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In the Vast expanse of India’s historical landscape, Forts in India stand as silent sentinels, guarding tales of valour, culture and conquest. These landmarks, scattered across the length and breadth of the country, serve as portals to the past, offering us glimpses into the rich tapestry of our heritage.
Chapter 1- Forts in India
Forts are historically significant structures for defense. These have evolved from natural defenses to elaborate constructions using local resources and technological advancements.
Types of Ports in India
The forts in the Indian subcontinent have been influenced by the landscape, culture, and aesthetics of the ruling classes. Arthasashtra, an ancient Indian political treatise, classifies forts based on their physical nature, which remains a foundational aspect in studying Indian forts.
Classification of Indian Forts
| Dhanva Durg or Desert Fort | This type of fort is surrounded by a desert or an arid stretch of land which can inhibit the swift movement of enemies. |
| Mahi Durg or Mud Fort | This type of fort is protected by earthen walls and ramparts. Walls constructed of bricks and stones can also come under this category. |
| Jala Durg or Water Fort | This type of fort is surrounded by water bodies which could either be natural (sea or rivers) or artificial (moats, artificial lakes etc.) |
| Giri Durg or Hill Fort | This type of fort is situated on either the summit of a hill or a valley that is surrounded by hills. |
| Vriksha or Vana Durg, or Forest Fort | This type of fort has a thick forest cover as a preliminary line of defense. |
| Nara Durg or fort protected by soldiers | This type of fort primarily relies on man-power. It has a strong army to defend itself. |
| Palace Forts | Fort complexes, including palaces for royalty and nobility, can transition from military outposts to administrative and residential hubs. Some forts serve dual purposes as strategic military stations and residential centers. |
| City Forts | Forts can attract populations and lead to the development of cities nearby. Existing cities were sometimes enclosed within fortifications for protection, with complexes including schools, worship areas, residential quarters, palaces, and farms. |
| Trading Forts | Forts were built as hubs for commercial and financial activities, with some evolving from warehouses or trade links to fortified structures for protection. European forts in India exemplify this transformation. |
Chapter 2- Role of Forts in Indian History
Forts in ancient India played a crucial role in warfare. It also shaped the social, economic, and cultural landscape.
| Military Defense | Forts were the primary line of defense against invaders. Strategically, these were located on hills or near water bodies. They used to boast of thick walls, clever designs (bastions, gateways), and innovative features (moats, machicolations) to repel attacks. Examples- Gwalior Fort (Madhya Pradesh) and Mehrangarh Fort (Rajasthan). |
| Political Power | These forts were the symbol of authority. Forts served as a tangible display of a ruler’s power and prestige. Their grandeur, showcased through intricate architecture and expensive materials, sent a strong message to both the populace and rivals. Example- The Red Fort in Delhi. |
| Economic Hubs | Forts also serve as thriving centers of economic activities. Trade routes often converged near or passed through forts, facilitating commerce and generating revenue. Example- Cities like Agra, initially built around Agra Fort, flourished due to their proximity. |
| Social and Cultural Centres | Forts also served as Cradle of Culture. The secure environment within forts fostered the blossoming of art, music, and literature. Royal patronage within the fort walls nurtured diverse artistic expressions. Additionally, temples and other religious structures were often integrated into fort complexes, making them significant cultural and religious centers. Example- The intricate murals of Chittorgarh Fort or the serene Eklingji Temple within Mehrangarh Fort. |
| Architectural Innovation | The forts also served as testing grounds of architecture. Fort construction in India witnessed remarkable feats of engineering. Forts also served as testing grounds for novel defensive techniques and technologies, shaping warfare in the subcontinent. Example- Use of sloping walls to deflect cannonballs during the Mughal era. |
| Enduring Legacy | These forts also served as windows to the past. Even today, forts stand as captivating testaments to India’s vibrant past. They are not only tourist destinations but also a treasure trove of information for historians and archaeologists. Studying these forts allows us to piece together the political tapestry, cultural nuances, and architectural brilliance of bygone eras. |
Chapter 3- History of Forts in Ancient India
Ancient period saw the rise and fall of numerous empires and dynasties across the subcontinent. They reflect a synthesis of indigenous architectural traditions as well as those introduced by conquerors and adventurers.
