Navratangarh – The Forgotten Heritage

 

Navratangarh – The Forgotten Heritage 🏰✨

Some journeys leave us with
memories, while others remind us of the forgotten chapters of history. Once,
the Photographic Association of Jharkhand (JAP) organized a photo walk and
invited me to join. Being a travel enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the call of
exploration and boarded the bus with fellow photographers. After a
one-and-a-half-hour ride from Ranchi, we reached Navratangarh, also
known as Doisagarh, a place just 65 km away yet hidden from the
limelight.

First
Impressions

As we arrived, I felt disheartened
at the sight of the crumbling ruins of what was once a glorious fort of the Nagvanshi
dynasty, rulers of the Chotanagpur plateau for nearly 2,000 years.
Wandering around, I struggled to find the perfect frame until I stumbled upon a
pond. Its waters, covered with hyacinth, beautifully reflected the remains of
the main structure—reminding me that even ruins have stories to tell.

A
Glimpse into History

Navratangarh, built between 1636–1639
by King Durjan Shah, served as the capital of the Nagvanshi dynasty
after the shift from Khukhragarh. The fort and palace were constructed using
stone blocks, bricks, and lime mortar—materials that have weathered centuries
of time. Once a thriving capital, today it stands as a neglected monument,
whispering tales of courage, power, and artistry.

The ruins of the Navratna Fort,
the Kamal Sahi Palace, and the Jagannath Temple still carry the
essence of Nagvanshi heritage. Though time has left its scars, the grandeur of
the architecture remains undeniable.

Why
Visit?

Despite being so close to Ranchi,
this historical gem remains lesser-known and rarely visited. Yet, its stunning
landscapes, historical ruins, and architectural backdrops make it a perfect
destination for:

• History lovers

• Photography enthusiasts 📸

• Filmmakers & documentary creators 🎥

• Travelers seeking offbeat experiences

Especially during winter, the
surroundings become a delightful picnic spot for the few who know about it.

How
to Reach?

• By Air:
  Ranchi Airport – approx. 70 km

• By Rail:
  McCluskieganj (27 km), Ranchi (87 km), Latehar (75 km), Hatia (74 km)

• By Road:
  Ranchi to Sisai – around 65 km (1.5 hrs drive).

Places
to Explore at Navratangarh

1. Doisagarh & Navaratna Forts

2. Main Building of Navratangarh Fort (once a nine-storey
   marvel!)

3. Ancient Manohari Paintings on the walls

Final
Thought

Navratangarh may not be as popular
as other tourist spots, but it is a treasure trove of history waiting to
be rediscovered. It deserves attention, care, and recognition—not just as
ruins, but as a proud heritage of Jharkhand. If you are a traveler seeking
stories hidden in stones, add Navratangarh to your bucket list.

📸 Text & Photo by –
Ashok Karan
🔗 ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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