Varanasi diaries – Ramnagar Fort

When in Varanasi do plan a visit to Ramnagar fort, not because of its historical importance, but because of its magnificence specially when seen from the river front

Ramnagar Fort is situated at a road distance of 14 kms from varanasi. By boat it doesn’t seem far from the ghats.In fact, it is very near to Tulsi ghat.

It was built by Maharaja Balwant singh in 18th century and since then rulers of Varanasi – normally called Kashi Naresh, have been living here.

The current descendent Maharaja Anant Narayan Singh and his family still reside in part quarters of the fort, part has been converted into museum and rest is free. When Maharaja is in his quaters, the flag of the fort is raised as a signal.

Normally people enter from the road side, but the real beauty of the place is the river front.

The fort has some beautiful architecture built in Mughal style with number of carved balconies, arcades, towers, open coutyard and pavilions. Red sandstone is mainly used.

Like a typical fort layout, magnificent enterance to the fort is fortified with security layers. Along the enterence, quarters are laid out. Maybe they would be for guards or security personnel or servants.

There are no guides in the palace and you have to assume a few things.

This is the bird’s eyeview of the beautiful courtyard

The left side arrow indicates a museum which houses weapons, cars, dresses of royal yesteryears. Front white circle indicates the enterance to the quarters of the Maharaja and his family. On its left a blue circle indicates the enterance which leads to the river side.

This is another view of the courtyard.

Just outside the courtyard is an important looking building.

Maybe some important member of the family or kingdom resided here. Maybe the Prime Minister or General. The ground and the stairs in front indicate that maybe this building saw ceremonial functions or rituals.

Such questionmarks, suspense and unanswered questions add to the excitement and mystery of an old fort and one tends to let his imagination loose.

Sideways to this building, there are some more quaters and path leads to some more behind. Maybe here soldiers lived.

Entering the doorway towards river front, passages and stairs lead you to finally the best view.

The river Ganges.

The stairs lead down to the river. Maybe the royal families came down for a dip in the holy river or for prayers or for receiving guests who came by boats.

The balconies and verandas must be used by the residents of the fort to soak in the magnificent view and feel cool soothing breeze in summers when the sun was strong.

It must be a grand facade 300 years back.

Beautiful balcony again to enjoy full view and feel cool breeze.

And one more. Every room had a view. And why would anyone miss it.

Magnificent view of the fort walls. This fort wasn’t made for wars. It was more for residence and protection of royal family.

There is a small temple in front with a flag. It is the spot where Maharishi Ved Vyasa meditated for years. Maharishi Ved Vyasa is known for writing Mahabhartha. It was almost 5000 years before when Rishi Ved Vyasa spent many months or years here. Later on, it came inside the fort and now a temple is there on the same spot as a respect to one of the most revered sages of India.

When you visit a fort, enjoy, feel and savour the aura and vibrations of the bygone era. Forts used to be centre of decisions, wars etc which gave shape to the society and country. Every wall, every room, every passage, every building has a story to tell. Every corner has witnessed history happening.

When visiting a fort, keep ample time, do not be in a hurry, silence your mind and hear the fort talking to you.

Note: Please visit my article on the beautiful Ghats of Varanasi