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 Page 1


Forts of India
June 2024 a development monthly
Special iSSue
Page 2


Forts of India
June 2024 a development monthly
Special iSSue
June 2024
A DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.
Rig Veda
www.publicationsdivision.nic.in @DPD_India I @YojanaJournal @publicationsdivision @dpd_india
In ThIs Issue
number of pages: 76
Details of the Sales Outlets of the Publications Division on Page 12
YOJANA is published in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, 
Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Since 1957
Chief editor 
Kulshrestha Kamal
editor 
shuchita chaturvedi
our representatives 
Ahmedabad: JS Patel, Bengaluru: Shahid T Komath, 
Bhubaneswar: Manoj Kumar Jali, Chennai: Sanjay 
Ghosh, Guwahati: Maruf Alam, Hyderabad: 
Krishna Vandana P , Jalandhar: Gagandeep Kaur 
Devgan, Kolkata: Sumita Chakraborty, Mumbai: 
Sangeeta Godbole, Thiruvananthapuram: Sudha S 
Namboothiry.
Joint Director, ProDuction 
D K C hruDhaIna Th c over Design
BInDu Verma
Yojana (English): Room No. 647, Soochna Bhawan, 
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003.  
E-mail (Editorial): sec-yojanaeng-moib@gov.in
YOJANA, a development monthly published since 
1957, is a theme-based journal providing in-depth 
analyses and views on socio-economic issues in 
the broader framework of government policies. 
Although published by the Ministry of Information 
and Broadcasting, YOJANA is not restricted to 
expressing the official point of view.
DIsCLaImer
l 	 The 	 vie ws 	 e xpre sse d 	 in 	 various 	 articles 	 are	
those 	 of 	 the 	 authors 	 and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 ne c essarily	
re flect 	 the 	 vie ws 	 of 	 the 	 Go vernme n t 	 or 	 the	
organisation/ s 	 the y 	 work 	 f or .
l Map s/flags 	 use d 	 in 	 the 	 article s 	 are 	 only 	 indic ative 	
and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 re flect 	 the 	 politic al 	 map 	 or 	 le gal	
re presen t ation 	 of 	 the 	 flag 	 of 	 India/an y 	 othe r	
c oun try .
l The 	 inf ographics/figure s 	 are 	 pro vide d 	 b y 	 the	
authors 	 through 	 the ir 	 re liable 	 sourc e s 	 and	
YOJANA 	 claims 	 no 	 re sponsibility 	 f or 	 the 	 same.
l Image s, 	 graphics 	 and 	 illus trations, 	 whe re ve r	
use d, 	 are 	 mos tly 	 sourc ed 	 from 	 go vernme n t	
channels 	 and 	 are 	 indic ative 	 in 	 nature .
l YOJANA 	does 	not 	o wn 	re sponsibility 	re garding	
the 	 c on t e n ts 	 of 	 the 	 adve rtise men ts. 	 The 	 re aders	
are 	 re que s t e d 	 t o 	 ve rify 	 the 	 claims 	 made 	 in 	 the	
adve rtise men ts 	 re garding 	 c ourse s, 	 c are e r -
guidanc e 	 book s 	 or 	 ins titutions.
l YOJANA doesn't 	 e ndorse 	 or 	 promot e 	 an y 	 brands	
or 	 privat e 	 e n titie s 	 prese n t ed 	 as 	 c ase 	 s tudie s 	 in 	 an y	 
of 	 the 	 article s.
suBsCrIPTIOn/GrIeV anCes
Email: pdjucir@gmail.com 
Phone: 011-24367453  
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 am- 6:00 pm)
Postal Address: Abhishek Chaturvedi, Editor, 
Journals Unit, Publications Division, Room No. 
779, Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi 
Road, New Delhi-110 003.
Please	 not e	 that	 it	 will	 t ak e	 atleas t	 eigh t	 week s	 t o	
s t art	 your	 sub scrip tion.	 Kindly	 raise	 your	 queries/
grie vanc es	 about	 non	 rec eip t	 of	 the	 journals	 only	
aft er	this	period.
