Devgiri / Daulatabad fort information in English
Daulatabad kile ki jankari engraji madhe
The fort of Devagiri, located in central Maharashtra, is recognized as the gateway to South India. This ancient hill fort has left a unique mark in history. It was considered almost impossible to conquer in battle — and if ever captured, it was only through betrayal and deceit.
• Among the seven wonders of Maharashtra, the Devagiri Fort holds a prominent place.
• In the Sabhasad Bakhar, the fort is described as follows:
“The formidable fort of Devagiri is truly the strongest fort on earth, though not very high in elevation.”
Route to Devagiri Fort:
Devagiri Fort is situated in the Sambhajinagar district of Maharashtra, about 15 kilometers from Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) lies in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The city has an international airport and is well-connected by roads and railways to other parts of Maharashtra and neighboring states.
After reaching Sambhajinagar, one can visit Devagiri Fort by bus or private vehicle.
The fort of Devagiri is also known as the Daulatabad Fort or Suragiri.
Places to See at Devagiri Fort:
• Mahakot and Mahadwar:
From Sambhajinagar, when traveling towards the Ellora Caves, one reaches the vicinity of Devagiri Fort.
After paying the entry fee, visitors walk along a stone-paved path to the first gateway of the fort — a tall and majestic entrance flanked by massive ramparts and bastions.
This is the first section of the fort, known as Mahakot.
The doors of this gate are nearly 900 years old, protected with iron plating and metal spikes to defend against attacks by elephants and camels.
• Dharamshala Building and Devadis:
After entering through the Mahakot Gate, one can see the residential quarters of the guards.
Further inside lies the Gomukh structure, ingeniously designed so that if enemies managed to capture the main gate, they still could not advance quickly inside.
Beyond this point lies a large courtyard, surrounded by several Devadis (small chambers).
These chambers were used in ancient times to provide rest and inspection facilities for visitors arriving from outside.
People coming to meet the king would rest here.
Today, cannons are placed in these chambers, each differing in design and construction, reflecting the military craftsmanship and engineering skill of that era.
Cannonballs Embedded in the Walls:
In the courtyard filled with numerous cannons, many cannonballs can still be seen embedded in the walls. These cannonballs were left untouched because removing them might cause an explosion. They remain lodged in the fort’s ramparts as historical evidence of past battles.
The Fifty-Two Gates:
Devagiri Fort is said to have fifty-two gates. Many of these are false doors, designed to mislead and trap enemies. Some appear as cupboards within the walls, while others open into deep pits, around 60 to 70 feet deep, into which intruders would fall upon entering.
The Second Main Gate:
Moving a little further inside the fort, one reaches the second main gate, which is similar in design to the first one. It too is believed to be about 900 years old.
The Battlefield Area (Ran Mandal Sthan):
After entering through the second gate, there is a zigzag path that passes close to high bastions and fortified walls. From these points, defenders could attack advancing enemies using stones and arrows.
This was a strategic battle zone (Ran Mandal).
Farther ahead, another gate and another right-angled passage can be found — forming a second battle zone, designed to slow down enemy forces and allow defenders to target them effectively. Beyond this lies yet another gate leading deeper into the fort.
The Elephant Tank (Hathi Kund):
Further ahead, there is a large water reservoir, nearly 20 feet deep. It was used by soldiers for bathing and swimming, and also served as a drinking water source for elephants, camels, and horses.
Bharat Mata Temple Premises:
Near the Elephant Tank lies the Bharat Mata Temple complex, a large open courtyard surrounded by rows of chambers (devadis) built to serve as marketplaces in ancient times.
A vibrant bazaar once flourished here, making it a center of trade and commerce with both Indian and foreign merchants.
Bharat Mata Temple:
At the far end of the courtyard stands the grand Bharat Mata Temple, supported by numerous carved pillars and a spacious assembly hall. Inside, there is a beautiful idol of Bharat Mata (Mother India).
This is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharat Mata.
In 1947, after India’s independence, the Government of India installed the idol of Bharat Mata here.
