Govt to restore Nagardhan fort's glory
"We have restored an old structure near Rajura in Chandrapur and another historic structure near Tuljapur by the new method. I had told our director to use the same technology for restoration of this historic fort," he said.
Speaking on the dilapidated condition of the historic Ramtek Gadh temple, the minister stated that he had convened a special meeting with the local MLA Ashish Jaiswal and had discussed issues related to the preservation of the structure which is visited by thousands of devotees from far off places every year.
TOI, on October 29, had exposed as to how archaeology officials' negligence had led to the collapse of the wall on western side. However, instead of repairing it, the city-based archaeology officials pulled down the remaining structure, including the ramparts on the top with the help of a bulldozer.
The Wakatak-era fort is believed to be have been built by the Gond kings between 300 and 40BC. However, during reign of Bhonsalas the fort was being renovated on a regular basis. Over the years, the fort, which was once a happening place, has become picture of utter neglect even though it is protected under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.
| Pauni and Nagardhan Fort |
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| Pauni, in Bhandara district, is 82kms south-east of Nagpur. The present town, about three kms south-west of the Wainganga River, is engirdled by medieval fortifications embellished by imposing gateways, of which those situate to the west are almost intact. The majestic fortifications, which at some places are extant to a height of about 20 metres, were encircled by a moat of about 20 metres in width. The ancient moat has now turned into a small seasonal lake and is called Balasamudra. The fort was constructed by the Gond ruler Bakht Buland in the early 18th century and was taken over by Raghuji Bhosale I around 1710 AD. |
| Pauni, an ancient place, has yielded the relics of one of the greatest Stupas of India and definite evidence of a flourishing Buddhist establishment. The Pauni rampart has yielded the copper plate grant of Pravarasena II of the Vakatakas who ruled over this region. So it is possible that the clay of the rampart goes back to a period much earlier than the medieval. |
| Nagardhan, ancient Nandivardhan, the first capital of the Vakatakas, is 34 kms northeast of Nagpur and about 5kms south of Ramtek, famous for its fortified hill temple. |
| The present land for at Nagardhan, probably built by Raghuji Bhosale I around 1740 AD, must have served the purpose of guarding the eastern approaches to Napur. Square in shape, it has an outer rampart with bastions and had an inner wall surrounding the buildings. The main gate, still in good condition, is on the north-west side. In the fort there is a temple below the ground level and the idol is placed on a ledge of a well like structure. |
| Not far away from the present for there is a place where big sized bricks of ancient periods are often discovered. This is said to be a site of the capital-cum fort of the Vakatakas. |
| Pictures: A distant view of the Pauni fort with the ancient moat, now turned into a seasonal lake (above). Wide rampart and high parapet of the fort (inset). Front wall with a bastion and the main gate of the Nagardhan fort (below). The main gate (inset). |
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Nagardhan
Nagardhan,
a majorly prehistoric town, has been of great importance since ages.
The town came into existence because of a Suryavanshi king. There are
tales that mention that the real founder of this land was Nandvardhan, A
king of the Shail Dynasty. The land houses a fort, supposedly built by
the Bhonsles comprising of brick walls. Nagzira has a
wildlife sanctuary, gifted with an abundance of wild beasts resting in
natural domains, that are a harmonious combination of lush greens and
water bodies. The gaur is the star attraction here, along with sambar,
deer, and many others from the vicious clan. Nearest railhead is Tiroda
19 kms, nearest airport is Nagpur, 122 kms from here.... 
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