RAMNAGAR FORT

 Ramnagar Fort: The Silent Sentinel of Varanasi’s Royal Past

Standing tall on the banks of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort is not just an architectural marvel but a living chronicle of India’s regal legacy. Built in 1750, this historical structure in Varanasi echoes tales of royal grandeur, fierce battles, and cultural richness. Let’s take you on a fascinating journey inside this magnificent fort.

The Grand Entrance Gate: A Portal to the 18th Century

The main gate, standing nearly 15 feet tall, was constructed in the 18th century and still exudes strength and majesty. Although the original paintings on the walls have faded and no repainting has been planned, the structure remains a remarkable reminder of its royal past.

Entry Fee and the First Courtyard

As you enter the fort, you’re welcomed with a ticket of just ₹75 per person. The first courtyard greets you with three historic cannons, each holding centuries-old stories of power and defense.

Brass Cannons from the British Era: Legends in Metal

• 
  One of the cannons, standing resilient since the 17th century, has a broken wheel due to constant exposure to sun and rain. Yet, it remains fully functional and is made entirely of brass.

• 
  Another cannon, imported from Britain and manufactured in 1859, bears the Queen’s crown insignia, confirming its British origin.

• 
  The third cannon, made in 1865, was brought to India during the reign of Maharaja Balwant Singh. Its clever design allowed 2–3 people to lift, aim, and fire it with precision.

Chet Singh Fort – The Battlefield Where Banaras Roared!

Where the British fled disguised as women...

"Banaras dances in devotion… but when it rebels, it shakes history!"

The Beginning of a Heroic Tale – From Balwant Singh to Chet Singh

• 
  1770: King Balwant Singh of Kashi passed away.

• 
  His elder son, Maharaja Chet Singh, took the throne—brave, dignified, and beloved by the people.

• 
  All was well… until colonial conspiracies began to unfold.

 The British East India Company’s Wicked Trap

• 
  1775: Kashi, once under Awadh’s Nawabs, fell into the hands of the East India Company.

• 
  The British began their tax exploitation game—placing constant monetary pressure on Chet Singh.

• 
  They demanded ₹5 lakh, then imposed an additional ₹20,000 as penalty.

• 
  Chet Singh boldly refused, saying: ❝No taxation without justice!❞

August 15, 1781 – Arrest Conspiracy & A People's Rebellion

❝A king was imprisoned… but Banaras was not!❞

• 
  Warren Hastings sent British officer Markham with a threatening letter and orders to arrest Chet Singh.

• 
  At around 9:30 AM, Chet Singh was captured inside Shivala Fort…

    Then came the spark that set Banaras on fire!

The City Rises – Banaras Fights Back

• 
  The news of his arrest spread like wildfire.

• 
  Thousands gathered outside the palace, enraged.

• 
  Markham ordered the crowd to be fired upon… but

• 
  The scholars dropped their scriptures, picked up swords!

In the battle that lasted 30 minutes:

• 
  Markham, Lt. Virel, and hundreds of British troops were killed

• 
  The people rescued Chet Singh and smuggled him across the Ganges

• 
  Banaras had spoken – “You shall not take our king!”

Warren Hastings’ Humiliation – Fleeing in Disguise

❝History’s most cowardly escape – in women’s clothes!❞

• 
  Overwhelmed and terrified, Hastings disguised himself as a woman

• 
  He fled to Chunar Fort secretly, hiding from the fury of Banaras

• 
  For the British, this was the first major public defeat in India

Power Transfer & Chet Singh’s Exile

• 
  Chet Singh’s nephew was installed as ruler by the Company

• 
  Chet Singh escaped via Vijaygarh to Gwalior

• 
  He passed away there five years later, but his spirit never left Kashi

Chet Singh Fort Today – A Silent Witness to Bravery

Location: Shivala Ghat, Varanasi

• 
  Now a quiet monument, but its walls still echo the roars of rebellion

❝This is where an empire was shamed, and a city stood tall!❞

A Famous Saying Still Heard in Banaras:

❝“Ghode behal, haathi par jin – Aise bhaage Warren Hastings!”❞

(Even horses trembled, the elephants were possessed – that’s how Hastings fled!)

