Ratanpur Fort, Chattisgarh

Ratanpur Fort, Chattisgarh

Ratanpur Fort is an ancient ruined fort complex, located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. This fort is famously called as Gaja Kila / Hathi Kila. Normally, the forts are situated on top of the hill but here it is situated on a plateau. This fort is located near Ratanpur Bus Stand.

History

The fort is believed to be built by Kalachuri King Prithvideva I. An inscription dated to 1150 CE to the reign of Prithvideva II was found inside the fort and now kept in Nagpur Museum. This inscription starts with the lineage of Kalchuri Kings up to Prithvideva II and the victory of Kalchuri King Ratnadeva II against the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. This inscription records the construction of Shiva temple by Devagana, a migrant from Chedi Mandala to Tummana. The inscription was composed by Devagana, written by Kumarapala and engraved by Sampula.

The Fort Complex

The fort is guarded on all four sides by gorges. Normally, the forts are situated on top of the hill but here it is situated on a plateau. It has four entrances namely the Singh Dvar, Ganesh Dvar, Bhairav Dvar and Semar Dvar. The fort is famously called as Gaja (Hathi) Kila. It is said that the fort looks like an elephant from an aerial view. It is also said that Simha Dvar is in the form of a seated elephant. Thus, the fort came to be called as Gaja Kila.

Sculpture of Ravana offering his heads to Lord Shiva, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Apsaras and divine beings can be seen on the left side wall of this gate. There is a huge stone statue with head and feet near the entrance. Locals believe that it is the statue of local king Veer Gopal Rai. It is said that Mughal Emperor Jahangir was so impressed with Gopal Rai valour.

Ganesh Dvar is the next gate after the Simha Dvar. An Idol of Hanuman can be seen near this gate. The main fort complex is located after the Ganesh Dvar. Carvings of river goddess Ganga and Yamuna can be seen at the entrance gate. The western gate of the fort faces Motipur, where the twenty queens of Lakshman Rai were said to have performed sati.

The main fort complex is situated after the Ganesh Dvar. The fort complex houses several temples like Lakshmi Narayan temple, Jagannath temple, Shiva temple etc., and remains of palaces, administrative buildings, storage areas & halls. A Hamam (bath complex) can be seen near the Jagannath Temple. It is used for the ritual ablutions performed by the royal family.

Connectivity

The fort is located at about 500 metres from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location | Photos