# Manikgad

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 19.674400, 79.125200
- **Location Text:** ( Dist.-Chandrapur)

Manikgad, also known as Gadchandur, is an ancient hill fort situated in the Jiwati tehsil of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, India. Perched 507 meters above sea level, this strategic military installation was originally constructed around 9 CE by Gahilu, the last king of the Mana Naga dynasty. Built primarily from massive black cut stones, the fort features a solid and imposing gateway adorned with a carved Naga image in relief, which distinguishes it from local legends attributing its construction to a Gond king. The architectural layout includes extensive rampart walls that enclose a central valley, where the outlines of former apartments, storehouses, and other buildings remain visible despite centuries of decay.

Historically, the site served as a formidable defense structure and was named after Manikadevi, the patron deity of the Mana Nagas. Over the centuries, control of the fort shifted through various powers, including the Maratha Empire from 1739 to 1818, followed by the British East India Company and the British Raj until Indian independence. Today, the fort stands in ruins under the ownership of the Government of India and remains open to the public. While parts of the southern bastion and supporting walls have collapsed, leaving an iron-strapped cannon lying in the valley below, the site retains significant historical value for understanding regional dynastic shifts and military architecture.

The current condition of Manikgad is characterized by overgrowth from shrubbery and wild trees, which has transformed the abandoned complex into a natural sanctuary. The dense vegetation and secluded location now provide a habitat for diverse wildlife, including tigers, panthers, deer, and wild boars, which frequently roam the premises. Although the structure itself is dilapidated, the presence of nearby historical monuments and the sheer scale of the remaining stone walls make it a notable destination for history enthusiasts and trekkers exploring the cultural heritage of the Chandrapur region.

![Photo of Manikgad](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Manikgadchanda.jpg)

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