Devgarh Fort: Echoes of Gondwana Glory

Devgarh Fort, also known as Devgarh or Devgad Fort, is a historical landmark in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Located approximately 42 kilometers from Chhindwara, the fort stands on a 650-meter-high hill in Deogarh village, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Once the capital of the Gond kingdom, Devgarh Fort is a testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Built in the 18th century by King Jatav of the Gond dynasty, the fort showcases a blend of Gond and Mughal architectural styles. Some historians believe that Bakht Buland Shah, King Jatav's successor, may have modified the fort. The fort complex once comprised around 100 rooms adorned with mural paintings on pillars, balconies, and walls. Although much of the fort is now in ruins, remnants of its past grandeur can still be seen. Key features of Devgarh Fort include its defensive structures, such as high walls, bastions, and a deep moat surrounding the fort. The fort also contains remnants of a Darbar Hall, a Nagarkhana (music gallery), and a unique reservoir called 'Motitanka,' which was known for its clear water. Legend has it that the fort had a secret underground passage connecting it to Nagpur, used by kings for escape during emergencies. Today, the fort is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).