Chunar Fort is one of the most impressive and captivating forts in India, located in the Chunar town of Mirzapur district, about 40 km from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The fort stands on a rock overlooking the Ganges river, and has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties and empires over the centuries. Chunar Fort is not only a historical monument, but also a cultural treasure, as it is associated with many myths and stories that add to its charm and mystery.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Uttar Pradesh, Chunar Fort is a must-visit destination for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Chunar Fort, including its history, legends, architecture, and tourism.
History of Chunar Fort
Chunar Fort has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient times. According to some sources, the fort was originally built by King Bali, the grandson of Prahlad, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The fort was then known as Balinarayanpur, and was later renamed as Chunar after the name of a local king, Chandra Sen. The fort was also mentioned in the Mahabharata, as it was believed to be the place where the Pandavas spent some time during their exile.
The fort came under the control of various rulers and invaders over the centuries, such as the Mauryans, the Guptas, the Mughals, the Afghans, the Marathas, and the British. Some of the most notable rulers who occupied the fort were Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Warren Hastings. The fort witnessed many battles and sieges, and played a significant role in the political and military affairs of the region. The fort also served as a prison, a treasury, a mint, and a garrison for the different regimes.
The fort was finally transferred to the Archaeological Survey of India in 1921, and was declared as a protected monument. The fort is now a popular tourist attraction, and showcases the glorious and turbulent past of the country.
Legends of Chunar Fort
Chunar Fort is not only a historical site, but also a legendary one, as it is linked with many myths and stories that add to its allure and intrigue. Some of the most famous legends of Chunar Fort are:
The legend of Indraprastha:
According to this legend, Chunar Fort was the original site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandavas built the fort with the help of Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and lived there for some time. The fort was later abandoned by the Pandavas, and was taken over by King Bali, who renamed it as Balinarayanpur.
The legend of King Bali:
According to this legend, King Bali was a generous and righteous king, who ruled over the fort and the surrounding area. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and performed many sacrifices and charities in his name. Once, Lord Vishnu came to test his devotion, and asked for three steps of land from him. King Bali agreed, and Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf, and measured the earth and the sky with his first two steps. He then asked King Bali where to place his third step, and King Bali offered his head. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his devotion, and granted him a boon, that he would be the ruler of the underworld, and would also visit his kingdom once a year. This day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada, or the fourth day of Diwali.
The legend of Chandrakanta:
According to this legend, Chunar Fort was the setting of the famous novel Chandrakanta, written by Devaki Nandan Khatri in the 19th century. The novel is a romantic fantasy, that revolves around the love story of Princess Chandrakanta and Prince Virendra Singh, who belong to rival kingdoms. The novel also features many magical and supernatural elements, such as tilism, aiyyar, and krur singh. The novel was a huge hit, and inspired many adaptations and sequels.
Architecture of Chunar Fort
Chunar Fort is a splendid example of the Indo-Islamic architecture, that reflects the influence of the different rulers and cultures that shaped its history. The fort is made of sandstone, and covers an area of about 34,000 square feet. The fort has four main gates, namely the Delhi Darwaza, the Varanasi Darwaza, the Khirki Darwaza, and the Rana Darwaza. The fort also has several bastions, towers, and walls, that provide a panoramic view of the Ganges river and the surrounding landscape.
The fort also has many interesting and unique features and structures, such as:
The Sonwa Mandap: This is a large hall, where the king used to hold his court and receive his guests. The hall has a beautiful dome, and is decorated with floral and geometric patterns. The hall also has a throne, where the king used to sit, and a secret passage, that leads to the river.
The Baradari: This is a pavilion, where the king used to enjoy the cool breeze and the view of the river. The pavilion has twelve arches, and is supported by twelve pillars. The pavilion also has a fountain, and a marble slab, that bears the inscription of Akbar’s name and the date of his visit to the fort in 1575.
The Sun Dial: This is a device, that was used to measure the time and the direction of the sun. The device consists of a circular platform, with a metal rod in the center, and a scale on the edge. The device also has a compass, that indicates the cardinal directions.
The Wells: The fort has three wells, that were used to supply water to the fort. The wells are named as the Markandeya Kund, the Laghu Sagar, and the Bavan Khamba. The Markandeya Kund is the largest and the oldest well, and is believed to be created by the sage Markandeya. The Laghu Sagar is a small well, that has a dome and a spout. The Bavan Khamba is a well, that has fifty-two pillars around it, and is connected to the river by a tunnel.
