Narnala Fort

Shahanur, Maharashtra, India

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Narnala Fort, also known as Shahnur Fort, is a large hill fortress located in the Satpura Range near Shahanur in Akola District, Maharashtra.

It was originally built in the 10th century AD by the Gond Kings and later fortified by Rajput ruler Raja Narnal Singh, after whom the fort is named. The fort was occupied and rebuilt by the Mughals in the 15th century, becoming one of the thirteen administrative divisions (sarkars) of the Berar Subah. It consists of three smaller forts merged together: Narnala, Jafarabad, and Teliagarh.

The fort complex includes numerous watchtowers, gates, temples, and water tanks, showcasing a mix of Hindu, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles. It played a significant role during the Mughal era, was later controlled by the Gond kings, and was part of the Maratha Empire under the Bhonsles of Nagpur.

Perched at about 973 meters elevation, the fort offers sweeping views of the surrounding hill ranges and is a notable historical and cultural site in Maharashtra.