Famous Forts in Rajasthan
There are numerous forts in Rajasthan, and many of them are well-protected. Most of these forts are situated on hilltops. The area which falls under Rajasthan was divided amongst several clans. These clans were collectively known as Rajputs. The Rajput kings are remembered for their courage and hospitality. But they were also fiercely territorial and would often conspire to topple down neighbouring kingdoms. So, there was a pressing need of building strong fortifications. Today some of these forts have become popular monuments. Read More
Palaces in Rajasthan
There are scores of palaces dotted about in the vast landscape of Rajasthan. And some of them have become popular due to their magnificence, scale, and significance. It is really hard to imagine anything elegant in the arid landscape of Rajasthan. But most of the Rajput clans that have ruled here were great admirers of art and architecture. Their love for art and architecture is evident from the impressive and elegant palaces they built here. Read More
Forts in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is as much politically important today as it was during the ancient and medieval periods. There are many Hindu legends associated with this land of Ganga and Yamuna. The empires that flourished here in the ancient era are Maurya, Kushan, Gupta, and Pratihara. Kannauj, the capital of the mighty king Harshavardhana of Pushyabhuti Dynasty, is also in Uttar Pradesh. In the medieval era, Mughals held sway over the major portion of this region. They built a couple of exemplary forts here: Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Though there are several other forts in Uttar Pradesh, these two forts are popular for their art and architecture. Read More
Forts in Delhi
Delhi has five forts, but it is the Red Fort that takes pride of place. It was the last fort built in India. Hence it has become the symbol of the country. The fort of Tughlaqabad, though in ruins, has an interesting history. The old fort is equally captivating. Delhi, a union territory in India, encloses the national capital New Delhi. The region of Delhi enjoys a strategic location in North India. So, it attracted rulers of several dynasties to form their capitals here. For centuries together, the region of Delhi remained the centre of power. The forts left behind by those dynasties offer insights into the dramatic past of Delhi. Read More
Forts in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is situated in the heart of India. Its landscape was once dotted with many important kingdoms. Some of its regions were very important because they offered a passage to the ‘Deccan’. Hence the kingdoms of this region were eagerly sought after by the powerful dynasties of North India. In this kind of situation one needs strong fortifications to defend their provinces. That’s the reason Madhya Pradesh has many impressive forts. Read More
Hill Forts in Maharashtra
There are many forts spread across the hilly terrain of Sahyadris in Maharashtra. Sahyadri Range, also known as Western Ghats, is flanked on its west by the long coastal strip, and on its east by the Deccan Plateau. The location of this range of hills was strategically important considering the political situation of medieval era. By occupying a defense establishment here, one could keep a check on the maritime trade. And also they could raid the Deccan establishments and come back to the safer confines of the hill forts. Of all the states in India, Maharashtra must be the state with the highest number of hill forts. Many of them have been reduced to mere walls, but there are a few that have the remains of the past. Read More
Sea Forts in Maharashtra
A long coastal strip forms the western border of Maharashtra. This coast, in the medieval period, was dotted with many bustling ports. And to defend these port towns, rulers had to erect defense fortifications on the shore. Some of them were also created off the shore. All of these forts are set in picturesque locations. And each of them is a unique piece of architecture. Read More
Forts in Kerala
While Kerala is popular for its natural beauty, it has no dearth of heritage monuments. Despite being a small state tucked away in the southern corner of India, it has witnessed a very dramatic past. It has endured territorial conflicts, foreign invasions, and colonization before it became a part of the independent India. So, just like any other region, the rulers and invaders created fortifications for their safety. While some of them could endure the test of time, many of them have crumbled. The forts in Kerala aren’t as popular as they are in other states of India. But a few of them are really very impressive. Read More
Palaces in Kerala
The palaces of Kerala are graceful reminders of its vibrant past. Most of the palaces here are defined by gabled roofs, colonnaded facades, and dark passageways. Many of them have turned into museums. By displaying a collection of the arts and objects of the past, they provide a good opportunity to delve into the traditional culture of Kerala. Majority of the palaces have been built by the Travancore Royals. Kochi Royals have also contributed a few palaces to the region. Read More
Forts in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has witnessed a rich past. This land of Cholas, Pandyans, and Nayakas is dotted with magnificent structures created by them. The dynasties of the surrounding geographies also laid their claim over many regions of this state. Their excursions led to the building of newer structures which added to the heritage of Tamil Nadu. The eastern border of this state is the southeastern coast of India. The Dutch, the French, and the British entered the country from this coast. They built the forts and settlements; they also took over the existing fortifications and reinforced them. Read More
Palaces in Tamil Nadu
Just like other states, the dynasties that thrived in Tamil Nadu have left behind the palaces and the forts. Amongst them, there are a few splendid palaces. The most significant ones are Maratha Palace in Thanjavur and Thirumalai Nayaka Palace in Madurai. With sheer coincidence the Padmanabhapuram Palace built by the Travancore kings is a part of Tamil Nadu. Apart from these huge palace complexes, there are quite a few small and elegant palaces in this state. Read More
Popular Forts in Karnataka
Much of Karnataka’s popularity is owed to its capital city Bangalore, the bustling metropolis crowded with IT companies. But talk to the travellers, and they’ll tell you about the other side of Karnataka. This state is home to some of the finest monuments in the country. Its vast landscape has seen a very eventful past. Several dynasties have ruled over different regions of Karnataka. Along with the fine monuments, those ruling clans have also left behind the stories of success and of failure, of good times and of blood bath, of faith and of betray. The forts situated here give insights into the history and architecture of those times. Read More