Abstract
Kuchesar Fort, situated in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, has been ruled by the Dalal clan of Jats for the last 250 years. The fort was originally built in 1734 and later expanded in 1835 and 1935, showcasing architectural elements of Indo-Persian and Colonial styles. This study primarily focuses on the architectural features of Kuchesar Fort and the history of the ruling family. For this purpose, personal interviews with family members and on-site visits to the fort were conducted as primary data sources, while several reading materials were used as secondary sources. Furthermore, the study also examines the present division of Kuchesar Fort into two sections—Rao Raj Vilas and Mud Fort—and the manner in which they are managed today.
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