India used to be divided into a number of separate kingdoms. Each emperor constructed wonderfully beautiful palaces to live in and impregnable fortifications to protect them. We’ll tell you all about India’s famed palaces and forts, their mysteries, and their interesting history in this post. If you weren’t already envious, these people also erected forts to protect and glorify their (luxury promax) palaces. In today’s post, we’ll tell you all about India’s iconic palaces and forts, as well as their strange and interesting histories.
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of India’s most beautiful forts. At an elevation of 400 metres, the fort is an exhibition of elegant art, from carvings and paintings to sculptures. In 1459, Rao Jodha began construction on Mehrangarh. It took 500 years to achieve the current appearance. Several of his descendants were involved in the construction of this magnificent fort.
The Rathores migrated to Jodhpur and constructed Mehrangarh as their capital after controlling Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh. Each of the fort’s seven gates was built to honour the kingdom’s conquests. The fort’s magnificently adorned mahals display the dynasty’s wealth.
2. Mysore Palace
Mysore is known as the “Palace City.” It is a feast for history buffs, with seven elegant palaces. The Mysore Palace is the most famous of them all. The emperors of the Wadiyar dynasty lay the foundation stone in the 14th century. Initially, the construction was made of wood. The fort has been rebuilt several times throughout the course of its six centuries of existence, as the timber building was particularly sensitive to damage. The grounds for reconstruction span from lightning, fire, and the ruler’s whim. Between 1897 and 1912, this fort was renovated using Henry Irwin’s architecture. After all, the Mysore Palace isn’t really historic.
3. Shaniwarwada Fort
A journey to Pune would be incomplete without a visit to the city’s ancient monuments. Shaniwarwada Fort is the most well-known. The Maratha monarchs’ Prime Ministers were housed in this Pune fort. Peshwa Baji Rao-I built this magnificent stronghold, which had a beautiful Maratha Imperial design back in the day, over 625 acres of land in 1732.
The beauty of the premises has gotten a lot of attention. Close your eyes and envision the magnificence of the Aayna Mahal, also known as the Juna Arsa Mahal, which could be lit by a single little candle or diya. On the walls of the magnificent palace, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata were portrayed.
4. Lohagad Fort
Lonavala, a hill station near Pune, is home to the Lohagad Fort. It was built in the 14th century and has witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties. The Maharashtra fort of Lohagad lives up to its name. The tenacious building has survived countless battles and continues to remain strong after all these centuries. In today’s world, a journey to Lonavala would be completed without a visit to Lohagad, one of India’s most powerful forts. It’s one of the most popular destinations for hikers. Due to the enormous number of tourists it attracts each year, the town has been developed as a tourist destination. As a result, one can have a relaxing vacation while learning about the town’s history and adventures.
5. Golconda Fort
The Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is one of India’s most famous forts. It was built atop a granite hill by the Rajah of Warangal in the 13th century. Mankal was the name given to it when it was first constructed out of mud. The Kakatiya empire was guarded from the west by this fort. It was taken over by the Musunuri, Bahamani, and Qutb Shahi dynasties soon after. There are 23 diamond mines in the Golconda Fort area, including the Kollur Mine. One of these mines produced Kohinoor, the diamond that presently adorns Queen Elizabeth II’s crown.
6. Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Vadakkekara Palace is another name for Thrissur’s Sakthan Thampuran Palace. It is a part of the fascinating Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty’s history. Vadakkechira Kovilakam was its previous name. In 1795, Ramavarma Thampuran rebuilt the previous edifice in a Keralan-Dutch style. The palace was built on two levels, with extremely high ceilings and solid walls. The lovely marble on the floors was brought in from Italy. The palace was converted into a museum in 2005 and is presently conserved by India’s Archaeological Department.
7. Sajjangarh Fort
Maharana Sajjan Singh of Udaipur built the Sajjangarh Fort, popularly known as the Monsoon Palace, in 1884. It is Udaipur’s crown treasure. Almost every portion of the city has a view of the Monsoon Palace. Here’s some intriguing information to entice you to visit this 19th-century architectural marvel.
8. Chittorgarh Fort
Let’s move on to one of India’s largest forts. Rani Padmavati lived in the Chittorgarh Fort once upon a time. Yes, the same lovely queen who everyone was hoping to catch a sight of. Local Mauryans constructed it sometime in the 7th century A.D. Several disasters, defeats, and jauhars have occurred at the fort. This location is said to be haunted, so anyone looking for a good scare should go at night.
9. City Palace
Jaipur’s City Palace was built about the same time as the city was founded, by Sawai Jai Singh II, the city’s founder. The palace was designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Samuel S. Jacob and features Indian, Mughal, and European influences. With the passage of time, the originally constructed edifice was further developed.
10. Gwalior Fort
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh’s opulent 10th century fort is located upon a hill. It is regarded as a jewel among India’s forts. Gwalior’s towering fort can be observed from any vantage point. It is thought to have been constructed in the year 3 CE. The fort was attacked by a number of rulers after being in Suraj Sen’s family for 83 generations. The Tomars, Mughals, Marathas, British, and finally the Scindias occupied the crown.
