# Ballarpur Fort

- **Country:** India

Ballarpur Fort, historically known as Ballarshah Fort, is an ancient land fort situated in the city of Ballarpur within the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India. Constructed during the 15th century, specifically between 1437 and 1462, the structure was founded by the Gond King Khandkya Ballal Sah, who also established the nearby city of Chandrapur. Built primarily from large black stones, the rectangular fortification was designed as a formidable defense mechanism with its main entrance facing east toward the Wardha River. The architectural layout includes two intact doors positioned at right angles to one another, along with a smaller entrance located directly on the riverbank, showcasing the strategic military planning of the era.

The site holds significant historical value as the former seat of the Gond kingdom before the rise of Chandrapur. Local legend states that King Khandkya Ballal Sah founded the town after discovering a miraculous pond named Akaleshwar tirth, which reportedly healed his severe boils and tumors. The fort later witnessed a shift in power, coming under the control of the Maratha Empire from 1739 to 1818, followed by rule by the British East India Company and the British Raj until Indian independence. Tragically, it served as the place of imprisonment for Nilkantha Sah, the last Gond king, where he eventually died.

Today, Ballarpur Fort exists in a state of ruins, though its massive stone walls remain largely intact while the internal buildings have collapsed. Owned by the Government of India, the site is open to the public and continues to intrigue visitors with reports of undiscovered tunnels hidden within its thick walls. Despite the decay of its upper structures, many foundational pillars are believed to remain preserved underground. As a classified heritage site representing 15th-century military architecture in the Vidarbha region, it stands as a enduring monument to the Gond dynasty and the subsequent historical transitions of central India.

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballarpur_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)