Story of the Chunar Fort Where Priyanka Protested Over Sonbhadra

The Chunar fort has had a long & rich history even before it became the epicentre of a political discourse recently.

Historical significance of Chunar Fort

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Video Editor: Varun Sharma

The Chunar fort was recently in news for being the spot where Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi was detained, as she was on her way to meet the kin of the Sonbhadra massacre victims, and where she started her protest.

What many, however, may not know is that this place on its on has a rich history and a story to tell.

The Chunar fort was built by Vikramaditya almost 2,000 years ago and bears witness to several historical and fictional tales. Temple priest Rajkumar says that this is the resting place of Bhartrihari Baba, a king-turned-saint who once ruled Ujjain. Vikramaditya also built the Bhatrihari temple in the fort. During the British rule, it was used as a prison under the British rule.

The fort, however, had been used as a prison even before the British rule, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1530. It was used to imprison kings who had conceded defeat in battle. The prison was . Under the British rule, the fort was used to imprison 15-18 years old defaulters.

The building also had a gallows, which was overlooked by a courtroom. The same courtroom has been turned into a guest house now.

The fort also featured an underground passage that would lead to the Naugarh fort.

Another very impressive feature of the Chunar fort is that it used in the famous 90s TV show, Chandrakanta. So if you watched the show, you might just remember this place.