# Shergarh Fort

- **Country:** India

Shergarh Fort, also known as Qila Shergarh or Bhurkuda Fort, is a historic ruined fortification located in Malhipur within the Chenari block of Sasaram, Bihar, India. Perched atop the Kaimur plateau at an elevation of approximately 800 feet, the site overlooks the banks of the Durgavati River. Constructed between 1540 and 1545 by the renowned Emperor Sher Shah Suri of the Sur Empire, the fort originally bore the name Bhurkuda Qila during the sixteenth century. Its strategic placement in dense forest made access from the base of the plateau difficult, serving as a natural defense mechanism for the rulers who once occupied it.

The architectural style of the complex is classified as Indo-Islamic, covering a vast area of nearly 16 square kilometers. Although much of the structure has succumbed to time, remnants of its grandeur persist, including a main entrance that originally featured eight small domes, of which only five remain today. Notable features within the vicinity include Rani Pokhra, a lake situated one kilometer from the entrance, and a mysterious underground fort located on an adjacent hill. Local lore and reports suggest the presence of hundreds of tunnels and basements throughout the site, contributing to an aura of mystery that has historically deterred some visitors from exploring its depths.

Currently, Shergarh Fort stands as a significant historical landmark and a ruined tourist attraction in the Rohtas district. While it no longer serves a military or residential function, its association with Sher Shah Suri grants it considerable historical importance in the narrative of Indian medieval history. The combination of its secluded forest location, expansive ruins, and legendary underground passages makes it a unique site for those interested in archaeology and the legacy of the Sur Empire. Despite its dilapidated condition, the fort remains a testament to the architectural ambitions of its builder and the turbulent history of the region.

![Photo of Shergarh Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Shergarh_fort-5.jpg)

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