Devgiri (Daulatabad)

Devagiri: The fort King Bhillam built! Described by Sabhasad Bakhar as "huge but less in height," it was once compared to Lord Indra's kingdom. Also known as Devgad, Surgiri, and Dhargiri. Renamed Daulatabad by Muhammad bin Tughluq when he moved his capital here from Delhi.

Daulatabad Fort Highlights **Location:** Near Chhatrapati Sambhaji M. Nagar city, Maharashtra (Deccan Plateau). **Fortification:** Protected by 4 distinct layers:1. **Amberkot:** Outermost wall, surrounds Daulatabad town (Built during Nizamshahi rule by Malik Amber). Had seven entrances (e.g., Lasur entrance). Features a moat with a small bridge. 2. **Mahakot:** Second layer, engulfs the fort premises. 3. **Kalakot:** Main fort area. 4. **Balakot:** Walls on the fort.Key Spots: * **Entrance Gates:** Still feature strong walls, intact wooden doors with 12 cm iron spikes, guard porches, and a moat system designed for defense. Look for the eagle sculpture at the second entrance. * **Hatti Talav (Water Cistern):** Huge reservoir (38m L x 38m W x 66m H), capacity 10,000 cubic meters. Likely the main water source. * **Bharatmata Temple:** Dedicated to Mother India, located behind Hatti Talav. Features a big Bharatmata statue and an ancient style (looks like from Yadavas' time). * **Chand Minar:** Prominent 100m tower near Bharatmata Temple. Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to celebrate victory over Gujarat. Irani construction style. 30m shaft divided into four stages with balconies. Entry prohibited. Nearby: dilapidated palaces, mosques, and a Hamamkhana (bath place). * **Kalakot (Main Devagiri Fort):** Start climbing here. The second entrance is called **Dindi Darwaja**. * **Chini Mahal:** Dilapidated palace used for prisoners. * **Nizamshahi Palace:** Royal residence of Bahmani and Nizam kings. Nearby: Buddhist caves. * **Mendha Tof (Cannon):** The main cannon (approx. 23 long) on a circular bastion, rotatable. Called "Killa Shikan" ("Destroys a fort") due to its ram's face end. * **The Moat:** Cut from the mountain base (20m wide). Features two bridges (iron draw-bridge and rock/stone bridge). Designed to be filled with water to drown the rock bridge if breached. * **Bhoolbhulaiya (The Maze):** A long, narrow tunnel (50-60 long) for trapping enemies. Defensive tricks included pouring boiling oil/chilies through small windows and releasing smoke. Entrance features "Kirti-Mukh" sculptures. * **Bardari:** Extensive octagonal building (150 steps up) where the Mughal governor stayed. * **Cannons on Bastion:** Two more famous cannons: **"Kala Pahad"** (embedded in wood) and **"Durga" or "Dhuldhaan"** (approx. 20 long), found at the top of the bastion (100 steps climb).**Tip:** It takes a full day to explore completely. Devagiri was vital in medieval history.