Information on Udgir Fort (Latur, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Udgir Fort is an 800 years old huge and splendid land fort built in Udgir. It is of vast importance in the Maratha Kingdom. This fort is a beautiful example of a defensive and a residential fort in India. It is located in the Udgir City, Latur District of Maharashtra in India.

Udgir Fort Architecture

Udgir Fort is a complete fort in its fort dynamics. This forts architect is a Hindu saint and this fort is not found in the pre medieval fort pattern or the ancient type. But has the all essence of a fort in it. This fort is built of a special white clay mix in major parts of its structure. In front of the fort there are many outposts built here. These were guarded by armed guards. This is in front of the main gate areas. The main gate is blocked by a small wall, which make it a more defensive to enter the main doors. The main walls are built in great heights and are thick and stronger. These walls have very huge bastions which are in square shape projecting out wards the main walls. These walls have many look out gaps on its upper portions. There are turret points on these walls. A 40 feet deep moat is present on the main walls as its first defense. The main gate entrance has an arched door and orientated in its top portion, this is very elegant to look as a traditional welcome model found in the Hindu art forms. Inside there are many spacious complexes built. They are the main palace and residential places. These are very carefully built to serve the needs of a residence and have many rooms and halls. A floral design deep well is found her which is full of water throughout the year. A tomb is found here which is 60 feet deep and is believed to be the builder of this fort known as the Udgir Maharaj. There are two underground tunnels dig here to reach the Bidar and the Bhalki Fort. This is also used as an escape route in those days. It also has Islamic structures and inscriptions in this fort. A two beautiful Mosque is built here in Islamic designs. These are known as the Jamma and Maqbara Masjid.

Udgir Fort History

Udgir Fort was bordering with the central Deccan plateaus. This was in the aggression of Islamic rulers like the Shahis, Bhamanis and the Nizams from its south side. There were many fights happened within the Muslim rulers here. When the Maratha Empire established very well, these Islam rulers were permanently thrown out of the Maratha province. It was responsible to create the Peshwas province. The great war of Udgir was fought here by Marathas with the Nizams of Deccan. The Maratha win the war with Sadashivrao Bhau and the treaty of Udgir was signed here. He was designated as the Peshwa of Pune region, later he commanded the Battle of Panipat- III. This fort is believed to build by a Hindu saint named as Udgir Rishi Muni. Its underground tunnel is not researched yet and still remains as a mystery. In the passage of time, its few complexes are in ruined stage. The sate archeological survey has taken care to rebuild those structures and promotes tourism here. This fort comes under the protected monument act of India.

Udgir Fort Tourism Significance

Udgir Fort is a huge land fort worth to see in Udgir City. It is a local picnic spot and a heritage tourist place. This is a very different fort in its architecture. It is a very excellent place for the fort lovers and historians.