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Sitabuldi
Fort, site of the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, is located atop a hillock
in central Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by Mudhoji II
Bhonsle, also known as Appa Sahib Bhosle, of the Kingdom of Nagpur, just
before he fought against the British East India Company during the Third
Anglo-Maratha War.
The area
surrounding the hillock, now known as Sitabuldi, is an important
commercial hub for Nagpur. To the south is Nagpur Railway Station and
behind it is Tekdi Ganapati, a temple of Ganesha. The fort is now home
to the Indian Army's 118th infantry battalion. From the pre-independent
era, the Sitabuldi Fort, Nagpur has been one of the major tourist spots
of Nagpur.
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During the British Raj
British soldiers who died in the battle of Sitabuldi were buried in
graves in the fort. After their defeat in the Indian Rebellion of 1857,
Tipu Sultan's grandson, Nawab Kadar Ali, and eight of his associates
were hanged on the ramparts of Sitabuldi fort. A mosque is maintained in
the fort to mark the location of the hangings. The graves and mosque are
maintained by the Indian Army as a mark of respect for the gallantry of
all who died. A separate memorial has also been constructed to the
soldiers who fell during the colonial period.
Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in the fort from 10 April to 15 May 1923.
King George V and Queen Mary of the United Kingdom gave audience to the
people of Nagpur from the fort during their visit to British India. A
pillar to commemorate the event stands in the fort. The royals were
greeted by a huge crowd gathered at the area towards the present Nagpur
Railway Station.
Current Status
The fort is now home to the Indian Army's 118th infantry battalion
(Territorial Army) Grenadiers. The fort is opened for public on three
days of the year: 26 January, 1 May (Maharashtra Day), and 15 August.
There is a
memorial that is located inside the fort, which is meant to commemorate
the dedication of the soldiers who lost their lives during the
well-known war between the British and the Marathas.
Till
today, people come to visit this fort of Nagpur. For the protection of
the fort, a trough has been created around the fort.
Sources: Wikipedia
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