In Amravati district, the number of fortified mansions (gadhis) is barely enough to count on one hand. These include the mighty fort of Gavilgad, the fortified town of Achalpur, and the small fort of Amner. In this region, gadhis were built mainly for administrative purposes, but even those are very few, such as those at Karjgaon, Sultanpura, and Hinglaj. However, it is doubtful whether all of these gadhis were actually used for administrative work. Across the entire Amravati district, only these three medieval gadhis can be found. The Sultanpura gadhi, being just outside the city of Achalpur, was likely not an administrative gadhi but rather one built by a local noble or wealthy merchant for personal security. This gadhi is located about 1 km from Achalpur and 6 km from Paratwada. While traveling from Achalpur fort toward Sultanpura village, the gadhi can be seen from a distance. It is built outside the village on a small mound by the riverside, with its main entrance facing the village. ... The entire gadhi is constructed of bricks, with the main gate situated between two bastions. The wooden gate still survives, and sharp iron spikes are fixed at its upper section. About 20 steps lead up to this gate, through which one enters the gadhi. This octagonal gadhi covers about one and a half acres and has 12 bastions, 11 of which are along the outer walls, while one is placed inside near the entrance to prevent a direct view of the inner courtyard. After entering, a flight of steps on the opposite side leads up to the wall overlooking the river and to the top of the main gate. The interior structures of the gadhi have been completely razed, and the Gram Panchayat has converted the space into a playground, leaving only a single well as a remnant. Half of the fort still retains its parapets and walls, which have loopholes for musket fire. The well, built of bricks, is now filled with a large amount of soil. It takes only about 15 minutes to tour the entire gadhi. This structure, approximately 300 years old, is now on the verge of disappearing solely due to neglect. Sadly, the local people have no knowledge about its history, which is a misfortune both for the gadhi and for us.
© Suresh Nimbalkar