SUBSCRIPTION-RELATED DETAILS : Page 72
role of forts in indian history 
Dr Rima Hooja
defence architecture of  
forts of andhra Pradesh & 
telangana 
CH Babji Rao
golconda fort 
the imPenetrable fortress 
Dr Shivanand Yalala
forts of gujarat 
guardians of legacy and lore 
Dr Chirag Bhoraniya
forts in delhi 
Dr Nimish Rustagi, Ritu Kataria
6
14
21
27
36
43
47
52
53
61
next issue : food Processing
beKal: a fusion of culture and 
history echoing through time 
Sajith Kumar K N
vellore fort: the great 
garrison of south india 
Dr V Venkatraman
our booKs 
gateways to the sea 
historic Ports and docKs of 
mumbai region medieval Ports and forts india on the unesco  
world heritage list YOJANA
Volume-68
No. 06
Special iSSue
Page 3


Forts of India
June 2024 a development monthly
Special iSSue
June 2024
A DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.
Rig Veda
www.publicationsdivision.nic.in @DPD_India I @YojanaJournal @publicationsdivision @dpd_india
In ThIs Issue
number of pages: 76
Details of the Sales Outlets of the Publications Division on Page 12
YOJANA is published in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, 
Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Since 1957
Chief editor 
Kulshrestha Kamal
editor 
shuchita chaturvedi
our representatives 
Ahmedabad: JS Patel, Bengaluru: Shahid T Komath, 
Bhubaneswar: Manoj Kumar Jali, Chennai: Sanjay 
Ghosh, Guwahati: Maruf Alam, Hyderabad: 
Krishna Vandana P , Jalandhar: Gagandeep Kaur 
Devgan, Kolkata: Sumita Chakraborty, Mumbai: 
Sangeeta Godbole, Thiruvananthapuram: Sudha S 
Namboothiry.
Joint Director, ProDuction 
D K C hruDhaIna Th c over Design
BInDu Verma
Yojana (English): Room No. 647, Soochna Bhawan, 
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003.  
E-mail (Editorial): sec-yojanaeng-moib@gov.in
YOJANA, a development monthly published since 
1957, is a theme-based journal providing in-depth 
analyses and views on socio-economic issues in 
the broader framework of government policies. 
Although published by the Ministry of Information 
and Broadcasting, YOJANA is not restricted to 
expressing the official point of view.
DIsCLaImer
l 	 The 	 vie ws 	 e xpre sse d 	 in 	 various 	 articles 	 are	
those 	 of 	 the 	 authors 	 and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 ne c essarily	
re flect 	 the 	 vie ws 	 of 	 the 	 Go vernme n t 	 or 	 the	
organisation/ s 	 the y 	 work 	 f or .
l Map s/flags 	 use d 	 in 	 the 	 article s 	 are 	 only 	 indic ative 	
and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 re flect 	 the 	 politic al 	 map 	 or 	 le gal	
re presen t ation 	 of 	 the 	 flag 	 of 	 India/an y 	 othe r	
c oun try .
l The 	 inf ographics/figure s 	 are 	 pro vide d 	 b y 	 the	
authors 	 through 	 the ir 	 re liable 	 sourc e s 	 and	
YOJANA 	 claims 	 no 	 re sponsibility 	 f or 	 the 	 same.
l Image s, 	 graphics 	 and 	 illus trations, 	 whe re ve r	
use d, 	 are 	 mos tly 	 sourc ed 	 from 	 go vernme n t	
channels 	 and 	 are 	 indic ative 	 in 	 nature .
l YOJANA 	does 	not 	o wn 	re sponsibility 	re garding	
the 	 c on t e n ts 	 of 	 the 	 adve rtise men ts. 	 The 	 re aders	
are 	 re que s t e d 	 t o 	 ve rify 	 the 	 claims 	 made 	 in 	 the	
adve rtise men ts 	 re garding 	 c ourse s, 	 c are e r -
guidanc e 	 book s 	 or 	 ins titutions.
