A Study of Forts and Fortification from 7th Century AD to 18th Century AD With Special Reference to Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Madhya Pradesh, literally meaning Central Province , sits in the heart of India. Perched atop the Central Indian heartlands, its historical destiny was inter-twined with the rise and fall of dynasties in the power centre of the sub-continent-Delhi. newlineA study of strategic and political significance of forts and fortifications of MP is therefore bound to fill the gaps in history of the state. It will also provide new vantage points to understand the historical currents which have been hitherto examined from a Delhi-centric perspective. These fortifications also stood at the centre of separate kingdoms which together lent color to the weft and woof of the social lives of their citizens. newlineThe state is fortunate to have several forts of historical eminence. Most of the fortifications of Madhya Pradesh are mountain forts or Giridurga. For example, the fort of Gwalior, Asirgarh, Kalinjar and Narvar stand atop flat-topped hills. Forts in the Narmada basin in the south and eastern part of the state were founded by Gond dynasty which ruled over this swathe of territory. newlineThere are in all, over three hundred forts in Madhya Pradesh, out of which our study strives to cover a representative group of twelve forts. These cover North, East, West and South of the state. Gwalior, Narvar, Chanderi fort were picked up in the north, Ajaygarh, Madan Mahal, Singorgarh fort were picked up in the east. Asirgarh, Mandu and Dhar fort were picked up in the west while Moti Mahal, Deogarh and Kherla fort were picked up in the south newlineThis exploratory study of the above representative forts examines their fortifications, particularly, the merlons, crenellations, gates etc. and outlines their socio-economic and political impact of the forts on the local populace. newline