The Mosque: The fort has a mosque, that was built by Babur, the first Mughal emperor, in 1526. The mosque has a dome and a minaret, and is adorned with verses from the Quran. The mosque also has a mihrab, that indicates the direction of Mecca, and a mimbar, that is used for delivering sermons.
The Museum: The fort has a museum, that displays the artifacts and relics of the fort and its history. The museum has a collection of weapons, coins, pottery, paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions, that belong to the different periods and dynasties of the fort. The museum also has a gallery, that showcases the life and culture of the local people.
Tourism of Chunar Fort
Chunar Fort is a great destination for tourists, who want to experience the history, culture, and beauty of Uttar Pradesh. The fort offers a lot of attractions and activities for the visitors, such as:
- Exploring the fort and its features, and learning about its history and legends.
- Enjoying the view of the Ganges river and the surrounding scenery, and taking pictures and selfies.
- Visiting the museum and the mosque, and admiring the artifacts and relics of the fort and its history.
- Watching the light and sound show, that narrates the story of the fort and its rulers, in the evening.
- Shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts, such as pottery, carpets, and paintings, from the local markets and vendors.
- Trying the local cuisine and delicacies, such as chaat, lassi, kachori, and jalebi, from the nearby restaurants and stalls.
The fort is open for visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, every day, except on Fridays. The entry fee for the fort is Rs. 25 for Indian visitors, and Rs. 300 for foreign visitors. The camera fee for the fort is Rs. 50 for still cameras, and Rs. 100 for video cameras.
The fort is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, from different parts of the country. The nearest airport to the fort is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, which is about 45 km away. The nearest railway station to the fort is the Chunar Junction, which is about 2 km away. The nearest bus stand to the fort is the Chunar Bus Stand, which is about 1 km away. The fort can also be reached by boat, from the Varanasi Ghats, which is a scenic and enjoyable way to travel.
The best time to visit Chunar Fort is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The fort also hosts some festivals and events, such as the Chunar Mahotsav, the Ganga Mahotsav, and the Dev Deepawali, that attract a lot of tourists and pilgrims.
Nearby Attractions of Chunar Fort
Chunar Fort is not only a destination in itself, but also
a destination for exploring the nearby attractions, that offer a variety of experiences and sights for the tourists. Some of the nearby attractions of Chunar Fort are:
Vijaygarh Fort:
This is another fort, that is located about 15 km from Chunar Fort, on the banks of the Ganges river. The fort was built by Raja Vijay Singh, the ruler of the region, in the 16th century. The fort is known for its architecture, its gardens, and its temples. The fort also has a museum, that displays the weapons, armors, and coins of the fort and its history.
Lakhaniya Dari Waterfalls:
This is a natural waterfall, that is located about 20 km from Chunar Fort, in the Vindhyachal hills. The waterfall is a scenic and serene spot, that offers a refreshing and relaxing experience for the visitors. The waterfall also has a pool, where the visitors can swim and enjoy the cool water. The waterfall is also a popular picnic spot, where the visitors can enjoy the nature and the wildlife.
Sidhnath Dari Waterfalls:
This is another natural waterfall, that is located about 25 km from Chunar Fort, in the Vindhyachal hills. The waterfall is a spectacular and majestic sight, that falls from a height of about 100 meters. The waterfall is also a sacred and spiritual place, as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The waterfall also has a temple, where the visitors can worship and offer prayers.
Deodari Waterfalls:
This is yet another natural waterfall, that is located about 30 km from Chunar Fort, in the Vindhyachal hills. The waterfall is a beautiful and enchanting sight, that cascades from a height of about 50 meters. The waterfall is also a fun and adventurous place, as it offers activities such as trekking, camping, and rappelling. The waterfall also has a forest, where the visitors can explore the flora and fauna.
Sandi Bird Sanctuary:
This is a bird sanctuary, that is located about 35 km from Chunar Fort, in the Hardoi district. The sanctuary is a haven for the bird lovers, as it hosts a variety of birds, such as storks, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, and cranes. The sanctuary also has a lake, where the visitors can enjoy boating and fishing. The sanctuary also has a watchtower, where the visitors can observe and photograph the birds.
Chunar Fort is a destination that offers something for everyone, whether it is history, culture, nature, or adventure. The fort is a place that will leave you spellbound and amazed, and will make you want to come back again and again.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and pack your bags, and get ready to explore Chunar Fort and its nearby attractions. You will not regret it.
