Here is a list of five lesser-known forts in India for your next historic adventure.
Daulatabad Fort, Maharashtra
Daulatabad Fort is located near the city of Aurangabad. It is a magnificent medieval fortress with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Also known as Devagiri Fort, it stands atop a conical hill, about 200 meters high, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding plains.
It served as the capital of the Yadava dynasty until it was captured by Ala-ud-din Khalji, the Sultan of Delhi, in the 14th century. However, the fort truly gained prominence during the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq in the 14th century.
The fort’s architecture is a marvel of medieval military engineering, featuring sturdy walls, bastions, and intricate defence mechanisms such as moats, drawbridges, and spiked gates. One of its most remarkable features is the Andheri (Dark) Gate, a labyrinthine passage designed to confuse and trap invading forces.
Daulatabad Fort also has several notable structures within its complex, including the Chand Minar, a tower built to commemorate the triumph of Ala-ud-din Khalji over the fort; the Chini Mahal, a palace adorned with Persian tiles; and the Jami Masjid, an impressive mosque built during Tughluq’s reign.
Bidar Fort, Karnataka
The origins of Bidar Fort can be traced back to the 14th century when it was constructed by the Bahmani Sultanate, a medieval Islamic empire that ruled over parts of present-day Karnataka and Telangana.
One of the most striking features of Bidar Fort is its impressive fortifications, which encompass an extensive area of about 5.5 square kilometres. The fort is surrounded by triple-layered walls with intricate bastions, gates, and moats, designed to withstand enemy attacks and provide defence against invaders.
Inside the fort, there are many stunning buildings influenced by Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles of craftsmanship. Such as the Rangin Mahal which is renowned for its exquisite tile work, intricate carvings, and colourful frescoes depicting scenes from Persian and Indian mythology and the Gagan Mahal, a majestic palace that served as the residence of the Bahmani Sultans and houses a grand Durbar Hall where official ceremonies and receptions were held.
Bidar Fort has undergone several renovations and additions under subsequent rulers, including the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughals. It continued to serve as an important military stronghold and administrative centre until the decline of the Bahmani Sultanate in the late 15th century.
Warangal Fort, Telangana
Warangal fort was constructed in the 13th century by the Kakatiya dynasty. The fort served as the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom, one of the most powerful dynasties in South India during that era.
The fort stands as a testament to the military prowess and architectural brilliance of the Kakatiya rulers. It is surrounded by massive stone walls and encompasses several impressive structures within its complex. It flourished as a centre of art, culture, and trade during the Kakatiya period, attracting artisans, scholars, and traders from far and wide.
The main entrance known as Kakatiya Toranam features intricately carved sculptures from Hindu mythology on its arches and pillars. The fort also houses the Thousand Pillar Temple (Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple), a masterpiece of Kakatiya architecture renowned for its richly carved pillars, intricate sculptures, and exquisite stone carvings. The fort ruins include remnants of various structures such as the palace complex, audience halls, and other administrative buildings.
Over the centuries, the fort witnessed several invasions and changes in rulership, including the conquests of the Delhi Sultanate and the subsequent rule of the Bahmani Sultanate and the Golconda Sultanate. Despite facing periods of decline and neglect, the fort remains a symbol of Telangana’s rich heritage and cultural legacy.
Qila Mubarak, Punjab
Qila Mubarak is located in the city of Bathinda. The fort dates back over 1,900 years, it is one of the oldest forts in India and holds significant historical importance.
Originally built by Raja Dab, the king of the Bhatti dynasty, in the 1st century AD, Qila Mubarak has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries under various rulers, including the Kushans, Huns, Gupta Empire, Rajputs, and later the Mughals and the British.
The fort’s name, “Qila Mubarak,” translates to “The Blessed Fort,” and it holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community. It is believed to be the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, stayed during his visit to Bathinda in 1706.
Qila Mubarak boasts a unique architectural style that blends elements of Hindu, Mughal, and Sikh architecture. The infamous Darbar Hall of the fort features intricate frescoes, ornate carvings, and a beautiful marble throne.
Qila Mubarak stands as a symbol of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and it has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Bekal Fort, Kerala
Bekal Fort is a coastal fortress situated in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. It stands atop a promontory overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala.
It is believed to have been built around the 17th century however, the exact origins are uncertain. It is commonly associated with the Ikkeri Nayakas, who were rulers of the region during that time. Later, it came under the control of the Kolathiri Rajas, followed by the Vijayanagara Empire, and subsequently the Tipu Sultan of Mysore.
The fort’s strategic location along the Malabar Coast made it an important stronghold for defence and trade. Its architectural design reflects a blend of indigenous Kerala style with influences from Islamic and European military architecture.
The fort is also a favoured spot for filmmakers, with several Indian movies featuring its picturesque backdrop.
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote Bekal Fort as a heritage site, ensuring that its historical significance and architectural beauty continue to be appreciated by generations to come.