Historic Jagtial fort out of bounds for visitors

JAGTIAL: The 17th century Jagtial fort, which was renovated following Telangana's formation after decades of neglect, has been closed to the public for more than four years despite the fact that it continues to be the venue of official celebrations such as Independence Day, Republic Day, and TS Formation Day after Jagtial district was carved out of Karimnagar in 2016.

The star-shaped fort, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and historians, was built during the reign of Mughal governor Nawab Ibrahim Baig Khan Dhounsa and was designed by French engineers Jack and Tal, after whom the town was named Jagtial. Other historians believe that the town got its name from the Chalukya-era small territory Jaggadhyalam, near present-day Polasa village in Jagtial.

Most of the fort’s interiors were in ruins but, thanks to a much-need facelift in 2016, the fort regained its former glory and began attracting tourists from across the state.

Earlier, the sprawling ground inside the fort was used by locals as a playground and by walkers for jogging. However, the authorities have locked the fort in early 2018, denying locals and tourists access to the historic monument. Heritage enthusiasts are being forced to return without seeing the monument. Minister K.T. Rama Rao had once tweeted about the fort's significance, which piqued the interest of heritage enthusiasts.

Meer Kazim Ali, a local activist and community leader, lamented that schoolchildren had come to visit the fort but had to leave because the structure was locked. “It is unfortunate that the administration is preventing people from visiting the fort despite the renovation, and official functions being held on the grounds. The fort should be open to all, and if necessary, locked at night.”

The fort has over three dozen cannons that are strategically placed along its ramparts. Following the facelift, these cannons were arranged in two columns on either side of the pathway leading to the fort’s end. Many of them bear the name of Muhammad Quasim who, historians said, had got them made. The fort also has a step well in good shape in the north-west corner. The fort is surrounded by a moat (deep trench filled with water).

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Khan Zia, an educationist and author of the book Jagtial Tareekh Ke Jharoke Se (Jagtial through the window of history) says the Mughal-era fort provides a peek into the history, heritage, culture, and the system of governance.

Authorities should make efforts to preserve the centuries-old structure and turn it into a tourist hub. Khan Zia demanded that the authorities set specific visiting hours for tourists so that the many people who come to see the fort are not disappointed. He also stated that the structure should be properly maintained.

Archaeology department assistant director (Karimnagar) Sri Sagar told Deccan Chronicle that the department had appointed a security guard at the fort who retired in 2018. There was no one to look after the monument after that, so it was closed.