FORTS OF INDIA

India had been ruled by numeral amount of dynasties and therefore India is filled with history, considered as a country by some as one of the most ancient and living civilizations. The Forts and Palaces of India carrying stories and legacies of their rule, existence and splendor right through many years while still standing tall today.

Tourist’s trip to India is incomplete without visiting some of these forts. State of desert, Rajasthan has the most number of forts in India; other forts are dotted across many of the other Indian states and are equally enchanting with their architecture and history.

Lal Qila or Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort is one of the most impressive sights in Delhi, otherwise known as Lal Qila. Red Fort Built in 1639 by Emperor Shah Jahan, this Fort has been a mute witness to innumerable conspiracies, scandals, battles in it’s time. The Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The Red Fort is a sparkling show of architectural history with its Islamic inspired octagonal shape and rampart walls covering a perimeter of 2.41km. Completed within a span of nine years, its construction cost about ten million rupees, most of it going towards the building of the palaces with the fort. The main entrance to the Lal Quila is through the Lahori Gate. Beyond the gate, there is a roofed passage, flanked by arcaded apartments leading to the palaces, known as Chhatta Chowk. These apartments are now used as shops. The Fort included a number of buildings with it like the Mumtaz Mahal Palace, Moti Masjid mosque and many splendid halls and structures. Unfortunately some do not stand as they were centuries ago and are in ruins.

Lal Qila is just 24 km from Sargam Bed and Breakfast Guest House and tourist can easily visit there by bus or taxi service.

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer- Rajasthan

Jaisalmer fort is located bang in the middle of the Thar Desert in the State of Rajasthan. It is built in 1156 and its literal meaning ‘abode of the dead’ the Jaisalmer Fort is rather incongruous given the desolation around it. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets and camouflages the fort making it appear a part of the picturesque yellow desert which is why it is also known as the Golden Fort. This splendid Rajput fort built by the ruler Rawal Jaisal is one of the largest of desert forts of the world. With three solid layers of walls the fort contains the Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples, Laxminath temple, four very big gateways and merchant havelis (large houses built by wealthy using with beautiful ornate sandstone carvings). Just as the Taj Mahal in Agra is worth visiting on a full moon night, Jaisalmer fort by nightfall is a sight to behold and experience.

Amber Fort, Amber-Rajasthan

Amber Fort is located just 11 km from Jaipur City the capital of Rajasthan is the sprawling its Rajput glory. Its unique artistic style it brings about a perfect blend of Muslim and Hindu architecture. Built in 16 the century by Raja Man Singh, the fort seems to grow out of the rugged hills with its mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, gardens and even a ramp that takes you to the hilltop palace! Beautifully- caparisoned elephants go up and down carrying visitors to and fro making it a fascinating experience you cannot miss if you’re in Rajasthan.

Amber Fort is divided into wide four sections in which each is accessible via large staircases from a central location, or from a broad pathway leading to each of the sections. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered lavishly with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work that are splendid works of art.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

This Deccan Fort of Golconda fort built atop a granite hill is known for its magical acoustic system. It is also referred to as Golkonda constructed by the Qutub Shahi kings in the 13th centaury. The wonderful acoustic system of Golconda fort speaks volumes about the architecture of the fort. This majestic structure has beautiful palaces and an ingenious water supply system. Sadly, the unique architecture of the fort is now loosing its charm.

Golconda is also known as ‘Shepherd's Hill’ or ‘Golla Konda’, in Telugu. According to a legend, a shepherd boy found an idol on the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram'. This news reached the Kakatiya king, who was then ruling Golconda. He ordered the construction of a mud fort around the holy spot. Later, the fort was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a huge structure made of granite. The highlight of the Golconda fort today is the sound and light show which depicts the glorious past of this grand fortress. This audio - visual extravaganza is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.

Shaniwar Wada, Pune- Maharashtra

The Shaniwar Wada Palace Fort of the Maratha Dynasty lies in the heart of Pune city which is also popular as IT city. It covers six and a quarter acres in central Pune. Constructed in 1732 as the seat of the Peshwa (prime ministers of the Maratha Empire) it remained the political capital of the Empire until its annihilation. While the Palace was destroyed in a big fire in 1827, the mammoth structure of the walls survived the fire.

Shaniwar Wada is a real specimen of Maratha culture and the architectural design shows the influence of Mughal style and the feature of Maratha artistic styles. The 21 feet tall massive door of the palace known as Delhi Darwaza is one of the remains of the grand old Palace.

Ranthambhore Fort, Rajasthan

In the heart of the Ranthambhore Nation Parts lies a Colossal Fort surrounded by jungles built in 994AD by Sapaldaksh Chauhana to thwart invasions by Persian invaders. It went on to be taken over by the Rajputs and then the Mughals . Then came Alauddin Khilji, a ruler of Afghan descent. The Rajputs had mastered the art of guerilla warfare and countered to hold out against the Sultanate, but had not contended with Khilji’s military tactics. Alauddin Khilji captured Ranthambhore fort in 1303 and destroyed the temples within its walls.

The fort tells many tales after passed through the hands of so many dynasties. Now a days it is visited by many tourist because of its great location in the center of the National Park home to many varieties of India’s Wildlife including the much diminishing Bengal Tiger (Indian Tiger).

Agra Fort, Agra

Argra Fort just about 2.5 km far to the northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. This brick Fort was held by the Rajputs and was home to the Sultan of Delhi. After he was killed in the battle of Panipat, the Mughals captured the fort and its vast treasure which included the diamond that was later named as the Koh-i-Nor diamond

The Fort includes a number of important buildings and sites including: The Jahangiri mahal built by Akbar for his son Jehangir, The Khas Mahal a white marble palace with beautiful paintings on the marble, The Musamman Burj - a large, octagonal tower with a balcony facing the Taj Mahal, Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque), Pearl Mosque, Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque) a mosque especially designed for the ladies of the court, featuring the Zenana Mina Bazaar (Ladies Bazaar) Naubat Khana (Drum House) - a place where the king's musicians played and lots more.

Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort is situated on a hilltop near Chittorgarh town in the Indian state of Rajasthan and very famous due to biggest Fort in Asia region. It is one of the most historically significant forts not only of Rajasthan but of the whole of North India. This massive fort covers an expanse of 700 acres. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the palace fort is its splendid series of canopied balconies. The complex also houses stables for elephant and horses, but is now in ruins. Chittorgarh fort includes a number of temples like the Naulakha Bhandar (nine lakh treasury), the Shringar Chaori Jain Temple with detailed carvings of gods and goddesses on the outside, the Mira Bai Temple, the Brahma Temple and many more. The most imposing monuments in Chittor however are the dual towers that stand as a grim reminder of the jaded grandeur of Chittor.