During the Yadava period, this site was used for music, dance, and scholarly pursuits.
The temple’s architecture follows the Hemadpanti style, showcasing the grandeur and cultural richness of the Yadava dynasty.
The Char Minar:
Proceeding further from the Bharat Mata Temple, one encounters a tall four-storied minaret, beneath which lies the Chand Mahal.
This area is adorned with beautiful gardens.
The Char Minar, about 200 feet tall, is believed to have been constructed in 1435 CE by Alauddin Bahmani.
It was likely built to keep watch over the surrounding region.
The Kalakot Main Gate:
Moving beyond the Char Minar, one reaches the Kalakot Main Gate, also known as the Gate of Death or Trap of Death.
Beyond this entrance are several deceptive doors and maze-like passages, built in the style of a chakravyuh (defensive labyrinth).
The inner path of the fort becomes extremely difficult and confusing, often trapping invading enemies in its complex design.
Ancient Temple near Kalakot:
Outside the Kalakot Gate stands an ancient temple, now without any idol.
It too is built in the Hemadpanti architectural style and serves as a reminder of the Yadava dynasty’s splendor.
Mughal-Era Tax Pots (Kar Ranjan):
After entering through the Kalakot Gate, on one side lies a stone pot (ranjan) buried partly in the ground.
This was used to collect taxes from traders and merchants.
Several such stone tax pots can still be seen, dating back to the Mughal era, when they were used for revenue collection.
The Chinese Palace (Chini Mahal):
Inside Kalakot, as one walks further, one comes across the Chini Mahal, built using Chinese porcelain tiles.
This structure was used as a prison for holding captives — including Hindu and Mughal rulers, nobles, and courtiers.
Mendha Cannon Bastion:
After visiting the Chini Mahal, deeper inside the fort stands a massive bastion known for its large cannon.
Below the cannon is a carved figure of a ram (Mendha), giving it the name Mendha Tope (Ram Cannon).
This cannon had tremendous firing power, and it is also known as the Fort-Top Cannon, meaning the fort-destroying cannon.
The Moat (Khandak):
Before entering the main part of the fort, one encounters a deep moat, about 70 feet wide and 80 feet deep, filled with water.
In ancient times, it was inhabited by crocodiles and snakes.
A leather suspension bridge once connected the fort to the outer area.
During enemy attacks, the ropes were cut, isolating the fort completely.
Inside the moat lies a steep rocky cliff, on top of which the main fort stands majestically — a structure impossible to climb by force.
• Stone Stairway:
Emperor Aurangzeb built a stone stairway path to reach the inner part of this moat. It still exists today. In modern times, an iron bridge has also been constructed, making access to the fort much easier.
• Inner Entrance Gate of the Fort:
Even after crossing the moat, it was still extremely difficult for enemies to capture the fort, as the interior passages and chambers were carved into the mountain rock itself. A narrow path can be seen inside, which remains completely dark. Secret attacks could be carried out through this passage, and enemies could be trapped or blocked. Further ahead lies an open courtyard with a broken roof — earlier, this entire passage was a dark, covered route leading to the upper fort.
• Tourist Stairway Path:
To prevent visitors from getting lost in the maze-like pathways of the fort, the Government of India has built a staircase in this open, roofless section. This allows tourists to safely reach the upper part of the fort without getting trapped in deceptive routes.
• Secret Path (Thieves’ Passage):
If any enemy attempted to climb up using the nearby secret passage, he could be killed instantly — his body would then be dragged through a narrow passage and thrown into the moat. This unique snake-and-ladder-like design still exists within the fort.
• Yadava-Era Maze (Chakraviewh):
The inner section of the fort contains numerous maze-like passages carved into the rock during the Yadava period. Many enemy armies fell into these traps, where the dark environment caused confusion — soldiers ended up fighting and killing each other. This complex structure was specifically designed for defense during the Yadava dynasty.
One secret passage led to the upper fort, which could be closed during times of danger. Poisonous smoke or gas would also be released through it to suffocate and kill invading soldiers.
