The Gohad Fort of Gohad, MP the 15th Century Fort Will provide An Insight into Old Fort Design Style.

 The Gohad Fort, located in the ancient city of Gohad in Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh, is a significant historical landmark. Situated approximately 45 kilometers from Gwalior, the fort was established in 1505 by Rana  Singhandev II of the Jat community, who also founded the city of Gohad.  This fort stands as a testament to the bravery and cultural heritage of the Jat rulers who governed the region for nearly 200 years.The fort has seven gates named after the villages they face: Itayli (south), Barthara (west), Gohadi (northwest), Birkhari (northeast), Kathwan (east), Kharaua (southeast) and Saraswati (southwest).  The conservation of Hathai Paur (Elephant Gate) and Sankal Darwaja (Chain Gate) has reinstated a significant feature of the 15th-century Gohad Fort. Still used by the locals, the partially collapsed gateways and arches, and deteriorated brick and stonework, had to be repaired, recreated and restored. 

Gohad Fort, upload.wikimedia.org

Architecture of Gohad Fort

The two-layered circular-shape walls, bastions, and gateways, especially Hathai Paur (Elephant Gate) in the east and Sankal Darwaja (Chain Gate) in the west, exhibit significant features of the 15th-century fortification

Gohad Fort (16th CE) Alamy images fr

The Gohad Fort is a marvel of robust construction, using limestone, rocks, and bricks as the primary materials. Initially circular, the fort’s shape transformed into a semi-circular structure due to changes in the flow of the nearby Vaisli River. It features 11 gates, each named after the nearby villages and their directional location, such as Kharaua (southeast), Kathwan (east), and Birkhari (northeast).

interior  Gohad  Fort. Madhya Pradesh, Shutterstock.com

Gohar fort,MP, Alamy.com

The fort’s defense system is particularly noteworthy, consisting of four distinct lines of fortifications:  Outer defense line: A narrow trench surrounding the fort.   Second line: Reinforced by deposited soil within the trench.   Third line: A massive wall extending 1,000 meters in length, providing robust protection.  Innermost line: Another strong defensive wall safeguarding the core structure and its inhabitants.

These strategic defenses ensured the safety of the ruling Jat kings and their possessions.

Historical Significance

The fort symbolizes the glory of the Jat rulers who migrated from Bamrauni village and established their dominion in Gohad under the leadership of Singhandev II. The title “Rana” was a mark of honor for the Jat kings, reflecting their bravery and leadership.

However, the Jats lost control of the fort in 1708 when the Rajputs, under the Maharaja of Bhadawar, captured Gohad. The Bhadawar ruler expanded his territory, establishing the Rampura Fort in 1712. Historical documentation of the fort's significance comes from Alexander Cunningham and William Cook, both notable historians and archaeologists.

Currently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages the site, ensuring its preservation and continued importance as a historical monument.

Tourism Importance

Efforts began in 2011 to restore this 15th CE sturdy fort  and its configuration with defensive features served as a model for other forts built in the past. Its detailed study would provide an insight into the past.   The Gohad Fort attracts tourists with its blend of history, architecture, and cultural significance. The presence of nearby temples, including those dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, adds a spiritual dimension to the site. Small water bodies surrounding the fort enhance its scenic appeal. These features, coupled with the rich history of the Jat rulers and their heritage, make Gohad Fort a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural tourists.

https://www.omastrology.com/indian-monuments/gohad-fort/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gohad_Fort

https://www.wmf.org/projects/gateways-gohad-fort