Forts were important to numerous Indian civilizations, including the Chauhans, Tomars, and Mughals. Rulers prioritized erecting forts around their cities as the first line of defense against hostile attacks.
As most monarchs chose Delhi as their capital, various forts were built in and around the city. Even though many of these majestic structures are in ruins, they represent Delhi’s cultural and historical history. However, here is a brief list of Delhi NCR’s most prominent forts.
Top 8 Famous Historical Forts In Delhi
Delhi, the capital of the world’s largest democracy, is one of India’s liveliest cities. Mughals loved it. Each king left monuments and forts that still survive. Delhi has the most forts, and most of them are proud icons of India’s history and culture. These forts showcase ancient craftsmanship with stunning architecture. You will see one by one an incredible historical fort.
1. Red Fort, Delhi
Delhi’s Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s most stunning forts. The fort was named after its red sandstone structure. In 1639, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan began building a vast complex on the Yamuna River. It took over 9 years to finish. Mughals lived in Red Fort until 1856.
The Octagon-shaped fort has 2 km ramparts. The major entrance is Lahori Gate. Naubat Khana, Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Mumtaz Mahal are well-preserved fort buildings. One of the outstanding examples of Mughal design, the castle incorporates Hindu and Islamic aesthetics. This Delhi historical site is a must-see for Mughal art and architecture.
2. Salimgarh Fort, Delhi
Delhi’s Suri dynasty built Salimgarh Fort in 1546. After the kingdom fell in AD 1555, Salim Shah Suri’s island on the Yamuna lost its significance. When the Red Fort was underbuilt, Mughal kings used the fort for short periods. Aurangzeb made Salimgarh Fort a prison, but the British made it an army camp in 1857.
The triangular fort features thick rubble-masonry walls. Sentinels patrolled circular bastions. A bridge links Salimgarh to the Red Fort. Despite its collapse, the fort’s perspective of the Yamuna makes it a romantic Delhi fort.
3. Old Fort, Delhi
History buffs love Purana Qila. Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri dynasty, captured Din Panah’s inner castle in 1540. He renamed the Fort Shergarh and constructed constructions during his five-year tenure. The Old Fort contains 1.5 kilometers of 18-meter-high walls.
Three sandstone arched gateways—Bara Darwaza, Humayun Gate, and Talaqi Gate—have two semi-circular bastion towers and are double-storeyed. You can visit Shermandal, Qila-I-Kuhna Mosque, meadows, and a museum with fort antiquities. Attend the daily light and sound display to learn about the Seven Cities of Delhi.
4. Siri Fort, Delhi
Alauddin Khilji allegedly buried 8000 Mongol warriors’ heads in this fort’s foundations. Thus, the fort’s name. Sir means “head” in English, therefore Siri. Siri was the Khilji monarch’s fortified capital.
Hauz Khas’ reservoir was dug to suit this fort’s water needs. Siri Fort had the Palace of a Thousand Pillars and seven gateways to different portions of the city. History buffs will value its crumbling walls and bastions.
5. Qila Rai Pithora, Delhi
Qila Rai Pithora Fort is the capital city’s oldest fort. In AD 1160, Chauhan monarchs conquered Delhi from Tomars and captured Lal Kot, the region’s first urban town. Prithviraj Chauhan expanded the 8th-century Lal Kot and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora.
Lal Kot was the center of the six-and-a-half-kilometer stronghold. The fort contains seven gates, the most renowned being Ghazni, Ranjit, and Sohan Fateh. Saket, Qutub Complex, Vasant Kunj, and Kishangarh retain fort walls.
6. Tughlaqabad Fort, Delhi
Tughlaqabad Fort’s remains recount victories, curses, and envy. Tughlaq dynasty founder Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq erected the fort. Ghazi Malik, the Khilji monarchs’ feudatory, advised the king to erect a fort on a southern hill. The monarch joked that Ghazi Malik should build him a fort after he became king.
Ghazi Malik overthrew the Khiljis and became Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. The sultanate fell despite his splendid fort to keep the Mongols away. On his trip to Delhi, the emperor was crushed by a shamiana. A Sufi saint cursed Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, saying “Ya rahey ujjar, ya basey gujjar,” which came true within four years.
In its prime, the stronghold had a 10-15-meter wall and a 6.5-kilometer perimeter. It was octagonal with lofty battlements and two-story round bastions to defend the kingdom. Its ramparts show its former glory.
7. Adilabad Fort, Delhi
Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, son of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din, built Adilabad Fort as a replica of Tughlaqabad Fort. The fort features massive sloping walls and crenulations, however Tughlaqabad Fort is more elegant. The fort was smaller and had different architecture.
Adilabad Fort had constructed walls to defend the city and population. The royal family and senior courtiers lived in a citadel after the fortifications were erected. The “Place of a Thousand Pillars”—Qasarr-i-Hazar Satun—is the fort’s most intriguing feature.
Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq aspired to construct a masterpiece, a trend that was prevalent at the time and shown in famous tombs like the Taj Mahal. Today, tourists visit crumbling walls.
8. Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Delhi
Feroz Shah Tughlaq built this fort near the Yamuna River in the mid-14th century. In the fort, the sultan placed the 23-ton 3rd-century BC Topra Ashokan Pillar. The fort’s mosque, baoli, and gardens complement the famed pillar.
The mosque has a spacious courtyard and a ruined prayer hall. The circular baoli (step well) northwest of the Ashokan Pillar is in ruins and closed by the administration. However, it waters Feroz Shah Kotla gardens. Djinns, who like to play with tourists, are said to haunt Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, one of Delhi’s most haunted locales.
Conclusion
Over time, various dynasties built forts in Delhi. Most Delhi forts were built by the Mughals. Strong citadels were built for defense and dwelling. New Delhi forts have beautiful architecture. These forts tell our country’s rich heritage and boost tourism. Colorful frescoes and latticework make these structures irresistible.
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