Barabati Fort
The Barbati Fort in Cuttack in Oddisa is a well-known fort with carved gateway. It is about 8km away from the city. It is a 14th-century fort built during the Ganga dynasty. The fort is situated on the river Mahanadi. The fort is located at such a calculated place that it provides a beautiful and spectacular view of the modern Cuttack City. It is the earthen mound of the 9-storeyed palace.
The monument was built with fortification to protect it from enemy attacks. In present days a nearby Barbati stadium is built for cultural and various sports events. There is also a temple dedicated to Katak Chandi. The fort brings charm to the city and depicts its glorious history. The fort covers an area of about 102 acres. The fort was re-established in the 14th century and walls of the fort are built with sandstone and laterite.
History of the Barabati Fort
History reveals that the Cuttack was built by the king, Nrupa Keshari in 989 AD. The king made a stone-like structure around the river to protect it from flood. After looking at the wonderful and strategic architecture King Anangabhima Dev III shifted from his oldest region to the Cuttack and built the Fort Barbati fort.
Later on, the Chalukya Kings built the nine-storey building in the fort. In 1568 AD the two rings were made around the banks of the rivers. After that many rulers came and rebuilt the fort. Now, only the remains of the fort can be found, and even a crumbled temple can be seen.
Architecture of Barabati Fort
The fort is built up on a square plan and it is spread over an area of 102 acres which is surrounded by stone stone-paved moat on all the sides. The moat of 10 Meters on the northern side and western side, and 20 meters wide on the eastern and southern sides are constructed. It is believed that the entire fort wall except the entrance is missing.
In and Around the Fort
Due to the national importance of the fort since 1915 Archaeological Survey of India has declared the place as a protected site. Right at the centre point of the fort a high mound can be noticed with a tank on the western side. It is spread over 17 acres of land. On the eastern side of the mound, a Shahi mosque is situated and the mazar of Hazrat Ali Bukhari lies on the west side of the tank. Presently the site of the fort is extensively intruded.
In 1989 Archaeological Survey of India carried out excavations to discover the cultural horizon of the historic fort and that work is still being carried on.
