Early History: Utnoor Gond Fort, also known as the Gondwana citadel, was constructed around 1309 AD and served as the capital of the Gond kings for over 230 years. The fort rose to prominence under the Gond dynasty, who ruled large parts of central India. The original structure was built with brick-and-mortar ramparts and mud inner walls, but its most iconic feature – the tall arched inner gate – displays a unique blend of Persian influence and indigenous Gond architecture.
The fort saw centuries of neglect, yet the inner gate, step-well, and remnants of the living quarters still stand. The step-well (baoli), modeled after Rajasthan's famous step wells, features multiple levels with changing rooms – an uncommon feature in Telangana. Today, the Gond Fort is a symbol of tribal heritage and demands urgent conservation, including proposals to convert it into a museum.
🏛️ Architectural Layout – Inner Gate, Darbar Platform & Step-well
The main entrance of Utnoor Fort lies on the east, though it has completely crumbled. Inside, a tall arched inner gate made of stone still stands, leading to the former living quarters and garrison. By the side of the inner gate, a staircase originally led to an elevated platform where the king held court (darbar). The fort’s ramparts were built of brick and mortar, while the inner walls used mud – a practical choice for seismic resistance and insulation.
🏛️ Persian-Gond Arches: According to Kala Ratna awardee Guruji Ravinder Sharma, the arches show Persian influence, but subtle changes – such as the unusually high and massive base – reflect an independent Gond architectural style. This fusion sets Utnoor Fort apart from contemporary Islamic or Kakatiya structures.
💧 Step-well (Baoli): To the left of the inner gate lies a beautifully preserved step-well with cascading steps and chambers at different levels. It includes changing rooms for women of the royal family, an ingenious feature rarely found in Indian step wells. The well is in comparatively better condition and still holds water during monsoons.
👑 King Hanmanth Rao & The Golden Era of Welfare
Around 1800 AD, Linga Hanmanth Rao (son of Israi Jangu Bapu) ruled Utnoor as a feudatory to the Ballarsha King. He declared independence and expanded the fort to 15 acres, building strong armouries, granaries, and a royal tank for his queens. Unlike many contemporary rulers, Hanmanth Rao focused heavily on agricultural welfare.
🌾 Welfare Measures: During a severe drought, the king provided free jowar to farmers and personally supervised the digging of 14 large tanks. Among them, Yellamma Cheruvu and Saraswathi Cheruvu still hold water today. He also created the Golusukattu stream to resolve irrigation problems – a pioneering water management scheme. The Shiva temple in Old Utnoor, bearing Gondwana inscriptions with elephant and lion motifs (similar to those seen in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh), was also built during his reign.
🏅 Military Expansion: Hanmanth Rao defeated the Nirmal kings, collecting taxes from them, and extended his dominion up to Chandrapur. Despite expansion, he ensured that Utnoor remained a well-fortified capital with state-of-the-art armouries and a large standing army.
👸 First Gond Queen – Girijarani & The Shah Title
As Hanmanth Rao aged, he crowned his daughter Girijarani as the ruler, making her the first Gond queen in history. Historic evidence shows she successfully fought wars against the Nirmal kings. Later, Jagpat Rao (c. 1920–1951) of the Sitagondikar lineage assumed power. To maintain peace, he agreed to pay taxes to the Nizam, who awarded him the title of Shah. Jagpat Rao collected taxes in the Nirmal area on behalf of the Nizam.
🏛️ Rajadev Shah – The Modern Era: After several generations, Rajadev Shah occupied the throne and later became the MLA of Utnoor twice after India’s independence. He is remembered for distributing three acres of land each to poor farmers and donating his ancestral property to girijans (tribal communities). The land where the present ITDA office stands was given free of cost by him.
📐 Fort Layout & Architectural Data
🏛️ Fort Overview
- Total Area: 15 acres
- Construction Date: c. 1309 AD (expanded c. 1800 AD)
- Main Entrance: East side (completely crumbled)
- Inner Gate: Tall arched stone structure, still standing
- Materials: Ramparts: brick & mortar; Inner walls: mud; Inner gate: stone
💧 Step-well & Engineering
- Step-well Type: Multi-level baoli with changing rooms
- Architectural Influence: Rajasthani step-well adapted to local Gond style
- Unique Feature: Separate chambers for royal women at different levels
- Condition: Comparatively well-preserved; water present in monsoon
🏅 Preservation & Current Status
- Current State: Highly dilapidated; urgent conservation needed
- 2017 Initiative: Tourism department selected as heritage spot for development
- Local Demand: Convert fort into a museum (Sudhakar, descendant)
- Educational Value: Girijan leaders urge inclusion of Gond welfare measures in school curriculum
📅 Chronology of Utnoor Gond Fort
💧 Water Heritage – Yellamma Cheruvu, Saraswathi Cheruvu & Queens’ Tank
King Hanmanth Rao’s legacy is etched in the landscape through his water conservation works. The Yellamma Cheruvu and Saraswathi Cheruvu still hold water and support local agriculture. A large tank built for his queens to bathe remains intact, complete with special chambers for changing clothes – a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering and royal comfort of the Gond period. Additionally, the Golusukattu stream created by the king provided irrigation relief to farmers and is still remembered in local folklore.
🌊 Irrigation & Welfare: During a severe drought, King Hanmanth Rao distributed free jowar and commissioned 14 tanks. These water bodies not only mitigated the dry spell but also established him as a benevolent ruler. Historical records document how these measures enhanced agricultural productivity across the kingdom.
🧭 Visitor Information & Nearby Attractions
🚗 How to reach
By road: Utnoor is well connected by road from Adilabad (approx. 70 km) and Hyderabad (approx. 280 km). Regular buses and taxis operate.
Rail: Nearest major railway station is Adilabad (70 km) or Mancherial (90 km).
Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) is the closest, about 290 km away.
⏰ Best time to visit
October – March (pleasant weather).
Visiting Hours: Open all days, sunrise to sunset (no formal ticketing yet).
Entry Fee: Free (nominal local guide fees may apply).
🏛️ Nearby attractions
- Yellamma Cheruvu & Saraswathi Cheruvu – Historic tanks built by King Hanmanth Rao, still water-bearing.
- Shiva Temple (Old Utnoor) – Features Gondwana inscriptions with elephant and lion motifs.
- Kala Ashram (Adilabad) – Founded by Guruji Ravinder Sharma, showcasing tribal art and architecture.
- Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary – Rich biodiversity, about 60 km from Utnoor.
- Jainath Temple – Ancient Jain pilgrimage site near Adilabad.
📚 Primary References
- The Hans India (31 August 2016). “Gond Fort cries for attention”. Link
- The Hindu (13 April 2013). “Utnoor fort sighs loud and clear”. Link
- Telangana Tourism Department (2017). “Utnoor Gond Fort – Heritage Development Plan”.
- Interviews: Sudhakar (descendant of Gond kings) and Guruji Ravinder Sharma (Kala Ratna awardee).
- District Gazetteer, Adilabad – Government of Telangana.