 Quick Timeline Recap:

🗓️ Event                              🗓️Year

Death of Balwant Singh                            1770

Chet Singh becomes ruler                     1770

British take over Kashi                            1775

                       Arrest & Uprising                                         15 August 1781

                                                                                                                                Hastings escapes in disguise              1781

Chet Singh dies in exile                         ~1786

    Conclusion – Banaras Is Not Just a City, It’s a Spirit!

Chet Singh Fort is not just brick and mortar. It is a symbol of resistance, of a time when an entire city stood up to tyranny.

❝This story may be forgotten, but it cannot be erased.❞

⚜️If you ever visit Varanasi, don’t miss Chet Singh Fort.      

⚜️You won’t just see history—you’ll feel it.

⚜️Share this story. Teach it. Take pride in it.

🇮🇳 Jai Hind | Har Har Mahadev | Glory to Kashi – Pride of Chet Singh 🇮🇳

Chunar Fort, located on the banks of the Ganga in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most mysterious and historically rich forts. Just 28 km from Varanasi and 48 km from Mirzapur, this fort is a hidden treasure for travelers who love history, heritage, and untold legends.

History of Chunar Fort

The story of Chunar Fort dates back to the Dwapar Yuga. Legends say King Bali placed the first step of his donation to Lord Vamana here, and that is why it was originally called Vishnu Charanadri Garh.

In 56 BCE, King Vikramaditya of Ujjain built the fort. Over time, the fort passed through the hands of 17 rulers, including:

• 
  Sher Shah Suri (who made it his capital)

• 
  Mughal emperors

• 
  The British (who later used it as a jail and military base)

     Each dynasty left behind a unique mark, making the fort a blend of Hindu, Mughal, and British architecture.

Architecture and Design of Chunar Fort

The architecture of Chunar Fort is remarkable and full of hidden secrets:

• 
  Elephant & Horse-proof Steps – designed to allow animals to climb.

• 
  Underground Dungeons (Kala Kothari) – used as prisons for kings and soldiers.

• 
  Secret Tunnel Network – said to connect Chunar with Vijaygarh, Navgarh, Rajgarh, and Ramnagar Fort (Varanasi).

• 
  Soldiers’ Barracks & Jail – used during British rule.

Famous Spots Inside Chunar Fort

1. Sonswa Mandap (Unmarried Hall)

A beautiful wedding pavilion built for Princess Sonswa of Nepal, but never used due to war. Its architecture is a mix of Mughal and Hindu styles.

2. The Mysterious Well – "Well of Death"

This 200-foot-deep well is believed to connect directly to the Ganga. It became famous after being featured in the TV series Chandrakanta.

3. Raj Darbar (Royal Court)

Sher Shah Suri’s grand courtroom, later used as a guesthouse. Even in modern times, politicians like LK Advani and Priyanka Gandhi were held under house arrest here.

4. Execution Ground (Fansi Ghar)

A dark site where prisoners were executed. It witnessed mass killings during the Mughal and British periods.

5. Bhartrihari’s Temple & Samadhi

Dedicated to King Bhartrihari, the fort’s temple is linked with miraculous legends. A pond near his Samadhi is said to fill with oil if the devotee’s heart is pure.

Mysteries and Legends of Chunar Fort

• 
  Changing Direction of the Ganga: Near the fort, the sacred river changes its natural flow.

• 
  Cursed & Haunted Tales: Locals believe the fort’s underground tunnels and execution sites still carry haunted energy.

• 
  Aurangzeb’s Attempt: Emperor Aurangzeb once tried to demolish Bhartrihari’s shrine but stopped after witnessing strange events.

How to Reach Chunar Fort

• 
  Nearest City: Varanasi (28 km away)

• 
  By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (45 km)

• 
  By Train: Chunar Railway Station (4 km)

• 
  Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather for exploring)

Why You Should Visit Chunar Fort

• 
  Explore India’s ancient legends mixed with real history.

• 
  Witness architectural marvels of different dynasties.

• 
  Experience the mysteries of haunted dungeons and wells.

• 
  Enjoy a scenic view of the Ganga and the surrounding hills.

Conclusion

Chunar Fort is not just another historical monument—it is a living legend. From ancient mythology to Mughal conquests, from Sher Shah Suri’s rule to British prisons, this fort has seen it all. If you are in Varanasi or Mirzapur, a visit to Chunar Fort is a journey into the pages of timeless history.