Also known as Deogiri (“Adobe of Wealth”) or Devagiri, Daulatabad Fort is one of the most prestigious forts in the Deccan region. The fort is located approximately 15 Km from Aurangabad (now known as Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) and is en route to the Ellora Caves. The Daulatabad Fort is a must-visit monument at Aurangabad. The fort boasts a rich history spanning a millennium.
This blog explains the history, architecture, defense mechanism, and the important spots you shouldn’t miss on your visit, along with other vital information, including timings, cost, etc.
Table of Contents
Quick History
Daulatabad Fort was founded by the Yadavas of Deogiri (“The Hill of Gods”) in the 11th century AD. It was their capital for over a century (1187-1294). After enduring several attacks, the Khilji Dynasty annexed Daulatabad in the 12th century AD.
Following rapid political changes, rulers under Hasan Gangu took control of Daulatabad. By 1499, the Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar captured the fort and declared it their capital in 1607 AD.
The Mughals, led by Akbar and Shah Jahan, seized Daulatabad after a prolonged siege in 1633 AD. The fort briefly came under Maratha control before the Nizams of Hyderabad took over in 1724 AD.
Due to its strategic location and formidable defenses, Daulatabad was coveted by the most powerful dynasties from the 12th to the 17th centuries AD. Possessing the impregnable fort became a symbol of pride and prestige.
Architecture of Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort, located on a 720 m high conical hill, was one of the most powerful forts of the Deccan plateau in medieval times. The fort complex consists of an area measuring approximately 94.83 hectares. It contains a unique combination of military engineering, systematic town planning with a unique water management system, and architectural marvels with a strong political and religious hold.
The defense system consists of two moats (Dry and Wet Moat) and a glacis, three encircling fortification walls, bastions at regular intervals, zigzag and lofty gates with iron spinks, and the strategic position of gun turrets and dark passages (Andheri). Additionally, the fort complex had only one entry or exit—to confuse the enemy soldiers into driving deep into the fort in search of an exit.
The fort consists of structures such as stepped wells, reservoirs, the Minar, Baradari, Andheri, temples, mosques, and 10 unfinished rock-cut caves. Its water management system is unique, with a comprehensive network of terracotta pipelines and drains.
How to Reach Daulatabad Fort?
By Air
Aurangabad Airport (IATA Code: IXU, 23 Km) is the closest airport to the Daulatabad Fort. Taxis or cabs are available from the airport to visit the Daulatabad Fort. Alternatively, you can go to the city bus station from the airport by bus and then travel by road to the fort.
By Train
Aurangabad Railway Station (Station Code: AWD, 15.5 km) is the nearest railway station. It connects to cities like Pune, Mumbai, Nasik, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
From the railway station, you can go to the city bus station and board a bus to the Daulatabad Fort. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also available from the railway station.
By Road
Daulatabad Fort is about 15 Km from Chatrapati Sambaji Nagar (earlier Aurangabad). Frequent buses (Bus number 42) are available between Chatrapati Sambaji Nagar bus station and Daulatabad Fort.
Tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws offer services to the Daulatabad Fort. Uber services are available from the city. Alternatively, you can rent two-wheelers in the city and travel to the Daulatabad Fort. You can also reach the destination if you have your own vehicle.
Timings
Daulatabad Fort is open between 6 AM and 6 PM, on all days
Entry Fee
- INR 25 for Indian citizens & visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar)
- INR 300 per person for foreigners from other countries
- No entry fee for children 15 years of age and below.
- Discounts for tickets purchased online.
Parking Facilities
A vast paid parking space is available close to the fort’s entrance.
Network Availability
Reception in Airtel was intermittent and not reliable in the area. Jio worked better within the fort premises.
Best Time to Visit
Although Daulatabad Fort is open for visitors throughout the year, the weather is extremely hot and humid during summer (March to May). The temperatures soar up to 45°C, which might ruin your experience. The monsoon starts in June and ends in September.
The best time to visit Daulatabad Fort is during the winter season (October to February). The pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploration. However, visiting the caves early in the morning is recommended to escape the scorching heat, especially during the summer months.
10 Important Spots in Daulatabad Fort
Some of the important spots that you will see on your way to the top of the fort are listed below. Plaques containing the basic information about each spot are placed near the entrance to the spot. The journey to visit the Daulatabad Fort takes about 2-4 hours.
