Kirti Durg

About Kirti Durg

The fort was first constructed by the 11th century Pratihara king Kirti Pal and carries his name. What stands today is not the original: it has been rebuilt several times and added to by later rulers including Mahmood Khilji and Durjan Singh Bundela. Built on the highest point of Chandragiri Hill, it is the defining sight of Chanderi and is visible from virtually every point in the town and well beyond it.

Its five kilometre perimeter encloses enough monuments to fill a visit on its own. Chanderi's importance in the past is clear from the number of attacks mounted on this fort, the most famous being Babur's assault in 1528, which led to the mass ritual suicide, or jauhar, of more than 600 Rajput women. The memorial to that event stands within the fort premises. There are three ways up: the original planned route through the Khooni Darwaza and Hawa Paur, a climb to the Jageshwari Temple followed by another steep staircase, and the modern motorable road which is the main approach today. The erstwhile Maharaja of Gwalior, Jivajirao Scindia, built a bungalow on the northern verge of the fort, now a PWD guest house commonly called the Kothi.

Monuments inside the fort

The Khilji mosque

At one end of the enclosure stands the Khilji mosque, with arches and pillars carved in graceful floral ornament alongside verses from the Holy Quran. It is the single most rewarding piece of carved work inside the fort walls.

The Baradari viewpoint

The Baradari commands a view not only over the city but over the ruined Kirat Sagar, the Kati Ghati gateway and Babur Katan. It is the best vantage point on the hill, and the sunset from here is the one most visitors come for.

The jauhar memorial and other sites

The memorial to the jauhar of 1528 is within the premises, along with the Baiju Bawra memorial, the Gilaua Taal and an English soldier's gravestone. Hawa Paur, the Naukhanda Palace and the tomb of Hazrat Abdul Rahman Narnuli are the other points of interest to look for.

Planning your visit

With a five kilometre perimeter and several separate monuments inside, the fort is a half day rather than a quick stop. Choose your approach before you start.

• The modern motorable road is the easiest way up.
• The historic route runs through the Khooni Darwaza and Hawa Paur.
• A third approach climbs from the Jageshwari Temple by a steep staircase.
• Time your visit to end at the Baradari for sunset.

Best time to visit

October to March is the season for a hill fort with this much walking in the open. Late afternoon is the ideal arrival, which allows time for the mosque and the memorials before finishing at the Baradari for the sunset view over the town and the Kirat Sagar.