Sambodhi 1996 Vol 20

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 79

Vol. XX, 1996
KALINJAR FORT...
Harshadeva Chandela. Yashovariana is praised as brave (Sūra) who combined in liimself the virtues of Karna, Yudhishthira and Arjuna 16. Dhanga, son and successor of, Yashovarmana, became one of the most powerful rulers of Madhya Desa who caused destruction of enemies and who by prowess of arms equalled even the powerful Hamvīra or Haminīra (i.e. Amira) represents a musliin prince identified as Subuktagin? The fort of Kalinjar was always obsessed with invasions and attacks. In 1202, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the viceroy of Mohammad Ghori took Kalinjar and converted its temples into inosques & Humayun, Sher Shāh Sūrī, Akbar and even Chhatrasal all have exerted their powers in winning or conquering the strongest and magnificent fort of Kalinjar". It witnessed successive invasions and attacks and had long history to speak about its struggle which it survived with its strong ramparts facing thousands of cannon shells and explosives to deface it. In its bosom lies the glory of the past and it welcomes all tliose who wish to see it in gleaming light of its memorable history. Kalinjar not only offers a vivid vision of its memorable history, architecture, art, painting or sculpture but also throws ample light on its life it was enjoying in the grandeur of its royal kingdom it sheltered in its beauty and charın it beckoned and the chivalry and prowess it displayed. The life hereafter with ineaningful philosopliy to live, grow and sublime still speaks from its mute broken images and belold a vivid picture of the fort in our inner eye. It imbued in itself the strong ancient citadels of Dholavīrā, Mohenjadaro and other Indus sites accommodating in it granderous royal structures, planning and civic conveniences of life20. It also displayed the rock like solid China Wall for invaders and attackers who envied the grandeur and magnificence of the fort of Kalinjara, focusing the claiins of ancient Indian architecture and planning.
REFERENCES : 1. Imperial Gazetteer of India, (IGO) Vol. XIV, Oxford, 1908, p. 311. 2. ibid. 3. Vālmīki Rāmāyana, Uttara-kānda, 59; Mahābhārata, Vanaparva, 59; Harivamsa, 21;
and Kalinjara-mahatmya of the Padınapurāņa mentions : Ardhayojana-vistirnan tat ksetram mama mandiram / Kalinjareti vikhyātai inuktidai siva-sannidhau // Gangaya daksine bhage kalinjara iti snitaḥ / Sarvatirtha-phalam tava pundancaiva hyanantakam // Kalanjara-sainam ksetram nasti brahmanda-golake //