Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi

Built-in the year 1750, the Ramnagar Fort was established by Maharaja Balwant Singh. Designed prominently as a fortification, the structure stands for warfare situations. An elegant Mughal style architecture brings out the beauty of the fort from all the angles. Standing on an elevated ground, the fort lies on the eastern bank of river Ganga and hence becomes inaccessible during flooding. Various carvings, balconies, pavilions, and beautiful courtyards are well fitted in and around the fort. Host to various Hindu festivals such as Ram Navmi and Dushhera, only one part of the fort is accessible to the public while the rest is the official residence of the royal family. Adjoining to the fort is the royal museum which is a popular attraction. Vintage cars, ivory works, religious manuscripts, and ancient weaponry incorporate the exhibition of the museum. Due to its magnificent location, it is used as a frequent shooting spot for various films and television shows.

An 18th-century massive fort which is located on the eastern banks of river Ganga. Built by Raja Balwant SIngh, it is houses magnificent courtyards, ceremonial rooms, temples and elegant museum. Used as a prominent film making location, various Hindu festivals are celebrated here on a grand scale.

The Ramnagar Fort is a fortification in Ramnagar, Varanasi, India. It is located near the Ganga River on its eastern bank, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat. The sandstone structure was built in the Mughal style in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. At present, the fort is not in a good shape. The current king and the resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh, who is also known as the Maharaja of Varanasi even though this royal title has been abolished since 1971.

History

The Ramnagar Fort was built by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh in 1750 who hails from Bhumihar Brahmin, originally gautam gotra of kithoo Mishra family. Inscriptions on the outer ramparts of the fort date it to the seventeenth century.

Architecture

The building was constructed with creamy-coloured chunar sandstone. It is built in typical Mughal style of architecture. The fort houses the Veda Vyasa Temple, a museum, and the king's residential complex. There is also a Dakshin Mukhi temple of Hanuman, which faces towards south.The fort has been built on high ground, which is above the flood level. The fort has many carved balconies, open courtyards and pavilions. Only a part of the structure is open for public viewing as the rest of it is the residence of Kashi Naresh and his family. The flag on the fort is raised when the Maharaja is in residence in his palace fort. Within the fort, the palace has two white towers, which are accessed by a flight of steps. At the end of the flight of steps, there is an archway and many courtyards that lead to the white tower. The private residence of the Maharaja is on one side of the tower while the Durbar Hall and reception rooms are on the other side. An inscription on the fort wall attests "Fortified House of the Rajah of Benares, with his state Boat".