Why in the News?

The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
- The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Key facts about Durgadi Fort:

Historical Significance	It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan. Mentioned in British documents since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures. In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa. After the British took control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
Geographical Location	Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
Cultural and Religious Impact	The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims. It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas. The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.