Sabalgarh Fort is a 18th Century hill fort near Sabalgarh, Madhya Pradesh. This fort is situated on a 100-feet high hillock in the north-eastern part of Sabalgarh. The foundation of the Sabalgarh fort was laid by a Gurjar Sardar, Sabal Singh Gurjar. Presently, the fortress is in ruins and is infamous for stories of hauntings and ghosts. The fort of Sabalgarh is noteworthy among the medieval monuments.
Etymology of Sabalgarh Fort
Sabalgarh means place of strong fort. The word "Sabal" means strong and "Garh" means fort.
History of Sabalgarh Fort
Sabalgarh Fort was built by Karoli"s Yaduvanshi ruler Gopal Singh in the 18th century A.D. The fort has been controlled by a number of different rulers in its history. The Sikarwar Rajputs occupied the fort prior to 1750 A.D. The Marathas snatched it from them and gave it to the ruler of Karoli again. It remained under their possession till 1795 A.D, when Khande Rao captured it due to lack of proper management in the fort. The fort was captured by the British in 1804. The area around the fort was added to the kingdom of Scindia in 1809.
Structure of Sabalgarh Fort
Sabalgarh Fort is built in the Rajasthani style. It has three main gates, and many temples are located within the fort. The Haveli of Nawal Singh inside the fort is a fine example of Rajput architecture. The fort has a long series of 12 bastions and has 5 gateways. The complex is a fine example of 18th century fort planning. Sabalgarh Fort was surrounded by an outer fortification wall of 1,800 meters in length on the north and the west side. The inner part of the fort had palaces, residences for the generals and elite, and other ancillary buildings like stables, court and temples. The settlement had several wells for water.
Present Condition of Sabalgarh Fort
Today, Sabalgarh Fort is in serious distress with many parts of the inner and outer fortifications and bastions showing structural cracks. Sabalgarh Fort has immense historical, cultural and architectural significance which is gradually fading away due to the lack of information and ownership of the complex.
