Nagpur: A replica of Sindhudurg Fort built by inmates of Nagpur Central Prison is bringing Maharashtra’s maritime heritage into an unusual setting, as more than 125 fort models across the city await inspection in the second edition of the Shivvaibhav Fort Competition.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari will flag off the inspection tour at 8am on Nov 12. Now in its second edition, it has drawn more than 125 entries, reflecting interest in the practice of recreating forts. Organised by the Khasdar Sanskritik Mahotsav Samiti, the competition encourages participants to recreate historic forts and introduce younger generations to the history, valour and architectural heritage associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . From the prison premises to common grounds and school premises, the models offer citizens an opportunity to explore that legacy through the creativity of fort enthusiasts. Committee secretary Jayprakash Gupta performed a puja of the replica during the gathering, which brought together prison officers, organisers, historians and members of the competition jury. Jury members will subsequently travel to participating locations to examine the fort replicas. The committee has invited citizens to visit the models and appreciate the work involved in bringing these historic structures to life. Held at Gadkari’s initiative, the annual competition forms part of the committee’s efforts to promote art, literature, culture and traditions. Competition coordinators Sanjay Bangale, Atul Guru, Abhijit Jadhav and Jagdish Bawankar attended the prison programme. Also present were history experts and jury members Dr Anand Manjarkhede, Dr Shrikant Parkhi, Pravin Yogi, Dr Sheetal Vaidya and Neelima Bawane, along with fort experts Ashish Erande, Shantanu Ingle and Suvarna Khatadkar.
The inmates’ recreation of the historic sea fort was the centrepiece of a Shivpratap Day programme at the prison on Tuesday.