History of Mahabaleshwar

The first historical mention of Mahabaleshwar dates back to year 1215 when the King Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar. He built a small temple and water tank at the source of the river Krishna. Around 1350, a Brahmin dynasty took over power and gave the area peace and prosperity. In the middle of the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More, became rulers of Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar, during which period the temple of Old Mahabaleshwar was rebuilt.

In the 17th century the great Maratha idol, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inspired to free his country of foreign invaders. He overran Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar and constructed the impregnable fort at Pratapgad in 1656. One of the great battle during Shivaji Raje's time happened in this region for details read Battle of Pratapgarh

In 1819, the British included the hills in the territory of the Raja of Satara. Col. Lodwick (Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in April 1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up the mountain face reaching what is now known as the Lodwick Point.

Starting with Sir John Malcolm in 1828, a succession of them from Elphinston, Arthur (for whom the Point Arthur Seat is named), Carnac, Frere and many others became regular visitors.

Present day Mahabaleshwar came into existence in the year 1829-30. In old records it is mentioned as Malcolm Peth, but in practise today it is known as Mahabaleshwar.

Added to the scores of magnificent scenic "points", the perennial springs, streams, and waterfalls of Mahabaleshwar plateau, with its year round superb climate, drew the English and others to Mahabaleshwar like honey bees to sweet nectar. By the end of the 19th century it had become an attractive popular hill station of world renown.