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Once known as 'Devgiri', this magnificent 12th century fortress stands
on a hill just 13 kms. from Aurangabad. It was given the name Daulatabad,
the' city of fortune', by Muhamad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Initially
a Yadav stronghold, it passed through the hands of several dynasties
in the Deccan. One of the world's best preserved fort of medieval times,
surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad yet displays the character
that made it invincible. A Fortress that was conquered only by treachery.
A series of secret, quizzical, subterranean passages lie coiled like
a python amidst the fort. Here flaring torches were thrust upon an unwary
enemy.
History of The Fort
Almost 800 years ago, Daulatabad, then called 'Devigiri' was a thriving
city. It was founded by Bhillamraja of the Yadava dynasty in 1187 AD.
Later, the fort of Daulatabad passed through the hands of several dynasties
in the Deccan. Less than 150 years after the Yadava dynasty, Daulatabad
also became the capital of India for a short period during the reign
of Sultan Muhammad-bin-Tughluq, who gave the city its present name.
But very soon the charm of this ancient city faded.
The Fort
The Daulatabad fort is situated on top of a high hill, encircled by
thick walls, spiked gates, steep slide ways and a deep trench. The fort
has a coiled network of secret, quizzical and subsurface passages.
Situated on a hill and surrounded by a 40 ft. deep trench with mechanical
drawbridges and crocodiles, this fascinating fort becomes impossible
for intruders to approach. Along with these, a strong 5 kms long wall
and complex series of defenses makes Daulatabad fort one the most secure
forts.
The defense system of this fort was absolutely full proof with double
and even triple rows of massive walls. This fortress was like a maze
where the intruders were trapped. There was no way of conquering this
majestic fort. The impregnable fort of Daulatabad was only conquered
by treachery.
Significant Structures Within The Fort
Daulatabad fort has some outstanding structures like the Chand Minar,
Jami Masjid and royal palaces. The royal palaces within the fort consists
of spacious halls, pavilions and courtyards.
The Chand Minar within the fort is a 30-metre high tower. It was a tower
of victory build by Ala-ud-din Bahmani to commemorate his conquest of
the fort in 1435. The Minar is divided into four storeys having glazed
tiles and carved motifs. The Minar is supposed to be used as a prayer
hall or a victory monument in its time.
The blue tiled Chini Mahal is located a little higher than the Chand
Minar. It is where the last king of Golcunda, Abdul Hasan Tana Shah
was imprisoned in 1687. He was captivated here for thirteen years until
his death, by the Moghul emperor Aurangzeb.
The Jami Masjid within the fort was
a mosque built by the Khilji ruler of Delhi, Qutub-ud-din Mubarak in
1318. This mosque is a well-preserved monument, comprising of 106 pillars
ransacked from the Hindu and Jain temples, which previously stood on
the site. Lately, the Masjid has been converted into a Bharatmata temple,
causing dissatisfaction amongst the local Muslims.
There is a large stone-lined Elephant
tank in the nearby area. It was once a major part of the fort's extensive
water-supply system. There are two giant terracotta pipes, which are
the source of channeled water from the hills falling into Deogiri's
( Daulatabad) legendary fruit and vegetable gardens. There is also an awesome ram-headed
Kila Shikan ("Fort Breaker") cannon inscribed with its name
in Persian. It lies on a stone platform nearby. From this spot, a series
of gruesome traps start, waiting for the incautious intruder.
Things To Keep In Mind
The Daulatabad fort remains open till 6 pm.
Reach Daulatabad Fort
By Air : The nearest airport from Daulatabad is the Aurangabad airport,
located around 10 kms east of the Aurangabad town. This airport is directly
linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur.
By Rail : Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai and other cities of
the country. There are two trains that depart daily from Mumbai. The
Tapovan Express leaves Mumbai early morning arriving in Aurangabad by
late afternoon, while the Devgiri Express is an overnight train.
By Road : Daulatabad Fort is a part of the MTDC tour to Ellora from
Aurangabad. It can also be reached by private taxi or by the local bus
that runs between Aurangabad and Ellora.
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