Balasore: A number of forts, which are now in ruins scattered all over Balasore district, speak volumes about the area’s glorious past.
One of the famous forts is Raibania. Remains of the forts are still standing at Amarda, Bardian, Jaleswar, Deulaga, Gadapada, Gadakirtishala, Remuna Katak, Banida and Olmaragada. The history behind these forts is intriguing, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of ancient Orissa.
Forts played a key role during the rule of the kings of Ganga and Gajapati dynasties here. The kings built forts to defend against foreign invasions and to launch military expeditions against other kingdoms.
During the rule of Emperor Akbar, his counselor Abul Fazal had visited Raibanai and 13 other forts in Orissa. Abul Fazal had mentioned the architectural designs of these forts in his travelogues.
According to historians, Raibania area was encircled by the Subarnarekha on three sides. It was located 70 km from Balasore. Raibania fort was built at Fatimabad area.
The identity of the fort’s builder is however steeped in mystery, with several folklores and legends surrounding it.
Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan in his Lachhma novel stated that the forts was named after king Baliar Singh while many others argue that ‘rai’ (ragi) was produced in huge quantity in the area and thus it was named as Raibania.
Former Chief Minister Dr Harekrushna Mahatab wrote that the word Remuna came from Raibania Abul Fazal in Ein-E-Akbari mentioned the name of the fort as Raino. May historians are also of the opinion that Raibania derived its name from Raino.
Many historians inferred that the fort was built by King Langula Narasinghadev in the 13th Century. Being one of the major forts in the country, Raibania fort was instrumental for then rulers in repulsing onslaughts from Muslim rulers.
Its imposing structure and architecture was a marvellous treat for visitors
Its ramparts on the north and east sides was 1650 gauge; 880 gauge on the north-west; 1550 gauge on the south-west; and 880 gauge on the south.
The walls and ramparts were built only with huge blocks of laterite stone. The fort was surrounded by dense forest.
According to British officer John Bims, the fort consisted of five cells sprawling over six square/kms and bigger than the Barabati fort. In the past, small forts were set up inside the premises of Raibania.
Two huge forts are now lying in ruins. Then, the forts used to house a palace, storehouse, and army barracks.
Bims described that there were Satagambhira Attalika and Jaychandi Bhawan on the premises of the fort. On the premises, soldiers used to learn martial skills. A huge pond was there in front of the main fort. Over the course of time, the pond has vanished.
The east gate of the fort was named as Hati Dwar, the east gate as Singha Dwar, the north gate Jungle Diwar and the west as Khetrapal Dwar.
On the east of the fort, it was connected with a waterway to river Subarnarekha.
However, the fort began to crumble and was eventually reduced to ruins after King Mukunda Dev’s death. PNN
