| Manikgad Fort | |
| Location: | Chandrapur district, Maharashtra |
| Caption: | Fort entrance |
| Map Type: | India Maharashtra#India |
| Type: | Hill fort |
| Coordinates: | 19.6752°N 79.1254°W |
| Builder: | Naga king-Gahilu |
| Materials: | Stone |
| Height: | 507 MTRS |
| Condition: | Ruins |
| Ownership: | Government of India |
| Open To Public: | Yes |
| Controlledby: | (1739-1818)
|
Manikgad / (also called Gadchandur) (Marathi: माणिकगड ) is an ancient fort in Jiwati tehsil,Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. It is a hill fort 507 metres above sea level built by the Naga kings in 9 CE.[1] The fort is in ruins and is frequented by wild animals that live in the vicinity, such as panthers and boars. Several monuments of historical importance are nearby.[2]
Manikgad was built by the last Mana Naga King - Gahilu. The Mana Nagas settled in this area around 9 CE. Initially, the fort was named Manikagad after the patron deity of the Mana Nagas - Manikadevi - but later on this was shortened to Manikgad.
Local legend holds that the fort was built by a Gond king named Mankyal (hence the name Manikgad). However, the lintel of the entrance gate has a Naga image carved in relief and not the Gond emblem of a lion and an elephant. So this legend is likely not true.
The fort was built of large black stones and was a formidable defense in its time. Rampart walls of the fort enclose a valley that has ruins of old buildings and store-houses. Outlines of apartments are visible against the rampart walls. The southern bastion, along with its supporting wall, collapsed.
In the valley below lies a cannon that likely was mounted on that bastion. Unlike a cast-iron cannon, this cannon is made of several iron straps welded together. The gateway of the fort is intact.
The Queen's palace is situated near a small dam with steps and a few rooms for bathing. Two wooden pagodas were constructed by the Forest Department. The fort area is filled with shrubs and trees.[3]