A medieval citadel known as Daulatabad Fort is situated 200 meters above sea level in Aurangabad atop a conical hill. It was one of the most potent hill strongholds of the medieval era due to its advantageous location, magnificent construction, and three-layer defense system. At various times throughout history, it served as the capital of the Yadava Dynasty, the Delhi Sultanate (for a brief time), and the secondary city of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. The fort, which is now a major tourist destination in Aurangabad, provides breathtaking views of the region.
Daulatabad Fort History
Bhillama V, the first Yadava ruler, is credited with ordering the building of Daulatabad Fort sometime about 1187 AD. He made the location his capital and built a village around it. It was referred to at that time as Deogiri, which is Sanskrit for “Hill of the Gods.” Up until 1296 A.D., it was the Yadavas’ capital. The Deccan dynasties who afterward ruled the region came to own the fort.
When Sultan Alauddin Khalji of the Khilji Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate in 1308, he captured the fort. In 1327, Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughluq took control of it and changed its name to Daulatabad. He also ordered a large-scale exodus of his people from Delhi to Daulatabad and moved his capital there. He also called for a significant exodus of his subjects from Delhi to the fort and moved his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. However, he returned to Delhi as his capital in 1334.
Soon after, the Bahmanis took control of the fort and constructed several structures around it, including the Chand Minar, one of the most famous minarets in the nation. Later, in 1499, it came into the possession of the Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar, who also reinforced the building. The Mughals took over the fort in the 17th century. During the following two centuries, it was controlled by several different families, including the Marathas, Peshwas, and ultimately the Nizams of Hyderabad. They held it until India attained freedom.
Daulatabad Fort Architecture
The Daulatabad Fort Complex, which covers an area of more than 94 hectares, is a remarkable example of brilliant architectural design. Small, purpose-specific protected sectors were once housed there. These included Amarkot (a neighborhood for ordinary people), Mahakot (a neighborhood for those from higher social classes), Kalakot (a neighborhood for royalty), and Balakot (the pinnacle of the fort where the flag fluttered).
In addition to these buildings, the fort complex also included palaces, public audience rooms, reservoirs, step wells, temples, mosques, courthouses, enormous tanks, royal baths, and a victory tower. The fort received several of these additions as it was transferred from one kingdom to another. In addition, the fortress had twelve incomplete rock-cut chambers, a unique water management system, and several cannons.
Best time to visit Daulatabad Fort
Devgiri fort is engaged with tourists in April and May since these are Maharashtra’s holiday seasons, and these are the months when schools and colleges close for the summer. Daulatabad Fort is best visited in the winter, though. Devgiri Fort is at its most beautiful throughout November, December, January, and February.
Things to See in the Daulatabad Fort Complex, Aurangabad
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Chand Minar or the Moon Tower
- Baradari
- Chini Mahal
- Andheri
- Aam Khas building
- Cannons including Durga Tope
- Saraswati Bawdi
- Kacheri
Attractions near Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad
- H2O Water Park
- Tomb of Aurangzeb
- Shri Bhadra Maruti Temple.
- Ellora Caves
- Jyotirlinga Grishneshwar Temple
- Goga Baba Hill
Daulatabad Fort Timings
The Daulatabad Fort is open to the public from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. every day.
Daulatabad Fort Entry Fee
There is an entry fee to enter this fort, which might range from INR 10-100.
How to Reach
Daulatabad is accessible via air, train, and road. Therefore, you can select any option at your convenience.
- By Air: The nearest airport from Daulatabad Fort is in Aurangabad, at a distance of 22 km. This airport connects different cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
- By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Daulatabad Fort and is about 15 km away. The railway station connects many cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Nasik, and Pune.
- By Road: You can catch buses to Daulatabad from Aurangabad. You also have the option of hiring a cab for the same.