1. Saraswati Bawdi (Stepped Well)
Saraswati Bawdi is a beautiful stepped well (30 X 30 X 12 m) built of stone blocks with a narrow and steep flight of steps leading to it. The stepwell was constructed by Thakkar Nanak, son of Jagbir. There are a total of four stepwells at Daulatabad Fort, two within the fort and two outside, in the city. The step well was primarily constructed as a water source for the people. It was historically used by the general public.
2. Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple (87 X 87m) was built in the 14th Century when the fort was under the stronghold of the Khiljis. The temple is a specimen of symmetry. It follows the classic plan of a mosque with access from three sides and buttresses (pseudo minarets) on the four corners. This temple was built during the reign of Qutubuddin Mubaraq Khilji (1318 CE) and was known as Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). After Independence, it became Bharat Mata Mandir. No statues exist in the temple today. A picture of a Hindu goddess is alone placed at the center.
3. Chand Minar
Built with stone and decorated with colored tiles, Chand Minar is a specimen of the influence of Persian art and culture in India. It was built by Sultan Al-ud-din Bahamani (Ahmed Shah-1) to celebrate his victory over Gujarat in 1445 CE. It is a replica of the Qutub Minar located in Delhi. This Chand Minar has four floors with a set of spiral staircases on the inside. It stands at a height of 70.9 meters from the ground.
4. Open Air Cannon Gallery
The Open Air Cannon Gallery contains an exhibit of 53 cannons placed on 37 stone masonry pedestals, measuring 43m in length and 26 m in width. Each cannon is unique in shape, size, and design.
Many are decorated with intricate designs, such as leaf patterns, human faces, animal motifs on the muzzle, rope designs around the ring, and cascabels portraying tigers, hunting deer, etc.
5. Chini Mahal
Chini Mahal (5 x 5.80 x 10 m) is a double-storied building once inlaid with blue and yellow enameled tiles. The upper floor is well-ventilated and has two chambers accessible through a flight of steps.
Abdul Hasan Tanashah (1687- 1700 CE), the last Qutb Shahi ruler of Golconda, was confined in this palace by Aurangazeb until he died in 1700 CE. The palace played a central role in the political history of Deccan.
6. Mendha Top
Mendha Top (Ram Cannon, Marathi), originally known as Qila Shikan (Breaker of Forts), is placed on an elevated circular platform (16.30 m in diameter). The cascabel has the shape of a ram, so the name “Mendha Tope” gained prominence.
This cannon belonged to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707 CE). This tidbit of information is inscribed on the cannon. The exterior of the cannon is cast in copper, while the bore is made from horizontal iron staves. The cannon spans 5.30 m in length. Its caliber is 20 cm, which can easily hurl a heavy shot.
The cannon’s surface is beautifully decorated with intricate floral motifs. A pivot is provided at the center of the platform, which once enabled the cannon to rotate in any direction.
7. Dark Passage (Andheri)
The only entrance to the top of the Dhaulatabad fort is through a long, uneven tunnel that is difficult to climb without light. The winding passage and the darkness were designed to confuse the enemy. The turns and twists lead to a window, now covered with grills, but was originally a trap set for intruders – entering through the window led them to tumble down the slope and meet a watery grave in the moat below. They also used caltrops, smoke barriers, and cauldrons upon cauldrons of hot oil.
8. Ganesh Temple
Ganesh Temple is a pilgrim site that is patronized by people even today. It is located at a strategic site and offers a good view of the fort entrance and Chand Minar.
9. Baradari
The white double-storeyed octagonal building on the top of the hill is named Baradari because of its twelve arches (barah – twelve, and dari – support). Each octagon has three open arches. Adjoining the Baradari is a square courtyard with an open verandah and galleries around it. The roof of the galleries is dome-shaped internally, whereas the hall and the rest of the structure have a flat roof. A 360° view of the surrounding settlements and the majestic surrounding walls of the fort is visible from Baradari.
This building was the favorite summer residence of Emperor Shah Jahan and his son Alamgir Aurangzeb.
10. Durga Cannon
Durga Top (Durga Cannon) is the highest point of Daulatabad Fort at an altitude of 720 m from sea level. The cannon is placed on a large platform to target enemies approaching above the ground, open fields, and surrounding mountain ranges. The name “Shree Durge’ is inscribed on the cannon in Devanagari script. Durga is the Hindu Goddess of valor and courage and was thought to provide victory in battles.
The effective range of this cannon was about 2 km, with a maximum of up to 3.5 km. lt measures 5.80 m in length with varying thickness from 42 to 48 cm, and its caliber measures 18 cm in diameter.
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