Other Places Near Ganpatipule
Ratnadurga Fort
The history tells us that the son of Goa king Vijay Dev - King Bhoj in the times of Shilahar dynasty erected this fort
in 1205 and is known today as Ratnadurga! Ratnagad or Bhagwati fort. The shilahar dynasty ruled over the
south konkan between 800 BC to 1260. Technically speaking, the fort itself was
named as Ratnagiri or Pethkille Ratnagiri. The fort of horseshoe shape has the area of 120 acre and has the length of 1300 meter and
width of 100 meter. Though some believe that King Bhoj Raj created the fort, there are others who believe that it was already
constructed and king Bhoj-Raj just re constructed some of its part. Later in 1670, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won it over from
the custody of Aadilshah and again 1761. After the Panipat Battle the imposter of Sadashivrao Bhau won it over.
Swatantryaveer Savarkar' Memorial
The inspiring memorial of swatantryaveer Savarkar is raised just close to the Patit-Pawan Mandir,
that he had raised. The tourists and students are shown the information regarding the social-reformers in Ratnagiri,
freedom fighters' life stories etc. through audio-visual means. There is an exhibition titled 'Gatha Balidanachi' (Story of martyrdom)
including the photographs and information regarding the revolutionaries of freedom-struggle. The exhibition covers the panorama
from 1857 to almost 1947 inclusive of the patriots, revolutionaries and martyrs. A specific show case compels the visitors an exclamation -
that is the one in which they see those two pistols sent from London by swatantryaveer Savarkar, his spects, his walking stick, the
dragger he always kept with him and singular wooden weight for exercise (Mudgal). It is but natural that the viewer is overwhelmed with
love for the mother land after watching the very articles touched, issued by Savarkar him self!
The article which make the history 'happen', which witnessed the struggle are sure to create shrill among the viewers.
It is the duty of the sensible parents of the kids engulfed in the magical and imaginary world of Harry Potter, to show the real heroes,
the real velour! This memorial is open to all with a nominal entry fees between 10 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 6 pm.
The Savarkar Cell Cubicle
The special cell in Ratnagiri is at Jayastambh square on the main-road.
This cell holds the memorial of the die-hard devotee of India-Veer Savarkar! He was imprisoned in this prison
between 16th May 1921 to 3rd September 1923. As aware of his extra ordinary 'swimming skills',
Ratnagiri was selected by the government to imprison veer Savarkar, as it was surrounded by sea covering 3 sides.
The only way to run out of Ratnagiri is the Hatkhamba way out, and that was well blocked.
To add to the security, he was locked in a cubicle with strong iron bars set in a very strong wooden frame.
Not only that, but Veer Savarkar had to sit, stand, move and walk with heavy iron shackles around his neck.
The cubicle is now declared and preserved as a national memorial.
This cubicle holds a huge portrait of veer Savarkar and the cubicle is now maintained like a holy building.
In the adjoining room, we see the very iron shakles and iron shots which once hung in his neck.
These gears of punishment silently tell us a lot about veer Savarkar's endurance!
This extreme security by the British Government just for a single man is evident of the valor and
extra ordinary bravery by Savarkar! While just imaging the hardships that he must have faced,
one unknowingly bows the head and the following lives written by this great soul, spring up in our mind.