Top 10 magnificent forts in India

New Delhi: India has always been a land of royal past and legends. Since the country has been ruled by various emperors, from different dynasties, India has been dotted by numerous forts which stand as spectacular reminders of the rich past, sagas of romance, chivalry, valor, inevitable deceit and the intrigues of court politics.Most of the forts in India were an architectural masterpiece built by the humans. The forts built in the medieval period depicts the influence of various art forms from around the world.With each fort being a witness to various sagas and valor, each one of them has their own story to tell.Here we present you 5 most glorious forts of India: Golconda FortSituated in the city of Hyderabad, Golconda Fort was built by Kakatiya kings.Located at-least 11 kilometers away from the city, the Golconda Fort is known for its rich history and a majestic and imposing grand structure.Golkonda was once renowned for the magnificent diamonds found on the south-east at Kollur Mine near Kollur Lake.The city and fortress are built on a granite hill that 400 ft high and is surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts.After this fort was built the Kakatiya dynasty was ruled by the ruler named Quli Qutub Shah Wali who did numerous renovations in the fort.The fort finally fell into ruins during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb in 1687 AD. Red FortBuilt in the capital of the country, the Red Fort in Delhi was built in 1648 as the fortified palace of Shahjahanabad, capital of Emperor Shah Jahan.The construction of the fort began in 1638, when Shah Jahan decided to shift capital from Agra to Delhi.The Red Fort is considered to represent the pinnacle of Mughal creativity under Shah Jahan and was named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone.Also known as ‘Quila-e-Mubarak', the Red Fort was residence of the Mughal emperor of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857.The Red Fort which is considered as the icon of the city was declared as the heritage site by UNESCO in 2007.The Republic Day Parade on 26th January initiates from the Red Fort every year.On the Independence Day of India, 15 August, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the main gate of the fort and delivers a speech from here.While the Red Fort has many partitions and occupies a large space as it has mosques, private and public halls and many beautiful gardens, river Yamuna also flows by the side of the Red Fort. Gwalior FortLocated in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Fort was built byRana Man Singh Tomar.Built in 8ht century, the Gwalior Fort consists of a defensive structure and two main palaces, Gurjari Mahal and Man Mandir.Gujari Mahal, which was built for Queen Mrignayani, is now turned into a museum.The splendid fort of Gwalior also depicts the amazing ancient Indian architecture. The artwork can be seen in its pillars and walls.Known as one of the biggest forts in India, the Gwalior Fort also has a postal stamp, with its photo on it, issued by Indian postal service because of the enthralling appearance of this majestic monument. Jaisalmer FortSituated in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort is known as one of the largest stockade in the world.Jaisalmer Fort which depicts the royalty of Rajputs in India was built in1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal and so the fort was named after him.Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the midst of the sandy terrain of the Great Thar Desert on the triangular shaped Trikuta hill, 76 m above the town.One of the oldest forts in Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort is also known as “Sonar quila” or “Golden Fort” because of the use of yellow colored sandstone in its construction. Agra FortSituated in the Agra city of Uttar Pradesh, the Agra Fort is the symbol of Mughal Dynasty with several architectural wonders.One of the most important forts in India, the Agra Fort is the sister monument of the renowned Taj-Mahal.Built during the Mughal dynasty, the Agra Fort was constructed in around 11th century.The fort which is made up of red sand stones is also known as the Red Fort of Agra.It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who lived in the fort for quite some time.Sikandar Lodi was the first Sultan of Delhi who shifted to Agra and lived in the fort.While the fort is located on the bank of the Yamuna River, it also has a beautiful garden at the entry path of the monument.This Red Fort of Agra has also been declared as the World Heritage site by UNESCO.Chittorgarh FortSituated in the city of Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort is considered to be the largest fort in India was constructed by the Mauryans during the 7th century ADInitially ruled by Guhilot and later by Sisodias, the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs from 7th century, the fort was abandoned in 1568 after the siege by Emperor Akbar.The fort has been a witness to a numerous battles and was sacked thrice between the 15th and 16th centuries; in 1303 Allauddin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh, in 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat defeated Bikramjeet Singh and in 1567 Emperor Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II who left the fort and founded Udaipur.Built in the shape of fish roughly, the fort complex comprises 65 historic built structures, among them 4 palace complexes, 19 main temples, 4 memorials and 20 functional water bodies.The fort has seven gates with each gate built as massive stone structures with secure fortifications for military defense.The Chittorgarh Fort is now a World Heritage Site. Junagarh Fort Built between 1589-1594 AD in the Bikaner city of Rajasthan, the Junagarh Fort was under the supervision of Karan Chand, the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner.Originally known as Chintamani, the fort was renamed as Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century.The Junagarh fort comprises of palaces and temples, which are made of red sandstone and marble.The interiors of the palaces are decorated and painted in traditional Rajasthani style.A major feature of the Junagarh fort is the stone carving done in red and gold coloured sandstones.The fort, the temples and the palaces are preserved as museums and provide insight into the grandiose living style of the past Maharanas of Rajasthan. Mehrangarh Fort Located in the Jodhpur city of Rajasthan, the Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India.Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh.Situated 400 feet above the city, the Mehrangarh fort is enclosed by imposing thick walls.The Fort comprises of several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.The Mehrangarh fort has seven gates, including “Jayapol” which was by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies and “Fattehpol” built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals.The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. Amer Fort Locted in amer city of Rajasthan, the Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in around 1592 AD.Located high on a hill, Amer Fort is known for its artistic style of Hindu elements.Built with red sandstone and marble, the fort is divided into four main sections each with its own entry gate and courtyard.Popularly known as Amer Palace, the Amer fort has served as an abode to Rajput Maharajas and their families.The fort also comprises of a temple dedicated to Sila Devi, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult which was given to Raja Man Singh when he had defeated the Raja of Jessore, Bengal in 1604.The blend of Hindu, Rajput and Mughal architectural style can be seen in the fort. Jhansi FortLocated on hilltop called Bangira, in Uttar Pradesh, the Jhansi Fort was built by Bir Singh Ju Deo, the king of Orcha in the year 1613.Also known as Jhansi ka Qila, the fort comprises of ten gates including the Khandero Gate, Datia Darwaza, Unnao Gate, Jharna Gate, Laxmi Gate, Sagar Gate, Orcha Gate, Sainyar Gate, and Chand Gate.Jhansi fort also features the Shiva temple, Ganesh temple at the entrance, and the Kadak Bijli cannon used in the uprising of 1857.In 1861 the British Government gave the Jhansi fort and Jhansi city to Jiyaji Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, but the British took back Jhansi from Gwalior state in 1868.