The history of Garpanchakot (or Garh Panchkot) is a compelling saga of royal rise and tragic fall, centered around the Singh Deo dynasty. The lineage traces its roots back to 80 CE with King Damodar Sekhar, though the capital was officially shifted to the foothills of Panchet Hill around 940 CE. The name “Garh Panchkot” itself is a nod to its defensive architecture – “Garh” meaning fort and “Panchkot” referring to the five layers of fortification walls that once protected the royal seat. For over 800 years, the kingdom flourished as a center of culture and power, evident in the diverse architectural ruins that remain today, ranging from the Pancharatna (five-pinnacled) terracotta temples influenced by the Vaishnavite movement to massive stone structures dedicated to Shakti worship.

The golden era of the Panchkot Raj came to a violent end in the mid-18th century (c. 1740s) during the infamous Bargi invasions. Maratha cavalry, known locally as “Bargis,” were invited into Bengal as part of a political rivalry between regional rulers and the Nawab of Bengal. These raiders plundered the countryside, and Garpanchakot, with its strategic location, became a major target. The fort was ransacked, and the palace was largely destroyed. Local folklore adds a somber layer to this history, telling of the 17 queens of the king who allegedly committed suicide in a nearby well to escape dishonor during the attack. Following this devastation, the capital was abandoned, and the royal family eventually moved their seat to Kashipur, leaving Garpanchakot to be reclaimed by the surrounding forest.