Janjira

Can you feel Abyssinian winds

That power on these sails?

They whisper of the Siddis’ dreams -

Their mighty warrior tales

 

Tales of trailing sombre winds

The monsoon winds that blow –

And in those winds, the song of swords

That from the Deccan flow

 

Swords of Mughal, Maratha’s might

To take Janjira for a while

Yet, the unbeaten flag of freedom flies

Even today upon the isle

 

History floats upon these boats

A bit of Kusha-dwipa stays

Upon the Arabian seas of blue

Lost tales of yesterdays

 

You might wonder, how could they

Come this far and rise?

The isle smiles, and wisely says

To the mainland, point your eyes

 

These mighty ghats have sheltered men

Who were brave to risk their fate

Europe, Asia, Africa

The Sahyadri’s where they met

 

And if these hills could have a heart

That Continents could flock,

What surprise that on this isle

The monsoons came to dock…

 

23^rd Jan, 2026

 

Alternate Blank verse version:

 

Huddled in a sailboat of time

We cross an ocean of memories –

Almost as if, it was yesterday

Ahead lies Janjira –

The stronghold of the Siddis

An Abyssinian wind flows

Through the Arabian Sea

Following the green allure

Of the grey monsoons

Rising from the hearts of Africa

It’s come this far, touching the lips

Of the Sahyadri’s kiss

 

Despite the sun, you ask

‘Why are we crossing the seas?’

To reach Janjira; To understand

That in this mighty land

Of guerilla lords and fortress kings

One fort could stay unconquered

By the seas of the Deccan salt

To learn if we too can fortify

Janjira in each of us -

That it holds, on a more fragile sea

And we no longer need boats

To cross its ocean of memories…

 

23^rd January, 2026

 

Janjira Fort, rising defiantly from the Arabian Sea near Murud, is one of Maharashtra’s most striking coastal landmarks. Accessible by a short boat ride, the island fort appears almost unreal as its dark stone walls emerge straight from the water. Built in the 15th century, Janjira remained unconquered for centuries, protected by its clever architecture, hidden entrance, and massive bastions. It was ruled by the Siddis — an Afro-Indian dynasty of remarkable naval strength — whose legacy still echoes through the fort’s resilient design and maritime dominance. Inside, visitors can explore freshwater wells, ruins of palaces, and the haunting stillness that contrasts sharply with the crashing waves outside. A visit to Janjira is ideal for history lovers and day-trip travellers from Mumbai or Pune, offering a powerful glimpse into maritime history, engineering brilliance, and the quiet drama of a fort that once ruled the sea.