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Narnala Fort in Akola: Tracing the History and Legends of Vidarbha's Hill Stronghold

Narnala Fort in Akola
Narnala Fort in Akola

A weathered gateway stands at the edge of Maharashtra’s Satpuda range, its carved motifs shaped by hands long gone. The stone walls stretch across the hill, drawing attention to a structure built to command the landscape.


In Vidarbha's Akola District, Narnala Fort rises as a landmark shaped by rulers, battles, and communities, holding within its expanse a complex history that reflects the shifting powers of the region.



Foundations and the Early Stronghold


The origins of Narnala Fort trace back to the 10th century. Perched at an elevation of 932 metres in Akot Taluka, the fort sits within the Melghat hills, spanning 362 acres.


Its foundation is linked to the Gond kings, known for their fort-building expertise. However, local accounts often credit Narnal Singh Swami, a Rajput ruler of the Chalukya lineage, as the builder of the fort. His name remains associated with the site, offering one explanation for the fort's title.


Constructed with granite and limestone, the fort’s structure was designed for defence. The fortification includes three interconnected strongholds, Narnala, Zafarabad, and Teligarh, each contributing to its military strength.

The builders employed a layout that featured 360 watchtowers and six principal gates. These gates, including the Delhi Darwaza and Shahnoor Darwaza, allowed both access and control. The Ashtakamal design, an eight-petal lotus symbol associated with the Solanki dynasty, marks several parts of the structure, highlighting artistic detailing alongside military engineering.



Water management was a significant feature of the fort’s design. Nineteen tanks were constructed to ensure a steady water supply, with four known to hold water throughout the year. Aqueducts and drains channelled water across the fort’s expanse, supporting those who lived and worked within its walls.


Remaining structures, including the Mahakali Temple and the Rani Mahal, reflect not only the defensive purpose of the fort but also its role as a centre for settlement and administration.

The 15th century saw the Bahmani Sultanate recognising the strategic importance of the fort. Ahmad Shah I Wali is credited with overseeing repairs between 1422 and 1436, strengthening its defences.


In 1437, the fort was captured by Nashir Khan, with support from Khalaf Hasan Basri, marking its entry into the political contests of the Deccan region. Later, the Imad Shahi dynasty took control in 1487 and appointed Rao Rana Narnal Singh Solanki as governor, further enhancing the fort's military capacity.


These early centuries shaped Narnala as more than a defensive bastion. Its architecture reveals careful planning, blending practicality with artistry. Gateways like the Mahakali Darwaza, built in 1486 by Fathullah Imad-ul-Mulk, feature the distinctive lotus motif, while the fort’s planning ensured control over key trade and military routes across the region.



Shifts Under Mughal and Maratha Powers

Water Body Adjoining the Narnala Fort in Akola District
Water Body Adjoining the Narnala Fort in Akola District

The 16th century introduced a new chapter for Narnala Fort as it came under the control of various rulers competing for dominance in the Deccan.


In 1572, Burhan Imad Shah was imprisoned within the fort’s walls. This event marked the beginning of further political changes, as Murtaza Nizam Shah of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate seized the fort shortly after.


By 1597, Mughal expansion under Emperor Akbar brought Narnala under imperial control. Officers Saiyid Yusuf Khan Mashhad and Shaikh Abul Fazl captured the fort, renaming it Shanur and incorporating it into the Berar Subah.

The Mughals left architectural imprints on the site, with Arabic inscriptions on gates and the construction of religious and administrative buildings.


The Jama Masjid, believed to have been built around the early 1500s during the Imad Shahi period, remained active under Mughal rule. Elephant stables and a mosque were added, reflecting the administrative importance the fort held during this era.



The fort served not only as a military outpost but also as an administrative hub during the Mughal period.


Historical records occasionally suggest connections to Mughal royalty, including mentions of Aurangzeb’s descendants in relation to the region, though no conclusive evidence confirms these claims as fact.


Maratha forces led by Parsoji Bhosale I captured the fort in 1701.


