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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