Astrolabe at Raigad Fort

Published on 26 Oct 2025

• An 16th century astronomical instrument, Yantraraj (Astrolabe), has been discovered at Raigad Fort, Maharashtra.

• Astrolabes were commonly used by astrologers and navigators to track stars and calculate directions. 

• Featuring directional markings like “mukh” (head) and “poonchh” (tail), the find suggests scientific and astronomical planning in the fort's construction.

• The instrument’s upper surface has inscriptions in the Sanskrit language and in Devanagari script, with two animal engravings—likely a tortoise or snake—at the centre. 

• Located in the Sahyadri range near Mahad, Raigad Fort was declared the Maratha capital in 1674, has the Gangasagar Lake, and is accessed via the Maha-Darwaja, its grand entrance.

  
  

Keywords:

Astrolabe at Raigad Fort Astrolabe Raigad Fort Astrology Maratas