| Manikgad Fort | |
|---|---|
| Chandrapur district, Maharashtra | |
 Fort entrance | |
 <div style="position: absolute; top: Expression error: Missing operand for *.%; left: -805.4%; height: 0; width: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> Manikgad Fort | |
| Coordinates | 19°40′30.6″N 79°07′31.5″E / 19.675167°N 79.125417°E |
| Type | Hill fort |
| Height | 507 MTRS |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of India |
| Controlled by |
 India (1947-) |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built by | Naga king-Gahilu |
| Materials | Stone |
Manikgad(also called Gadchandur) is an ancient fort in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. It is a hill fort 507 metres above sea level built by the Naga kings in the 9 CE.[1] Currently the forts is in a state of ruins and is frequently by wild animals that live in the vicinity like panthers and boars. Several monuments of historical importance are also present in the area.[2]
History[]
Manikgad was built by the last Mana Naga King - Gahilu. The Mana Nagas settled in this area around 9 CE. Initially, the fort was named Manikagad after the patron deity of the Mana Nagas - Manikadevi - but later on this got shortened to Manikgad. Local legend holds that the fort was built by a Gond king named Mankyal(hence the name Manikgad). However, the lintel of the entrance gate has a Naga image carved in relif and not the Gond emblem of lion and an elephant. So this legend is not true.[2]
Major features[]
The fort is built of large black stones and it would have been a formidable fort in its time. Rampart walls of the fort enclose a valley which has ruins of old buildings and store-houses. Outlines of some apartments are visible against the rampart walls. The southern bastion along with its supporting wall has collapsed. In the valley below lies a cannon which likely was mounted on that bastion. Unlike a cast iron cannon, this cannon made of several iron straps welded together. The gateway of the fort is still intact.[2]
Places to visit[]
The entire fort can be visited in 1–2 hours. The main gate, Queens palace , Patal vihir, and few bastions are visited the most. The Queen's palace is situated near a small dam with steps and few rooms constructed for bathing.There are two wooden pagodas constructed by the Forest Department. The fort area is filled with shrubby growth and wild trees.[3]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ "Friends of Forts". Archived from the original on 2009-04-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20090405125744/http://www.fortsofsahyadri.friendsofforts.com/list_of_maharashtraforts.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Chandrapur District Gazetteer". Government of Maharashtra. http://www.chanda.nic.in/htmldocs/pdf/dgazette2/places_Manikgad.html. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
- ↑ https://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/CHANDRAPUR/places_Manikgad.html
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The original article can be found at Manikgad and the edit history here.