Udgir Fort

Maharashtra, India

---

Udgir Fort, located in the city of Udgir in Maharashtra's Latur district, dates back to the 12th century, built before the Bahmani Sultanate era. The fort is named after the Hindu saint Udaygiri Rishi, whose samadhi lies 60 feet below ground level within the fort premises.

Udgir Fort was a strategic military base for the Marathas and is famous for the 1760 Battle of Udgir where Maratha forces led by Sadashivrao Bhau defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Udgir. Architecturally, the fort features double fortifications, with an outer wall surrounded by a 40-foot deep trench and several bastions, including some with detailed sculptures of mythological creatures like lions and elephants. The inner fortifications are higher with narrow windows used historically for firing weapons.

The fort also houses palaces, several water reservoirs, and rare Arabic and Persian inscriptions reflecting the region's cultural history. There are believed to be deep tunnels connecting Udgir Fort with Bhalki and Bidar forts. Its strategic and architectural features made it a formidable defensive site and today, it serves as an important historical and tourist landmark in Maharashtra. The fort is accessible by road and train via Latur, and visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.