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Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan
Fort
1,020 views
4X47+372, Dhola Kuna, Hansi, Haryana 125033, India
Added on Mon, Nov 17, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Year Built
1150 CE (12th century)
Period
Tomara Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Anangpal Tomar II
Patronage
Tomara Dynasty of Delhi
Material Used
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 17, 2025
Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan
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Heritage Overview
Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan
Asigarh Fort, also known as Hansi Fort or Prithviraj Chauhan Fort, stands as a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India in Hansi, Hisar district. The fort complex spans approximately 30 acres in a square configuration with security posts at four corners. Current visitor access operates daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with closures on Mondays. Entry remains free for all visitors. The site lacks formal visitor infrastructure: no wheelchair access, restrooms, guides, souvenir shops, or food stalls are available. Informal parking exists near the entrance. The fort's weathered gateways, bastions, and ramparts present an exposed environment requiring morning or evening visits to avoid harsh sunlight. Archaeological excavations in 1982 recovered 58 Jain bronze images from the 8th–9th century CE, establishing the site's pre-medieval significance. The monument requires extensive restoration to address structural deterioration and unauthorized occupancy issues documented in recent ASI assessments.
Historical Context
Asigarh Fort, also known as Hansi Fort, represents one of India's oldest medieval strongholds, with foundations attributed to Anangpal Tomar II of the Tomara dynasty in the 11th century. Archaeological evidence including ancient coins and early medieval remains indicates the mound beneath the fort had been inhabited since before the Common Era. The fort's military importance grew during Tomar and Chauhan dynasties, with Prithviraj Chauhan expanding fortifications in the 12th century. Following Prithviraj Chauhan's defeat by Muhammad Ghori in 1192 CE, the fort came under Delhi Sultanate control. During the Mughal period, the fort retained regional importance, witnessing visits by Guru Gobind Singh and the siege of Banda Singh Bahadur in the early 18th century. In 1798, Irish adventurer George Thomas rebuilt the fortress and established it as his capital, but it was annexed by the British East India Company in 1803. The British transformed the fort into a cantonment, which suffered damage during the 1857 uprising. The fort was subsequently abandoned, having suffered damage from repeated attacks. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India preserves the monument as a protected site of national importance.
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Main Fort: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
October to March: The weather is most pleasant during these months (15-25°C), making it ideal for exploring the fort comfortably. Early mornings or late afternoons are recommended to avoid the midday sun and for a more peaceful experience.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Tomara Period
Influences
Medieval Indian Fort Architecture, Hindu Fort Design, Islamic Architecture, Tomar Dynasty Architecture, Chauhan Dynasty Architecture, Military Architecture, Defensive Architecture, Indo-Islamic Architecture
Heritage Status
Protected Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India
Preservation Status
Poor, requiring extensive restoration. The fort has suffered from neglect, unauthorized occupancy, and structural deterioration. Recent ASI assessments document the need for comprehensive conservation work to preserve remaining architectural features.
Conservation Status
Poor, requiring extensive restoration. The fort has suffered from neglect, unauthorized occupancy, and structural deterioration. Recent ASI assessments document the need for comprehensive conservation work to preserve remaining architectural features including gateways, ramparts, and the Baradari pavilion.
Archaeological Survey
Surveyed By
Archaeological Survey of India
Survey Date
1982, 2010, 2015
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Excavation Details
Excavations in 1982 by ASI uncovered the Hansi hoard: 58 Jain bronze images of Tirthankaras and a Buddhist Avalokiteśvara image dating to the 8th–9th century CE. The discovery revealed the fort's role as a hub for Jain trade groups and crafts. Additional excavations recovered ancient coins from periods before the Common Era, establishing the site's pre-medieval significance and continuous occupation.
Restoration Work
Limited restoration work has been conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort requires extensive conservation efforts to address structural deterioration, unauthorized occupancy, and preservation of remaining architectural elements including gateways, ramparts, and the Baradari pavilion.
Patronage
Tomara Dynasty of Delhi
Construction Technique
Building Hansi Fort in the 12th century involved a labor-intensive, sequential process. Artisans first quarried local stone, then dressed and shaped it using chisels and hammers. Skilled masons laid these stones in courses, often employing a dry-stacking method for initial stability, later infilling voids and bonding with lime mortar. Brick and rubble were extensively used for infill and internal structures, providing bulk and economy. Lifting heavy stones likely involved ramps, levers, and human or animal power. The sheer scale of the fort suggests a highly organized workforce, meticulously executing each stage from material preparation to the final plastering of surfaces.
Architectural Influences
Medieval Indian Fort Architecture, Hindu Fort Design, Islamic Architecture, Tomar Dynasty Architecture, Chauhan Dynasty Architecture, Military Architecture, Defensive Architecture, Indo-Islamic Architecture
Building Techniques
The fort's construction showcases robust traditional building techniques, blending regional practices with emerging Indo-Islamic influences. Massive load-bearing walls, characteristic of fort architecture, were meticulously crafted using coursed rubble masonry, often faced with dressed stone for durability and finish. Builders extensively utilized lime plaster, not merely for aesthetics, but as a protective layer against weathering, enhancing the longevity of the masonry. The strategic placement of corner security posts, integrated into the wall fabric, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of defensive architecture, maximizing sightlines and structural integrity at critical points.
