Unlocking the layered past of Maharashtra

Perched atop the rugged terrain north of the Deccan Plateau lies Gawilgadh, a formidable peak stronghold steeped in the history of the Maratha Empire. Found near the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra's Amravati District, this ancient fortress is believed to be over 300 years old. Within its walls, you can marvel at refinedly carved idols reaching back back to the Nizam era, when Elichpur served as their capital. The intricate carvings depict a memorable array of elephants, bulls, tigers, and lions, with scripts in Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic. Across the sacred figures, statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shankar stand as a testament to the fort's religious significance.

Built by the Gavlis, rulers of the shepherd people of the area in the 12th and 13th centuries, Gawilgadh later fell under the control of the Gond people of the area before passing into the hands of the Mughals. At present, the citadel stands as a testament to its glorious past, with ten cannons made of iron, copper, and brass serving as reminders of its storied history.