Built in the 11th century by Raja Sahadeo, the Chunar Fort experienced some major improvements by Sher Shah in 1532, by Sher Shah Suri in 1538 and finally by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1575. Controlled presently by the Archeological Survey of India Ministry of Tourism, this fort features a height of 280 ft and is made of chunar sandstone material. This exotic fort is also known as the Chandrakanta Chunargarh and the Charandri. Located in the Mirzapur District in UP, this fort is placed almost 23 km to the southwest part of Varanasi. The southeast part of this fort faces the Ganges riverbank. The original history of the fort dates back to 56 BC and then resurfaces again during the Afghan era followed by the Mughal era and finally, sees the sun setting during the British Raj, till India’s independence.

There are a number of legends that are related to this fort. This place is known as Charandri, since, the myth goes that, God appeared in front of King Bali disguised as a Brahmin and asked for 3 ft land. As the king agreed, God took his first step and left the mark on the Chunar Fort hill and since, then this place is also known as the Charandri. This fort also tells a myth about Vikramaditya of Ujjain who, in his attempts to live as a hermit, lived near Chunar. It is believed that he had built a home for his brother, saint Bhatinath, who is still believed to exist invisibly. There are countless such myths and legends stating the eras that this fort has covered.

History

Since 56 BC, existence of different settlements has been recorded over here, starting from the era of Vikramaditya of Ujjain. The earliest historical records are available from 16th century when many soldiers of Babar were killed in 1529. Sher Khan, later recognized as Sher Shah Suri, in 1532 took control of this fort after he became the ruler of Delhi. He was an ambitious Afghan who acquired the Chunar Fort through various strategic and politically designed marriages. The first woman he married was the widow of the Chunar’s deceased governor. The records also state that Emperor Humayun on attacking and holding the fort on siege had demanded that Suri would surrender Bengal and all his treasure from Bengal, inclusive of agreeing to be under Mughal protection in order to retain Chunar & Jaunpur. Suri finally gave in and accepted Humayun’s deal. However, within a short time, Suri, recaptured Chunar and it remained in his control till his demise in 1575.

Akbar on his visit to Chunar during a hunting trip captured the fort in 1575. This fort was of major strategic importance and guarded the Ganges including the vital land bound routes leading to the east India. Abul Fazl, recorded this event as a major victory for Emperor Akbar. It is also presumed that much of the Chunar Fort, as it exists today was built during Akbar’s reign. The West Gate was built at the entrance during Akbar’s era in 1586 as the engravings state. In Aurangzeb’s reign, his governor Bairam Khan built a mosque near the Bhairon Burj in 1663. This fort was also besieged by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1760, before it finally went into the hands of the British Raj, who broke the security in the southwestern part of the fort to annex it.

This fort was ceded officially to the Company in 1768 as it went on to become an important artillery depot to the Northwestern Provinces. This fort gave shelter to Warren Hastings, India’s first Governor General, at the face of rebellion from Maharaja Chet Singh. In 1791 this fort came to operate as the headquarter for a battalion of troops serving the British Raj and have been rendered invalid in some form or the other. The fort housed the prisoners of state from 1851 onwards.

Further this fort protected the European soldiers and officers during the Sepoy Mutiny, at the face of major aggression. This place remained in control of the Civil Administration for some time and finally it went on to become a religious hub. Since, this place was once on a target for the Naxalites, the government of the state has ordered the police authorities to take proper care of this place.

Layout

The citadel, with its impregnable layout features big ramparts that overlook the river. Chunar quarries are famed since, the Maurya era have been used to build this fort. Unfortunately the external walls weren’t strong enough, making it prone to repeated attacks. The fort covers an area of 750 yards to the north south side and has a width of almost 300 yards, while in the periphery, the length is 1850 yards. The ramparts feature towers with heights ranging between 10 – 20 ft each. Only the west gate features inscriptions stating the construction of the fort’s portions in Akbar’s reign.

The west gate features slabs engraved with calligraphy while the other gates feature brackets and carved panels. The citadel once featured many cannons and a gunpowder magazine. The brackets bear a unique resemblance to the Agra Fort windows. Some other designs resemble the Chainpur and Shergarh architecture dating back to the Sur period. The highest point of the structure has a Hindu palace with a 15 ft well and an underground dungeon, used as a store room at present. The Sonwa Mandap with 28 pillars features Hindu architecture. The back side of this monument has Bhartri Nath’s Samadhi. Legends state that this fort can be captured in God’s absence only between 6 am and 9 am.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chunar Fort ranges mostly from July to March when the climate is comparatively pleasant, since, in summer the temperature ranges from 32 degree C to 43 degree C, while in winter the temperature remains between 5 to 15 degree C. 

Visitors Information

You can buy exclusive handicrafts, toys & pottery items made of clay. Accommodation is taken care of by the tourist bungalow, UPSTDC Chunar Inspection Bungalow & few other lodges.

How to Reach

Located 30 km from the Mirzapur city, the Chunar Fort is properly connected to all major cities.

By Air

Babatpur Airport (Varanasi) is located 61 kms from the Chunar Fort. This airport connects Varanasi with all major Indian cities.

By Rail

The nearest station being the Mirzapur Station connects the destination with the major Indian cities.