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This book is a homage to the tremendous architectural heritage of India. The building of forts and palaces has always been regarded as a symbol of dynastic pride. These grand structures witnessed the rise and fall of many a great kingdom in medieval India.

There are hundreds of forts in different parts of the country. A vast number of these forts survive in sheer ruins, rendering it extremely difficult to identify the structures within. Some of these magnificent forts stand abandoned, surrounded by a wilderness and no villages or roads providing any clue to the identity of their builders. The fort of Garhkundar in Madhya Pradesh is surrounded by dry, uncultivated land and few villages around it. The inaccessibility of many forts makes it difficult for visitors to reach there. The fort of kalinjar, also in Madhya Pradesh, requires immense effort to climb the mountain where the chandelas had built this massive fort. Here was killed Sher Shah, just when he had conquered it Chittaurgarh and Ranthamore, Jaisalmer and Mehrangarh, Daulatbad and Vijaynagara – have all been amongst the most prestigious forts to witness events of immense historical significance.

Some of these forts are still under the control of the Indian army. The fort in Allahabad is completely closed to visitors. At Agra, visitors aren′t allowed near the Delhi Gate of the fort. Shahjahan′s Red Fort in Delhi has only recently been vacated by the army.

Dr. Sahai has selected only a few of these magnificent forts and palaces for the modern reader. The information provided is based on the latest research work on these Spectacular monuments, some of which were built long before the founding of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th Century CE. The present book provides the best of scholarship, and aims at creating a greater awareness about the preservation of our tremendous architectural heritage.