Top 10 Forts in India 

Top 10 Forts in India: A Glimpse into India's Majestic Heritage.

India is known for some of the world's most beautiful forts. These forts tell tales of battles, conquests, and royal glories behind the walls and detailed architecture. The fort of a historical era built at a popular place like Rajasthan and the activities of big cities in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and other areas define the aspects of India's glorious past and are preserved through time. In this blog, we will look into India's top 10 biggest forts, which are known for the glorious past of India and its royal kingdom, succeeding dynasties, their reign, and so on.

1. Chittorgarh Fort - Rajasthan

Significance: Chittorgarh Fort can be defined as one of the top 10 biggest forts in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the symbol of the valor and pride of the Rajputs. Many battles were fought in the fort—the most famous of these being the siege during which Rajput women performed Jauhar to keep their honor intact and avoid enslavement by foreign invaders.

Features: The Mehrangarh Fort has bigger walls, several temples, palaces, and towers over its 700 acres. The two main attractions of this beautiful fort are the Vijay Stambh and Padmini Palace.

2. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Significance: Mehrangarh is among the largest fort structures in India and the largest and most well-preserved one in the country. The towering walls of the fort overlook Jodhpur city, surpassing views of the landscape all around.

Features: The fort is characterized by its beautiful palaces and beautiful carvings, and the Mehrangarh Museum is showing its history as a part of Marwar.

Seven heavy gates leave their battle marks.

3. Agra Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)

Significance: Agra Fort was the largest Mughal-era fort, which served as the principal residence of many succeeding generations of Mughal emperors. Its strategic location on the Yamuna River made it an extremely important component of India's defense system.

Features: The Agra Fort is one of the biggest forts in India, standing out over about 94 acres of land. These largest walls and beautiful palaces, including the Jahangir Palace and Diwan-i-Khas, are built here with the skillful blending of Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles. It provides a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal from the ramparts.

4. Gwalior Fort (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh)

Significance: Gwalior Fort is simply termed the "Gibraltar of India" because of its fortress nature and strategic location. It has witnessed various battles through the centuries and was a part of the kingdoms of different dynasties, such as the Tomars, Mughals, and Scindias.

Features: This is one of the best forts of the top 10 biggest forts in India and is situated on a hill that covers nearly 3 square kilometers. It accommodates some of the finest architectural structures, like Man Singh Palace, Gurjari Mahal, and the Saas Bahu Ka Mandir temples, among others.

5. Jaigarh Fort (Jaipur, Rajasthan)

Significance: The Jaigarh Fort is significant for its military architecture, and one of the world's largest cannons, known as the Jaivana Cannon, is stored in this fort. It was known as an important part of defense in the era of the Rajput.

Features: This fort was strategically located on the Aravalli Hills; the fort has a beautiful view of the nearby Amer Fort. The fort complex has a palace, an armory, and several water tanks. Thereby it counts among the 10 largest forts in India.

6. Kumbhalgarh Fort (Rajasthan)

Significance: It is one of India's largest forts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is defined by its long walls, which are over 36 kilometers, and this is considered the second-longest continuous wall in the world next to the Great Wall of China.

Features: It is located in the Aravalli Range and is encircled with a wildlife sanctuary. There are numerous temples, gates, and palaces. Kumbhalgarh Fort is an outstanding representation of Rajput military architecture and should not be missed by history lovers.

7. Red Fort (Delhi)

Significance: Lal Qila is one of the most famous forts in India, and it symbolizes India's struggle for independence. The Red Fort was for more than 200 years the residence of the Mughal emperors after it was established by Emperor Shah Jahan.

Features: The fort is also famous for its Mughal architecture, similar to Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate, magnificent buildings like Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, and lush gardens. This fort also celebrates Independence Day every year.

8. Ranthambore Fort (Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan)

Significance: This ancient fort is located at the heart of the Ranthambore National Park and thus is steeped in great historical background. Once it was the major fortress of the Rajput kings and a place of battle campaigns. 

Features: The fort boasts many temples, water reservoirs, and a giant banyan tree within its boundaries. Visits to this fort can also provide opportunities for spotting wild animals within the Ranthambore sanctuary, particularly the Bengal tigers. 

9. Shivneri Fort, Junnar (Maharashtra)

Significance: It was the birthplace of the great Maratha founder Shivaji Maharaj. It is a symbol of Maratha's flourishing strength located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra.

Features: The fort is surrounded by cliffs and contains numerous structures, including a Shivaji Maharaj Memorial and Sajjan Gadhi. The fort also offers excellent views of surrounding mountains and valleys. 

10. Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)

Significance: Fatehpur Sikri is the other UNESCO World Heritage site, constructed by Emperor Akbar as his short-term capital. Though left alone mainly due to lack of water, it still stands as an excellent example of Mughal architecture.

Features: Some other important structures in the fort complex include Buland Darwaza, Victory Gate, Jama Masjid, and Panch Mahal. It is such an excellent blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architecture, and it is one of the most interesting historical sites. 

Conclusion:

There are so many things contained in the Indian forts that are not just simple military constructions but contain a little bit of history, culture, and heritage. They communicate a word of grand beauty about the ages of ancient kingdoms and dynasties, marked by exceptional craftsmanship in engineering and architecture. Be it the largest forts of India, like Chittorgarh or Mehrangarh, or witnessing the history of the top 10 largest forts in India, Fort and Kumbhalgarh, each gives a full view of India's glorious past in its unique way. The forts not only give some very valuable historical insights but also provide some of the most breathtaking views in them; thus, it's a must-visit for anybody interested in the history of India.