l YOJANA doesn't 	 e ndorse 	 or 	 promot e 	 an y 	 brands	
or 	 privat e 	 e n titie s 	 prese n t ed 	 as 	 c ase 	 s tudie s 	 in 	 an y	 
of 	 the 	 article s.
suBsCrIPTIOn/GrIeV anCes
Email: pdjucir@gmail.com 
Phone: 011-24367453  
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 am- 6:00 pm)
Postal Address: Abhishek Chaturvedi, Editor, 
Journals Unit, Publications Division, Room No. 
779, Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi 
Road, New Delhi-110 003.
Please	 not e	 that	 it	 will	 t ak e	 atleas t	 eigh t	 week s	 t o	
s t art	 your	 sub scrip tion.	 Kindly	 raise	 your	 queries/
grie vanc es	 about	 non	 rec eip t	 of	 the	 journals	 only	
aft er	this	period.
SUBSCRIPTION-RELATED DETAILS : Page 72
role of forts in indian history 
Dr Rima Hooja
defence architecture of  
forts of andhra Pradesh & 
telangana 
CH Babji Rao
golconda fort 
the imPenetrable fortress 
Dr Shivanand Yalala
forts of gujarat 
guardians of legacy and lore 
Dr Chirag Bhoraniya
forts in delhi 
Dr Nimish Rustagi, Ritu Kataria
6
14
21
27
36
43
47
52
53
61
next issue : food Processing
beKal: a fusion of culture and 
history echoing through time 
Sajith Kumar K N
vellore fort: the great 
garrison of south india 
Dr V Venkatraman
our booKs 
gateways to the sea 
historic Ports and docKs of 
mumbai region medieval Ports and forts india on the unesco  
world heritage list YOJANA
Volume-68
No. 06
Special iSSue
5 June 2024
Walls of Grandeur
Editorial
YOJANA
i
n the vast expanse of india’s historical landscape, there exist monuments 
and fortresses that stand as silent sentinels, guarding tales of valour, 
culture, and conquest. these landmarks, scattered across the length and 
breadth of the country, serve as portals to the past, offering us glimpses 
into the rich tapestry of our heritage.
t he architectural brilliance of indian forts is a testament to the ingenuity 
and resourcefulness of the builders of yore. t hese structures, often perched 
atop hills, nestled in forests, or strategically positioned along trade routes, 
were meticulously designed to serve both defensive and administrative 
purposes. the diversity in construction materials and techniques used 
in these forts—from the robust stone walls of r ajasthan to the intricate 
mud fortifications in the Deccan plateau—reflects the adaptability and 
resourcefulness of ancient indian engineers.
spanning millennia, these structures not only served defensive 
purposes but also reflected the socio-political setting of various dynasties and cultures that ruled over the 
indian subcontinent. t he use of locally available materials, such as granite in south india and sandstone in the 
north, highlights a keen understanding of regional geology and climate. t he Harappan civilisation, for instance, 
demonstrated early examples of fortification with their use of mud bricks and complex drainage systems, 
indicating a sophisticated approach to urban planning and defence.
Forts have been essential to safeguarding communities, resources, and trade routes, showcasing india’s 
enduring legacy of fortification engineering. t he Maratha forts, such as r aigad and shivneri, exhibit a unique 
blend of ruggedness and strategic brilliance, often built on precipitous cliffs that made them nearly impregnable. 
t hese forts not only served as military strongholds but also as administrative centres that facilitated the effective 
governance of vast territories.
As one goes through these massive monuments, they cover diverse architectural styles, construction 
techniques, and strategic considerations, underscoring the significance of forts as integral elements of india’s 
built heritage. Forts, like the r ed Fort in Delhi and Agra Fort, are prime examples of grandiose architecture 
combining military functionality with aesthetic beauty. their thick walls, lofty bastions, and majestic gates 
adorned with intricate carvings and inlays are a marvel of engineering prowess.
