Know more about the Majestic fort of Maharashtra: The Daulatabad Fort

New Delhi: Situated on a hill and surrounded by a 40 ft. deep trench in the city of Devagiri , this fascinating fort becomes impossible for intruders to approach.The fort is situated on an isolated cone-shaped hill rising abruptly from the plain to the height of about 190 metres. The fortification constitutes of three concentric lines of defensive walls with large number of bastions.The city of Devagiri was founded in 1187 AD by the Yadava king Bhillan V, the fort was constructed during the reign of Singhana II (1210-46 AD). It was captured by Ala-ud-Din Kalji in 12 94 AD, marking the first Muslim invasion of the Deccan. Finally in 1318 AD, Malik Kafur killed last Yadava Raja, Harapal. Then in 1327 AD, Muhammed-bin-Tughluq sought to make it his capital, by transferring the entire population of Delhi and changing the name from Devagiri to Daulatabad. Then it was in the possession of the Bhamanis till 1526 AD. The fort remained in Mughal control till Aurangzeb's death in 1707 AD., when it passed on to the Nizam of Hyderabad. The famous Ellora Caves are just 16kms away from Devagiri-Daulatabad.The fort ‘s of three concentric lines are known as kots. The outer one, Amberkot covers the Daulatabad old town (a few shopts on both sides of the road). The National Highway 211, connecting Aurangabad to Ellora passes through the area covered by Amberkot.The second one, Mahakot, is currently the boundary of the fort for all practical purposes. Around Mahakot, sorrounding the fort is a water body (it is dry now). The main entrance is in Mahakot and has eight gates. The third one is Kalakot.After Kalakot, one has to cross a deep waterbody (moat), built around the pyramid shaped mountain. It is not over yet. This is followed by a dark zig-zag passage, carved through the rock known as Andhari. It is pitch dark inside. This is followed by a flight of 400 odd steps up to reach the main fort. The fort could be conquered only by treachery.Daulatabad is situated around 13 kms away from Aurangabad. It is one of the world's best preserved forts of medieval times and also one of the few impregnable forts in Maharashtra with excellent architecture.The tourist season extends almost through out the year in the Aurangabad region. April to July are the summer months which are fairly warm. The rainy season, from August to October is very pleasant, and the winter months, from November to March are the coolest.