Singorgarh Fort, Singrampur, Madhya Pradesh

Singorgarh Fort, Singrampur, Madhya Pradesh

Singorgarh Fort is an ancient hill fort located in Singrampur village in Jabera Taluk in Damoh District in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is known as one of the most magnificent forts of Gonds. It is situated inside the dense forests of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. It is presently under the control of Archeological Survey of India.

History

The fort was built by the Pratihara Rajputs, who ruled in the Damoh region during the 14^th century CE. The earliest inscription found in Singorgarh is dated to 1307 CE. The inscription records the name of the fort as Gaja-Singhadurggye, meaning the hill fortress of Gaja Singh. Gajsimha or Gaja Singh Pratihar was a Pratihar Rajput ruler after whom the fort is believed to be named. The Pratihara rule over Singorgarh probably ended with the invasion of the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khalji's forces, who were going to the Deccan and conquered Bundelkhand on their march.

The fort was conquered by the Gond ruler of Garha-Katanga, Sangram Shah in the 16^th century CE. The fort was strengthened by the Gonds of Garha Kingdom. The fort was attacked in the June of 1564 during the invasion of the Garha Kingdom by the Mughal forces. During the invasion, Rani Durgavati, the ruling Queen of Gondwana, resided in Singorgarh and later moved to Chouragarh Fort in Narsinghpur due to the threat she faced during the invasion.

The Fort

This fort is situated on a hill in the dense forests of the Satpura range. The fort is in a ruined state. The fort spread over a vast area and many of its watch towers are still intact. The ruins of Rani Mahal, Hathi Darwaza and a huge bathing tank can be seen in the fort. There are many secret passages in this fort designed to confuse invaders and to provide safe passage for the king and queen.

It is said that there are tunnels deep inside the dungeons known only to Rani Durgavati and a handful of her army. One tunnel discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is said to lead to the hill fort of Madan Mahal. Singorgarh lake is situated close to the Hathi Darwaza. As per local folklore, there is a well inside this reservoir where the treasure of Rani Durgavati along with the Paras Pathar (Philosopher’s Stone) has been hidden.  

Connectivity

The fort is located at about 7 Kms from Singrampur, 19 Kms from Jabera, 44 Kms from Sihora, 46 Kms from Sihora Road Railway Station, 57 Kms from Jabalpur, 59 Kms from Damoh, 62 Kms from Jabalpur Railway Station and 75 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The fort is situated at about 7 Kms to the west of Singrampur on the Damoh to Jabalpur route.

Location