Bhuragarh Fort was built during the 17th century by King Guman Singh. Historical importance of this fort is related to the sons of Maharaja Chhatrasal, Hridaya Shah and Jagat Rai. Jagat Rai’s son Kirat Singh repaired this fort in 1746 A.D None Arjun Singh was given the responsibility of looking after the Bhuragarh Fort. In 1787, the rulership of Banda came to Ali Bahadur. The fort remained under his rule for some time. But after some time, Rajaram Dauwa and Laxman Dauwa took the fort under their control. It was ruled by Guman Singh’s grandson. None Arjun Singh was deeply trusted and got the rulership of Banda. But he died after some time. After his death, Nawab Ali Bahadur again took control of the fort. In 1802, Nawab also died and Gaurihar Maharaj took the administration.
The history of the rebellion is associated with this fort. The great freedom struggle against the British Empire took place on 14th June 1857. Nawab Ali Bahadur II led the battle. In this struggle of Nawabs against the English joined revolutionist from Kanpur, Allahabad and Vihar. The battle was more fierce than expectation. On 5th June 1857, revolutionaries killed joint magistrate Cockrail. More than 3000 revolutions died in the battle between the English and the revolutions of Banda on 16 April 1858. But only 800 deaths were reported in the gazette of Banda. Graves of revolution are found inside and outside of the fort.
There is also a story of Nuts. It is said that the famous Natbali mela is held there every year in the memories of a Nat who sacrificed his life for the princess of Banda. King of Banda declared that if someone could cross the Ken River with the help of a cotton rope, the king would get her daughter married to him. Nat agreed with the condition and started to cross the river. But he came near the bank, the king cut the rope and Nat died by drowning. That is the tragic story of Nat that people still have memories of and arrange a fair called Natbali.
