Kalinjar Fort
| Kalinjar Fort | |
|---|---|
| Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, India Near Karwi | |
A view of Kalinjar Fort | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Fort, caves and temples |
| Controlled by | Archaeological Survey of India |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 24°59′59″N 80°29′07″E / 24.9997°N 80.4852°E |
| Height | 1,200 feet (370 m) |
| Site history | |
| Built | 5th century |
| Materials | Granite stones |
| Demolished | 1858 |
| Battles/wars | Mahmud of Ghazni – 1023, Sher Shah Suri – 1545, Maratha Peshwa – 1732, East India Company – 1812 and Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders | Gupta Empire, Chandela dynasty, Baghel Rajputs of Rewa, Maratha Peshwas |
| Garrison | Maratha Cavalry 1731 – 1858 British garrison – 1947 |
| |
Kalinjar is a fortress-city in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was ruled by several dynasties, including the Guptas, the Vardhana dynasty, the Chandelas, Solankis of Rewa, Mughals and the Marathas.
The fortress has several temples dating back to the Gupta dynasty of the 3rd–5th centuries. It is strategically located on an isolated rocky hill at the end of the Vindhya Range, overlooking the plains of Bundelkhand.
Kalinjar Fort is located on the Vindhya mountain range in Banda district. The fort is famous for its strong walls and massive gates. It houses several ancient temples, among which a Shiva temple holds special significance. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple of Kalinjar is considered very ancient and sacred. According to legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) at this very place. Every year, a fair is held here on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.