Rajasthan, a state renowned for its grand forts and palaces, is home to Basantgarh Fort, a unique and historically significant fort built during the Gupta period. Located approximately 10 kilometres from the Pindwara subdivision headquarters in the Sirohi district, this once-majestic fort now lies in ruins due to a lack of preservation efforts. Despite its current state, Basantgarh Fort holds immense historical value and serves as a testament to ancient India’s architectural and cultural prowess.
The Basantgarh Fort stands out as the only fort in Rajasthan built during the Gupta era, a time marked by significant advancements in art, architecture, and culture. Constructed by the eminent ruler of Mewar, Rana Kumbha, this fort shares its legacy with other renowned forts like Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh, which were also built by the same ruler. The history of Basantgarh Fort dates back 1,400 years, and it was strategically constructed to protect Mewar from invaders coming from Gujarat and to aid in the expansion of the kingdom.
In addition to the fort, Basantgarh is home to several ancient temples and step-wells, which further enrich its historical significance. According to local legends, one of the Saptarishis, Sage Vashishta, founded Basantgarh, which was originally known as Vashishtpur. The area was also referred to as Vatpur due to the abundance of banyan trees. These names reflect the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar from 1433 to 1468 AD, is considered one of the most powerful and influential kings in the history of Mewar. He constructed the Basantgarh Fort, which spans an impressive six kilometres, on the hills to safeguard Mewar from invaders through narrow passages. The fort’s strategic location and robust construction made it an effective defensive structure. Today, remnants of the fort walls and structures are still visible on the Bhateshwar hills, although the lack of preservation efforts has put this historical heritage at risk of disappearing.
A significant discovery at Basantgarh was an ancient inscription dating back to Vikram Samvat 628 (625 AD). This inscription mentions King Varmalat, whose kingdom extended to Bhinmal, where he had his capital. Under the orders of King Varmalat’s vassal, Rajilla, a local merchant named Satyadev built the Kshemkarni Mandir in Basantgarh. This Mandir still stands on the Bhateshwar hills, serving as a historical and cultural landmark.
Local resident Kishan Singh Rao shared that the village of Basantgarh existed even before the time of Rana Kumbha. The fort, initially constructed for the protection of Mewar, was followed by the construction of the 32nd fort at Achalgarh in Mount Abu by Rana Kumbha. A notable feature of the Basantgarh Fort was a Ganesh idol, originally placed at the main gate, which was later moved to a Shiva Mandir near the Bhateshwar Mahadev Mandir. Additionally, a survey conducted by the mineral department near the Ambe Mata Mandir revealed two tunnels in the area, which is rich in copper deposits.
The historical significance of Basantgarh Fort and the discovery of the ancient inscription underscore the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Despite the fort’s current state of disrepair, it remains a symbol of the architectural and cultural achievements of ancient India. The need for preservation efforts is paramount to protect this invaluable heritage from further deterioration.
Basantgarh Fort not only reflects the strategic military prowess of its time but also highlights the deep cultural and spiritual roots of the region. Its history, architecture, and the legends associated with it make it a site of immense historical and cultural importance. Preservation and restoration efforts are essential to safeguard this heritage and ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from this remarkable chapter of Rajasthan’s history.
