Forts in Madhya Pradesh :

 Forts in Madhya Pradesh are the monuments of national importance and serve as alluring tourist destinations. They also enlighten a number of historical events. The forts are the representatives of magnificent architecture and stand gracefully amidst the picturesque backdrop. These have been the witnesses of various battles and gallantry of different rulers. Their possession has also changed many hands. Forts in Madhya Pradesh have played a crucial role in strengthening the power of kingdoms ruling in central India. The inscriptions, artistry and events associated with these forts help greatly in the historical analysis of central India.

Asirgarh Fort :

Asirgarh Fort or Asirgarh Qila is located in the Satpura Range in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It was popular as the 'key to the Deccan' as it directed a pass through the Satpuras which connected the valleys of Tapti and Narmada rivers, forming a significant route from north India to Deccan. Asa Ahir belonging to Ahir dynasty had constructed the fort.

Bandhavgarh Fort :

Bandhavgarh Fort is situated on Bandhavgarh hill in Umaria district. It stands at the centre of the Bandhavgarh National Park. Enclosed by a number of small hills, it shelters a number of endangered species of vulture in India. References of this fort have been found in various ancient texts for which it has been predicted that it dates back to 2000 years. According to regional folklores, Bandhavgarh Fort was built by the rulers of the Gond Empire.

Chanderi Fort :

Chanderi Fort stands in Ashoknagar district of the state over a hill located in the southwest of the Betwa River. It was built during Mughal era and its main gate is known as Khooni Darwaza. Muslim rulers of Chanderi have constructed the fort and presently it stands as an impressive monument of the old town of Chnaderi.

Gohad Fort :

Gohad Fort is located at Gohad in the Bhind district of the state. It stands on a strategic location on the Vaisli River where it takes a circular turn. Rampart protects this circular fort. The flow of river was extended by digging up to the fort rendering it a semi circular shape. The magnificent fort has 11 gates. It was initially established by Rana Singhandev II but the major constructional features were added to it by Maharaja Kirat Singh, Maharaja Chhatra Singh and Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana.

Gwalior Fort :

Gwalior Fort stands magnificently near the Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh. This 8th century hill fort houses two beautiful palaces namely Man Mandir and Gurjari Mahal, constructed by Man Singh Tomar. The fort has been under the possession of a number of rulers. Presently it serves as an archaeological museum.

Hinglajgarh :

Hinglajgarh, also known as Hinglaj Fort, is located near village Navali in Mandsaur district. During the rule of Parmaras in this region, the fort attained its height of grandeur. It is adorned with majestic sculptures belonging to several eras. For about 800 years, Hinglajgarh served as a centre of excellence in creating sculptures. The most ancient sculptures found in the fort dates back to 4th to 5th century AD.

Mandsaur Fort :

Mandsaur Fort, in Mandsaur city of Mandsaur district, is also famed as Dashpur Fort. Enclosed by an outer wall, the fort constitutes twelve gates. An inscription in the fort suggests that the fort was created by an army officer Mukbil Khan in the year 1490 during the reign of Giyas Shah. Presently Mandsaur Fort serves as the office of the District Judge, Collector and other Government officials. It is embellished by two beautiful gardens housing a Shiva statue.

Narwar Fort :

Narwar Fort is another prominent fort of Madhya Pradesh located on a hill top in Narwar town of Shivpuri district. It is believed that the fort was constructed by Kachwaha Rajputs after their capture of Narwar in the 10th century. Currently the fort is in ruins, but the relics still suggest its former splendour. Rajput style of architecture adorns the fort and the palaces inside the fort are gorgeously decorated.

Utila Fort : 

Utila Fort, also known as Ranaon ki Garhi was built by Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana, a Gohad ruler, in 1740. It is located in  the Gwaliordistrict of Madhya Pradesh on a hillock surrounded by a deep ditch for its protection. The architecture of the fort bears immense significance from the defence point of view.

Rewa Fort :

Rewa Fort is considered as one of the finest forts built in the city of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. The fort was left incomplete by Salim Shah, son of Sher Shah Suri. When Maharaja Vikramaditya reached Rewa, he decided to complete the construction of the fort. Later, King Bhav Singh Ji Deo constructed the Mahamrityunjaya Temple within the Rewa Fort.

Garrauli Fort :

Part of the former Rajput princely state of Garrauli, the Garrauli Fort is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It once used to be one of the popular forts in Madhya Pradesh. Currently in ruins, the Garrauli Fort once represented the rich cultural heritage of the princely state.

Raisen Fort :

Raisen Fort is one of the important tourist attractions of Raisen, located about 23km away from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The town of Raisen became famous after the construction of this fort on the hill top of the town. Made of sandstone, the Raisen Fort stands as a testimonial to the amazing ancient architecture and quality of the world that still stands tall even after so many centuries. It is presently under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India.

History of Raisen Fort : The origin of the Raisen Fort dates back to the 1200 AD. Until the 16th century, the fort was under the hegemony of numerous rulers from Rajputs to Mughals to Nawabs of Bhopal. It is said that this radiant fortification was assaulted 14 times by various rulers and in spite of it; they could not hurt the first magnificence of the heavenly structure.

Dhar Fort :

Famous for its rich archaeological heritage, the historic city of Dhar is located in the Malwa region of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city once used to be the capital of the Paramara rulers, under whose reign the massive and solid Dhar Fort was built. It is one of the ancient forts in Madhya Pradesh that is of historic interest.
The Dhar Fort was a strategic military outpost that used to be a fortified stronghold of every ruling dynasty in central India. Even though, the construction of the Dhar Fort began during the time of the Paramaras but the battlements, cells of sentinels, outer walls, gates etc. bear the mark of Islamic architecture. In 1344 A.D, Muhammad bin Tughlaq rested at this fort on his way to Daulatabad.