Birkitti fort, Maheshpur Block pakur | Jharkhand

Birkitti Fort, Maheshpur Block, Pakur, Jharkhand | A symbol of historical heritage and ancient rulers, this fort is famous for its royal architecture and legends. A major attraction for tourists and history lovers.

Introduction to a historical heritage

Birkitti Fort is located in Maheshpur block, about 20 km from Pakur district headquarters of Jharkhand state. Birkitti Fort is located near Birkiti village, about 10 km in Maheshpur block. This fort is said to be from the 18th century.

This fort was built by Rajput chieftain Raja Udit Narayan, a king of the Koch dynasty. The Koch dynasty was known for its magnificent architecture. Birkitti Fort and all the surrounding forts were designed by British architect William Emson.

This palace was built using the finest materials, such as Italian marble. This palace has witnessed many historical events. With time, this palace is falling apart. Cracks can be seen here and there.

In the beginning of the 18th century, there was a war between Raja Udit Narayan Singh and Nawab Murshid Quli Khan of Murshidabad. Many parts of Birkitti Fort were destroyed due to the impact of this war. According to history, many tourists come here to see the witness site of this war.

Even today, the families of the royal dynasty reside here. Many temples were also built. Which are falling apart due to lack of repair in today’s time.

Builders and rulers of the fort

The Birkitti Fort was built by Rajput chieftain Raja Udit Narayan in the 18th century. This Koch dynasty was known for its architecture. A total of 7 rulers have ruled here over time. This place was the center of important military and political activities at that time.

Raja Udit Narayan Singh was not only a just ruler but also a supporter of a reformist ideology. He did not want to live under the subjugation of the British East India Company and always raised his voice against its corruption.

Like his father, he did not impose any tax on the farmers and set up checkposts to promote the trade of textiles produced.

Interior layout and rooms of the fort

The various rooms of the fort and their use are built with different secrets. It is completely like a maze inside and a new person may have trouble finding the way from one room to another. The roofs and other stairs here are all built in different directions.

A new person may have a lot of trouble finding the main room of the king. Rather, the king will not be able to find the room. More than 100 rooms have been built in this palace. The main gate is in front of the palace and many gates have been built around it, from where anyone can get lost at any time.

Today, only the remains of this fort can be seen. Many forts here have been destroyed. Many have become ruins and many forts have become dense forests with trees, plants and bushes.

Going here is a kind of adventure. Some forts are still intact, where repair work is going on. Its beauty is being created in a very beautiful way. You can come here with children or family.

Royal palace and its royal life

The life of the king and his family in Birkitti fort was full of grandeur and splendor. The royal family used to celebrate festivals, festivals and other important occasions here. The royal court was also held in the palace of this fort, where the king used to meet his feudal lords and ministers.

They used to take correct ideas by giving lectures for political decisions. The members of the royal family also used to indulge in royal hobbies like art, music, dance and hunting.

Royal food, luxurious clothes and jewellery were used in the palace. Soldiers and servants were deployed around the palace for security and service.

Monuments and temples around the fort

Many temples were also built around Birkitti fort. Which are still situated today. Local people do not worship in these temples. Many small temples were built. Out of which Lord Shiva temple is the main one.

Jagannath temple is located nearby in the fort. His chariot is still present. Rath Yatra is organized here every year. In which local people participate.

Interesting stories and legends related to the fort

Conflicts and Wars:

The conflict at Birkitti Fort was fought between the local Rajput chief Raja Udit Narayan Singh and the Nawab of Murshidabad, Murshid Quli Khan. During this war, the fort gave a direct proof of military power and strategy.

In which the rulers of Birkiti fought many battles to protect the fort. During the attack on the fort, once the queen of the fort displayed bravery and fought the enemies. This story is still narrated with pride among the local people.

Story of the secret tunnel:

There are many secret tunnels inside the fort. Which connects the fort to other outside areas. In case of any kind of attack here, soldiers used to go through this tunnel. The tunnel was used in emergency situations. Local people say that this tunnel has not been found yet, but its stories are still alive.

