Over the course of its long and dramatic history, India has been subject to many attacks from foreign invaders. The early invaders like Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, attacked the country repeatedly only to plunder its wealth and return. The Turkish Sultans and later, the Afghans and the Mughuls started to reside in India. For their defense, they built many forts all around the country many of which still stand with all their glory. The forts and palaces of India also include splendid buildings built by the Hindu rulers before the Islamic invasions. The Rajputs and Marathas can also be credited for building many of the most prominent forts and palaces of India. The states having the best and the most historically important forts in India are Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra , Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Delhi:
The area around Delhi has many forts and palaces standing as relics of at least seven dynasties in recorded history that ruled from here. The red fort is undoubtedly the most important fort in India, as it is the venue for the prime minister�s address to the nation on 15th August, the anniversary of Indian independence. The other forts around Delhi are the Old Fort of Sher Shah, Tughlaqabad, Siri fort, and Firuz Shah Kotla.

Rajasthan:
The Rajput rulers of Rajasthan built many impressive forts and magnificent palaces all around Rajputana, as the region was known before independence. These forts have witnessed many decisive battles and among the most important tourist destinations in North India. The cities of Rajasthan like Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner have many of the most important forts and palaces of India. The palaces are adorned with distinctive Rajasthani d�cor including traditional paintings and murals unique to the region. Amber, Junagarh, Mehrangarh, Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh are the major Forts in the state.

Uttar Pradesh:
The Agra fort is the most prominent among the forts in India, due to its historical importance. This fort served as the mughul capital during the reigns of the major mughul rulers from Babur to Shahjehan. The fort and the complex at Fatehpur Sikri are the finest example of mughul architecture that reached its pinnacle during the reign of Shahjahan. The forts at Allahabad, Jaunpur and Aligarh are also counted among the best buildings of the medieval era.

Madhya Pradesh:
The beautiful palaces in Gwalior fort and Mandu are counted among the best palaces of India. The forts and palaces are associated with many important historic events. Asirgarh was considered to be an impregnable fort before it was finally conquered by Akbar. The other important forts of the state are Chanderi Fort , Deogarh Fort , Datia Fort, Bhandhavgarh Fort, Gohad Fort and Narwar Fort.

Maharashtra:
The most important forts and palaces in this state were built by the Turkish Sultans like Mohammad bin Tughlaq, the 17th century Marathas under Shivaji , and the Portuguese. The Daulatabad fort is the most famous fort in Maharashtra, and is one of the most famous forts in India. The other forts in Maharashtra include Sinhagarh, Vijaydurg, Bassein, Janjira, Raigarh and Jaigarh.

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