Nagardhan

**Fort History Snapshot** * **Founded:** 4th-5th Century AD by King Nandivardhan, who also established the town, temples, and lakes. * **Key Importance:** Gained political power under Swamiraj and Watakas (A.D. 573). * **Major Role:** Became district HQ during Rashtrakuta rule. * **Expansions:** The King of Gond expanded the existing fort structures. * **Refurbished:** The Bhosales of Nagpur restored the fort during the Peshwa rule.

**Fort Highlights: Shapes & Secrets** **Fortification Walls:** out the unique octagonal, circular, and square bastions\! The 6-8 meter high wall features narrow windows and an adjacent 3-4 wide platform for walking around the fort. **Grand Entrance (North):** The 12-meter high entrance faces north and has an ammunition chamber above. Inside, see porches and detailed carvings on the door: 'Sharabh' (middle/right), two elephants (left), and Lord Ganesh (center). **Interior Features:** To the left, find horse stables and a stairway to the fortified wall. Upstairs, there's a shrine adjoining the wall, with access to the ammunition chamber. **Goddess Bhuraidevi Temple & Water Source:** Opposite the stairs is the temple. Access involves descending through a dark chamber. Nearby is a cool underground resting chamber (perfect for Vidarbha's scorching heat) due to its proximity to the water source. **South Wall Chamber:** Features three arches and a hidden secret door below. **Water Management:** Discover the square-shaped pond with steps that encloses a well—designed to prevent water evaporation in extreme summers. **The Mansion:** Next to the well is a mansion with a shallow, four-sided stepped pond, likely used as an ancient fountain or lotus pond. (Note: The mansion's entrance is now ruined.)