Search for treasure:

Local people believe that all the treasure earned by the king must have been hidden somewhere in this fort. No one knows the secret of that treasure. People say that with time the treasure has also disappeared. That is why many people tried to find the treasure by roaming in the tunnel and the fort but no hole was found.

The fall of Birkitti Fort and its erosion with time

The main reason for the fall of Birkitti Fort:

• Changes in military strategy: As military strategies changed and technology advanced, many forts lost their importance. The tools of modern warfare reduced the relevance of these forts.
• Abandonment: After a period of time, when more important posts were established elsewhere, these forts were abandoned. Without proper maintenance, these forts gradually fell into disrepair.
• Natural causes: Over time, natural causes such as rain, storms, and earthquakes also weakened the fort structure
• Environmental effects: Harsh weather conditions—such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations—weakened the fort walls and structure.
• Structural instability: Weakening of the fort walls and floors was a major problem. The wood and stone structure gradually cracked, causing the walls to lose their stability.
• Human intervention: Without proper conservation and care, the remaining valuable building materials such as stone and wood were taken away by locals for use elsewhere, further weakening the fort structure.

Conservation and reconstruction efforts of the fort

There are many forts in Birkiti village. The fort which is safe and intact is being repaired. The people of the royal family conserve this fort. The government here does not depend on it for any plan or development.

Yes, if there is development work here in the future, then maybe it can think about this fort as well. It can be interested in its development.

Current status of Birkitti fort

At present, tourists come here to see it. People come to this fort to get information about the ancient remains and their beautiful structure. Most of the people come here to see the palace of the king and the fort around it.

At present, this fort has become a ruin. But the fort which is safe and intact is being repaired. The fort is being beautified.

If you ever come here, then definitely get information about it before coming here. Get information about the stories and tales related to the places you want to see here. There are many good places here for attraction.

Archaeological study and discovery of Birkitti Fort

Archaeological study has shown that this fort is very old. Its structure is amazing. According to the local people, this fort is said to be of 18th century. But study shows that this fort is even older than that. Proper information about this is not yet available. Through archaeological research, new information has been obtained about the history of the fort here. Which is secret.

Tourism and travel details

Pakur district can be easily reached by rail and road. Air route service is not available here. The nearest airport to reach here is Kolkata and Ranchi. Maheshpur block can be reached by road from Pakur district.

Birkitti Fort is located in Birkiti village complex, which is 20 km from Birkitti Fort and 10 km from Maheshpur Block. The best time to visit here is in the spring season. You can visit here anytime from October to February.

Tourist facilities available in the fort

There is no special guide of any kind available in Birkitti Fort. Information about this fort is available from the local people. Tourists get food and drink facilities in the local market here. But there is no facility near the fort.

There is no hotel or restaurant of any kind for staying at night here. So if you come here, then take special care of your safety yourself. Bring all the things you need with you.

Photography and visual experience

You can roam anywhere in Birkitti Fort. You can do photography anywhere. Keeping your safety in mind, you can get information about everything at every place. Every day many tourists come here from far off places to see this fort. Local people come here very rarely. Most of the tourists are from outside. They come to see its beauty.

Fort Conservation Plan for Future

So far, many forts of Birkitti Fort have been destroyed, but the forts that are still intact are being repaired in time. Some new forts and palaces can also be seen here. Which have been built a few years ago.

It is not possible to repair the ones that have been destroyed, but the ones that are still standing and safe can be taken care of. If it is taken care of properly, this ancient heritage can save the pride of the country from being lost in the future. The government here is making plans on this.

Other attractions for tourists in Pakur district

• Nitya Kali Mandir
• Kanchangarah cave
• prakriti vihar, pakur
• Birkitti fort, pakur
• Dharni Pahar
• Sidho Kanho Murmu Park Pakur
• MAHAKAL SHAKTI PITH
• shiv shitla mandir, pakur
• Shingh wahini temple

FAQ’ for Birkitti Fort