Undefeated Daulatabad

Daulatabad literally means the abode of wealth. The name rings a bell in the minds of keen followers of history, as Mohammed bin Tughlaq had decided to shift the capital from Delhi to this place, which is now located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.

The exercise carried out in the 13th century was a disaster, as it resulted in deaths of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Earlier, when it was ruled by the Yadavas, the place was known as Devagiri or Deogiri, meaning the ‘hill of gods’.

My mind was meandering around many thoughts as to what could have prompted Tughlaq, described as an eccentric genius, to shift his capital some hundreds of kilometers down south. According to available records, there was all-round richness in the area and that’s how the name Daulatabad came about. It might also have been the fort that could have enticed him to shift the capital. Well, a look at this impressive fort could have played a role in his decision.

Epitome of security

A tour of the multi-layered security fort is sure to leave an indelible mark on visitors. For a tourist, it gives an opportunity to explore many facets of the fort. For those interested in history and security issues, it is a treasure trove of information. Must-see places in the fort are Ambar Kot, Mahakot, Saraswati Bawdi, Hathi Haud, Bharat Mata Mandir, hammam, Kalakot, Rang Mahal, Khandak (moat), Andheri (a dark passage), Baradari and cannons.

The fort houses the second tallest minar — Chini or Chand Minar, which was constructed in memory of Sultan Al-ud-din Bahamani (Ahamadsha-II) after his victory over Gujarat in 1435 AD. The four-storeyed minar is constructed by stone and decorated with coloured tiles, which are still found on the wall. This minar has a spiral staircase inside.

The minar is the second tallest after Qutab Minar in Delhi, and Charminar in Hyderabad is the third largest minar in the country. “The authorities stopped entry to the minar in 1990, as it had become a popular suicide spot in the fort,” said the guide, who was accompanying me. The fort, probably only one of its kind, has never been conquered in a war — hence it is called an impregnable fort.

What impressed me most inside the fort was the bhul bhulaiya or the labyrinth, which was built mainly to confuse the invaders and mount a surprise attack. As I stepped into the pitchdark enclosure, I had my heart in my mouth.

Despite the presence of the guide, who was accompanying me with a flashlight, I really struggled to find my steps and had to deal with bats flying all over the place. Moreover, dummy and uneven steps fooled me more than once. A walk through the compartment is a testimony to the skills of the people who built the fort several hundred years ago.

“Now, you know why the fort remained unconquered during the war. It has been built in such a way that enemies could never gain an upper hand,” the guide explained. At the entrance of the fort, there are dummy structures aimed at confusing the enemies invading the fort.

The next important spot, which not many wish to miss, is the cannon atop an elevated circular structure. It is said that the cannon, known as Mendhatope (ram cannon) weighing a few tonnes, was cast at the spot, as it was difficult to move such a heavy weapon inside the fort. There were no machines to lift such a weapon.

The name of the cannon is derived from the cascabel, which is in the form of a ram. According to inscriptions on the cannon, it belongs to Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, and was called Tope Qila Shikan (destroyer of forts).

The inscription on the cannon says that it was built by Muhammad Hussain Arab. Apart from this, one can find a number of cannons, some of them in good condition, at the entrance of the fort.

At the entrance itself, visitors will get a glimpse of what they can look for during the tour. The wooden door, standing tall, has stood the vagaries of nature and is in a good condition — speaking volumes about the people who had selected it. They are studded with spikes to prevent elephants from breaking open the doors. The moat in the fort is created by cutting the rock. According to records, crocodiles and poisonous reptiles were let in the moat, making it difficult for enemies to cross it.

The fort also has a temple, dedicated to Bharat Mata. The temple is one of the oldest and important structures. According to records, a temple was converted into a mosque during the reign of Qutubuddin Mubaraq Khilji. To avoid controversies, the authorities, in a master stroke, decided to install the idol of Bharat Mata.

Enterprising visitors can climb several steps to reach the Mughal Mahal on top of the hill. The structure looks impressive from a distance. The authorities concerned seem to be taking up development works to make the tour memorable for visitors.