• Ganesh Temple:
After climbing up through the maze and stairway, one reaches a temple at the top of the fort — the Ganesh Temple. It is the only well-preserved Hindu temple on the entire fort.
• Baragiri Palace:
At the highest point of the fort stands the beautiful Baragiri Palace, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The palace was elegantly designed and equipped with royal amenities suitable for the emperor.
Due to its elevation, the location experiences cool and pleasant breezes. Inside the palace, one can see residential chambers as well as a bathing area, showing its luxurious structure.
• Kali Tekdi Cave:
On the upper part of the fort is the section known as Kali Tekdi, where lies the Samadhi (tomb) of Saint Eknath’s Guru, Janardan Pant. It is enclosed within a small cave, and visitors can only view it through a narrow window.
• Durga Cannon (Dhuldhan Cannon):
At the very top of the fort stands a massive cannon made of five metals (Panchdhatu). It has an enormous firing range, capable of striking distant targets. The fear of this cannon was so great that enemy armies would set up their camps far away from the fort. It is said that the cannon had the power to reduce entire forts to dust with a single shot.
Historical Information about Daulatabad (Devagiri) Fort:
• Devagiri Fort is an ancient stronghold that has witnessed the reign of several Hindu dynasties — including the Chalukyas of Badami, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Mauryas, Shungas, Satavahanas, Shakas, Kshatrapas, Vakatakas, and Rashtrakutas.
It was Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga’s successor, King Shree Vallabh, who constructed the fort between 756 and 772 CE.
• In the 12th century CE, the Yadava dynasty rose to power here. King Bhillama V, the fifth ruler of the Yadava line, made Devagiri his capital.
• After Bhillama came King Singhana, followed by his grandson Krishna Raja, then his brother Mahadeva, and later Mahadeva’s son Amanna Raja. However, Krishna Raja’s son Ramachandra rebelled and seized power. Ramachandra became the last Hindu ruler of Devagiri.
• In the early 13th century, Alauddin Khilji launched a sudden invasion of Devagiri. At that time, the fort’s army was weak, and food supplies were exhausted. King Ramachandra was forced to negotiate a peace treaty.
Meanwhile, Prince Shankardev returned with reinforcements, but Alauddin cleverly spread a false rumor that a much larger enemy army was approaching, causing Shankardev’s troops to retreat. Thus, through deceit and strategy, Alauddin Khilji captured Devagiri, looted immense wealth, enslaved many people, and returned to Delhi.
• After this invasion, the Yadava dynasty’s power declined, and following Malik Kafur’s expedition in 1310 CE, the Yadava rule completely ended.
Devagiri Fort was never conquered through battle — it was taken only through deceit and betrayal.
This fort is also known by several other names, such as Devagiri, Indra’s Ambari, Durgam Amberkot, Nizamshahi Wazir, Mahakot, and Kaalakot Fort.
• After Alauddin Khilji, during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq, he shifted his capital from Delhi to Devgiri (Daulatabad) in 1326 AD. However, due to administrative and geographical difficulties, he later moved the capital back to Delhi. During this period, the fort was renamed Daulatabad, and the “Dhul-Dhan Cannon”, made of five metals, was crafted by Afghan artisans.
• From 1347 AD, the fort came under the control of Alauddin Hasan Gangu Bahmani.
• Later, when the Bahmani Kingdom was divided, the fort became part of the newly formed Nizamshahi dynasty.
• When the Nizamshahi rule ended in 1636 AD, the fort was taken over by the Mughals. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan resided here for several years and constructed the Baragiri Palace.
• Towards the end of the 17th century, Emperor Aurangzeb stayed at this fort.
• After the Mughal period, the fort came under the control of the Nizam of Hyderabad. When the Nizam’s rule was annexed in 1950 AD, the fort became part of independent India.
• After India’s independence in 1947, this fort came under the administration of the Government of India. In 1950 AD, an idol of Bharat Mata (Mother India) was installed here.
• On 28 November 1951, this fort was declared a nationally protected monument.
• At present, the fort is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Thus, this is the complete information about the Devgiri (Daulatabad) Fort.
