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Naldurg Fort is located in the Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, India. It is a historical marvel that has stood the test of time telling the story of the region’s rich heritage. This magnificent yet now-in-ruins fort has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires and has passed on from so many hands. In this article, we will take a closer look at the captivating Naldurg Fort history, its features, facts and much more surrounding the fort.
Table of Contents
| Commissioned by | Nalraja |
| Also Known as | The Impregnable Fort |
| Location | Osmanabad, Maharashtra |
| Timings | Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days |
| Entry Fee for fort | Adult – 21 INR; Children- 11 INR |
History of Naldurg Fort
It is believed that the fort is named after the ruler Nalraja, who also built the fort in the medieval architectural style.
- Naldurg Fort was built in the 12th century by the Kalyani Chalukyan Dynasty and later in the 14th century, expanded by the Bahmani Sultanate.
- Later by 1480 AD, due to the division of the Bahmani kingdom, the fort went to the Adil Shahi Kings of Bijapur.
- The fort was built over 15 long years and the credit goes to Ibrahim Adil Shah II, a ruler from the Sultanate of Bijapur who took the fortification under his hand.
- It was a strategic stronghold and witnessed several battles and sieges, including the famous Battle of Talikota in 1565.
- In the 17th century, the fort came under the rule of the bequest of the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire.
- It was eventually handed over to the British during their colonial rule.
Features of Naldurg Fort
- The fort stretches over an impressive area of 84 acres and boasts intricately designed walls and bastions.
- It has a unique octagonal shape, making it one of the largest and most well-designed forts in Maharashtra.
- Naldurg Fort consists of Barood Kotha, Baradari, Ambarkhana, Jail, Rangaan Mahal, etc. Even though the walls inside the fort are in a dilapidated condition, the fort stands strong.
- The ingenious water supply system within the fort, consisting of wells and underground tanks, is another engineering marvel of its time. The two tanks are called Machali guns and have Hathi toph and Magar Toph as the two important ones.
- There are two front doors namely, Hathi Darwaza and Hurmukh Darwaza.
- Another feature is the Ranmandala dam constructed across the river Bori. There is a Pani mahal, which is built under the arch and in the middle of the dam.
- Within the fort premises, several historical artefacts and sculptures have been discovered. These relics provide insights into the art and culture of the bygone era. Amongst them are the Rani Mahal, Rang Mahal, Taylor’s house, elephant stable, court building and armoury.
Also Read – Vasai Fort History- Features, Facts, Timings & More
Fascinating Facts about Naldurg Fort
- Secret Underground Tunnel: One intriguing fact about Naldurg Fort is the presence of a secret underground tunnel. This tunnel was used as an escape route during times of war and emergencies, adding an air of mystery to the fort’s history.
- Bastion of Guns: The fort houses nearly 117 bastions, each named after a specific cannon. Cannon names like Upli Buruj, Paranda Buruj, Nagar Buruj, Sangram Buruj, Poone Buruj, Bands Bururj, Sangam Buruj, etc reflect the grandeur and significance of the fort during its prime.
- The Dam: The dam is believed to have been built with great engineering skills, giving the serene view at the pani mahal. It’s 90 feet high,275 m long and 31m wide at the top.
According to veteran archaeologist and culinary anthropologist Dr Kurush Dalal “It is one of the best land forts in Maharashtra…rather the whole of India. The Murud-Janjira Sea Fort in Raigad district and the Rajgad Hill Fort and the Naldurg Fort of Osmanabad form the trinity of forts in Maharashtra,” at the interview given in the Deccan Herald on Naldurg Fort.
Also Read – Janjira Fort History: Features, Facts, Timings & More
Also Read – Rajgad Fort History: Features, Facts, Timings & More
Timings and Entry Fee of Naldurg Fort
The timings for visiting the Monument and watching the mesmerising scene are –
| Purpose | Timings |
| Entry | 9 am to 5:00 pm |
| Week Entry | Everyday |
| Entry Fee | Adult – 21 INR; Children- 11 INR |
Today, Naldurg Fort stands as a majestic historical site, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world. The fort stands as a sign and label of engineering brilliance that the country beholds. The dam now holds back water from the monsoon and serves as a beautiful lake and a house for many migratory birds.
Other Attractions near Naldurg Fort
| Naldurg Falls | Khandala Dam |
| Jal Mahal | Nar Madi Waterfalls |
| Naldurg Wildlife Sanctuary | Siddheshwar Temple |
Relevant Blogs
| Janjira Fort History | Amer Fort History |
| Kumbhalgarh Fort History | History of Fatehpur Sikri |
| Agra Fort History | Harihar Fort History |
| Bhangarh Fort History | Red Fort History |
That’s all about Naldurg Fort history! If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our general knowledge page! Alternatively, you can also read our blog on general knowledge for competitive exams!