The Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi – Facts And History

The Ramnagar Fort, a notable tourist attraction in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is an ancient fort constructed by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh during the 18th century. Positioned on the eastern shore of the Ganges River, it is a significant historical landmark.

The Ramnagar Fort covers an area of around 2,40,000 square meters and is made of red sandstone. It has a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. The fort has several courtyards, temples, and residential areas. The fort also houses a museum, which has a rich collection of vintage cars, weapons, and other artifacts.

The fort has several gates, the most famous of which is the Dhruva Dwar, which is also known as the main gate. It is an impressive structure with intricate carvings and is made of wood and iron. Other gates include the Chandrika Dwar, the Hanuman Dwar, and the Lal Dwar.

The fort has a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that the temple was built by a queen of Kashi Naresh named Rani Bhavani. The temple has a black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, which is believed to be over 1000 years old.

The fort also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Vyadeshwar Temple. The temple is located near the fort’s northern gate and is believed to have been built by Raja Balwant Singh.

The fort has several other temples dedicated to various deities, including Hanuman, Durga, and Sita. There is also a mosque located within the fort’s premises, which is known as the Alamgir Mosque. It was built by Aurangzeb and has intricate carvings and designs.

The Ramnagar Fort also houses a museum, which is known as the Ramnagar Museum. The museum has a rich collection of vintage cars, weapons, and other artifacts. Some of the notable items in the museum include the royal elephant saddles, vintage cars used by the Kashi Naresh, and a sword that belonged to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

The fort is also known for its annual Ramnagar Ramlila, which is a dramatic reenactment of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The Ramlila is performed over a period of 31 days and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The Ramlila is performed on a grand scale, with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects.

In conclusion, the Ramnagar Fort is a magnificent historical fort that is a must-visit for anyone visiting Varanasi. The fort has a rich history and architecture, and the Ramnagar Ramlila is an event that should not be missed. The museum in the fort is also worth a visit, as it has a rich collection of artifacts that provide insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

How To Reach The Ramnagar Fort:

Ramnagar Fort is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Here are some ways to reach the fort:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Ramnagar Fort is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, which is located about 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the fort.
2. By Train: The Varanasi Junction railway station serves as the nearest station to Ramnagar Fort and boasts connectivity to major Indian cities. Once you arrive, you can avail of taxis, auto-rickshaws, or local buses to travel to the fort.
3. By Road: Ramnagar Fort is easily accessible via road from major cities in India, and one can travel to the fort by taking a bus or hiring a taxi. The fort is situated at a distance of around 14 kilometers from Varanasi city and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes.

Once you reach Ramnagar, the fort is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River, and you can cross the river by boat or take a bridge to reach the fort. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are also available to reach the fort from Ramnagar.

Constuction Of The Ramnagar Fort:

Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh erected the Ramnagar Fort during the 18th century, and the construction spanned over multiple years and stages. The fort features a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, and its red sandstone construction employed conventional techniques and materials like wooden scaffolding and lime mortar.

The fort has several courtyards, temples, and residential areas, which were built in different phases. The fort also has several gates, including the main gate known as the Dhruva Dwar, which is made of wood and iron and has intricate carvings.

The fort’s temples were built in different styles, with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple being a fine example of traditional Hindu temple architecture. The temple has a black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, which is believed to be over 1000 years old.

The fort also has a mosque known as the Alamgir Mosque, which was built by Aurangzeb. The mosque has intricate carvings and designs and is an example of Islamic architecture.

The fort’s residential areas were built for the royal family and their staff. These areas have several rooms and courtyards and were built in a style that allowed for natural light and ventilation.

Overall, the construction of the Ramnagar Fort is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the time and is an excellent example of traditional Indian architecture. The fort’s unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture is a reflection of the diverse cultural heritage of the region.

