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Buxa Fort, a historic mountain stronghold situated at an altitude of 867 metres (2,844 feet) within the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Alipurduar

By KOUSHIK ROY • 2026-11-12 05:39 • 17 views   Share WhatsApp Share Facebook Share X
Buxa Fort, a historic mountain stronghold situated at an altitude of 867 metres (2,844 feet) within the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Alipurduar

Buxa Fort: Buxa Fort, a historic mountain stronghold situated at an altitude of 867 metres (2,844 feet) within the Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, has a long and complex history.

Bhutanese Origin and Early History: The fort is traditionally associated with Bhutanese rule and was referred to as Pagsamkha Dzong. It served an important strategic purpose in protecting the territory and trade route connecting Tibet with India.

The fort became involved in the conflicts between Bhutan and the British during the Anglo-Bhutanese period. Following the First and Second Dooars Wars, the fort was damaged and subsequently came under British control.

British Occupation and Colonial Prison: The Treaty of Sinchula, signed on November 11, 1865, resulted in the transfer of the fort to British control. The structure was subsequently reconstructed, with more permanent stone construction replacing the earlier wood and bamboo structures.

During the Indian freedom struggle, the British used Buxa Fort as a detention centre under colonial laws. It housed several political prisoners and freedom fighters, including members associated with revolutionary organisations such as the Anushilan Samiti. Despite various historical accounts concerning prominent freedom fighters, there is no established record that Subhas Chandra Bose was imprisoned at Buxa Fort.

Post-Independence Era: Following India's independence and the political changes in Tibet, the fort and surrounding area were associated with the settlement of displaced Tibetan people, including monks.

Today, Buxa Fort is part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve and remains an important historical site in the region. The ruins, along with the surrounding landscape and trekking routes, provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the area's historical and natural heritage.

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