By exploring the architectural insights and historical significance of these forts, we not only honour the 
past but also illuminate the pathways to preserving this invaluable heritage. t hese fortresses, with their stories 
etched in every stone and bastion, continue to inspire awe and respect, reminding us of the rich and resilient 
spirit that defines our cultural landscape.
in this edition of Yojana, we pay homage to india’s rich cultural heritage, from the ancient forts of Delhi 
to the coastal bastions of Kasaragod and the rugged ramparts of golconda. through these pages, we 
invite you to embark on a journey through time and explore the stories and legends that have shaped our 
collective identity. this issue endeavours to offer discerning insights from subject matter experts, erudite 
scholars, and accomplished specialists, fostering a deeper understanding to facilitate readers in making well-
informed analyses. We delve into the strategic genius behind these fortifications, the artistic sensibilities that 
adorned them, and the cultural narratives that they embody, underscoring their relevance and significance 
in contemporary times. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of our forebears and reaffirm our commitment to 
preserving our heritage for generations to come.                                                                                                               ?
Page 4


Forts of India
June 2024 a development monthly
Special iSSue
June 2024
A DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.
Rig Veda
www.publicationsdivision.nic.in @DPD_India I @YojanaJournal @publicationsdivision @dpd_india
In ThIs Issue
number of pages: 76
Details of the Sales Outlets of the Publications Division on Page 12
YOJANA is published in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, 
Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Since 1957
Chief editor 
Kulshrestha Kamal
editor 
shuchita chaturvedi
our representatives 
Ahmedabad: JS Patel, Bengaluru: Shahid T Komath, 
Bhubaneswar: Manoj Kumar Jali, Chennai: Sanjay 
Ghosh, Guwahati: Maruf Alam, Hyderabad: 
Krishna Vandana P , Jalandhar: Gagandeep Kaur 
Devgan, Kolkata: Sumita Chakraborty, Mumbai: 
Sangeeta Godbole, Thiruvananthapuram: Sudha S 
Namboothiry.
Joint Director, ProDuction 
D K C hruDhaIna Th c over Design
BInDu Verma
Yojana (English): Room No. 647, Soochna Bhawan, 
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003.  
E-mail (Editorial): sec-yojanaeng-moib@gov.in
YOJANA, a development monthly published since 
1957, is a theme-based journal providing in-depth 
analyses and views on socio-economic issues in 
the broader framework of government policies. 
Although published by the Ministry of Information 
and Broadcasting, YOJANA is not restricted to 
expressing the official point of view.
DIsCLaImer
l 	 The 	 vie ws 	 e xpre sse d 	 in 	 various 	 articles 	 are	
those 	 of 	 the 	 authors 	 and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 ne c essarily	
re flect 	 the 	 vie ws 	 of 	 the 	 Go vernme n t 	 or 	 the	
organisation/ s 	 the y 	 work 	 f or .
l Map s/flags 	 use d 	 in 	 the 	 article s 	 are 	 only 	 indic ative 	
and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 re flect 	 the 	 politic al 	 map 	 or 	 le gal	
re presen t ation 	 of 	 the 	 flag 	 of 	 India/an y 	 othe r	
c oun try .
l The 	 inf ographics/figure s 	 are 	 pro vide d 	 b y 	 the	
authors 	 through 	 the ir 	 re liable 	 sourc e s 	 and	
YOJANA 	 claims 	 no 	 re sponsibility 	 f or 	 the 	 same.
l Image s, 	 graphics 	 and 	 illus trations, 	 whe re ve r	
use d, 	 are 	 mos tly 	 sourc ed 	 from 	 go vernme n t	
channels 	 and 	 are 	 indic ative 	 in 	 nature .
