Asirgarh Fort

Located in the historical town of Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, the Asirgarh Fort was built by a zamindar (Land owner) known as Asa Ahir of the Ahir dynasty in the 15th Century. The fort is spread over a total area of more than 60 acres, and is situated about 20 kilometres to the north of Burhanpur. Even though the Asirgarh Fort is now in ruins, it still holds immense importance for history lovers as well as for those who wish to simply explore the beauty of a monument that once held esteem and prestige, but unfortunately could not escape the ravages of time. It is known to be an impregnable fort and has never been taken by force!

The fort remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM. There are no entry fees to enter the fort.

The Asirgarh Fort was built by the Ahir dynasty emperor Asa Ahir in the 15th century. When Nasir Khan of Khandesh, a ruler of the Faruqui Dynasty, requested Asa Ahir to provide shelter to his family members, especially women, in the fort since these people were under some potential threat, the latter agreed. This, however, was a conspiracy and no sooner had the family members been allowed to enter that some trained soldiers under Nasir Khan killed Asa Ahir and all his family members. The fort then came under Nasir Khan's empire. Nasir Khan's descendant Miran Bahadur Khan, who ruled from 1596 to 1600, refused to pay homage to the Mughal Emperor Akbar and his son Daniyal and asserted his independence. Enraged, Akbar marched Burhanpur in 1599 and captured the entire city. He then also besieged the fort and captured it on 17 January in 1601. Finally, during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the British forces took the pettah of Asirgarh on 18 October 1803. Eventually, the fort's garrison surrendered on 21 October in the same year.

The architectural style of the fort was heavily influenced by the Mughals and is a combination of the Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian styles of architecture. The fort has been constructed of stone, lead and limestone. Peculiarly enough, it houses a temple, a mosque, and a Gurudwara in its confines.

• Dargah-E-Hakimi : Dargah-e-Hakimi, is one of the holiest places for the Dawoodi Bohra Muslims in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is located about 3 km from Gandhi Chowk in Burhanpur.
• Jama Masjid, Burhanpur : The Jama Masjid isa monument and a worshipping place and that is what makes it the most sought-after attractions in the heart of Burhanpur. It is located at the very center of town in Gandhi Chowk.
• Zenana Hammam : The most important and beautiful part of the remnants of the Shahi Qila is the Zenana Hammam(bath). It is the perfect blend of styles inspired from both Mughal and Persian civilizations.
• Shahi Qila : Originally built by rulers of the Farooqi Dynasty around 1500 CE, this fort is famed for housing Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during his two-year stay in the city to quell a revolt among kingdoms in southern India. However, Shah Jahan became very fond of the fort hence it was here that he established his court for the first three years of his ascending the throne. He also built Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas on the terrace of the Qila.

• Heena Restaurant : If you are in Burhanpur and are looking for a pure veg restaurant, then, Heena Restaurant is one of the best places for you to be at.
• Gurukripa Restaurant : A quintessential restaurant for all your food cravings. Gurukripa Restaurant, not only serves authentic Rajasthani food, but also serves various other cuisines.
• Panchvati Restaurant : Panchvati is a one of the renowned Pure Veg Restaurant and is one of the most sought-after Restaurants in Belgaum.
• Rahmania Restaurant : Rahmania Restaurant: One of the few places in the city where you can gorge on non-vegetarian food. The place serves multi-cuisine food.