Laling Fort



Laling Fort, Dhule, Maharashtra

Information on Laling Fort (Dhule, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture


Laling Qila or the Laling Fort is a small hilltop fort built by the Kandesh Kingdom. It is a 14th century built strong fortification and stood aloft as its commanding fort of this Dhule region. This fort has vast significance in the medieval era and the colonial era as a defense post of this area. This fort is entirely a stone marvel and an antique. It is located on the hilltop of Laling Village, Dhule District in Maharashtra State of India.

Laling Fort Architecture

Laling Qila is found as simple as a traditional fort. This fort was built by an Islamic ruler in India and this fort was designed in the medieval era fort forms. This era saw the maximum fortification build in India. The formal design of the fort was done by Malik Raja of Kandesh Empire. This fort used the granite stones of the same hill were it was built. A huge mining area is also found on the beneath of this hill's were a deep pond exists naturally. It is said that few thick granite stones were mined from here and took them to the top of the hills and the left over pit became the famous pond to the nearby temple found here. Lead and lime stones are used as the bonding mix in its construction. Its ramparts are very strongly built with very unique mason works. This fort is designed in a curved stretch on this citadel mount. These curves of this fort look as a bastions. It has got a major gateway to enter this fort area. The inner part of this fort is found with few living complexes. These are found with stone roofs. These roofs are made of monolith stones and placed beautifully on its tops and looks like a traditional house. There are many rocks carved caves found here. It may be the settlement for the forts servants in those times. These caves are having very good cooling effect in the summer days. This for has got a vast open areas. These open places were used for garrison purposes here.

Laling Fort History

Laling Qila was built by an Islamic kingdom named the Kandesh in the central west parts of India in the medieval period. Its first king was the Malik Raja. They lived here and were captured by the Bhaminis, who were ruling the south of this province. The king and his son were likely relieved by a military force coming from the Gujarath province. This fort was their residence and court yard from 1382 AD to 1601 AD. In the 17th century it swathe Mughal aggression for territory conflicts. On the same time the Bhamanis were also in a territory expansion program and found this fort to be a hindrance going towards the north. At last the Mughals controlled these areas by defeating them and by making them into friendly provinces. The 18th century swathe peak of colonialism and the British East India Company took over this fort and made it's a defense ground. After independence of India this fort is left as dungeon. Also this fort was many times damaged in the local wars and no one turned up to use this fort later. Now what are seen are the only ruined parts of this ancient antique structure on this hilltop.

Laling Fort Tourism Importance

Laling Qila is an ancient cute fort worth seeing. The Dhule town can be viewed from this hilltop fort, which is a picturesque place. One can get a beautiful trekking experience to reach its top of these hills. This hill is not much steep and easily accessible by all. This is a heritage site and protected monument in the Maharashtra State.