Manikgad

Manikgad / (also called Gadchandur) (Marathi: माणिकगड / गडचांदूर) is an ancient fort in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. It is a hill fort 507 metres above sea level built by the Naga kings in 9 CE.[1] The fort is in ruins and is frequented by wild animals that live in the vicinity, such as panthers and boars. Several monuments of historical importance are nearby.[2]

Manikgad Fort
Chandrapur district, Maharashtra
Fort entrance
Manikgad Fort
Manikgad Fort
Coordinates19°40′30.6″N 79°07′31.5″E
TypeHill fort
Height507 MTRS
Site information
OwnerGovernment of India
Controlled by Maratha (1739-1818)
 United Kingdom
Open to
the public		Yes
ConditionRuins
Site history
Built byNaga king-Gahilu
MaterialsStone

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 was 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 relief and not the Gond emblem of a lion and an elephant. So this legend is likely not true.[2]

Features

The fort was built of large black stones and was a formidable defense in its time. Rampart walls of the fort enclose a valley that has ruins of old buildings and store-houses. Outlines of apartments are visible against the rampart walls. The southern bastion, along with its supporting wall, collapsed.

In the valley below lies a cannon that likely was mounted on that bastion. Unlike a cast iron cannon, this cannon is made of several iron straps welded together. The gateway of the fort is intact.[2]

The Queen's palace is situated near a small dam with steps and a few rooms for bathing. Two wooden pagodas were constructed by the Forest Department. The fort area is filled with shrubs and trees.[3]

  • A Cannon
  • The Second gate
  • The Queens palace
  • The Lake
  • A Bastion
  • The Observation tower
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References
  1. "Friends of Forts". Archived from the original on 5 April 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
  2. "Chandrapur District Gazetteer". Government of Maharashtra. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  3. https://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/CHANDRAPUR/places_Manikgad.html


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