Rulers of The Ramnagar Fort:

Ramnagar Fort has been the residence of the Kashi Naresh, or the King of Varanasi, since the 18th century. Here are the details of the rulers of the fort year by year:

1. Raja Balwant Singh (1750-1770) – He was the founder of the Ramnagar Fort and the first Kashi Naresh to live in the fort. He built several temples and residential areas inside the fort.
2. Raja Chet Singh (1770-1775) – He was the second Kashi Naresh and ruled for only five years. During his reign, he built several temples and extended the fort’s residential areas.
3. Raja Balwant Singh II (1775-1825) – He was the longest-serving Kashi Naresh and ruled for 50 years. He built several temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple inside the fort. He also built several residential areas and the Dhruva Dwar, the main gate of the fort.
4. Raja Udit Narayan Singh (1825-1835) – He ruled for only ten years and did not make any significant changes to the fort.
5. Raja Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh (1835-1889) – He was a patron of the arts and built several temples, including the Sankat Mochan Temple inside the fort. He also built several residential areas and extended the fort’s gardens.
6. Raja Prabhu Narayan Singh (1889-1931) – He was the last Kashi Naresh to live in the fort. He built several residential areas and extended the fort’s gardens.

After the death of Raja Prabhu Narayan Singh, his son Raja Bahadur Vir Singh became the Kashi Naresh but did not live in the fort. The fort is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction in Varanasi.

Historical Importance Of The Ramnagar Fort:

The Ramnagar Fort holds great historical significance, owing to a variety of reasons.

1. Residence of the Kashi Naresh: Ramnagar Fort has been the residence of the Kashi Naresh, or the King of Varanasi, since the 18th century. The Kashi Naresh was an important figure in the region and played a significant role in the political and cultural life of Varanasi.
2. Blend of Hindu and Islamic Architecture: The fort’s unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture is a reflection of the diverse cultural heritage of the region. The fort has several temples and a mosque, which were built in different styles and showcase the architectural richness of the time.
3. Preservation of Traditional Indian Architecture: The construction of the fort is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the time and is an excellent example of traditional Indian architecture. The fort’s construction techniques and materials have been preserved, and the fort remains an important example of traditional Indian architecture.
4. Museum and Tourist Attraction: The fort is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction in Varanasi. The museum has a collection of artifacts, including weapons, clothes, and photographs, which provide insights into the life and times of the Kashi Naresh.
5. Cultural Significance: Ramnagar Fort is also significant from a cultural perspective. The fort hosts the famous Ramnagar Ramlila, which is a theatrical adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The Ramnagar Ramlila is one of the oldest and most famous Ramlilas in the world and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Overall, Ramnagar Fort is an important historical, cultural, and architectural landmark in Varanasi and is an essential part of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Intereting Facts About The Ramgarh Fort:

Here are some interesting facts about the Ramnagar Fort:

1. The Ramnagar Fort is home to a museum that houses a fascinating collection of vintage cars, royal palanquins, and antique weaponry.
2. The fort is a host to a grand festival known as the Ramnagar Ramlila, which is considered to be one of the oldest and grandest Ramlila celebrations in India. The festival showcases the life and deeds of Lord Rama, and it attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
3. The Ramnagar Fort features a grand Durbar Hall, which served as the audience hall for the royal court. The hall is adorned with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and artistic murals, which are reminiscent of the grandeur and opulence of the bygone era.
4. The fort boasts a massive clock tower, which is considered to be one of the largest in India. The clock is more than 100 years old and has a unique mechanism that allows it to chime every quarter of an hour.
5. The Ramnagar Fort is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a former queen who committed suicide in one of the palace chambers. Many locals claim to have seen her ghostly apparition wandering through the palace corridors at night.
6. The fort offers a stunning view of the Ganges River and its ghats. Visitors can witness the mesmerizing sunset from the fort’s terrace, which is a sight to behold.
7. The Ramnagar Fort served as a backdrop for many Bollywood movies, including the legendary film, “Banaras Ki Dulhan” and “Masaan,” which won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Ramnagar Fort is a remarkable historical landmark located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Its construction dates back to the 18th century when Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh initiated the building of the fort, which was completed over several years in stages. The fort features a distinctive blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, built using traditional materials and construction techniques. It is well-connected to major cities in India, accessible by both road and rail, and is a popular tourist destination in Varanasi.