Karnala
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Karnala
(or Funnel Hill). — Fort and hill in the Panvel taluka of Kolaba District, Bombay, situated in 18 degree 53' N. and 73 degree 7' E., a few miles north-west of the Vegavati river, and 8 miles south of Panvel ; elevation 1,560 feet above sea-level. Population (1901), 1,327. Karnala commands the high road between the Bor pass and the Panvel and Apta rivers. The hill has an upper and lower fort. In the centre of the upper fort is the ' funnel,' an almost inaccessible basalt pillar about 125 feet high, locally known as the Pandu's tower. From the south- west of the hill can be seen the island-studded harbour of Bombay.
The fort was often taken and retaken during the turbulent period of Indian history. Under the Muhammadans, Karnala was garrisoned to overawe the North Konkan. Troops from Ahmadnagar took it in 1540. The Portuguese captured it soon after, but gave it up on receiving a ransom of Rs. 17,500 a year. Sivajl, the Maratha leader, seized it in 1670, driving out the Mughals. On the death of Sivajl, Karnala was recaptured by Aurangzeb's generals, and was held by the Mughals till at least 1735. Shortly afterwards it must have again come into the hands of the Marathas, for in 1740 the Peshwa's power was established over the whole of the Deccan. In 1818 the fort was captured, and passed into British possession, together with the whole remaining territory held by the Peshwa. It is now in ruins.