Examples of ancient Indian Forts
| Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE) | Kot Diji and Dholavira showcase early examples of fortified settlements. |
| Iron Age (1200-300 BCE) | Hill forts like Rajgir and Ahicchatra became prominent. |
| Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE) | Pataliputra, the capital, was a fortified city. |
Indus Valley Period
Indus Valley settlements were characterized by a clear division into a Citadel area and a Lower Town area, as seen in Mohenjodaro.
The citadel area in Mohenjodaro was additionally surrounded by a moat. Kot Diji (3300 BCE) was a fortified site with a massive wall made of limestone rubble and mud-brick, containing a citadel complex and a lower residential area.
Vedic Period
The Rig Veda mentions a Bharata king named Divodasa who defeated the Dasa ruler Shambara. These commanded many mountain fortresses. The Rig Veda also refers to tribes living in fortified settlements called Pura.
Second Urbanisation In India (6th Century B.C. TO 3rd Century B.C.)
This period saw the emergence of the powerful Mahajanapadas or sixteen major kingdoms across India. The growth of these kingdoms led to increased warfare and the consequent need to strengthen military defenses and fortifications.
Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha, had two cities Old Rajagriha and New Rajagriha, both surrounded by stone fortification walls. Major fortified capitals included Champa (capital of Anga), Kaushambi (capital of Vatsa), Ahichchhatra (capital of Panchala), and Ujjayini (capital of Avanti).
Mauryan Period
Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a crucial source for understanding Mauryan military institutions and fortifications. The Arthashastra considers the fortified capital (durga) as one of the seven essential elements of the state. Kautilya classifies forts into different categories based on their terrain and defensive features, such as desert forts, mud forts, water forts, hill forts, forest forts, and forts protected by loyal soldiers.
Peninsular India (Sangam Period)
The early Peninsular India was dotted with hundreds of forts, indicating the widespread use of fortifications. The concept of fully-built forts with mature architectural features like moats, turrets, and bastions had reached an advanced stage during the Sangam period.
The Sangam literature vividly describes the grandeur of the fort at Madurai, with its towering walls, wide gates, and a deep moat surrounded by dense forests.
Gupta Period
Gupta period is primarily known for its religious architecture, such as Buddhist and Jain cave temples and early Hindu temples.
The Garhwa Fort complex houses some of the oldest remains of the Gupta period, including 5th-6th century architectural relics of temples and tanks.
The present-day square enclosure and parapets around the site were added by Raja Baghel Raja Vikramaditya of Bara in the 18th century.
Rajputs
Rajput forts have a long history, with layers of construction over the centuries. Legends attribute the origins of some major forts like Chittorgarh, Gwalior, and Amer to earlier rulers. The Rajput forts that stand today were mostly built during the early medieval period.
Chapter 4- History of Forts in Medieval India
The history of forts in medieval India is marked by continuous conflict, leading to the capture, destruction, and occupation of various forts over the centuries.
Architectural changes in these forts mirrored the evolving landscape of the country. The medieval era saw significant developments in fort construction, closely intertwined with the military and political history of the region from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
The history of forts in India during the medieval era reflects a continuation of the past, with forts changing hands, being captured, recaptured, destroyed, and occupied over the centuries.
The Delhi Sultanate was established in the 13th century, with its foundations laid by Muhammad Ghuri and Qutbuddin Aibek, and formally established by Iltutmish.
The architectural style that developed during the Delhi Sultanate period was a synthesis of indigenous traditions and influences from Central Asia.
The Mughal era saw the development of a syncretic architectural style, with influences from Persian, Indian, and other regional traditions.
Chapter 5- History of Forts in the Colonial Period
The decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Arab dominance over trade routes to India led the Europeans to seek a direct sea route to India. The Portuguese were the first to arrive in India in 1498 under Vasco da Gama, establishing trading factories in Calicut, Cannanore, and Cochin.
To protect their trade interests, the Portuguese began fortifying their settlements, building the first fort- Fort Emmanuel in Kochi in 1503.
The Portuguese presence was contested by the arrival of the Dutch, who founded their first factory in Masulipatnam in 1605.
The Portuguese built Fort Aguada in Goa to defend against the Dutch, with features like a freshwater spring, bastions, moats, and a lighthouse.
The Dutch eventually overpowered the Portuguese, capturing their trading centers and forts like the one in Kochi.
The European powers used forts not only for trade protection, but also as sanctuaries against rebellions by indigenous rulers who resented their presence. Over time, the forts assumed a multi-functional role, serving as centers of commerce, military power, and colonial administration for the European powers in India.
| Read More- The Hindu UPSC Syllabus- GS 1- Art and Culture |
