Delhi is one of the most famous and enigmatic cities of the world. There is so much history associated with Delhi that it takes many visits before you can actually comprehend the importance of the city from the historic perspective. Delhi has always been chosen by rulers of India to be their capital. The most probable reason for the choice was the central location of the city in medieval India, stretching from Afghanistan in the west to Burma in the east. As many as seven different dynasties have ruled over India from Delhi. The city rose to prominence after the Turkish conquest of the region. All the Islamic rulers built strong forts in Delhi for protection against constant invasions from rival armies. Many of these forts are still visible around the city, while some as famous as the Red Fort have become national symbols.

Important Forts in Delhi:

Red Fort:
This fort is probably the most famous landmark in Delhi besides the Qutb Minar and surely one of the most important tourist attractions in Delhi. Built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shahjahan in the early 17th century, the fort was the most massive and important structure in Shahjahanabad, as Delhi was then known as. The red sand stone structure is an imposing structure with massive walls, ramparts and magnificent gateways. The fort has witnessed many defining moments in Indian history including the famous uprising of 1857. The walls of the fort extend to 2 kilometers, while the height varies from 18 meters to 33 meters. Inside the fort, the bazaar, the streets, and the fountains take the visitors to the medieval ages. The original palace had been badly damage during the siege of Delhi in 1857. A portion of the Palace, including the public hall, Private hall, Rang Mahal, and the Moti Masjid, or pearl mosque is open for public viewing. The gates of the fort are equally fascinating structures. A museum and a small shopping arcade are relatively recent additions to the fort. Light and sound shows enthrall tourists after dark. The fort is the venue of the prime minister�s address to the Nation on the 15th of August every year, the independence day of India.

Old Fort or Purana Qila:
This fort was built by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, during his reign between 1538 and 1545. The site of the fort is also believed to be the location of the ancient city of Indraprastha. The massive walls and the three large gateways are the most prominent features of the fort visible from a distance. Inside, the octagonal sandstone tower and the Sher Mandal (also known as Humayun�s library) are the main attractions. The Qila i koharam mosque, popularly known as the mosque of Sher Shah, is situated close to the fort. This fort is one of the important tourist destinations in Delhi.

Tughlaqabad:
The Tughlaq dynasty was the founder of this city. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, followed by Mohhammad bin Tughlaq ruled from here. Though largely in ruins now, this is one of the most prominent among the Delhi forts. The fort is located about 8 kilometers from Mehrauli, the site of the famous Qutb Minar. The tomb of Ghiyas-ud �din Tughlaq is the highlight of the fort .Only 13 of the 52 gates of the fort remain to be seen today. The sloping walls of the fort are between 10- 15 meters in height. The citadel and a tower known as Bijai-Mandal stand tall among the ruins.

Kotla Firoz Shah, Jahanpanah, and Siri are the other forts in Delhi that used to stand proudly in the medieval ages.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers all inclusive information about the forts in Delhi and other tourist places in India.