Suitability of Terrain Conditions in Defense Strategy and its Fortification: Architectural Elements of Historical Hindu Gohad Fort in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Rana Jat Ruler Singhandev alias Sambhu Singh, founded the Gohad Fort and Gohad state in 1505. This Fort possesses a unique architecture of Indian Jat Rulers. The similar Jat Architectural style had adopted and utilized in Bharatpur fort of Rajasthan also. The Fort had been constructed, considering the Defense strategy with four Levels of protection. The site was selected on the meandering Scar Zones of River Vaishali, where the meandering takes a semicircular turn. The study reveals that Fluvial Geomorphic conditions of Vaishali River provide the favorable site for fortification and local available building materials utilized in construction (with lime mortar slurry). The permanent water supply was made through three big Ponds. The Navin Mahal constructed by Maharana Chhattra Singh during his reign 1757-1784. At present the fort is under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) possession. The conservation work of Gateways Hathi Pour, Sankal Darwaza was undertaken with constant monitoring by ASI and Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museum of State Govt., funded by World Monument Fund (WMF). The conservation of renovation work was carried out with safety of heritage monument.