Chunar Fort — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Chunar Fort: A Treasure Trove of History Neglected

Nestled along the banks of the serene Ganges River, the Chunar Fort stands as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and ancient history. However, my recent visit to this historical marvel left me with mixed feelings. While the fort's historical significance cannot be denied, the lack of attention to cleanliness and the deplorable condition of the road leading to the site overshadowed the overall experience.

As I approached the fort, I was disheartened to see the sorry state of the road leading to this magnificent monument. Potholes and uneven surfaces made the journey uncomfortable and challenging. A place of historical importance like Chunar Fort should have better accessibility to encourage more visitors to explore its grandeur.

Upon reaching the fort, I was further disappointed by the lack of cleanliness. The surroundings were littered with waste, and the absence of proper waste management was evident. It is disheartening to witness such negligence towards preserving our historical heritage. A place as historically significant as Chunar Fort should be treated with the utmost care and respect, both for its architectural brilliance and as a representation of our culture and past.

Another aspect that left me unsatisfied was the limited access to the fort's interior. Currently, only the area housing the prison is open to the public, while the rest of the fort remains inaccessible. This restriction significantly restricts the opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture associated with this ancient monument. I strongly urge the government to reconsider this approach and open up the entirety of the Chunar Fort to the public. By doing so, we can foster a deeper connection with our roots and inspire a greater appreciation for our rich heritage.

Chunar Fort has a storied history that dates back to various dynasties, including the Gupta, Mughal, and British periods. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, serving as a strategic stronghold and a symbol of power. The historical significance of this fort is immense, and it has the potential to be an educational and enlightening experience for visitors from all walks of life.

I earnestly request the government to take proactive steps in preserving and promoting Chunar Fort as a heritage site of national importance. Regular maintenance and restoration efforts should be undertaken to ensure the fort's structural integrity and enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate people about the historical importance of the fort and the need for responsible tourism to preserve its legacy for future generations.

Opening up the entirety of Chunar Fort to the public will not only attract more visitors but also contribute to the local economy through tourism. It can provide livelihood opportunities for the surrounding communities and foster a sense of pride among the locals for their rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, my visit to Chunar Fort left me with a bittersweet experience. The fort's historical significance is undeniable, but the neglect of cleanliness and limited access to its interior are glaring issues that need urgent attention. I urge the government to take proactive measures in preserving and promoting this historical gem, ensuring that it becomes a vibrant hub of cultural exploration for generations to come. Let us come together to celebrate our heritage and create a future where the magnificence of Chunar Fort is cherished and...

Settlements have been recorded here since 56 BC, from the time of Vikramāditya of Ujjain.6] Chunar's earliest recorded history is from the sixteenth century, traced to a garrison of Babar, when in 1529, many of his soldiers were killed; some of their tombs in Chunar are still venerated.[1 In 1532, Sher Khan (later known as Sher Shah Suri after he captured Bengal), a highly ambitious Pathan of Afghan descent but born in district of Narnaul in the present day state of Haryana in India, took control of the fort with high ambitions of becoming the King in Delhi. He acquired Chunar Fort by strategic marriages to enhance his reputation, first with a childless widow (the wife of the deceased Governor of Chunar),1] and by marrying another widow, he acquired wealth. With these acquisitions, he became very powerful within four years and established a "state within a state". It is also said that the fort was not vital for Sher Khan as he had moved his harem and treasure to Rohtas (a newly won fort in the upper reaches of Son River) during his campaign to win Bengal.[2 When Emperor Humayun attacked the fort and held it in siege for four months, he had proposed to Sher Khan that he would not claim Chunar and Jaunpur and any other place of his choice, provided he gave up Bengal, which Sher Khan had won. Humayun also demanded from Suri the surrender of his treasure which he had taken to Bengal and a precious (chattar) umbrella and throne, and also to agree to be under the protection of the Mughal Empire.[7] He finally succumbed to pressure and signed a deal with Humayun. However, Sher Khan recaptured it when he Humayun marched towards Bengal. After Sher Shah's death in 1545 it remained under his son Islam Shah until 1553. The last of Suris dynasty Adil Shah remained confined to the fort till 1556 handing over the entire administration and military powers to the Hindu Prime Minister Hemu. Hemu launched many attacks from this fort winning several battles across north India and even captured Delhi after the Battle of Tughlaqabad in 1556 and declared independence from the Sur Empire and crowned himself as king. Adil Shah remained in this fort, who lost life in an attack by king of Bengal in 1557. Fort came under the control of the...

The Chunar Fort was established by Maharaja Vikramaditya, the King of Ujjain, in honour of his brother Raja Bharthari's stay.[3] It is believed that Raja Bharthari left his body and took Mahasamadhi at this fort, a servant disciple continues to maintain the place and offers deepam dhupam to the Raja daily (as of 8 November 2011).

As per Alha Khand in 1029 AD, King Sahadeo made Chunar fort his capital and established the statue of Naina Yogini in a cave of Vindhya hill and put the name as Nainagarh. King Sahadeo built a stone umbrella based on 52 pillars in the memory of the victory on 52 other kings, inside the fort which is still preserved. He had a brave daughter who got married with Alha the then King of Mahoba whose marriage place in still preserved with the name of Sonava Mandap. Beside this some other stories are also related with the fort as Magna-Deogarh, Ratan Deo's Burj (tower) and King Pithaura who named it Patthargarh as well.

In mid July 1537, Humayun left Agra and arrived at Chunar after 5 months and spent 3 months besieging the Chunar fort. Humayun later offered Chunar and Jaunpur to Sher Shah Suri in exchange for Bengal.[4]

It has importance due to the stay of the founder of Mughal Dynasty Babar in 1525 AD. Later on Shershah Suri obtained the possession of the fort by marrying the widow wife of Taj Khan Sarang-Khani, the Governor of Ibrahim Lodi. In 1574 AD, Akbar the Great captured the fort and since then it was in the Mughal regime up to 1772 AD. Once emperor Jahangir appointed one Iftikhar Khan as Nazim and in the regime of Aurangzeb one of his Governor's Mirza Bairam built a mosque in 1663 AD. near the Bhairo-Burj.

In 1772 AD the fort was captured by the East India Company who established in it a depot of Artillery and ammunition. Later it was taken by Maharaja Chait Singh of Benaras temporarily and after Chait Singh outbreak in 1781 AD. Warren Hastings retired for safety to Chunar where a force was collected by Major Phophan, which expelled Chait Singh from his stronghold in his neighbourhood. Hastings liked the situation and climate, and his residence is still standing. Near it, there is a sundial bearing the inscription. The British used the boat for tax collection from...