Talegaon, an industrial town on the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. Definitely not known for its rich heritage, yet is host to a fort. A land fort, built on the bank of a small river, completely neglected. A little research told me it is an 18th century fort. Definitely not grand but a part of our history, so I felt very sad to see it in this state. Built by Sarsenapati Khandojirao Yesajirao Dabhade in the year 1720-21. India is punctuated with forgotten structures of historical value. This being one of many.
It had a grand doorway that showed signs of a missing door that would once have guarded it against enemies. There is a temple inside and nothing more. The formidable fort walls now protect nothing but a dilapidated mint factory. I wondered, how much of royalty had this fort see? Why is it being neglected? Why are the stones silent? Who should they speak to? …what will they say? I wonder!
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Photographs: Jyotika Karve
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