Information on Uparkot Fort (Junagadh, Gujarat) - History & Architecture

Uparkot Fort is a very ancient land fort found in Gujarat. This is a magnificent commanding fort which is now 1695 years old. This fort is in very good conditions and attracts many tourists from around the world. It is located at Uper Court Road, Junagadh District of Gujarat State in India.

Uparkot Fort Architecture

Uparkot Fort is a huge commanding structure, built as a defensive and a residential place in its construction. It has got a unique stone art and masonry works. This fort is built on the plateau lands in the Junagadh City. The materials used here are the sand stones, granite stones and lime stones. It has got very high walls. These are seen from 10-20 meters in height, which is covered in a square shape. These walls are supported with many bastions, which are found in the cylindrical and square shapes. Its walls are really thick and strong, that it still lasts now. There are many gaps left here for vigil purpose. These walls do have windows on its top portions. The important attractions of these walls are that they are placed with a gap like a trench inside this wall and its main fort complex areas. This runs like a stairway with ups and downs with steps in few places. It has got a very huge gateway with arched entrance. It does have a wicket gat on its backside of this fort. The inner complexes are well built as for royal peoples. There are many stone art works found here. Many stone carved caves are built here and were used by the Buddhist monks. It has got spacious halls, vast granaries, other store rooms and living areas. Its storage granary is so vast that, it can have a food stock for a decade purpose. These have carved pillars and roofs covered with stone slabs. These are up to 3 stories built here. There are projected windows, which has very fine carving works on it. There are Hindu temples and a Masjid built here. These temples have the ditties of huge size Hanuman and the Vinayaka Gods. The Masjid is one of the structures found in full royal touches. This was used as a palace by few rulers. There are two deep wells found here. These are of 40 to 60 feet deep. These wells were the main source of water to this fort. There are also two European cannons placed here. It is of 10 to 20 meters long and s very power full in blasting. This for has an execution point on its top, where the sentenced persons were thrown down from greater heights. The inner and the outer structures have fine stone arts. The carving works on stones are really breath taking to see.

Uparkot Fort History

Uparkot Fort is built by Chandragupta Maurya of Maurya Dynasty. This fortification was started in 319 BC. It was modified and added new structures inside, in the passage of time. This fort has witnessed many battles and it was captured by it local rulers many times. This fortress was left abundant for more than 3 centuries. This fort was used by the local Gujarat sultans, the Mughals and the European colonialists. But these peoples didn't do much damage to this structure.

Uparkot Fort Tourism Importance

Uparkot Fort is more than 1500 years old; a visit to this fort will be a great feel to see this ancient fort. It is really amazing to see its architectural works. One can't believe how they have built this huge structure without any technology. This fort is a protected monument and a great heritage site in Junagadh.