Kalyan’S Durgadi—16Th-Century Fort Central To Sena Politics, Venue Of ‘Ghanta Naad’ Protest On Eid

Durgadi Fort: A Historic Battleground of Faith and Politics

Nestled about 60 kilometers northeast of Mumbai, Durgadi Fort stands as a testament to a turbulent past, perched near Kalyan Creek and the Ulhas River. Constructed in the late 16th century after the Marathas seized control of the area, the fort became a pivotal site during both Mughal and Maratha rule. Historical records indicate that it housed a mosque, a prayer area, and a tomb, reflecting its significance as a center of worship.

After the Marathas took over in 1760, they erected a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi behind the mosque, subsequently naming the fort Durgadi Killa. This name has persisted through the years, even as the British later assumed control in 1818. The Gazetteer notes a decline in the site's religious significance by 1876, following the theft of the goddess's idol.

Religious Tensions and Political Maneuvering

The fort has been at the heart of Hindu-Muslim tensions since the 1960s, with both communities claiming rights to worship there. In 1966, the Maharashtra government declared the fort a state property, intending to transform it into a public park, which sparked protests from the Muslim community. In response, the government allowed Eid prayers to be held there twice a year.

The situation intensified in 1968 when Bal Thackeray raised a saffron flag at the fort, announcing plans to install a Durga idol. Claims to celebrate Navratri at the site further complicated matters, leading to a civil court case initiated by Muslims in 1976 challenging state ownership. This legal battle continued until December 2024, when a ruling favored the state. However, Muslims maintained their right to Eid prayers while Hindus celebrated Navratri, leading to ongoing disputes.

The Ghanta Naad Protest

As Eid approaches, tensions flare each year, with religious leaders from both communities clashing over access to the fort. This year's protests, dubbed the 'Ghanta Naad,' saw leaders from Shiv Senas and the BJP demanding unrestricted temple access, even as prayers were being held. The protest's roots trace back to Anand Dighe, a former Shiv Sena leader, who initiated it in 1986 under Bal Thackeray's guidance.

Thane Police's Additional Commissioner Sanjay Jadhav emphasized that prayers have been conducted at Durgadi Killa for decades, even amid persistent political tensions. Security measures are in place to manage the ongoing conflict, as the site remains a focal point of both faith and political ambition.