New Delhi: India is a land of numerous forts, with each varying in architectural structure and size. The forts were not only the citadels to defend against the enemies but were also representatives of the culture and heritage of the region, not to mention it reflected the power and prestige of the rulers. Each fort in India has its own unique story and in this article, we will take a look at six historic forts which must be on your bucket list.
Six historic forts in India which you must explore
Red Fort
Also known as Lal Qila, the Red Fort is a historic Mughal fort in Delhi and it was the main residence of the Mughal emperors till 1857. Its construction was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan on May 12, 1639, after he decided to relocate the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect behind the Taj Mahal, designed the fort. The Red Fort represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan’s reign, blending Persian palace influences with indigenous Indian architectural traditions. Every year on August 15, the Prime Minister of India ceremonially raises the Tricolour at the fort’s main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast address from its ramparts. In 2007, it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agra Fort
As the name suggests, this fort is located in Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire. It was in this fort in 1530 that Humayun was crowned as the Mughal emperor. Later, his son and successor Akbar renovated the fort and in 1573, the present-day structure was completed. Till 1638, it was the main residence of the Mughal Emperors when the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. In 1983, the Agra fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance during Mughal rule. It is about 2.5 kilometers northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal.
Amber Fort
Also known as the Amer Fort, it is located in Rajasthan’s Amer. The fort is located high on a hill and is famous for its artistic style elements. The fort has large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths and overlooks Maota Lake which was its main source of water. The fort was constructed by Raja Man Singh and is great example of Rajput architecture. Some of its buildings and work have influence of Mughal architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jaisalmer Fort
The fort is located in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. It is a ‘living fort’ since almost one fourth of the old city’s population still lives within the fort. The fort’s history spans for 860 years and for the better part of it, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer. In the 17th century, the first settlements outside the fort walls came up. It is Rajasthan’s second oldest fort and was constructed in 1156 AD by the Rawal Jaisal from whom it derives its name. It was the setting of the popular Bengali novel and film, ‘Shonar Kella’, written and directed by Satyajit Ray. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Golconda Fort
It is a fortified citadel located on Hyderabad’s western outskirts in Telangana. Originally, the Kakatiya ruler Pratāparudra built the fort in the 11th century out of mud walls. It was ceded to the Bahmani Kings from Musunuri Nayakas during the reign of the Bahmani Sultan Mohammed Shah I and later changed hands many times. The fort was later developed into a fortified citadel in 1518 by Sultan Quli of the Qutb Shahi Empire. It is in UNESCO’s list of Tentative World Heritage Sites.
Gwalior Fort
The Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior is known for its breathtaking beauty. It even enchanted Mughal Emperor Babur who called it the “pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind” because of its impregnability and magnificence. Also known as the Gibraltar of India, the fort’s history goes back to the 5th century or perhaps even earlier. The current structure of the fort has existed at least since the 8th century. As per the inscriptions and monuments found in the fort campus, it may have existed since the beginning of the 6th century. The modern-day fort, embodying a defensive structure and two palaces was built by the Tomar Rajput ruler Man Singh Tomar.
This article showcases six magnificent historic forts in India, each representing a unique architectural style and historical period. From the Mughal grandeur to the Rajputana splendor, this journey through time reveals India’s rich cultural heritage and strategic fortifications. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
