Udgir

**Udgir Fort: A Journey Through Time** **Ancient Roots & Origin:** * Mentions found from 11th-century stone inscriptions and ancient Purana scriptures. * Named after Sage Udling, who worshiped Lord Shiva here. Shiva offered to reside as a LINGA, which gradually rose from the ground. * **Must-See:** Udling Maharaj Monestry and Shivaling are still visible inside the fort.**Strategic Importance:** * Built, believed to be during the Chalukya era. * Flourished as a marketplace due to its location on a road leading to the Satavahana capital, Pratishthan (Paithan). * Ruled by Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Yadavas (King ShinghanDev mentioned Udgir in 1178 BC; Bhillam Yadav ruled), and Bahamani dynasties. * Grew in importance after Bahamani King MohamadShah Bahamani shifted the capital to Bidar (Sept 22, 1422). * Gifted to Quassim Barid in 1422.**Key Dynasties & Battles:** * After 1526, it became an important fort of the Barid Dynasty (Capital: Bidar), alongside Ausa and Kandhar. * Won by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan on September 28, 1636. * Successive rulers: Adilshah, Mughals, Marathas, and finally Nizam’s empire.**The Battle of Udgir (Feb 3, 1760):** * Lone significant battle fought here: Marathas (led by Sadashivrao Bhau Peshava) defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad. * This victory led to Sadashivrao Bhau Peshava being chosen as leader for the ensuing Battle of Panipat. * Nizam regained the fort after the Maratha defeat at Panipat. * Remained with the Nizam until Hyderabad’s accession into the Union of India.

**Udgir Fort: A Bhuikot Marvel\!** Reach the fort easily via vehicle through Udgir village. Though called 'Bhuikot' (Land fort) because it's level with the village, it's naturally protected by a deep valley on three sides! **Defenses:** * The 4th side (village side) was guarded by a 40' deep, 20' wide trench, once water-filled, accessible only by a retractable bridge (lifted after sunset/during war). * Today, the village-side trench is filled, allowing direct entry. * **Double Fortification:** Outer wall is 70' high with 12 bastions. Inner wall is 100' tall with 7 bastions. * Look for 'Charyas' (petal-shaped stones) and 'Jangyas' (narrow window openings for attack).**Key Fort Features:** * **Entry:** Newly built southbound entry near Chaubara chowk. * **Water Source:** Massive lake remains visible; historically supplied the fort via mud pipes. Only one tower ('Uchchwas') remains for water level maintenance. * **Main Doorway:** Eastbound, guarded by giant bastions. Right side has Sharabh (mythological lion) and elephant sculptures. * **Octagonal Bastion:** Grand, star-shaped bastion on the left corner with Sharabh and fighting elephant sculptures.**The Four Doors (in order):**1. **Ironclad (Lohabandi):** 14' tall, 7.5' wide iron door with six arches. A narrow route here leads to the Udgir Maharaj monastery. 2. **Second Doorway (Eastbound):** 14' tall, 7.5' wide. Unique features: Permit Window (Parvana Khidaki), ornamented mesh window, and a small semi-circular hole for inquiries/document verification. 3. **Third Doorway:** Eastbound. 4. **Fourth Doorway (Southbound):** Features a small 'Dindi' door and a hidden underground path. Inside: Archaeology dept. office, Revenue Collector's office (five arches), and the Decorative Terrace Room (access from the left).**Bastions & Lore:** * **Andhari/Telin Bastion:** Grand squared bastion near the monastery route. Legend says it stood only after an oil woman (Telin) was buried alive here. Mark the spot with Shendur (red lead powder) and flowers (similar legends at Naladurg, Purandar). Sculpture shows Sharabh holding five elephants. * **Chor Daravaja (Hidden Escape):** Reach this small, hidden doorway above the trench via 90-degree underground staircases below an arch (strong permanent bridge now in front). * **Tehlani (Watch Tower) Bastion:** Behind Diwan-e-Aam, with 4 small towers and 2 storeys. Offers wide views. Hidden path below leads to Udgir Maharaj temple.**Inscriptions & History:** * **Collector's Office Wall:** Farasi poetic inscription by Hisaam Ullah Khan. * **First Floor Inscriptions:** Two Farasi plates advocating philosophy: "Even if you have won thousand battles... death is inevitable." * **Second Pavilion Door (Farasi Verse):** 7 lines stating Fateh Bastion was won in **1041 Hijri** (June 1636) during the era of Sarwar Ulk Malik Shahajahan, served by Mughal Khan Zainkhan. Borders are carved names of Allah from the Quran. * **Diwan-e-Aam/Khaas Inscription:** Farasi inscription on the palace structure reads: "This is the Diwan- e- Aam (Hall of the Public Audience) and Khaas (Hall of the Private Audience) of Udgir." * **Exit Building Inscription:** Farasi plate (10"w x 2"l) states Saakta Mirkhan Hussain built this in Muharram, **1092 Hijari** calendar.**Palaces & Areas:** * **Rang Mahal:** Palace balanced on 15 pillars, near the dovecote (pigeon recesses). * **Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience):** Fronted by a five-arched building, fountain, and an octagonal well with stairs. * **North End Palaces:** * **Begum Palace:** Built for Sams Unnisa begum. Features a dovecote wall (replica nearby in disrepair). * **Khaas (Private) Palace:** Beside Begum Palace, 5 arches on 10 pillars, with water basin and four fountains. * **Dancer's Palace:** Behind Khaas Palace, accessed through the granary. * **Hawa Mahal:** Three-storeyed palace along the west fortifications. Horse Stable (seven-arched building) in front.**Grand Finale: Chandani Bastion\!** * **Cannons:** Features the flagpole and two massive cannons. * Bangadi cannon: 10' 3" long. * Panchadhaatu (five metals) cannon: 8' 4" long. Crocodile head muzzle, sun-shaped end (similar cannon on Ausa fort). Has two Arabic inscriptions.