5 formidable forts of India: Monuments of strength and power

India is home to some of the most formidable forts in the world. Some grand structures here were built by various dynasties over centuries, and served as military strongholds and symbols of power. Among them, a few forts stood out as nearly invincible, like never ever conquered in battle or fallen easily to enemies.
Here are five of the most legendary invincible forts of India.

Chittorgarh Fort is among the largest forts in India. Sitting on top of a hill, the fort stands as a symbol of Rajput valour. The fort, spread across 700 acres on a 180-meter-high hill, served as the capital of Mewar. It witnessed many fierce sieges and was captured three times but was never taken easily. The fort boasts seven massive gates and 84 water bodies. It is also noted for resisting attacks by Alauddin Khilji (1303).

A lesser-known but formidable fort in India is Daulatabad Fort near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This 14th-century fort is a marvel of military engineering and was known as Devagiri. It was considered invincible because of its strategic location atop a 200-meter-high conical hill and its strong defense system. The narrow passages, confusing tunnels, false doors, and a crocodile-filled moat added to the stronghold of the fort.

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort) is one of the oldest surviving living forts in the world. The fort was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed from golden-yellow sandstone that looks like real gold when sunrays touch it. Its defense walls, labyrinthine layout, and elevated position above the Thar Desert made it one of the most secure forts.

Gingee Fort, another lesser-known fort in India, is also known as the “Troy of the East.” It remains one of the most formidable forts in South India constructed on three hillocks and fortified with a strong curtain wall, deep moats, and watchtowers. Despite its several rulers, the fort was rarely taken directly

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort is noted for having the second-longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. This 36-km-long fort wall surrounds the Aravalli hills, which makes it almost impossible to breach. It was never conquered in war and served as a refuge for Mewar rulers, including Maharana Pratap, during at one point of time.