The Gond dynasty ruled parts of Vidarbha for nearly 600 years. During this period they rebuilt some old forts and built some new forts as well. While wandering around the forts of Nagpur and Chandrapur, we get a glimpse of it. Some of these forts are still standing firmly guarding the traces of their royal power, while some forts have been completely destroyed in the course of time and remain only as a memory. The fort at Chimur in Chandrapur district remains today only as a memory since it has been destroyed to a great extent. Chimur is 100 km away from both Wardha and Chandrapur. Chimur village situated on the banks of the Uma River came into limelight due to the Quit India Movement of 1942. On Nag Panchami in the month of August 1942, six revolutionaries of Chimur village were martyred in police firing. ... In memory of these martyrs, a memorial was built at Chimur Fort. As this incident took place on the day of Nagpanchami, a snake sculpture has been erected here and the names of the martyrs have been engraved on it. Moreover, the statue of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj, who lit the flame of freedom in the hearts of the people through his songs and kirtan, has been erected here. The place where this monument was built was the fort of Chimur. From this place, two tiger sculptures can be seen in the nearby Hanuman temple, showing the signs of the Gond dynasty. Apart from this, all the remains of the fort were destroyed during the construction of this monument and there is no trace left to identify it as a fort. Ask any person in the village for the fort and they will send you right to this place. Even though the fort does not exist, the locals know this place well, so this fort has turned into a memory after its destruction.
© Suresh Nimbalkar