Coordinates
29.102200, 75.963900
Accessibility Info
5 items
Visitor Facilities
1 items
Best Visit Times
October to March: The weather is most pleasant during these months (15-25°C), making it ideal for exploring the fort comfortably. Early mornings or late afternoons are recommended to avoid the midday sun and for a more peaceful experience.
Seasonal Events
2 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are requested to maintain cleanliness and not litter within the fort premises.","Defacing or damaging the historical structures and carvings is strictly prohibited.","Photography is generally allowed, but visitors should be respectful of the site's heritage.","Climbing on fragile structures or restricted areas is not permitted for safety and preservation reasons.","Consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is generally discouraged at heritage sites."]
View Count
1020
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-17T06:49:48.413426+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan?
Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan is a historic Fort located in Haryana, India. This Indo-Islamic architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Rajput architecture style, Fort architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Tomara Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of India. Asigarh Fort, also known as Hansi Fort or Prithviraj Chauhan Fort, stands as a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India in Hansi, Hisar district. The fort complex spans approxi...
Category:
FortLocation:
4X47+372, Dhola Kuna, Hansi, Haryana 125033, India, HaryanaPeriod:
Tomara PeriodStyle:
Indo-Islamic architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Rajput architecture style, Fort architecture styleArchitectural Features
- 1Massive defensive walls with strategic bastions
- 2Fortified gateways with elephant-proof defenses
- 3Interior palaces and administrative buildings
- 4Water management systems and storage facilities
Key Features of Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan
- 1Indo-Islamic architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Rajput architecture style, Fort architecture style architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using शिला - Shilā (Stone), ईंट - Īnt (Brick), चूना पलस्तर - Chunā Palastar (Lime Plaster), चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar), सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust), रेत - Ret (Sand), कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar), लोहा - Lohā (Iron), showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using Building Hansi Fort in the 12th century involved a labor-intensive, sequential process. Artisans first quarried local stone, then dressed and shaped it using chisels and hammers. Skilled masons laid these stones in courses, often employing a dry-stacking method for initial stability, later infilling voids and bonding with lime mortar. Brick and rubble were extensively used for infill and internal structures, providing bulk and economy. Lifting heavy stones likely involved ramps, levers, and human or animal power. The sheer scale of the fort suggests a highly organized workforce, meticulously executing each stage from material preparation to the final plastering of surfaces. construction methods
- 4Protected by Archaeological Survey of India
- 5Commissioned by Anangpal Tomar II, reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Poor, requiring extensive restoration. The fort has suffered from neglect, unauthorized occupancy, and structural deterioration. Recent ASI assessments document the need for comprehensive conservation work to preserve remaining architectural features including gateways, ramparts, and the Baradari pavilion.
What Makes Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan Special?
- 1Exceptional example of Indo-Islamic architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Rajput architecture style, Fort architecture style architecture
- 2Royal patronage by Anangpal Tomar II, reflecting historical significance
- 3Long before Prithviraj Chauhan's notable expansions, Asigarh Fort held profound strategic importance as a bulwark against early medieval incursions into the Gangetic plains. In 1037 CE, the fort faced a devastating siege and subsequent sacking by Masud I of Ghazni, a critical event demonstrating its frontier role in defending the Tomara kingdom. This early encounter with Turkic forces, preceding the more famous Ghorid invasions, underscores Hansi's enduring significance as a contested stronghold. Its recapture by the Tomaras solidified its position as a vital military outpost, guarding the western approaches to Delhi and serving as a crucial cantonment for regional forces. Under Prithviraj Chauhan, the fort was not merely expanded but transformed into a formidable administrative and military hub, reflecting the Chauhan dynasty's consolidation of power in the region. It served as a key base for his campaigns and a symbol of Rajput resistance against external threats. Following its capture by Muhammad Ghori, Hansi Fort transitioned into a significant provincial centre for the nascent Delhi Sultanate, often functioning as a staging ground for military expeditions and an administrative headquarters for governors. Later, the fort witnessed a unique chapter under George Thomas, who, in 1798 CE, established his independent kingdom with Hansi as its capital, minting his own coinage and fortifying the complex as his primary residence and military stronghold, a testament to its continued strategic value even in the late 18th century.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan
| ₹Entry Fee | Free for all visitors. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Complete Visitor Guide
How to Visit Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan is located in 4X47+372, Dhola Kuna, Hansi, Haryana 125033, India, Haryana. The nearest major city is 4X47+372. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 29.1022, 75.9639.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: Free for all visitors.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
- 4
Explore the Site
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Historical Timeline
Key Historical Events
Tomara Period
Construction of Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan by Anangpal Tomar II
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Protected Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation