Unveiling the Ruins of Teliagarhi Fort

 

A Journey through Time: Unveiling the Ruins of Teliagarhi Fort #Jharkhand #Hidden History.

Ever travelled through the eastern tapestry of Jharkhand, weaving my way through Sahibganj, Raj Mahal, and Dumka? On such an adventure, I found myself alongside my friend Brajesh ji, a former colleague, historian, and published author. With his 18 years of experience in Dumka, his knowledge of the region's topography was unparalleled.

As we journeyed from Sahibganj to Raj Mahal, Brajesh pointed out a majestic fort, now reduced to captivating ruins. We spent an hour exploring the remnants, capturing their stories through photographs. Being a historian, Brajesh shared the fascinating tale of Teliagarhi Fort. Though weathered by time, its spirit remained.

The fort, built by a Teli  Zamindar (landlord) who is said to have converted to Islam during Shah Jahan's reign, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Interestingly, the Maa Raksisthan temple, established in 1819, lies nearby, a testament to the region's religious diversity.

Located just 9 kilometers from Sahibganj and approximately 445 kilometers from Ranchi, Teliagarhi Fort boasts a rich history. It served as a crucial gateway for Muslim armies venturing from northern India into Bengal from the 13th century onwards. Historical accounts mention figures like Bakhtiyar Khilji, Sher Shah Suri, Humayun, Prince Khurram, and Ibrahim Khan, all of whom are said to have played their part on this very stage.

Sahibganj, the district encompassing Teliagarhi, is intricately linked to the fort's story. Evidence suggests that the area was inhabited since ancient times by the Maler (Mal Paharias) tribe, who continue to reside in the Raj Mahal hills. Their languages paint a vibrant linguistic landscape, with Hindi, Bengali, and Santhali being spoken. The Santhal or Munda tribe, Jharkhand's largest, also calls this region home, while the Banjara tribe, the smallest, lives in traditional thatched huts. Interestingly, a well known as "Bhagwa Kuan," built in 1915 to commemorate Edward VII, still serves as a source of drinking water for the locals.

This journey through Teliagarhi Fort and Sahibganj was a captivating blend of history, culture, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry woven into the very fabric of Jharkhand.

To reach Teliagarhi one has to take taxi or auto from Sahibganj railway station, the nearest airport is Deogarh.

Pictures of  Teliagarhi Fort






 ruins.

Text and Photos by Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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