Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Gawilgarh Fort
Gawilgarh Fort
Gawilgarh Fort is an ancient hill fort which is located in the Amravati district in Maharashtra. It was built by Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat in 1425 CE.

Share this Article:

Gawilgarh Fort, Monument of MaharashtraGawilgarh Fort is an ancient hill fort which is located in the vicinity of Melghat Tiger Reserve in the district of Amravati in Maharashtra state. The geographical coordinates of the site are latitude 21°22`56?N 77°20`2?E and longitude 21.382222°N 77.333889°E. The structure was built by Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat in 1425 CE. It is constructed with stone and is situated at a height of 1,103 m. Gawilgarh Fort is also known as Gawilgad and Gawilghur. The fortress was one of the major strongly fortified defensive structures of the Maratha Empire north of the Deccan Plateau. Eventually the fortress was occupied by the British East India Company on the 15 December 1803 under the leadership by Arthur Wellesley during the Second Anglo Maratha War.

History of Gawilgarh Fort
Gawilgarh Fort was built by the ninth king of the Berar dynasty, Ahmed Shah Wali, in 1425 when he was camped at Ellichpur. During the 2nd Maratha War, the fortification was besieged in 1803 by the army of the British East India Company under the command of Arthur Wellesley. The British forces initially failed to capture the fortress. Later Captain Campbell, along with the 94th Scottish Brigade, charged through the northern gateway. The British army suffered heavy casualties. Afterwards, Gawilgarh Fort was given back to the Maratha Empire after establishment of peace with the British administration.

Architecture of Gawilgarh Fort
Gawilgarh Fort consisted of almost seven entrances. There were 2 separate water reservoirs, namely Khantalav and Devtalav, in the premise of the fort. These cisterns were the main source of water for the inhabitanst of the fortress. It also comprises of an ancient mosque which is located in the vicinity. It is built at the highest point of the inner fort. The mosque was constructed in the Pathan style of architecture. The mosque included a seven arched facade and a square canopy with elaborate stone latticework. It also had 2 towers with balconies but only one of the minrates is intact at present.

Present Condition of Gawilgarh Fort
Currently the fort at Gawilgarh lies in a ruined and dilapidated state. The structure is owned and maintained by the Government of India. At present the site is open to all tourists and visitors throughout the year.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.