Real Facts About The Ruined Forts of Garh Panchkot, Purulia

Garh Panchkot is a ruined fort located in the eastern part of India at the foothills of Panchet Hill in the district of Purulia, West Bengal. The ruins of the Panchkot Palace are a silent testimony to the Bargi attack during the 18th century. Garh Panchkot is a hidden archaeological site in Bengal, which dates back to probably the 90 AD. The Rajas of Panchkot were the Singh Deo dynasty. The fort has seen a lot and that includes the Bagri attack in the 18th century which left the whole place destructed. The fort was destroyed and ransacked and as a result, only its ruins were left. From a historical perspective Alivardi Khan had become the Nawab of Bengal in April 1740, having defeated and killed Sarfiraz Khan. Rustam Jung, Sarfiraz’s brother-in-law, challenged Alivardi Khan but failed in his endeavours which prompted him to seek the help of the Maratha Rulers of Nagpur, Raghoji Bhonsle. A Maratha cavalry was sent by Bhosle who entered Bengal through Panchet and started looting the countryside. These Maratha men came to be known as “Bargi’s”. For about 10 years they looted and plundered Bengal. It ended in the year 1751 after a settlement was reached between the Nawab of Bengal and Maratha King. During one of these encounters, Garh Panchkot was attacked by the “Bargi” and, having defeated the King’s guards, they destroyed it after looting and plundering the palace. It is believed that all the 17 wives of the king committed suicide in a nearby well during the attack. Garh Panchkot has lain in ruin ever since. Visit the terracotta temple ruins that boast of different architectural styles like Pancharatna (the most popular one), Jor-Bangla, and other. Besides, the overall scenic view of the place with lush greenery, ruins, woods, perennial springs along with the Panchokot Hill and lake make it a must-visit. 600 feet above in the middle of the Panchakot Hill were the guard’s quarters. In contrast to the architecture of the palace below, it was completely made of large stone slabs. The guard’s quarter has a strategic position. Spread over a 500 square meters area is more of a miniature fort surrounded by solid rock walls with only one entry point, the pyramid like hollow gate from where the entire palace below and the surroundings could be watched. Once inside the fort, on the right as well as left there are two long and narrow rooms with small vents overlooking the plains. In the centre, stands a stone temple dedicated to Rama the king of ayodhya. The hilly landscape and the surrounding area gives you a sense of nostalgia and calm. The 2,100 ft high hill is filled with forest cover. Lying on the lower steps of the Chotanagpur plateau, this hill will give you the best views of the area. Trek your way up to the hill and trust me you will not regret coming to this place. I love my purulia... #পুরুলিয়া #purulia #nature #incredibleindia