Located in Bhind District of Madhya Pradesh, Ater Fort is a strategically built structure in the Chambal ravines, stands on Ater town’s western edge. Constructed with mud, stone, brick, and lime, it was initiated by Bhadauria clan King Badan Singh in 1644 and completed by Maha Singh in 1668, later undergoing repairs by Bakhat Singh before being seized by the Scindia rulers.
Chambal contains a lot of things in itself which appear differently from person to person depending on their thinking and prejudice. River, ravines, wildlife, ecosystem, brave soldiers, hospitality, bandits, guns, etc. etc. Those who know say that Chambal is still the cleanest river of the country and traditional organic farming is still in practice here.
Chambal river passes through three districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Sheopur, Morena and Bhind. Due to not many industrial cities being developed around Chambal river, even today it is cleaner than other rivers. Due to the river, ravines, history, fierce wars and accidents that happened in the past, experts also associate Chambal with the name of dark tourism, eco tourism or heritage tourism. Here innumerable small and big forts, mansions, palaces, etc. are available in abundance which are trying to tell their glorious history.
As per the Projected Directory of Forts in Gwalior State i.e. Gwalior-Chambal Division published by Archaeological Survey of India, prominent forts exists are Bhind Fort, Deogarh Fort, Narwar fort, Gwalior Fort, Karera Fort, Gohad Fort, Chanderi fort, etc.
Ater Fort
Located in Bhind District of Madhya Pradesh, it is a strategically built structure in the Chambal ravines, stands on Ater town’s western edge. Constructed with mud, stone, brick, and lime, it was initiated by Bhadauria clan King Badan Singh in 1644 and completed by Maha Singh in 1668, later undergoing repairs by Bakhat Singh before being seized by the Scindia rulers.
Bhadawar, named after the Bhadauria Rajput clan, once thrived under Mughal suzerainty, with Ater as its capital until Scindia’s conquest in the late 18th century. French traveler Tieffenthaler described Ater Fort as a challenging site to access during the same period, highlighting its formidable location.
The Mahabharata mentions this historic site as Devagiri, reinforcing its legacy as Devagiri Fort, a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers. This ancient fort, steeped in mythology and architectural grandeur, stands as a prominent attraction in India’s rich heritage landscape.
Bhadawar, named after the Bhadauria Rajput clan, once thrived under Mughal suzerainty, with Ater as its capital until Scindia’s conquest in the late 18th century. French traveler Tieffenthaler described Ater Fort as a challenging site to access during the same period, highlighting its formidable location.
Diwan-i-Aam
Beyond the fourth gate, Ater Fort’s western section contains royal residences within three high-walled quadrangles. The eastern quadrangle boasts a large open-air platform, once likely covered by a Shamiana, serving as the Diwan-i-Am for public gatherings
Diwan-i-Khaas
Located in Ater Fort’s central quadrangle—the most significant of the three—a grand square-pillared hall stands, historically serving as the Diwan-i-Khas for private royal gatherings. Today, it is locally referred to as the Kacheri, reflecting its continued importance.
Raja ka Bunglow (King’s pavilion)
A two storied residential wing located in the north of quadrangle belongs to the king. It leads to a vast terrace, its mural-decorated walls once aglow with lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Rani ka Bungalow (Queen’s Pavilion)
A two storied residential wing located in the south of quadrangle belongs to the queen. Both pavilions feature an outward-extending balcony, supported by a rectangular bastion and elegantly adorned with red sandstone screens and chhajjas.
Satkhana
The tallest structure in Ater Fort, stands at the center of the partition wall between the second and third quadrangles. This seven-story tower, a prominent landmark, is visible from afar, adding to the fort’s commanding presence.
Khooni Darwaza
Khooni Darwaza, or “Blooded Gate,” was feared for its mysterious blood-like stains, linked to ritualistic practices involving sheep’s blood. This gate was believed to play a role in royal espionage, marking spies before delivering intelligence.
There are some other places worth seeing within Ater Fort. Like statues of the fort’s founders, Mahal of King Badan Singh and Maha Singh, Khooni Darwaza, Hathiapor (Hathikhana), Krishna Muralidhar Mandir, Barah Khamba Mahal many palaces and monuments which now turned into debris.
The entrance gateway’s roof features wall paintings showcasing portraits of royals and nobles, along with intricate floral and faunal motifs.
Nearby places to see around Ater Fort is Kherat (18 kms from Ater Fort), Chaumo, Tarsokhar, National Chambal Sanctuary.
How To Reach Ater Fort
Ater is located in the Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The best way to reach Ater is:
- By Road: Ater is reached by state highway road (30 kms) which is again connected with Gwalior, Etawah, Morena,etc. Travelers can opt for a private taxi or a public bus to reach the town with ease.
- By Train: The closest railway stations to Ater are Bhind (30 km) and Etawah Railway Station (51 kms), serves as the most convenient rail hub for travelers. The town enjoys excellent connectivity to major cities across India.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport (about 87 km away). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ater.
You can find the Homestays to stay in Ater via Madhya Pradesh Tourism Homestays
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