Information on Akola Fort (Akola, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Akola Fort is a hill top fort built in the 17th century. It is also a pilgrim place for tits profound Shiva temple inside this fortress named the Raj Rajeshwar Temple. This fortress is a typical Indian stone structure with great architectural values in the Vidharbha region. This is also know in its name of the founder and called the Asadgad Fort. It is located in Akola District of Maharashtra State on the western part of India.

Akola Fort Architecture

Akola Fort is designed by and renounced architect of its time known as Khawja Abdul lathif. He completed this construction work in the year 1698 AD. This fort was a bastion fort for the Akola province and helped in times of crises. Initially this was built with mud blocks in this village by Asad Khan, who was one of the ministers in the Mughal Empire under the King Arungzabe. The construction materials used her are large granite stone blocks, lime stones, mud blocks, clay bricks, woods, irons and mortars. This has unique ramparts with many bastions on it, which are little bit sloppy in construction. Its walls are very strong built in stone masonry of three different layers. From the basement to 10 meters height are placed with huge stone blocks and afterwards the size of the stone blocks are decreasing in its size. This looks very beautiful with a boundary mark that is designed in a lining art. Its gate is well known as the Dahi Handa gate, here there is an inscriptions dealt with its history of this fort. Inside this fortress, a Shiva Temple is built. This temple is a popular Hindu pilgrim center. This is uniquely built in the traditional Hindu art forms found in the many Hindu temples of that time. It has got a very fine Shiva Linga, the main Idol of the God. This is of Ebony Stone in its high rich dark black color. There are also many clay built structures found here, those built in the initial times of this fortifications. There are also many well built stone block structures, which are built in the later part of times by its consecutive occupants. This fortress has many observation spots on its main walls and separately built on the ramparts walls.

Akola Fort History

Akola Fort is the ever oldest monument in the Akola district. This fortress was erected by the Akol Singh, who was a Rajput clan. This district in Maharashtra was named after him in the name of Akola. The land chosen for the fortification was due to an animal inspiration. It is said that the King saw a hare terrifically chasing a dog in this area. There is also another story that his wife used to worship in this temple in the night time and once the King followed his queen in doubt full reasons. This place was under the Mughals. It was later captured by the Hydrabadhi Shah rulers. In the 19the century the British Governor named Wellesley took control of this fort after a tough fight named as the Battle of Argoan, this is known in the Indian history as the 2nd Anglo Maratha war. This fort was under the British rule till the period of Indian independence. Prior its independence a model school was functioning here. Now this is a protected monument under the Indian Government Act.

Akola Fort Tourism Importance

Akola Fort is a land fort must to see in the Akola District of Maharashtra. One can visit here for its architectural uniqueness and its past history and culture preserved here. This is now under the state administration and maintained by the archeological department. This fort is also famous for its Shiva Temple located inside this fort.