The site continued to serve as a significant military post, with the Thakurrao family named in local traditions as governors, though formal documentation regarding this appointment remains unclear. The fort's role shifted with the decline of Maratha power, and in 1803, British forces assumed control, ending its use as an active stronghold.

Throughout these transitions, the fort adapted to the priorities of its rulers.

The Nau-Gazi Tope, also called Kadak Bijli, a cannon measuring approximately 27 feet, remains a prominent feature within the fort complex.

Its placement during the later phases of occupation highlights the ongoing focus on defence.


Myths, Traditions, and Architectural Character


Beyond its military relevance, Narnala Fort holds a significant place in local cultural memory. Legends associated with the fort continue to attract visitors, blending historical accounts with folklore.


Among these is the story of Hazrat Burhanuddin Bagh Sawar Wali, a Muslim saint said to have spent time within the fort’s grounds. Tales of a white tiger visiting his tomb at night circulate among the local communities, adding an element of mystery to the site.


The fort is also linked to the legend of a lake believed to contain a philosopher’s stone capable of turning objects into gold.

During the famine of 1899 to 1900, the lake reportedly dried up, but the elusive stone was never found. Other local beliefs describe the waters of the fort as possessing healing properties, said to aid those with chronic illnesses. While these stories remain in the realm of tradition, they contribute to the cultural landscape surrounding the fort.



Architecturally, the fort presents a mix of Rajput, Gond, and Mughal influences. The Ashtakamal motif reappears on several gates, symbolising ties to the Solanki dynasty. Mughal-era additions like the Baradari and Saraf-Khana reflect the administrative adaptations made during the imperial period.


The use of local stone materials across these structures adds durability, though many areas have suffered significant deterioration over time.


The six main gates and numerous smaller entry points showcase a variety of styles.

Intricately carved panels and functional features like water channels and aqueducts speak to the detailed planning behind the fort’s construction. Despite the damages sustained over centuries, these remnants help visitors visualise the scale and complexity of the site.


Narnala Fort Today

Narnala Fort Today
Narnala Fort Today

Narnala Fort stands today as a destination that attracts a range of visitors, from history enthusiasts to trekkers and wildlife observers. Located 18 kilometres north of Akot, the fort is reachable by hired vehicles, with trekking routes varying in difficulty. Local guides often accompany visitors, offering insights into both the historical and mythological aspects of the site.


The fort’s placement within the Melghat Tiger Reserve enhances its appeal, combining historical exploration with natural surroundings.

Wildlife sightings, including deer and leopards, are part of the experience for those walking the paths that weave through the reserve’s landscape. The monsoon season, from October to March, brings out the full greenery of the area, making it a preferred time for visits.

Key structures within the fort, such as the Peshwa Mahal, Jama Masjid, and the Kadak Bijli cannon, remain points of interest.



While much of the stonework shows signs of decay, these features offer tangible links to the fort's past. The fort’s 19 water tanks, once essential for survival, remain in place, though many require repair.


Conservation efforts led by local authorities aim to prevent further structural loss. While restoration work continues in parts, the scale of preservation needed remains considerable. Visitors are advised to navigate the fort with care due to the deteriorated conditions of certain sections.


The site’s geographic coordinates, 21°14'38"N 77°01'40"E, mark its presence firmly within the landscape of Akola District.


Its location provides views of the surrounding hills and valleys, contributing to its role as both a historical site and a destination for nature tourism.

Narnala Fort represents a confluence of military strategy, cultural practices, and local traditions. From the carved lotus motifs on its gates to the stories that still echo through its ruins, the fort remains a significant part of Maharashtra’s historical landscape.


Its blend of architecture, history, and legend continues to attract those who seek to engage with the past through the structures that have withstood centuries of change.



References




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The NewsDirt is a trusted source for authentic, ground-level journalism, highlighting the daily struggles, public issues, history, and local stories from Vidarbha’s cities, towns, and villages. Committed to amplifying voices often ignored by mainstream media, we bring you reliable, factual, and impactful reporting from Vidarbha’s grassroots.

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