Barabati Fort

About

Barabati Fort was constructed in the 10th century by the Somavamsi dynasty at the meeting point of the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers, forming the original capital stronghold that shaped the identity of Cuttack. For those asking what is the old name of Cuttack, it comes from Kataka, meaning fort, a direct reference to this historic site. Over centuries, successive Ganga, Afghan, Mughal, and Maratha rulers expanded the fort before the British demolished much of it in 1803. Today, only sections of earthen ramparts and a single stone gateway remain, while the central grounds now house the Cuttack cricket stadium, officially known as Barabati Stadium. Visitors exploring Cuttack which city once served as Odisha’s capital will find that the fort’s importance lies more in its historical legacy than in surviving architecture. It represents the foundation of nearly 1,000 years of royal history in the region.