Paranda Fort, is in the small town of Paranda, Maharashtra. This monument may have been built in the 15th century by Mahmud Gawan or in the early 1600s by Murtaza Nizam Shah II.
If you’re a fan of mighty forts, you’re in luck because Osmanabad is home to some impressive ones, including Paranda Fort. This ancient fort still stands in good condition and is characterized by its walls and various guns on it. In fact, the fort is so well-engineered that it even has a removable bridge! So if you’re feeling daring, you could try removing it and see what happens (just kidding, please don’t actually do that).
But the fort is not just impressive for its military features. It also has some unique historical and cultural background. It was built by Mahmud Gawan of Muhammadshah Bahamani during the Bahamani rule and was an important pargana during the Chalukya period of Kalyani. The fort also boasts a Mahadev temple, Narsih temple, and a mosque with lattice work on the pillars suggesting the style of pre-Muslim Hindu temples.
One of the highlights of Paranda Fort is the five-feet tall and six-armed idol of Ganesha in a dancing posture. Next to it are idols of Adisesha Tirthankara. It’s like a religious buffet! And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, the fort also has a beautiful octagonal shaped well.
As you enter the fort through the grand first entrance, you’ll see a 50-feet deep well and a huge bastion with a cannon of around 20 feet in length. You might also spot a building that is now known as a mosque, but actually is the temple of Lord Mankeshwar. This can be proved by the construction style in the temple and the pillars. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could climb up the steps to the top of the temple for a bird’s-eye view.
As you continue your exploration, you’ll come across porches with three cannons and many cannon balls, a small room with a 4-feet tall idol of Lord Ganesh, and even more statues and idols lying beside it. There’s also a small temple on the way and another big well with steps inside.
But the real stars of the fort are the 18 big bastions that protect it. Each bastion has big cannons, many of which are made up of Panchdhatu or an alloy of 5 metals. Some of these cannons have a mouth like crocodiles, while others are shaped like flower petals. The largest canon, called ‘Malik-e-Maidan’, is located on the top of the main entrance and is sure to impress. Many cannons even have Arabic inscriptions on them, adding to the fort’s cultural significance.
Walking around the fort is like taking a trip back in time and gives you an idea of how well-planned and well-constructed the fort was. So, if you’re looking for a unique and exciting adventure, head to Paranda Fort for a day full of history, culture, and some cannon fun!
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