It is believed that the fort was constructed by Nalaraja (King Nala) and subsequently named after him, along with the city. Erected during the
Western Chalukya Empire's reign, the fort later saw control shifts under various rulers. From 1351 to 1480, it fell under the
Bahmani Sultanate, and in 1558, it came under the
Adil Shahi dynasty. After the Adil Shahi Kingdom's downfall in 1686 AD, Naldurg passed into the hands of the
Mughal Empire during the reign of Aurangzeb. He appointed
Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I, as the Governor of the Entire Deccan region, including Central India and Gujarat up to
Kanyakumari. Following
Aurangzeb's demise, Nawab Nizam ul Mulk Asif Jah Bahadur established the Nizam Dominion. During his time, a rebellion led to the appointment of Nawab Mohammed Dulah Khan Bahadur as Governor. Later, his son, Nawab Amir Nawazul Mulk Bahadur, ruled successfully, displaying generosity by donating gold to compensate for a theft from Tulja Bhawani Temple. Noteworthy historical events include the marriage of
Chand Bibi Sultana at Naldurg Fort and the burial sites of Nawab Amir Nawazul Mulk Bahadur and Princess Fakharunnisa Begam, daughter of Nizam ul Mulk II. Following the Nawab's demise, his successors governed until 1948, with the current heirs residing in
Hyderabad, Telangana, showing sentimental attachment to Naldurg and its people. Strategically located en route from
Solapur to
Bijapur-
Bidar, the fort boasts medieval architecture and engineering techniques, reflecting the era's signature styles. ==Location==