Do you know about the Daulatabad fort, a fort which is considered the “Unconquered fort of India”? Daulatabad is mainly famous for its formidable hill fort, a fort that is 190 meters high and conical-shaped. To date, no enemy from outside has been able to access it. The fort was originally known as Devagiri Fort as Lord Shiva is believed to have resided on the hills surrounding this region. The fort was constructed by the first Yadava king, Bhillama around 1187. This fort was known to be the most secure fort in India as there were many reasons behind it like this fort was not built like other constructions but was built by carving a single hill.
The defense strategies of the fort are superb as a 100 feet deep moat has been dug around it, intended as a defense against attack, which used to be filled with crocodiles. This means that if an enemy has to enter the fort, they first have to cross its main gate. Between the outer wall of the fort and the base of the fort, there are three thick rows of walls on which several bastions are built. The most important thing is that the fort has many underground corridors and many ditches which have been made by cutting rocks. The fort also includes a dark underground passage called "Andheri". This route has some deep pits on the way, which were made to trick the enemy fall into the deep ditch. Beyond the dark path is a maze, a famous labyrinth of the Devagiri Fort. This labyrinth is surrounded by darkness even during the day and there were many ways to kill the enemy army by trapping them in the maze so that the enemy could not advance from there.
At the entrance of the fort, big iron hearths are made, from which a huge fire was kept burning by the garrison to stop the invaders from outside. The fort is also known for its magnificent architecture. The Chini Mahal, Chand Minar, and Baradari are the major monuments of the fort. Chini Mahal is the interior of the Devagiri fort, a ruin of a building once of great beauty. Its roof has been completely destroyed. Chand Minar was built as a replica of the Qutb Minar of Delhi, which is about 64 meters in height and 21 meters in circumference at the base, covered with beautiful Persian glazed tiles. It was erected by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah in 1445 to celebrate his victory over Dautalabad.
In addition, Baradari is a luxurious Octagonal Palace inside the Fort that has a total of 13 hall spaces and was used to hold royal meetings. It had all the facilities of an auditorium and entertainment. The view of the surrounding area from its windows is very beautiful and spectacular.
From its construction year (1187-1318) till 1762, the fort witnessed many rulers, including Yadav, Khilji, and Tughlaq dynasties. Muhammad Tughlaq made Devagiri his capital and named it Daulatabad. Devagiri Fort is one of those forts in India which could never be conquered in a direct battle. It could only be won by deceit or treachery. The art made on the fort shows that Devagiri was very developed in the field of literature and art. Today the name of Daulatabad is written in golden letters in the history of India. The fort is visited by a large number of people to see ancient sites about Indian history.
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