Daulatabad History: The first Yadava ruler, Bhillama V, is credited with ordering the construction of Daulatabad Fort early in 1187 AD. In addition, he designated the location of his capital and built a village around it. It was referred to as Deogiri, or the Hill of the Gods, during that time. It served as the capital of the Yadavas until 1296 AD. Afterwards, the Deccan was ruled by multiple dynasties, each of which possessed the fort.
The fort was conquered in 1308 by Sultan Alauddin Khalji of the Khilji Dynasty, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate. It was renamed Daulatabad when Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughluq took control of it in 1327. He also ordereda major migration of his subjects from Delhi to the fort city, Daulatabad, and moved his capital from Delhi there. However, he moved his capital back to Delhi in 1334.
The Bahmanis took over the fort soon after, constructing numerous additions to it, including the Chand Minar, one of the most well-known minarets in the nation. Later in 1499, they gave it to the Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar, who also strengthened the building. The Mughals took over the fort in the seventeenth century, after which it was controlled by the Marathas, Peshwas, and eventually the Nizams of Hyderabad for the next couple of centuries until India attained freedom.
Daulatabad History: Architecture And Defense System
Spread across over 94 hectares, the Daulatabad Fort Complex is a remarkable display of architectural brilliance. It used to include tiny, purpose-oriented walled areas. These included the common people’s region Ambarkot, the upper social strata’s residential area Mahakot, the royal people’s area Kalakot, and the top of the fort, Balakot, where the flag fluttered.
In addition, the fort complex contained a number of buildings, including palaces, court buildings, mosques, public audience halls, reservoirs, step wells, huge tanks, royal baths, and a victory tower. The fort acquired numerous additions throughout its transition from one kingdom to the next. The castle also featured eight unfinished rock-cut caves, many cannons, and a distinctive water management system.
During its peak, the fort possessed a strong defensive system that included three fortification walls with regular bastions and gates, glaciers, a wet moat, and a dry moat. There was only a little bridge that allowed two people to cross at a time to get to the fort. Its other notable defensive features included a tunnel dug into the rock, tall gates topped with iron spikes, gun-turrets strategically placed, false doors, labyrinthine stone walls, intricate entryways, and curving walls. Unlike other forts, this one only had one doorway that served as the fort’s entrance and exit.
Daulatabad Fort, Today
Daulatabad Fort is a significant historical landmark in the area and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Aurangabad nowadays. According to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), it is one of the state’s seven marvels. Despite considerable damage brought on by improper maintenance, the fort is still in decent condition. Additionally, a large number of the fort complex’s structures are in excellent preservation. (Daulatabad History)
Things To See In Daulatabad Fort
The defence characteristics and several interesting constructions of Daulatabad Fort make it a worthwhile visit. Among the fort’s essential attractions are as follows: (Daulatabad History)
1. One of the temples in the compound is Bharat Mata Temple. It has a mosque-like layout and is thought to be among the fort’s oldest buildings. Constructed by Sultan Ala-ud-din Bahman Sha of the Bahmani Sultanate.
2. Chand Minar, also known as the Moon Tower, got its name from a statue of Bharat Mata that was placed inside it upon the country’s independence.
3. The minaret is approximately 64 meters high, with circular balconies, multiple rooms, and a tiny mosque at the foot. It is modelled after the well-known Qutub Minar.
4. Baradari is a palatial building with thirteen halls. Originally constructed as a royal residence during Shah Jahan’s visit in the 17th century, this is an octagonal structure.
5. Aurangzeb jailed Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the monarch of Golconda, for twelve years in Chini Mahal, a double-story structure.
6. Andheri is a dark corridor that has been designed to trap and bewilder criminals.
7. The Aam Khas building is a large venue available for public use.
8. Caves with rock carvings from the Yadava period.
9. Cannons such as Kala Pahad, Mendha Tope (the largest in the fort), Durga Tope, and numerous others dot the historical landscape.
10. A stepwell by the main entrance is called Saraswati Bawdi.
11. The Elephant Tank, also known as Hathi Haud, is a massive water storage facility boasting a 10,000 cubic meter capacity.
12. Kacheri is a two-story building with a courtyard.
13. A rectangular structure with carved woodwork is called Rang Mahal.
Daulatabad History: Lesser-known Facts About Daulatabad Fort
1. The fort placed actual gates on the right side, while well-designed false gates with a flag mast on the left were installed to confuse invading forces.
2. Enemy forces were unable to use mountain lizards as climbers to reach the fort since the hill formed like the smooth back of a tortoise.
3. One of India’s top three highest minarets is the Chand Minar at the fort.
4.The fort spiked its gates to discourage elephant attacks.
5. Among Muhammad Bin Tughluq’s unsuccessful ventures that earned him the nicknames “Wise Fool” and “Mad King” was moving his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad Fort.
Daulatabad History: Conclusion
Daulatabad Fort is a testament to the perseverance and strategic thinking of those who built and occupied it. While remaining an important historical and cultural landmark in the area, it reflects the chaotic history of medieval India, marked by conquests, power transfers, and architectural innovation. (Daulatabad History)
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