Daulatabad - Tughlaqs City of Fortune

Located around 13kms from the city of Aurangabad, this majestic fortress was built by the Yadava dynasty around 1187 AD.  Originally known as 'Devigiri' when it was formed by its original ruler, it passed through several hands and witnessed quite a bit of history in its wake. Post the Yadava dynasty, during the reign of Sultan Muhammad-bin-Tughluq, the city was named Daulatabad or the city of fortune' who made it his capital and shifted the populace of Delhi to it. But due to shortage of water, the capital moved back to Delhi and gradually its popularity faded.  The fort is unique in its architecture is that it has been built on the Top of a Hill making it impregnable. The has been maintained very well considering the historic significance it holds

The Entry to the Fort

Thick wooden doors reinforced by strong nails make it difficult to break through for an enemy

Built on a high conical hill, the fort was defended by Moats which during its heydays would have been teeming with crocodiles. The defense system was complex and intricate; enough to confuse any enemy who managed to breach its entry with fortifications of thick lofty encircling walls.

The defense mechanism had Guardrooms at passages, Openings on Walls and Doors for Artillery and doors studded and Spiked for deterring War Elephants   



A War Elephant Engraving on both sides of the Entrance



The Watch Tower

The Artillery on display

You may find numerous Temples, Mosques and Old structures within the ramparts but the most noticeable monument here is the Chand Minar which was built by Sultan Ala-ud-din Bahmani (Sultan Ahmed Shah II) in 1447 to commemorate his victory. Its height (30metres high and 21metres in circumference) and bright color make it visible even from a far distance

The Pillared Bharat Mata Temple is definitely worth a look. With its Secular look, it may be the only such temple in India

At the end of it all, you realize that you have experienced and witnessed a long span of history from the time of its inception to the rule of multiple dynasties such as the Marathas, Sultans of Delhi, the Mughals and the Nizams.