In ancient times, during the Satavahana period, Pratisthan (which is now Paithan), and even before that, India had trade relations with other countries via sea routes. The Sahyadri mountain range primarily divides India into two parts. The first is “Desh,” meaning the region east of the Sahyadri range (Western Maharashtra and the rest of India), and the second is “Konkan.” If a person from Konkan climbed up the ghat, they would say, “I am going to Desh!”
Trade used to take place from various ports along the Konkan coast. Several ancient ghat routes have existed since time immemorial, connecting Desh and Konkan. One such ghat is the Savlya Ghat in Mulshi Taluka.
Even today, you can see ancient rock-carved steps and water tanks in this ghat. The locals from the ghat region and those at the foothills in Konkan still use these ghat routes for travel.
Parate Vasti (Wadi), Pimpree Village, Mulshi Taluka. While traveling towards Konkan near Mulshi Dam, after crossing Nive Village, a road branches off to the right towards Lonavala. After traveling one kilometer on this road, there is a cemented road on the left leading to Parate Wadi. You can park your vehicle in Parate Wadi and explore the ghat.
India has been engaged in international trade since ancient times. Trade used to take place through Konkan ports, and it continues even today. The Sahyadri mountain range has played a significant role in this. This range divides the land into two parts – Konkan and Desh. Traders from Konkan used these routes to bring their goods for sale in Desh. Several ghat routes were created within this mountain range, and here, we will explore a few of them in Mulshi Taluka.
Tailbaila is a village located at the farthest edge of Mulshi Taluka. From here, the Waghjai Ghat begins. It is one of the most scenic spots in Mulshi, gifted with nature’s beauty.
While descending the ghat, you will first encounter some rock-carved and stone steps. A little further, you will see a small temple of Goddess Waghjai, after whom this ghat is named. As you proceed, you will find two memorials dedicated to brave warriors.
This route then splits into two paths—one leading to the village of Thanale in Konkan and the other towards the historically significant but overlooked Thanale Caves. The intricate carvings in these caves are worth seeing. Some coins from Emperor Ashoka’s era have also been found here.
To guard this pass, the Tailbaila fort stands proudly atop the mountain. After descending the ghat, you will find the Sudhagad Fort nearby. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once considered making this fort his capital. However, due to its lower elevation, the capital was later shifted to Raigad. This makes Waghjai Ghat an important historical site worth visiting.
Between 250 BCE and 250 CE, most parts of Maharashtra were under the rule of the Satavahana dynasty. Pratisthan (now Paithan) was their capital, and Junnar was a flourishing city at that time. During this era, several ghat routes were developed, one of which was Savlya Ghat.
When you visit this ghat, you will find five rock-cut water tanks and 32 carved steps still intact. Four of these tanks have pillar structures similar to those found at Naneghat near Junnar, confirming that this ghat dates back to the Satavahana period.
This ghat route starts from Bhire village and ends at Parate Vasti in Nive village. To oversee this route, the Kailasgad Fort stands nearby in all its grandeur. This fort also has Satavahana-era pillar tanks.
In Savlya Ghat, the Shivdurg Conservation Trust from Pune is actively working on restoration efforts. If you visit, you will witness the rich historical heritage of Mulshi Taluka. Let’s take pride in sharing the historical significance of our region with everyone.
Thank You.
Information & Writing Compilation: Akash Marne
Mulshi’s Natural Gems