| Hinglajgarh | |
|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh,India | |
 | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Fort |
| Owner | Marwari Paramara Dynasty |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Location | |
  Hinglajgarh  Hinglajgarh | |
| Coordinates | 24°24′N75°28′E / 24.40°N 75.47°E /24.40; 75.47 |
| Site history | |
| In use | Yes |
| Events | Numerous |
Hinglajgarh is an ancient fortress inNavali,Mandsaur District,Madhya Pradesh,India. The fortress has been controlled by multiple rulers, and has been rebuilt and revamped throughout the ages. The name Hinglajgarh comes from the GoddessHinglaj Devi: a temple dedicated to her is located on the southern portion of the fortress. The site has also been described as a fortress city.
The fortress is located on the catchment area of theChambal River, as well as its rivulets, the Mandaleshwari Nulla and Txakeshwar Nulla, effectively encircling the fort and providing protection from an invading force. It is covered with a deep vegetation.[1]
This fort has its origins with the Mauri, orMarwari people, who established the fort.[citation needed] Several statues are located within the fortress from the 4th and 5th century CE.[2] Many of these statues are from theGupta Period to theParmara Period.[2] These statues are considered to be of high quality, and have been displayed in theCentral Museum of Indore.[3][2] Some sculptures like a Nandi sculpture and a Uma-Maheshawar sculpture were exhibited at the India Display Festival inWashington.[citation needed]
TheParamara Dynasty controlled Hinglajgarh, and was renovated in the 12th century CE.[3] During Paramara rule, Hinglajgarh was the host of many artistic sculptures and statues.[2] In the year 1281, theHada King Halu occupied Hinglajgarh.[4] Afterwards, the fortress came under theChandrawats (Chundawats) of Rampura as aHaveli.[2][4] Laxman Singh Chandrawat, a Chandrawat ruler, was defeated by QueenAhilya Bai of theHolkars in 1773, thus coming under the control of theMaratha Empire. Ahilya Bai rebuilt the fort and performed maintenance on the surrounding temples dedicated to Hinglaj Devi,Rama andShiva. The fort was subsequently revamped again underMaharaja Yashwantrao Holkar.[2][4][3]
Most of the ruins of the fortress can be traced back to its control by theChandrawats or theHolkars of theMaratha Empire.[1] The fortress contains 4 gates. Patanpol, Surajpol. and Katrapol all face to the east, while Mandleshwaripol faces to the west.[2] A reservioir called Surajkund exists near Surajpol, which happens to be the only water body near the fort.[3] A small palace called Rani Mahal is within the fort, and was repaired during the renovation of the fort by Ahilya Bai.[3] A Kachhari (courthouse) called Darbar Kaksha is also located within the fortress.[4] Two lighthouses, or Tirthams, are in the fortress, and send information through light.[2] A watchtower called Fateh Burj was also constructed.[2]
Several temples are located here dedicated to Shiva, Rama and Hanuman, and Hinglaj Devi, who is the origin of the name Hinglajgarh.[4]
