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Tucked in the historical heart of Odisha, Barabati Fort not only showcases a fortification of bricks and stone but also testifies to a golden era of valour, architecture, and mystery. If ancient Indian forts and the untold stories they guard intrigue you, this one will captivate you.
Barabati Fort Cuttack — What Makes It So Fascinating?
This blog dives into a compelling question that has puzzled historians for centuries:
Did King Mukunda Deva build a nine-storey palace within Barabati Fort?
A Quick Background: Who Built Barabati Fort?
King Mukunda Deva, the last independent Hindu ruler of Odisha, constructed Barabati Fort in 1560 AD in Cuttack. Notably, the fort was not just a defensive structure; moreover, it served as a symbol of the king’s military and administrative strength.
Interestingly, it is often likened to the Windsor Castle of Odisha, owing to its grandeur and the architectural complexity of the palace believed to have stood within its walls.What’s the Real Mystery? Nine Storeys or Nine Courts?
Many historians and eyewitnesses like Abul Fazl, William Bruton, Ralph Cartwright, and Thomas Motte have painted vivid pictures of a nine-storey palace inside Barabati Fort.
But scholars have debated for years about the actual design of Barabati Fort’s royal structure:
- Was it really a vertical nine-storey structure?
- Or was it a complex of nine horizontally laid courts?
- Could it have been nine concentric circular courts, each higher than the last?
The Most Credible Account: Abul Fazl’s Eyewitness Story
Abul Fazl, a close aide of Mughal Emperor Akbar, visited Barabati Fort in 1592. He described the palace Ain-i-Akbari as a nine-storey structure, with detailed usage of each floor:
- Ground Floor: Stables for elephants, camels, and horses
- 2nd Floor: Artillery and guard quarters
- 3rd Floor: Porters and gatekeepers
- 4th Floor: Workshops for artisans
- 5th Floor: Royal kitchens
- 6th Floor: Public audience chambers
- 7th Floor: King’s private business rooms
- 8th Floor: Women’s quarters
- 9th Floor: King’s sleeping chambers
What Do Other Witnesses Say?
William Bruton & Ralph Cartwright (1633)
- Interestingly, he described the fort as a castle of “grey granite with nine lofty courts.”
- Moreover, he called it magnificent and mentioned being led through a labyrinth of buildings to reach the King’s durbar.
Thomas Motte (1766)
Interestingly, the observer didn’t enter the fort but said it looked strikingly like Windsor Castle from across the river — indicating a towering structure inside the fort.
Andrew Stirling (1818)
Initially, the observer couldn’t find any physical remains of the palace. However, upon closer observation, he eventually mentioned massive pillars and cornices. Together, these details suggest a once-glorious edifice.
Why Do Some Scholars Disagree?
Misinterpretation of the word Ashiana
Some scholars like Rajendra Lala Mitra and Jadunath Sarkar argue that the word Ashiana (used in Persian) could mean the following:
- Firstly, a layer
- Secondly, a residence
- Thirdly, even just a “hut”
Architectural Possibility — Could It Have Been Built?
Indeed, Odia architects of the time built multi-storey temples with intricate detail — the Sun Temple of Konark perfectly demonstrates their skill.
Moreover, the Archaeological Survey of India excavated the palace’s foundation and revealed a deep, strong base that could support a high-rise structure.
Additionally, building compactly within a fort for strategic defense followed the medieval construction logic, especially during times of military threat.
People Also Ask
1. Where is Barabati Fort located?
The Mahanadi River, moreover, borders Barabati Fort, which stands in Cuttack, Odisha.
2. Who built Barabati Fort in Cuttack?
It was built by King Mukunda Deva in 1560 AD.
3. Was there really a nine-storey palace inside Barabati Fort?
Significantly, historical records — especially those by Abul Fazl — clearly suggest a strong possibility of a nine-storey palace. Nevertheless, despite these detailed accounts, physical remains are absent today.
4. Why is Barabati Fort compared to Windsor Castle?
In his detailed account, Thomas Motte, moreover, notably likened its riverside grandeur and tower-like architecture to Windsor Castle in England.
5. What remains of Barabati Fort today?
Notably, the east-facing gateway, moat, and some mosque structures still remain. However, over time, repeated invasions and natural decay have gradually caused much of the original palace to vanish.
Final Thoughts: A Glimpse Into Odisha's Glorious Past
Whether it was a single towering palace or nine interlinked courts, Barabati Fort embodies the richness of Odisha’s history. It reflects a time when architecture, defense, and aesthetics were woven seamlessly.
Today, visiting Barabati Fort Cuttack may not offer a view of the mythical nine-storey palace. Nevertheless, its aura still whispers tales of Barabati Durga, the bravery of Mukunda Deva, and the grandeur of Odisha’s medieval legacy.Planning a Trip? Here’s What You Can Do!
- To begin with, visit the Fort Complex in Cuttack for a scenic and historical retreat.
- Next, explore the nearby Barabati Stadium, a hub for cricket lovers.
- Finally, dive into local Cuttack cuisine and street shopping.
Whether you're history lovers, heritage explorers, or curious minds — make Barabati Fort your next destination. So, tag your friends, plan your trip, and explore the forgotten heights of Odisha's majestic past. Finally, let the stones speak to you.
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