It was in the 1670s that the region came under the Maratha rule, under the guidance of Chatrapathi Shivaji. The Maratha regime was at its prime during that time. The region saw many wars during the British Rule, and Akola along with Berar was finally ceded to the Nizam of Hyderabad after the Marathas lost to the British.
After India's independence the states and provinces were shuffled and Akola became a part of the newly formed state of Maharashtra. The city has various forts which stand testimony to its vibrant history which include the Narnala Fort, the Akot Fort and the Akola Fort.