Kans Qila

Kans Quila is an old fort located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Mathura. It is believed to have been the residence of Kans, the cruel uncle of Lord Krishna. The fort has a massive structure and a very striking appearance, making it one of the most noticeable sights in Mathura.

In the 16th century, the fort was rebuilt by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur. It was occasionally used as his residence. Later, Raja Sawai Jai Singh, a famous astronomer from Jaipur, planned to build an observatory there, but no remains of it can be found today.

In the late 1800s, just before 1857, the fort came under the control of the British East India Company. It was handed over to a contractor named Jyoti Prasad, who demolished much of the fort for its materials. This was a great loss to history and architecture. Today, the fort is in a very ruined condition, even more than when the British left it.

Despite its ruined state, Kans Qila remains an important historical site in Mathura. From nearby Vishram Ghat, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Yamuna River and imagine what the fort might have looked like in its prime.