Daulatabad fort known as the most powerful fort of medieval India was first known as ‘Devgiri Fort‘ Or ‘Deogiri Fort‘. This is the strongest fort present in the country India. During Tughluq dynasty Daulatabad was a Capital for 1o years.
Daultabad Fort History
There are different assumptions about the construction of this fort. According to Stuart Piggott, Daulatabad fort was built in 1636 for Mughal king Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan and his son Aurangzeb used to come here in the summer.
According to Jain Pandit Hemadri, this fort was built by Yadav Naresh Bhillam first in the 11th Century. According to M. S. Mate, this fort was built in the 17th Century. But most believe that Aurangzeb would have built this fort in 1644.
Alauddin Khilji attacked this fort for the first time in 1294. After defeating in that battle, the Yadav king had to give the revenues but later when he stopped giving revenue to the Sultan of Delhi, then Malik Kafoor again invaded Devgiri Fort in 1307, 1310 and 1318.
In 1327, Muhammad bin Tughluq transferred his capital from Delhi To Daulatabad. Mohammed bin Tughlaq maintained Daulatabad as his capital for 10 years. As this area was arid & dry Tughluq built a huge water reservoir here for storage. But after ten years, due to the problems being faced by common people, he had to declare Delhi the capital again.
Due to the Uncountable wealth received from this fort, Tughluq named this place as “Daulatabad“. During the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, the Mughals won Devgiri and it was included in the Mughal empire. Until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 AD, this fort was controlled by the Mughal regime.
Daultabad Fort Information
This fort of 190 meters high is a cone-shaped. Between the outer wall of the fort and the base of the fort, there are three thick rows of walls. Large iron rods have been built at the entrance of the fort, where the fire was used to stop the invaders.
There is also a dark underground passage in this fort, which is called ‘Andheri’.There are deep pits somewhere on this route, which was used for to fall enemies into a deep ditch by deception.
Chand Minar, Chini Mahal, and Baradari are the main monuments of this fort. Bahmani ruler Alauddin Bahamani Shah built the Chand Minar in the year 1435 to celebrate victory over Daulatabad. Chand Minar is a 64 meters high tower & its circumference at the base is 21 meters. Right behind the Chand Minar is the Jama Masjid. The pillars of this mosque are mainly adjacent to the temple.
Chini Mahal also is known as a VIP Prison made by Aurangzeb. Abdul Hassan Tana Shah, the last ruler of Golconda, was imprisoned in Chini Mahal by Aurangzeb in 1687. The great Maratha emperor Shivaji’s son Sambhaji was also imprisoned in the same Chini Mahal by Aurangzeb. In this fort some rooms were made for sleeping, some for recreation and some as the hall of audience.
This place was similar to the royal residence but was not the primary Mughal residence. Due to its remote and scenic location, this place/fort was sometimes used by the royal family members and officials. This historic massive fort is one of the finest works of Muslim architecture present in South India.
How To Reach Daulatabad Fort?
By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad. Tourist can take a flight from Mumbai, Delhi and many other big cities of India. From the airport, tourist can take a public transport to reach Daulatabad Fort.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Aurangabad. Aurangabad can easily be reached from Mumbai and other parts of the country by train.
By Road: Tourist can higher a private taxi from Aurangabad to reach this fort. Public transport services are also available from Aurangabad Airport, Railway Station & Bus Stands.
Daulatabad Fort Timings
Tourist can visit this magnificent fort from 8 am to 6 pm on all weekdays.
Distance Between Aurangabad To Daulatabad
The distance between Aurangabad to Daulatabad is an approx. 17 kms. Visitor’s need around half an hour to reach Daultabad fort from Aurangabad city.
Best Time To Visit Daulatabad Fort
Best time to visit this Daulatabad fort is June-February. As the surrounding area is dry and due to lack of water avoid this place during summers.
Daulatabad Fort Entry Fee
Indian tourist needs to pay Rs.10 as an entrance fee. While foreigners have to pay Rs.100/-
Daulatabad Fort Geographical Location
Quick Tips
Keep a food and water bottle with you, as you will not get any restaurant or coffee shop at the top.
Tourist requires 2-3 hours on an average to visit all the places in the fort.
You should have a good walking capacity.
Also, take a local guide to experience this historical place.
Daulatabad Fort Near By Places To Visit
Bibi Ka Maqbara AKA Mini Taj / Dakhhani Taj – 15.9 Kms from the fort.
Panchakki Aurangabad – 14.8 Kms from the fort.
UNESCO heritage word famous Ajanta Ellora Caves – 104.5 kms from the fort.