The land of Jharkhand is not only rich with its mineral wealth as known to the outside world but it also has rich cultural and historical heritage that perhaps has remained in oblivion for centuries. The tales of some of these historical treasures buried deep in folk stories could be seen when one begins a journey to the not-so visited sites across the State.
Navratangarh (Doisagarh) — site of an about 900-year-old dilapidated nine storied fort — is located in Sisai block of Gumla district in Jharkhand. The site which is about 80 kms from Ranchi, is located at a distance of about 8 kms from NH 23. The condition of road from Sisai suburb to Navratangarh is miserable.
Story of Navratangarh has been glorious and at times brutal too. It has swallowed a large number of mysteries through its pseudopodia like arms. The place was once the capital of Nagvansi rulers of Jharkhand who gave this province the name Chotanagpur. The site has boundary walls.
Although the department of art and culture had allocated Rs 100 crore for the conservation and development work of heritage sites in the State back in the year 2013, the condition of the site remains the same.
In five years 27 selected heritage sites in Jharkhand including Navratangarh was to be undertaken. However, no sign of any work could be traced at the site.
“In Jharkhand there are a few forts and palaces. This place has the potential to be a tourist place. We spent about three hours here and returned with many questions unanswered. A number of legends associated with this place need recognition,” said a young traveler Abhjit Jha, who visited the lost kingdom of Nagvanshi rulers with his wife Sonali and daughter Tasha.
Abhijit gathered from the locals that the King Durjay Sal after his release from Mughal captivity established this beautiful palace about 900 years ago.
