Asigarh Fort, also called Hansi Fort is located on the eastern bank of Amti lake in Hansi town of Haryana.
This fort is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by wanderlusts and history buffs alike. Located just 135 km from Delhi on the NH9, this fort is a must-visit destination
With a rich and intriguing history, Asigarh Fort was once in control of 80 forts in the surrounding area and was considered one of the most impenetrable forts of ancient India. It was declared a centrally protected monument by ASI in 1937, and its origins can be traced back to the BCE period, as evidenced by the excavation of ancient coins.
The fort is believed to have been built by the famous emperor Harshavardhana or his grandfather, Emperor Prabhakaravardhana, of the Pushyabhuti dynasty (Vardhana).
The fort we see today was built using materials from the earlier fort of the 7th century, and according to an inscription found in 1815, it was under the authority of King Prithviraja during the 12th century.
The Moroccan adventurer, Ibn Batuta, visited Hansi and the fort in 1334 and left behind an account of the city in his “Rihla”.
However, the fort faced its fair share of challenges and difficulties. The Chalisa famine of 1783-84 devastated the area and many nearby villages were abandoned, including Hansi. It wasn’t until 1798 when George Thomas made efforts to rehabilitate the city, repairing the city walls and fort, digging wells, and building new structures.
Unfortunately, Thomas’s reign was short-lived and ended with the Battle of Hansi against the Marathas in December 1801. The Maratha guns caused significant damage to the fort, but it wasn’t until a long siege and fierce battle that Thomas finally surrendered the city and fort.
After the treaty of 1803 with the Marathas (Scindhia), the East India Company established its authority over the territory and the fort was used for administrative and military purposes. Today, the fort has been partially restored and visitors can see the Baradari, Old Serai, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, and the tomb of Miran Sahib.
So pack your bags and join me on this exciting journey to uncover the hidden gems of Asigarh Fort, Hansi!
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