chandra Rao Morebrought to the ground by any of the above
was a descendant of the great Chandraguptamentioned Rulers. Its beauty has been maintained
Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty.and enhanced at every stage of its life .Its rich
During this period the temple of Oldhistory has even helped develop culture behind
Mahabaleshwar was rebuilt.the mammoth hill. Present day Mahabaleshwar
The 17th century, saw the emergence of thecame into existence in the year 1829-30. In old
great Maratha idol, Shivaji Bhosle, also known asrecords it is mentioned as Malcolm Peth because
Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle, as the founder ofSir John Malcolm took the hint about the beauty,
the Maratha Empire. He took control of thesublime and the invigorating climate and in 1828
territory from the rulers of Jaoli andestablished a sanatorium for the sick and a resort
Mahabaleshwar and he built his indestructible fortfor the healthy by acquiring the land from the
at Pratapgad in 1656. In 1674 , at the Raigad fortRaja of Satara in lieu of another territory. Boy
, Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati under theMalcolm, as he was lovingly called, had a penchant
precision of the Ganga Bhatta , a renown Brahminfor hunting tigers and other game so much so
from Varanasi ,who declared that Shivaji was athat the new town was originally named ' Malcolm
descendant of the Kshatriyas of Ranas fromPeth' in his honor. To him one owes the
Mewar.foundation of Mahabaleshwar.
In the year 1680 Shivaji died due to an illnessAdded to the scores of magnificent scenic
after which his son Sambhaji took over the"points", the perennial springs, streams, and
empire. Without much delay the Mughal Emperor,waterfalls of Mahabaleshwar plateau, with its year
Aurangzeb and his entourage made a move toround superb climate, drew the English and others
the Deccan in 1681. After a 27 year long battleto Mahabaleshwar like honey bees to sweet
the territory had been taken under the power ofnectar. By the end of the 19th century it had
the Peshwas Maratha Sardars until their collapse inbecome an attractive popular hill station of world
the 19th century.renown.
In 1819, the British included the hills in the territory