Chachaura Fort (Champavati Fort)

Madhya Pradesh, India

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Chachaura Fort, also known as Champavati Fort, is located in the city of Chachaura in Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 17th century by Raja Vikram Singh of the Khinchi dynasty and named after his wife, Rani Champavati. The fort stands on a hilltop overlooking the city, covering an area of about one hectare.

It features high fortification walls and strong bastions, with an inner courtyard used for residential purposes and an outer courtyard for official work. The fort has historical significance due to a battle during British colonial times, where after the king was killed, Rani Champavati chose to sacrifice her life by jumping into a 50-meter-deep well rather than surrender.

The fort has been conserved and restored by the Madhya Pradesh state archaeology department and is notable as the first preserved fort in the state named after a woman.