Dholpur's 900-Year-Old Historic Shergarh Fort Crumbles Amid Administrative Neglect in Chambal Ravines Perched along the Chambal ravines in Rajasthan, the 900-year-old Shergarh Fort is decaying rapidly due to severe administrative apathy and structural damage. Nestled amidst the rugged ravines on the banks of the Chambal River in Rajasthan's Dholpur district, the centuries-old Shergarh Fort is on the verge of turning into ruins. Holding nearly nine centuries of glorious regional history, this once-formidable stronghold is suffering from fragile, collapsing walls and heavily damaged approach roads. Prolonged administrative indifference and a lack of timely preservation efforts have left this majestic monument in a state of severe neglect. Boundary Wall Collapse Blocks Main Approach Route The current structural integrity of the historic complex is in a precarious state. The ancient defensive walls have weakened considerably over time, with loose masonry shedding regularly. Recently, a major section of the fort's protective boundary wall caved in without warning, spilling heavy rubble directly onto the primary approach road. The scattered debris has created severe hurdles for visiting tourists and devotees attempting to reach the site. Furthermore, the main road leading to the fort has deteriorated extensively. The surface has completely worn off in multiple spots, leaving behind massive potholes that make vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement extremely hazardous. Foundation Laid by Yaduvanshi Rulers in the 12th Century According to local historian Arvind Sharma, the fort situated deep within the Chambal ravines represents a crucial chapter in the heritage of Dholpur. The stronghold was originally established during the 12th century by Yaduvanshi ruler Dharampal Singh. Throughout its long existence, the fort endured several military invasions and fierce armed conflicts. Records show that Maharaja Rana Keerat Singh established his primary capital here from 1806 to 1811. During its peak military era, several massive cannons guarded the ramparts of the fort. One of these historic heavy cannons has been preserved and placed on display at the Dholpur Circuit House, standing as a tangible testament to the fortress's tactical importance. Strategic Mention in Babur's Autobiography Shergarh Fort's prominence extended far beyond local boundaries and was intertwined with imperial Delhi. The founder of the Mughal dynasty, Babur, documented this fortification in his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi, referring to it as the Dholpur Fort. Later, during the reign of the Afghan monarch Sher Shah Suri, the stronghold was renamed Shergarh Fort, the moniker it carries to this day. Historical chronicles also record an invasion launched against the fort by Delhi Sultan Sikandar Lodi. At that time, the territory was governed by Vinayak Dev, who maintained a close alliance with the illustrious ruler of Gwalior, Man Singh Tomar. These recorded conflicts highlight the immense geopolitical weight the fort carried throughout the medieval period. Urgent Calls for Tourism Development and Restoration Historian Arvind Sharma emphasized that the state government, local authorities, and public representatives must immediately initiate targeted conservation measures for this invaluable monument. He noted that developing the site thoughtfully for tourism would allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Chambal River, the mystery of the ravines, and the rich history of Dholpur simultaneously. Sharma had previously recommended the construction of a scenic watchtower named Chambal View to then District Collector Abhay Kumar. Such an observation tower would provide panoramic views overlooking both the winding Chambal River and the rugged ravine topography. If substantial restoration work is not undertaken soon, future generations risk losing all physical remnants of this 900-year-old architectural landmark. What this means for you The decaying state of this historic monument directly affects regional tourism potential and local connectivity. • In Dholpur: Heavy debris and deep potholes on the access route create significant hazards for everyday visitors and devotees. Neglect of this heritage site directly limits local tourism revenue and related employment opportunities. • Across Rajasthan: Travelers seeking to explore the 900-year-old architectural landmark and Chambal's unique landscape face safety concerns and poor infrastructure. Tourists must plan carefully around route disruptions when visiting the fortress area. • Cultural Heritage Impact: The physical decay threatens a vital physical link to medieval Indian history. Preserving the structure is essential for researchers, students, and preservation advocates. • Administrative Action Required: Prompt clearance of debris and road resurfacing are needed immediately. Implementing proposed observation projects like the Chambal View tower could revitalize the entire circuit. Why this happened The worsening condition of Shergarh Fort stems primarily from decades of administrative neglect and a lack of systematic maintenance rather than natural wear alone. • Absence of Regular Maintenance: Decades without structural reinforcement have caused ancient mortar and stonework to degrade. Weather extremes and monsoon seepage progressively compromised the inner stability of the fort walls. • Recent Structural Collapse: A compromised portion of the perimeter security wall gave way due to unaddressed structural strain. A lack of regular safety inspections and drainage management contributed directly to the sudden collapse. • Neglected Approach Infrastructure: The primary road serving the monument has not seen resurfacing in years. Regular vehicular use combined with rain runoff created widespread cratering along the entire route. • Lack of Conservation Funding: Despite rich historical significance, the site has not received the conservation resources allocated to more prominent tourist hubs. This long-term shortfall allowed decay to outpace localized preservation efforts. Questions & Answers 1. Who originally built Shergarh Fort and when? The foundation of the fort was laid in the 12th century by Yaduvanshi ruler Dharampal Singh. 2. Where is Shergarh Fort located? The fort is situated amidst the ravines along the banks of the Chambal River in Dholpur district, Rajasthan. 3. Which historical book mentions this fort during the Mughal era? Mughal emperor Babur documented it under the name Dholpur Fort in his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi. 4. How did the fortress get the name Shergarh? The structure was renamed Shergarh Fort during the rule of Afghan monarch Sher Shah Suri. 5. Where is the historic cannon from this fort currently kept? One of the historic heavy cannons from the ramparts is preserved at the Dholpur Circuit House. 6. When did Maharaja Rana Keerat Singh use Shergarh as his capital? Maharaja Rana Keerat Singh made Shergarh Fort his main capital from 1806 to 1811. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/chnbala-ke-biharon-men-khndahara-men-badala-raha-900-sala-purana-dholpur-ka-aitihasika-shergarh-fort-39786 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.