Chandrapura fort is located in the heart of the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state. Chandrapura fort is the oldest place in Chandrapur city, this fort is situated on the convergence of the Irai and Zarpat rivers and is one of the ancient places to be visited inTadoba region. The place is just half an hour away from Red Earth, our resort in Tadoba. Before learning more about the Chandrapur fort, let’s understand the historical significance of Chandrapur city.
Story of building the city of Chandrapur
Khandkya Ballal had tumors in his body. He was taken care of by his wife. When she found that nothing could heal Khandkya she left with him to Sirpur and decided to stay on the northern bank of the Wardha. One day, while the king was hunting, he grew thirsty and rode to the Jharpat river. He drank water, washed his face, hands and legs and that was the first night he slept soundly in his life. In the morning the queen noticed that many of the tumors had disappeared. The queen requested Khandkya Ballal to take her to the spot. Both went to the Jharpat they understood that the place was sacred -the Tirtha of Achalshewar of the Treta Yuga. When the King bathed in the water all the tumors on his body vanished.
Interestingly that night they camped near that place and in the visions of Achaleshwar. On learning about the dream, the queen advised building a temple over the healing waters, and the King approved the idea and sent his officers to collect skilled architects for the work. They later decided that a fortified city should be built. The entrance gates and fortifications were mapped out, everything was meticulously planned and the foundations started. The work was under the management of the Rajput officers of the King, called Tel Thakurs. This is how Chandrapur city came into existence.
History of the Chandrapur Fort
After the death of Gond king Surja alias Ser Sah, his son Khandkya Ballal got here to the throne. Constructed by Khandkya Ballal Sah in the 13th century, Chandrapur Fort is the oldest architecture in Chandrapur located at the confluence of Irai and Zarpat rivers. Jatpura Gate, Bagad Khidki, Anchaleshwar Gate, Hanuman Khidki, Pathanpura Gate, Vithoba Khidki, Binba Gate, and Chor Khidki are the 8 entry gates of the fort.
Later a tomb was constructed for King Vir Shah, by his queen Rani Hirai as an ode of her love for him which is possibly the only tomb of love built by a wife for her husband. Probably this is the rarest tomb built by a wife to her husband. Chandrapur has many Stone Age sites as well. Many stone-age tools have been found in the district, which has been displayed in a Rock Museum. A few signs of pottery making, suggest that the Chandrapur area was habited during the Neolithic times.
Chandrapur has been ruled by many rulers including the Maurya Empire, Shunga Empire Satavahana Empire Vakataka, the Kalachuri dynasty, the Rashtrakuta dynasty, the Chalukya dynasty Yadava dynasty of Devagiri which developed a mixed culture in the place.
Places to visit inside the fort
As the Gond tribe is one of the oldest tribes in India, the architecture and designs that are found here are unique and a call back to an entire civilization. The structures inside Chandrapur Fort are still strong, and recognizable. They give you a glimpse of Indian architecture and how it evolved with time. The buildings and structures are wearing out now, but they still connect us with our history.
A well-maintained Shiva temple is inside the fort that can be visited. A little ahead is the Anchaleshwar temple, which means ‘Immovable One’.
There’s a lake in the Chandrapur fort that has healing powers according to the legends. The lake is well maintained and panels of the incidents in Mahabharata and Ramayana are inscribed on it.
Chandrapur fort is famous for its clockwise entry and exits. Almost all the entry doorways are strong and offer insights into the art and architecture that existed five hundred years back. The travelers will definitely have a visual treat as there are unique art forms in the form of carvings, and they will leave the tourists dumbstruck.
Tadoba has the blessings of Mahakali Mandir and Balaji Mandir that you can visit while staying at Red Earth, our resort in Tadoba. Other places to visit in Tadoba are Manikpur Fort, Ballarpur Fort, etc. You can read our blog’s 5 must-see places to visit in Tadoba to learn more about the places.
