In the Shevgaon taluka of Ahmednagar district, at the village of Hatgaon, stands a beautiful medieval-era fort built extensively with bricks. Hatgaon is located about 95 km from Ahmednagar and 25 km from the taluka headquarters at Shevgaon. Situated on a small elevated mound in the center of the village, this fort spans an area of roughly eight Guntha (about 8,500 square feet) and has four circular bastions at its corners. The base of the fort is constructed with dressed stone, while the superstructure above it is entirely built using bricks. Gun loopholes have been provided throughout the structure for defense purposes. On the western side of the fort, there is a medium-sized entrance gate, accessible by climbing a few steps. While the exterior of the fort remains in a relatively good condition, the interior has suffered significant damage and is largely in ruins. ... Some descendants of the Bharhat family still reside within the ruined section of the fort, while others live nearby. The inner construction of the fort makes use of bricks, stone, soil, and lime mortar, much of which has now collapsed. Within the ruins, one can spot a secret escape gate intended for use during emergencies, as well as large underground granaries designed for storing grain. Covered stone drains for wastewater disposal and two latrines can also be seen within the fort walls. The fortifications include a sturdy parapet (fanji) about four to five feet wide, entirely built with bricks. Although the parapet was meant for patrolling along the ramparts, the steps leading up to it no longer survive. The bastions, however, do not seem to have had any additional defensive arrangements. This brick-built fort is an unusual and distinctive example of medieval architecture, deserving preservation. Exploring the entire fort takes about 15 minutes. While walking through the village, near the Ram Temple, one can also see remnants of an ancient temple and a few weathered old sculptures. In the 17th century, Chhagan Rajaram Bharhat Patil (Salunkhe-Jahagirdar) of Shikhar Shingnapur was granted the hereditary Patilship (village headship) of Hatgaon. To protect his family and the village from bandits, Pindari raiders, and foreign enemies, he constructed this fort.
© Suresh Nimbalkar