Vairagad Fort

Vairagad, Maharashtra, India

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Vairagad Fort is a small yet historically rich fort located in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, positioned at the confluence of the Khobragadhi and Satnalas rivers.

The surrounding village shares its name with the fort. Historically, the area was established in the Dvapara Yuga by a ruler named Vairacan and was initially governed by the Mana chiefs before being overtaken by the Gonds around the 9th century. The Gonds ruled alongside nearby forts like Garbori and Rajgad. Vairagad was notable for diamond mines mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazal.

The fort suffered a raid by Ahmad Shah Bahamani in the early 15th century, evidenced by 108 Muslim tombs believed to be soldiers who died in the battle. Architecturally, the fort spans about 10 acres and features three gates at its entrance, a river moat approximately 15 to 20 feet deep, and multiple wells and water bodies, though in a ruined condition.

Efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India have focused on restoring the main entrance. The fort was declared a protected monument in 1925. It is accessible by road from Nagpur and Chandrapur, with the nearest railway station about 80 kilometers away. Despite its relatively small size, Vairagad Fort holds significant historical value reflecting the region's medieval and early modern history.