While wandering through the forts in Maharashtra, various experiences often come to light. Such an experience occurred to us while exploring the Narnala Fort in Akot taluka. Stationed at the bus stop with our backpacks, a local person, observing our trekkers attire, shared information about the Akot Fort and guided us to the location. According to the information provided by the local, we entered the Keshavraj Vetal premises in the old Akot city. The area is addressed as a fort by the tehsil office. However, addressing this place as a fort raises a question. Still, in the British era documents, the term "fort" is mentioned in some places. In the old city of Akot, at an elevation, a structure that was once a rest house for the English authorities has now been built into the tehsil office. This structure, meaning the resting place for the English authorities coming to Akot city, is situated below the elevated structure. ... Under this elevated structure, a stone fortification has been built with a 25-foot high arch-shaped entrance door. This door, located on the elevated side, requires climbing 15-20 steps to reach. Currently serving as the tehsil office, this structure dates back to the British era. Due to its elevated position, this structure overlooks the old Akot city and the surrounding region. Akot city is a combination of three villages, and during sometime, there were ramparts made out of mud and soil surrounding the city & there was six gates in this rampart as I read in book about history of Akot.
© Suresh Nimbalkar