From ancient times to medieval times, if someone asks “Which is the most protected structure?” then the first thing that used to come into the minds of people was a fort. These forts have such an effect on us that other structures for protection are completely neglected by us. These neglected structures are single Buruj, Nagarkot, vakhar, Sarai, mansion and the main one is a fortress. Apart from the fort, there are very few other structures left. Although strong forts with huge ramparts under the control of the main governments were the backbone of the defense system, even these small bastions and fortresses played an important role in the defensive system. The fortress was the center of power in the local administration. The stronghold centers of some of the dynasties were also located in some forts and fortresses. ... Therefore, these forts were known by the names of Patil, Inamdar Jahagirdar, and Deshmukh and the collector could be able to collect the tax of the surrounding area. The landlords or chiefs in charge of the local administration of this fort were like the kings of the area. These people used to have a place of honor in that area. Eventually, under the shelter of the fortress, the same land-lord became strong and behaved independently. Due to this, Shivaji Maharaj strictly forbade his land-lords to build forts. Therefore, although the number of forts in the Swarajya was negligible during Shivaji Maharaj’s period, a large number of forts and fortresses were built in the Muslim-dominated areas of Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Khandesh. Many of the surrounding villages were governed by some of the fortresses in Marathwada. Due to a lack of central power and transport facility, the law and order of many villages were maintained from these fortresses. This gives an idea of the extent of the fortress. The documents available from this administration shed light on history as well as on society. The fortresses were not as strong as the forts as it was built for the administration and protection of the region, but most of the fortresses were fortified like a fort. Such fortresses were probably built on a hill or a small river outside the village. It provided some protection against an attack. Stones, clay, and lime were used in the construction of the fortresses to protect them from the enemy. The ramparts of these fortresses were four to five feet wide and about ten to fifteen feet high. At times, it was used for surveillance as well as for battle. The fortress had a spacious main gate like a fort and even some small gates. Upon entering through the main gate of the fortress, there was a porch for the guard just like a fort. Passers-by coming to the fortress were interrogated and monitored here. In this fortress, the family who had the administration in their hands had a mansion that was safe for them and met their daily needs. Along with the residence, there were wells, kitchen, porches, living room, offices, and storage room. The fortress used to have large granaries as an emergency arrangement for the people as well as the grain collected in the form of taxes. In times of war and emergency conditions, food grains were supplied to the people. The wells that supplied water to the fortress were just as important as the granaries. It was from this fortress that the decentralization of power finally began. During the post-Maratha period, many chiefs built the fort-like fortress in their territory. Most of these fortresses were privately owned and used for revenue collection and self-defense. Since these fortresses were not used much and soon British rule came to India, history about these fortresses was not written down on a large scale. As the owners of these fortresses cannot afford the maintenance of these fortresses, they are becoming extinct day by day and some of them have already been demolished. Apart from this, many fortresses have collapsed due to natural calamities and human intervention. Like forts, fortresses have also witnessed history and it also gives a glimpse of past glory. Like the forts, the architecture of single Buruj, Nagarkot, Vakhar, Sarai, and Wada was also a part of the social system of a few centuries ago. These structures might not be grand like the forts, but their architecture and historical background are worth visiting. All these structures are our cultural heritage and they must be preserved. Due to urbanization, this medieval architecture, which has been a companion for some time, should be visited as soon as possible before it gets demolished. Since the information of these fortresses and other structures are rarely available on the internet and other sources, this is a small attempt to introduce them to the people.
© Suresh Nimbalkar