Over 50 / commonly numbered as 56 (chhappan) temples were built in the
fort. There are 8 large temples all atop 8-10 meter high pedestals (the outline of
temples on the map is the size of the pedestals not the size of the temples). The
remains of many atleast half of the other 50 small temples can also be
discerned. Many other residences and palaces remains still stand/can be seen. 2
colonades and or bazar are clearly visible and depicted on the map. While it is said that the fort was created just after the first muslim invasion c. 1025ce - I do not believe so rather that the temples-fort preceed the muslim invasions, by 100-200 years.
The fort contents and adjoining ancient inhabitation site
have been extensively dug up and damaged - due to the government having never taken any step to protect and preserve it. In the process of digging up the
centers of the large temples the pieces have tossed to the side/down
the elevated pedestals resulting in damage to much of the large temple pieces. One
large temple has been dug into +5 meters deep (appearing like a well from a
distance). The fort falls under the gram
pancayat of Alampur (not a muslim village) many of whose natives dig up the
fort and surrounding area for treasure : as a living. One may likely encounter
them, carrying old rifles and would likely be asked “ what are you doing here?”
“looking at the fort” “looking ? looking at what?”
In the hayday of the treasure hunting here (80-90s) the
government regularly confiscated artifacts from the villages – yet have not
taken a single step to preserve the fort and its temple.
Nearby is a dome shapped hill with ruins of a temple atop
it, while a Raja of Karauli built temples to Sri Muralimanohar (Sri Radha
Krsna) in Bhojpur and Kanchanpur (as well as in many other ancient villages of/in
the Karauli kingdom.)
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