Why in the News
According to a report of 1 November 2026, the Pune Municipal Corporation has planned to install a 100-foot-high saffron flag at Sinhagad Fort. A provision of ₹1 crore for it is stated in the 2026-27 budget. This is a proposed work, not the inauguration of a flagpole that is ready. The fort lies outside the geographical limit of the Municipal Corporation, so the report says the approval of the Corporation's general body is required.
What Is the Status of the Proposal?
The plan includes installing the flagpole, beautification of the surroundings and maintenance. After a site inspection on 11 September, the location is reported to have been chosen in the tourist accommodation area of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Keeping an amount in the budget, getting the proposal approved and completion of construction are separate stages. While reading the news, they should not be taken as one event.
Sinhagad and Kondhana
Sinhagad is a hill fort in the Sahyadri region in Pune district of Maharashtra. The Pune district administration describes it as located in Donje village of Haveli taluka. Its old name was Kondhana. Hill slopes, height and entry routes were part of the strategic security of such forts. Today it is important for both history and tourism.
Keep 1665 and 1670 Separate
According to the Pune Gazetteer of Maharashtra, in 1665, under the agreement with Jai Singh, Purandar and Kondhana were handed over to the Mughals. In 1670, under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare, Kondhana again came under Maratha control. So 1665 is the year of the treaty-related transfer, while 1670 is the year of Tanaji's campaign. The relation of the modern flag proposal to these historical events is of memory and heritage; it is not a new military campaign.
Where Could a Mistake Happen in the Exam?
- The old name of Sinhagad is Kondhana; do not take it as the old name of Purandar.
- The campaign linked to Tanaji Malusare is of 1670; understand its difference from 1665.
- The 100-foot flag and the budget of ₹1 crore are facts of a proposed project in the report, not proof of completed construction.
- The limit of the local body and the need for approval are the administrative aspects of this news.
Prelims Practice Questions
Question 1. With reference to Sinhagad Fort, consider the following statements:
Statement 1: Its old name was Kondhana.
Statement 2: In 1670 it was recovered by the Marathas under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare.
Statement 3: This fort is located in Jaipur district of present-day Rajasthan.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (a) The old name of Sinhagad was Kondhana. In 1670 it was recovered under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare. It is in Pune district of Maharashtra, not in Rajasthan.
Question 2. Why is the approval of the general body of the Pune Municipal Corporation stated to be needed for the proposed flag project at Sinhagad?
(a) Because the fort is outside the geographical limit of the Municipal Corporation
(b) Because all historical forts are union territories
(c) Because the construction of the project has already been completed
(d) Because the fort is outside Maharashtra
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (a) The report gives the fort being outside the Corporation's geographical limit as the reason for the need for approval. A budget provision should not be taken as final approval or as the same as full construction.
Sources
- The Indian Express: Proposed flag at Sinhagad and budget, 31 October 2026
- Free Press Journal: Proposal, location and status of approval, 1 November 2026
- Pune District Administration: Location and old name of Sinhagad
- Maharashtra Gazetteer, Pune: Events of 1665 and 1670
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PCSMANTRA Editorial Team
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