Balapur Fort

   

 

Balapur Fort, situated in the town of Balapur in the Akola district of Maharashtra, stands as a significant reminder of the region's Mughal heritage. Construction of this impressive fortress began in 1721 AD by Mirza Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb, and was completed in 1757 AD by Ismail Khan, the Nawab of Elichpur.  

Strategically located at the confluence of the Man and Mhais rivers, the fort occupies elevated ground, offering natural defenses. Its architecture showcases the engineering prowess of the Mughal era. High walls and bastions, constructed with the finest brickwork of the time, encircle the complex. The fort features a unique triple gateway system, with three successive entrances designed to enhance its defensive capabilities. The outermost layer of the fort is decagonal in shape, with bastions at each angle. Rising above it is the inner fort, a pentagonal structure also fortified with bastions. The innermost walls are notably thick, measuring around 3 meters, and are equipped with numerous slits at varying angles to facilitate the discharge of missiles.  

Inside the fort, one can find three wells and a mosque, reflecting the needs of its past inhabitants. Notably, during the monsoon season, the fort becomes almost entirely surrounded by floodwaters, except for a single accessible point, further bolstering its natural defenses. Just south of the fort lies the temple of Bala Devi, from which the town of Balapur derives its name.   

Today, Balapur Fort is preserved and houses some government offices. Its historical and architectural significance attracts tourists and history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the Mughal influence in the Vidarbha region. The fort stands as a testament to the strategic importance of Balapur during the Mughal period and the sophisticated military architecture of the time. 

Further Historical Context:

• Mention in Ain-i-Akbari: Balapur finds mention in the Ain-i-Akbari, a 16th-century document detailing the administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar. It was noted as one of the richest parganas (administrative units) in the Subah (province) of Berar, suggesting its significance even before the fort's construction in its current form.
• Strategic Location: The strategic importance of Balapur, situated at the confluence of the Man and Mhais rivers, was recognized by various rulers. Before the Mughals, the region witnessed conflicts, and its control was crucial.
• Role During Maratha Period: Even after the decline of Mughal power, the region and the fort likely played a role in the conflicts between the Marathas and the Nizam. Historical accounts suggest the movement of armies and strategic decisions being made in and around Balapur.
• Chattri of Raja Man Singh I: South of the fort, on the riverbank, stands a canopy (chattri) constructed by Mirza Raja Jaisingh. This umbrella-shaped pavilion, about 25 feet square and 33 feet high with 20 pillars, is a notable architectural feature and a testament to the Mughal presence in the area. Local lore suggests visitors should observe a "four-finger stone" on a pillar within the chattri.
• Mosque Architecture: Inside the fort, the mosque is described as a decent example of later Mughal architecture, although with arches considered somewhat squat. An inscription on the mosque dates its construction to 1737 AD and identifies it as the Raozah Masjid, containing the tomb of a local saint, Maolvi Masoom Shah.
• Haveli of Sayyad Amjad: The town of Balapur also housed a fine haveli (mansion) built by a local saint, Sayyad Amjad, in 1703 AD. An inscription over its main gateway is noted as a good example of Mughal architecture.

Architectural Details Revisited:

• Triple Gateway System: The three successive gateways weren't just for defense. They also served as a way to control access and potentially levy taxes or conduct checks. The design would have created bottlenecks, making it difficult for a large force to enter quickly.
• Bastion Design: The bastions at the angles of the decagonal outer fort and the pentagonal inner fort were crucial for providing flanking fire, covering the walls from different angles, and preventing attackers from finding dead ground.
• Slits for Missiles: The varying angles of the slits in the innermost walls allowed defenders to target enemies at different ranges and positions, whether they were approaching the walls, trying to scale them, or had managed to breach the outer defenses.
• Water Management: The presence of three wells within the fort ensured a water supply for the garrison, vital during prolonged sieges. The natural flooding during the monsoon acted as an additional layer of defense, isolating the fort.
• Materials and Construction: The use of high-quality brickwork indicates the importance and resources allocated to the fort's construction. The thickness of the inner walls (around 3 meters) further highlights its defensive purpose.

Present Day:

• While housing government offices, the fort remains a significant historical site. However, some sources mention that the maintenance could be improved, and there have been suggestions to relocate the government offices to better preserve the fort as a tourist destination.
• Visitors can still explore the ramparts, gateways, wells, and the mosque, gaining a tangible connection to the past. The view from the elevated fort offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

In essence, Balapur Fort is more than just a physical structure; it's a repository of history, reflecting the changing political landscape of the region and showcasing the architectural and military strategies of the Mughal era. The surrounding town also bears the imprints of this historical legacy through its mosques and havelis.