The Gond dynasty ruled over parts of Vidarbha for nearly 600 years. During this period, they rebuilt several forts and constructed new ones. Exploring the forts of Nagpur and Chandrapur districts provides ample evidence of their influence. Some of these forts still stand tall, preserving the marks of their rule, while others have been reduced to ruins with only a few remnants remaining. The fort at Shegaon in Chandrapur district is one such example. Shegaon Budruk, in Varora taluka, is located about 17 km from the taluka headquarters. The fort has almost completely disappeared, and only a handful of locals are even aware of its existence. Thus, one can reach the fort only after making inquiries with the villagers. ... The fortification walls are entirely destroyed, and the bastions have turned into mounds of soil. Observing the stones embedded in the foundations of huts and used in drainage constructions in the area, it is evident that the fort was originally built with dressed stone masonry. This fort once stood on a small elevated mound, covering an area of about 20 Guntha (approximately half an acre). Today, houses are being constructed on the site. Amidst the shrubbery near these houses, the stone frame of the fort’s gateway somehow survives, though barely. Scattered dressed stones of the fort can also be seen in the vicinity. Initially, locals often deny the existence of the fort, but with some persistence, they eventually point out the surviving gateway. Being located on the highest point in the village, the fort offers a commanding view of the entire settlement. Exploring the remaining structures takes no more than 10 minutes. Given that locals are reluctant to even show the site, asking about its history is futile. As a result, the history of this fort remains entirely unknown.
© Suresh Nimbalkar