Ater Fort Bhind : Ater Fort is located in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. This fort of Ater Ka is situated on the banks of Chambal river in Madhya Pradesh. Ater Fort is only 2 kilometers away from Chambal River. Situated in the northern part of Chambal river, this fort is famous for its grandeur and is shaped like a ship.
Ater Fort is situated on a hill. People believe that the hill on which Ater Fort is situated is the same hill which was known as Dev Giri during the Mahabharata period. Due to its location on Dev Giri hill, this fort is also called Dev Durg. According to the Indian Archaeological Department, Ater Fort is about 350 years old.
अटेर का किला, भिंड | Ater ka Kila Hindi, Bhind
History – Ater Fort Bhind
Ater Fort describes the grandeur and glorious history of Bhadoria kings. But today due to neglect this fort has reached its dilapidated state. According to history, Ater Fort was built by the Bhadauria rulers. The initial construction of this fort was done by Raja Karm Singh in the year 1498. After him, Raja Badan Singh Bhadoria got the work done on this fort between 1664 and 1668 and after him the construction work of this fort was completed by Raja Man Singh in 1668. This fort is an unmatched example of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
During the conflict between Scindia and Jat in the 17th-18th century, the authority of the Scindia dynasty was established on this fort.
Construction – Ater Fort Bhind
Ater Fort has been a grand heritage of the Bhadoria kings. Along with this, Ater Fort contains many mysteries and many stories within itself. Ater Fort has also been very important from political and strategic point of view. The fort has its own special place from security point of view also. This fort stands peacefully in the deep ravines of Chambal. Ater Fort is spread over an area of 700 feet from north to west and 325 feet from east to west.
Attractions – Ater Fort Bhind
There are four main entrances to the fort. Along with four entrance gates, there are also 17 towers. This fort is said to be a strategic fort made of brick and lime. The main entrance gate of Ater Fort has a history. The main attractions of the fort include Khooni Darwaza or Lal Darwaza, Badan Singh’s Palace, Rani’s Palace, Hathiyapore, Barakhamba, Diwane Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Rani Bagh and Bathroom.
Lal Darvaja – Ater Fort
Ater Fort is famous for its red gate. The history behind the red door of this fort is also very interesting. This red door is known as Khooni Darwaza which is made of red stones. It is said that when spies came to meet the king, they had to pass through this Red Door or Khooni Door. It is said that a cut sheep’s head was kept at a place above this door and the blood falling from it kept dripping from a hole. That blood was collected in a bowl below and any spy who wanted to meet the king was first applied a tilak with that blood and entered inside the fort.
Hindu – Mughal Architecture
There are four main entrances to the fort, of which the arches of the Rajshri entrance are built in Mughal style. Among the major buildings of Ater Fort, the 7-storey building is prominent, which is constructed in Mughal style and was constructed as a bastion to keep vigil inside the fort. The ceilings of the four entrance gates of the fort have been painted and beautiful carvings are also visible. On the ceiling of the entrance of the fort, the king, the people of the court and besides them, flowers and leaves have also been painted. The coordination of Hindu and Mughal architecture is visible in the fort.
Thousands of people reach here every day to see Ater Fort. There are other places of attraction near it, the main ones being Mata Renuka Temple, Wankhandeshwar Temple and Jain Temple. Apart from these, Malhar Rao Holkar’s Chhatri, at a short distance from Bhind, is also an attractive place.
This fort has been declared a nationally protected building. This fort presents an example of Bhadawar culture.
At Present – Ater Fort Bhind
It is said that treasures are also present inside the fort as a sign of its grandeur. The basement of the fort of Ater, situated on the banks of the Chambal river, has been dug up by the local people themselves in their greed for treasure. The walls and lands of this fort have been ruined in the quest for treasure, due to which today the fort has reached its dilapidated state.
How to reach Ater Fort Bhind
By Flight
If you are traveling by flight to visit Ater Fort in Bhind, then Gwalior airport in Madhya Pradesh is the nearest airport to here. Its distance from Bhind is about 75 kilometers. The journey from the airport to Bhind and beyond can be done by rented car or taxi.
By Train
If you are traveling by train to reach Ater Fort, then the nearest railway station is Bhind Railway Station, from where you can easily reach the fort. Bhind is well connected to the road network and hence one can easily reach here by traveling by road.
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