While exploring the forts of Marathwada, we come across very few forts in each district, except for one or two ground forts and a few rare hill forts. The Marathwada region lies far from the main Sahyadri mountain range and consists mostly of flat plains and small to medium-sized hills. Since this area is entirely different from the Sahyadri region, forts and fortified mansions (gadhi) were primarily constructed on these small hills. Parbhani is a taluka in the Jalna district. Some old documents mentioned the existence of a fortification (gadhi) at the taluka headquarters. Relying solely on this information, we decided to explore the Parbhani Gadhi during our fort journeys in Marathwada. ... Parbhani, being a taluka headquarters, is well connected by road and rail to several cities. We had heard that the Gadhi was located near the Parbhani police outpost, but upon reaching the area, we learned that it was actually near the vegetable market. Out of curiosity, we went to the market, but we were disappointed upon arrival. The place the locals identify as a "Gadhi" consists only of one remaining side of a partially broken gate. Judging by its overall size, it doesn’t seem to be the entrance to a fortified mansion, but rather the gate of a city fort (Nagardurg). The lower part of the gate up to the arch is built using dressed stone, while the upper portion is constructed with bricks. On the facade of the gate, a Sharabh (mythical creature) is carved, with a human figure behind it. Inside the gate is a small guardroom. According to the locals, this is the only remaining part of the Gadhi, and even this was damaged due to road widening. The tour of the Gadhi begins and ends at this broken gate. Just 5 minutes are enough to see it. Since this region was under the control of the Nizam until independence, it doesn’t find much mention in mainstream historical records.
© Suresh Nimbalkar