The fort had always been a favourite stronghold of the rulers of the erstwhile Junagadh state, housing the armed forces. On November 9, 1947, when Junagadh acceded to the Union of India, the tricolor was hoisted here.

Since then, this monument had been lying neglected. The areas along the surrounding the massive fort wall have been encroached upon and shadowed by illegal buildings. And strangely, the 66-foot high and 3,080-metre-long wall has been nobody's baby as the Uparkot development committee and the municipality have been passing the buck as far as its maintenance is concerned.

History does not tell us who built the fort. Former Archaeological Survey of India director Dinakar Mehta, in his book, says no documents or other evidences are available. But he feels it might have been either built in the third century or during the Mahabharat era. Historical notes available since 875 AD say that till 1472 AD, the fort had been the capital of some 20 rulers of Mandlik, Mahipal, Khengar and Navghan dynasties. And at least 16 times it was seized by invaders, the last time in 1784. And since then, it had been a military camp till 1947. The 220 big and 225 small holes were used to keep guns and other artillery.

There are at least eight monuments inside the fort, which have been declared protected by the Central and the State governments. Among them are Lashkari Vav, Nilam cannon, Kadanal cannon, Jumma Masjid, Navghan Well, Adi-Kadi Vav, Kothar and a Buddhist cave.

No more neglect, says District Collector Pankaj Joshi who is keen to give it a make-over. Joshi, who is also the chairman of the Uparkot development committee, says efforts have been initiated by all the concerned departments to maintain the fort and provide better facilities to tourists. Social afforestation is almost complete, while the work on a drinking water tank is in progress. Stand posts, water tankers, gardens, new sign boards and cattle traps are among the major works chalked out. More, guards in uniform will keep a vigil. The administration is also gearing up for a promotion campaign. There is a lot more to be done, adds Joshi.