Indian history is not just long, but glorious. Flipping the pages of any book shedding light on Indian history, one can find paragraphs dedicated to exquisite forts and palaces, which stood out as symbols of dynasties and empires. Sagas painting pictures of invasions, conquests, and expansionist endeavors, always make use of fortresses and other strongholds to hook the casual reader.
Frankly speaking, forts have always been associated with battles, wars, and impregnable defense mechanisms. But forts in Indian history have also played a very different and somewhat motherly role. Cities have been built around forts and palaces. Cities housing men, women, and children. Cultures have evolved and societies have blossomed within these structures. These forts, slowly perishing at the hands of time, have nurtured generations. Ancient and medieval forts in India have used water, hills, forests, walls, and even deserts to shelter and shield the masses.
We take a look at ten forts in India which have stood the test of time. These monumental structures are awe-inspiring in every way. While they may be referred to as mere remnants of the past, these majestic strongholds attract millions of visitors every year.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
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The city of Jodhpur is home to the famous Mehrangarh Fort. The fort was built by the 15th Rathore ruler Rao Jodha and is said to be more than 500 years old. The fort houses various enchanting palaces like the Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and more. In addition to all this, palanquins, paintings, folk music instruments, an armoury, and other historical items decorate the museum within.
Red Fort, Delhi
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Perhaps the most iconic fort in India, the Red Fort in Delhi, was built by famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort was built using red sandstone and is regarded as a symbol of India’s sovereignty. The Prime Minister of India raises the national flag of India here on Independence Day and Republic Day. The fort is home to a number of museums and was in fact the political center of Mughal governance and administration.
Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
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The Gwalior Fort is a hill-fort located in the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. The fort was built by Rana Man Singh Tomar. Gurjari Mahal and Man Mandir are the two main palaces inside the grand structure. The huge fort sports engrossing architecture, sculptures, statues, and gates. It has been controlled by various rulers in the past.
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
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The famous Golconda Fort is counted as one of the seven wonders of the city of Hyderabad. The list is no ordinary list with the likes of Charminar and Mecca Masjid being a part of it. The fort was built by the Kakatiya kings. However, it was reduced to ruins during the Siege of Golconda in 1687, which was headed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The fort is widely recognized for its military architecture and the old ruin is a treat for any whimsy wanderer.
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
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The city of Jaisalmer is home to one of the largest forts in the world. The Jaisalmer Fort stands tall in the middle of the ‘Golden City of India’. The colossal structure was built by Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. In 2013, the Jaisalmer Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yellow sandstones pile up to become this huge fortress which glows like a jewel as the sun shines upon it every day. The impenetrable stronghold houses 99 bastions and three layers of walls.
Red Fort, Agra
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While the city of Agra is mainly famous for the wondrous Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is another amazing structure which decorates the city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Agra Fort was built by the Mughals. It lies on the bank of river Yamuna and houses intricate detailing in decorated columns and ceilings.
Kangra Fort, Kangra
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The Kangra Fort is situated at a distance of about 20 km from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra. It is considered as one of the oldest forts in India and is surrounded by a green cover. It is also the largest fort in the Himalayas.
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
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The glorious Chittorgarh Fort is easily the largest fort in India. It is a World Heritage Site and was built by the Mauryans in 7th century AD. The fort consists of seven gates and its doors are reinforced in order to survive damage caused by elephants and cannon shots. It is a true fortress in every sense. The fort is also known as a water fort. This is due to the fact that initially, the fort had some 84 water bodies inside, out of which only 22 are left today.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
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The city of Bikaner is home to the famous Junagarh Fort. The fort stands tall on a hilltop and the city of Bikaner was developed around the fort. The original fort was built by Rao Bika of the Rathor clan. The fort is home to several enchanting items of the past, temples, palaces, and the interesting Junagarh Fort Museum which exhibits manuscripts, paintings, jewels, and much more.
Amer Fort, Jaipur
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The Amer Fort is situated at a distance of about 11 km from the city of Jaipur. The fort is located on a forested hill looking over the Maota Lake. It was built by Raja Man Singh and houses an amalgamation of Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu architecture. Within the fort, intricate detailing on marble, wood, metal, and glass further give a glimpse into the glorious past.
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