Forts of India
India is home to a rich tapestry of forts, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
Here are some notable forts from different regions of India:
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Located in Delhi, the Red Fort is an iconic symbol of India's Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
Agra Fort
Situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, this massive fort complex served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until Delhi was declared the capital. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
Amber Fort, Jaipur
The Pink City of Jaipur is famous for its forts. Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jaigarh Fort are architectural wonders that offer insights into the military prowess and lifestyle of the Rajput rulers.
Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Fort is one of India's largest forts and has been ruled by several dynasties throughout history. It houses numerous palaces, temples, and water tanks.
Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. It was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal and is nicknamed the "Golden Fort" due to its yellow sandstone construction.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Situated in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India and showcases the architectural brilliance of the Rajputana era.
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Built during the medieval era by the Kakatiya dynasty, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is renowned for its acoustics and engineering marvels.
Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra
Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sindhudurg Fort is located on a rocky island off the coast of Maharashtra and is renowned for its strategic architecture.
Daulatabad Fort, Maharashtra
became the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty and is known for its formidable defenses and architectural brilliance.
Kangra Fort
Head to one of the oldest forts in India to get a virtual experience of time travel. The perfect blend of rich history and scenic beauty, the Kangra Fort lies on a patch of land between the Manjhi and Banganga rivers. Built by the kings of Katoch, one of the oldest living dynasties, the fort is said to be the largest fort in the Himalayas.
Old Fort (Purana Quila)
Purana Qila is believed to have been built on the site of the legendary city of Indraprastha, mentioned in the Mahabharata, making it one of the oldest known structures in Delhi. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the fort as it stands today was constructed during the reign of Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century.
Chittorgarh Fort.
The fort's origins can be traced back to the 7th century AD when it was built by the Maurya dynasty. Over the centuries, it was expanded and strengthened by various rulers, including the Mewar dynasty, the Guhilas, and later the Rajputs.