The historical Raibania fort of Odisha, which once upon a time was providing security to the State, now needs renovation for its own security. Due to lack of proper maintenance this historical fort is in a dilapidated condition.
Situated in present day’s Balasore district of Odisha, the Raibania fort complex is considered as the biggest medieval fort of eastern India. There was a time when this castle was providing security to the State from the invasion of Moghuls, Afghans and Marathas by working as a shield.
The fort has both mythological and historical importance. Situated in the West Bengal boarder Raibania fort was one of the last independent forts of eastern India. It is a witness to many historical instances.
Mythological link
It is said Raibania fort was the place of king Veerat of the Mahabharata time. The Pandavas had spent time here during their ‘Agnyatbas’ (living in disguise) of one year along with Draupadi. It was part of the Matsya dynasty. That means the place was under the kingdom of King Veerat. Raibania was said to be his capital. The prime deity of King Veerat was Goddess Kichakeswari. She was being worshipped inside this fort in a temple.
As per legends there was a huge meadow that spread from Raibania to Kaptipada of Mayurbhanj. After long time, a king of Mayurbhanj from the Bhanja dynasty shifted the deity from here to Khiching and established Her there. It is said, where now Maa Gadachandi is being worshipped, the temple of Goddess Kichakeswari was there.
Location
Raibania fort is situated at a distance of about 65 km away from the Balasore district Head quarter and 14 km from Jaleswar. There is difference of opinion regarding the time of its construction. However, many historical anecdotes and mythological legends are associated to it.
The area of this fort is even bigger than that of the historic Barabati fort of Cuttack in Odisha. Raibania fort has been surrounded by River Subarnarekha from three sides while it was connected to dry land only in the western side. Again, this side was full of deep forest. And hence it was a safe place in lieu of external attack. Besides, there were other forts and ditches which were also like shields to this fort. The military preparations that was going on inside Raibania fort was hard to be guesstimated by the enemies.
As per mythological narrations, the length of Raibania fort was 4 jojana or 12 square mile. Here large number of war horses and elephants along with about 5 thousand soldiers were stationed. A deep water body called Gadakhai had also surrounded the fort.
Raibania fort in history
As per historians Raibania fort was a centre for training of soldiers as well as the cavalry and elephantry in between 1238 and 1264 AD. This fort was providing security to the erstwhile Udra State.
During invasion of Qutb al-Din Aibak to Utkal, this fort played a vital role to provide safety. It is said that during the reign of King Ananga Bhima Deva III in 1191 Muhammad of Ghor had invaded India. He had taken over the throne of Delhi after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan at Delhi and Ajmer. Then he returned back to his own place. However, he had given the charge to rule the place to his General Qutb al-Din Aibak. After one year Qutb al-Din attacked erstwhile Odisha. However, he was defeated as the Raibania fort worked as a security shield.
Later during the reign of Langula Narasingha Deva this fort received a facelift as per the eighteenth century construction style. Another 18 numbers of small forts were also erected nearby. Kings were given charge of these forts and they provided security to this fort. It is claimed there were secret tunnels through which the soldiers used to come outside to fight with the enemies. There were 7 moats (called Gadakhai in Odia) around the fort.
Present day condition
At present, we can witness remnants of a number of ancient statues and other constructions scattered around 10 miles of Raibania fort. The locals have demanded renovation of the fort. After long demand the place has got recognition as a tourist place but facilities and communication are yet to be developed. There is no much development in the infrastructure. The 130 year old Lord Jagannath temple near the fort is also in a dilapidated condition now.
Demand
Researchers have opined that archaeological department should come forward for preservation of this historical fort so that this will draw visitors from places across the world to this ancient heritage site. The locals have demanded for its preservation, maintenance and development as a tourist place.
Govt initiatives
In 2015 the then Culture Minister of Odisha Ashok Panda had paid visit to this fort and focussed on a master plan for renovation of this fort. Later on July 13, 2019 sitting Tourism Minister Jyotiprakash Panigrahi also visited the place and discussed with the locals and local representatives regarding its maintenance and security. Following his visit, the works of the road connecting to the fort, welcome gate and drinking water facilities and lighting works were initiated. However, it was stopped halfway and yet to be completed.
Asked about it Jaleswar MLA Aswini Patra has said that the road work of the road connecting to the fort has started. Also, erection of a welcome gate has begun that will be made with Rs 25 lakh from the Tourism Dept. Besides, another Rs 25 lakh has been sanctioned for lighting and beautification. Facility for drinking water has also been made. Also, a guest house will be constructed while overall infrastructure will also be developed here with Rs 50 lakh from the urban scheme. Balasore MP also said that soon the renovation work of the fort will commence while all other arrangements will be made.
With inputs from Radhagobinda Das, Jaleswar
Ms Kalinga