Bilaspur, located on the southeast side of the river Satluj in Himachal Pradesh, is a region rich in history and natural beauty. Divided into the new and old Bilaspur Township, the new Bilaspur is perched atop the old one at a height of 670 meters above sea level. One of the district’s most remarkable historical sites is the Bahadurpur Fort, located on the highest point in Bilaspur district, on the Bahadurpur hills, standing tall at an elevation of 1980 meters.
Location and Geography
The Bahadurpur Fort is situated about 40
kilometers from Bilaspur, near Tepra Village in Paragana Bahadurpur Tehsil
Sardar. Tepra is part of Bilaspur Tehsil and falls under the Tepra Panchayath.
From the heights of the Bahadurpur hills,
visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of various tourist attractions such as
Ratanpur Fort, Swarghat, the Fatehpur Fort, and the Naina Devi hill. The hill is
divided into two parts by the Ali Khad stream: the northern part known as Tatoh
and the southern part as Bahadurpur. Bahadurpur proper is the highest point in
Bilaspur district and is home to a unique patch of dense oak forest, the only
one in the district. The deodar trees, though not native, were introduced in
the 1920s and now flourish alongside the oak trees.
Historical Significance
The Bahadurpur Fort, constructed by Raja Keshab Sen in 1620 AD, holds a significant place in Indian history. It is part of the rich Chanderi heritage, akin to the Tiun Fort and the Sariun Fort. The erstwhile state of Mandi had Bilaspur and Suket as its neighbours in the south and a British-governed territory to the north. The history of Mandi and Suket is intertwined, with the earliest ruler of Mandi being Sahu Sen. Bahu Sen, his younger brother, had nine descendants, with Raja Keshab Sen being the seventh in line. He built the Bahadurpur Fort during times of war to provide a stronghold against enemies. Archaeologists believe that the fort was once a formidable structure with high walls that provided security and intimidation.The fort’s name, derived from the word "Bahadur" (meaning brave), signifies the valor of the warriors who once defended it.
Summer Abode of Raja Bijai Chand
Raja Bijai Chand, a notable ruler of Bilaspur, had his summer abode constructed near the Bahadurpur Fort. He did not stay permanently in Bilaspur. He
built two houses for his residence – one in Varanasi and a summer house in
Bahadurpur. As a result, he spent a couple of months in Banaras almost every
year during the winter. Seeking respite from the
intense summer heat, the fort’s higher altitude provided a cooler and more
pleasant climate.
Raja Bijai Chand introduced several
administrative reforms, including
- The system of court fee and non-judicial stamps.
- Built a temple on Tiun Dhar,
- Established a water supply system in Bilaspur town, and
- Constructed the famous Rang Mahal palace in Bilaspur.
Natural Beauty
Despite its dilapidated state, Bahadurpur Fort continues to captivate visitors.The fort is surrounded by beautiful deodar and banyan trees, making it a favored destination for tourists, especially in the winter months when the area experiences occasional snowfall. The lush green valleys and snow-covered landscapes create a mesmerizing view. A rest house is located at the center of the hill, offering comfortable accommodation for visitors amidst the scenic surroundings.
Recognizing the fort's historical and tourism potential, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has proposed developing the area into a tourist hub. Plans include the construction of a guest house, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty while unraveling the mysteries of Bahadurpur Fort.
While the fort's physical structure may be in ruins, its legacy lives on. As a symbol of valor and resilience, Bahadurpur Fort continues to inspire awe and wonder, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time and nature.
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