A fort of many tales
There are many misconceptions about this fort. Some people say it was built by Sahib Bhosle after he fought with the British company during the third war with the Anglo-Maratha. However, research shows that the fort was actually built by the British government in 1822, during the time of Richard Jenkins (who became Chairman of the East India Company). It was constructed under the committee formed by Col Adnane, who was the president of the committee. Black stone from the Katol area was used for the fort's construction, creating a blend of ethnic and colonial styles.
During the 1857 rebellion against the British, Tipu Sultan's grandson, Nawab Kadar Ali, and his eight associates were hanged by the fort's ramparts. Mahatma Gandhi is also rumoured to have been imprisoned in the fort from April 10 to May 15, 1923, but this claim is inaccurate, as Gandhi was in Yerwada during this period. Even King George V and Queen Mary of the United Kingdom held an audience with the people of Nagpur from the fort during their visit to British India. As you explore, you will come across a pillar commemorating the event, standing in the fort. It is said that the royals were greeted by a huge crowd gathered in the area towards the present Nagpur Railway Station.
