Maharashtra has such a rich heritage of forts that many fortress are not recorded in government offices or in the list of trekkers. Ground fort in Tondapur village of Jalgaon district is one of them which has not been documented as fortress or fort. Apart from the mention in Durg Maharshi Pramod Mande's book, “Maharashtratil Gadkille”, there is no mention of this fort anywhere else. In today's modern era, information about this Fort cannot be found anywhere else on the internet, so this is a small attempt to introduce this Fort. Located at Tondapur in Jamner Taluka of Jalgaon District, Ajanta Fardapur is a convenient way to visit this Fort. Located just 10 km from Fardapur, this Fort can easily be visited on a tour of Aurangabad Ajanta Fardapur. The current condition of this fort, spread over about one and a half acres on a small hill in the middle of Tondapur village, has become very pathetic. ... This fort, which is rectangular in shape, has been heavily destroyed, so its construction cannot be accurately guessed. The growing settlement has swallowed up most of the Fort and remains of the Fort can be seen scattered in many places. The entire ramparts of Fort has been destroyed and it is standing strong in two or three places. Looking at the remaining construction of fort, the 20 feet high ramparts of Fort are built of stones and clay. The two bastions of Fort are still standing in ruins. The wall and door of the structure in the center of the Fort are still there and there are guard rooms on the inner side of this door. Inside this building is a temple with beautiful sculptures. Standing on carved pillars, this temple is somehow still standing. The door of the temple has amazing sculptures carved on it. There is no water facility in Fort. As the current condition of the fort is poor, 15 minutes is sufficient to view the entire fort. Local apathy towards this architecture is contributing to the decline of this fort. Apart from this, the beautiful step well is a must-see in Tondapur village. There are many temples on the banks of this step well and the idols in them have disappeared. One should visit this Fort as early as possible to witness these historical monuments that are companions for short time.
© Suresh Nimbalkar