The Makwanpur fort was the capital of the Sen kings for 197 years. It is believed to have been built by Luwang Sen in 1622. Historically, archeologically and strategically important, this fort is located about 17 kilometers northeast of today's Makwanupar district headquarters Hetauda. At least its historical aspect should be discussed, but it has not happened.
After the conquest of Nuwakot, Prithvinarayan Shah attacked Makwanpur. According to his strategy of weakening the Malla kings of Kathmandu, Makwanpur was his choice. It shows the importance of the Makwanpur fort in the unification of Nepal.
Digbandhan Sen, with the help of Mirkasim, attacked the fort of Makwanpur, which was under the control of the Gurkha, on 10 January 1819, with 2,000 troops and 3,000 troops, including 1,000 contingents. The Nawab's army was defeated in a battle that lasted for 10 hours at Sikarkateri while ascending the fort. In that battle, a small number of Gorkhali troops were led by Ram Krishna Kunwar. The locals had assisted the Gurkha army with home-made weapons. According to historians, 1,700 soldiers from Mirkasim were killed in the battle, and the rest fled. The defeated fau of the Nawab.
Digbandhan Sen had retaliated against Makwanpur fort for three reasons. First, he wanted to regain his lost kingdom. Second, the British were also interested in the Makwanpur fort. Prithvinarayan Shah's conquest of Makwanpur had severed British ties with the Malla kings of the valley at a time when the British in India were trying to stop the Gurkha military campaign. Third, the Malla kings of the valley also wanted to see the Gorkhalis driven out of Makwanpur. Thus, the British and the Malla kings sent Digbandhan Sen to attack Makwanpur.
Preservation of such a historic fort gives an opportunity to the new generation to know the past and also helps in tourism. There are many examples of countries like China, India and others that have achieved great success in tourism by conserving such historical sites. Sadly, the government of Nepal has covered up the Makwanpur fort today. The bullets and cannons taken by Gorkhali from the Bengali army remained in the fort till 2036 BS. Where are the bullets and cannons brought from the fort in 2036 BS and brought to the then Royal Army's Supertar Barracks in Hetauda? As heard.
There are about 200 forts in Nepal, big and small. They all have their own significance. In that sense, the importance of Makwanpur fort is different. It is amazing to see how hard the stones used in Makwanpur fort were brought there. The stone, brick and other items used in the fort give a glimpse of China's 'Great Wall'.
There have been some efforts from the local level to preserve such an important fort. The Makwanpur Gadhi Tourism Development Coordinating Committee, formed seven years ago under the leadership of the local civil society, has been organizing programs in Makwanpur Gadhi and Shikharkateri every year. A park has been constructed in Shikharkateri with the active participation of the committee. However, efforts to preserve the fort from the local level are only indicative. The government should protect it. For this, the government will not have to bear the unbearable burden. Moreover, it is a matter of national pride, not investment