l YOJANA 	does 	not 	o wn 	re sponsibility 	re garding	
the 	 c on t e n ts 	 of 	 the 	 adve rtise men ts. 	 The 	 re aders	
are 	 re que s t e d 	 t o 	 ve rify 	 the 	 claims 	 made 	 in 	 the	
adve rtise men ts 	 re garding 	 c ourse s, 	 c are e r -
guidanc e 	 book s 	 or 	 ins titutions.
l YOJANA doesn't 	 e ndorse 	 or 	 promot e 	 an y 	 brands	
or 	 privat e 	 e n titie s 	 prese n t ed 	 as 	 c ase 	 s tudie s 	 in 	 an y	 
of 	 the 	 article s.
suBsCrIPTIOn/GrIeV anCes
Email: pdjucir@gmail.com 
Phone: 011-24367453  
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 am- 6:00 pm)
Postal Address: Abhishek Chaturvedi, Editor, 
Journals Unit, Publications Division, Room No. 
779, Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi 
Road, New Delhi-110 003.
Please	 not e	 that	 it	 will	 t ak e	 atleas t	 eigh t	 week s	 t o	
s t art	 your	 sub scrip tion.	 Kindly	 raise	 your	 queries/
grie vanc es	 about	 non	 rec eip t	 of	 the	 journals	 only	
aft er	this	period.
SUBSCRIPTION-RELATED DETAILS : Page 72
role of forts in indian history 
Dr Rima Hooja
defence architecture of  
forts of andhra Pradesh & 
telangana 
CH Babji Rao
golconda fort 
the imPenetrable fortress 
Dr Shivanand Yalala
forts of gujarat 
guardians of legacy and lore 
Dr Chirag Bhoraniya
forts in delhi 
Dr Nimish Rustagi, Ritu Kataria
6
14
21
27
36
43
47
52
53
61
next issue : food Processing
beKal: a fusion of culture and 
history echoing through time 
Sajith Kumar K N
vellore fort: the great 
garrison of south india 
Dr V Venkatraman
our booKs 
gateways to the sea 
historic Ports and docKs of 
mumbai region medieval Ports and forts india on the unesco  
world heritage list YOJANA
Volume-68
No. 06
Special iSSue
5 June 2024
Walls of Grandeur
Editorial
YOJANA
i
n the vast expanse of india’s historical landscape, there exist monuments 
and fortresses that stand as silent sentinels, guarding tales of valour, 
culture, and conquest. these landmarks, scattered across the length and 
breadth of the country, serve as portals to the past, offering us glimpses 
into the rich tapestry of our heritage.
t he architectural brilliance of indian forts is a testament to the ingenuity 
and resourcefulness of the builders of yore. t hese structures, often perched 
atop hills, nestled in forests, or strategically positioned along trade routes, 
were meticulously designed to serve both defensive and administrative 
purposes. the diversity in construction materials and techniques used 
in these forts—from the robust stone walls of r ajasthan to the intricate 
mud fortifications in the Deccan plateau—reflects the adaptability and 
resourcefulness of ancient indian engineers.
spanning millennia, these structures not only served defensive 
purposes but also reflected the socio-political setting of various dynasties and cultures that ruled over the 
indian subcontinent. t he use of locally available materials, such as granite in south india and sandstone in the 
north, highlights a keen understanding of regional geology and climate. t he Harappan civilisation, for instance, 
demonstrated early examples of fortification with their use of mud bricks and complex drainage systems, 
indicating a sophisticated approach to urban planning and defence.
Forts have been essential to safeguarding communities, resources, and trade routes, showcasing india’s 
enduring legacy of fortification engineering. t he Maratha forts, such as r aigad and shivneri, exhibit a unique 
blend of ruggedness and strategic brilliance, often built on precipitous cliffs that made them nearly impregnable. 
t hese forts not only served as military strongholds but also as administrative centres that facilitated the effective 
governance of vast territories.
As one goes through these massive monuments, they cover diverse architectural styles, construction 
techniques, and strategic considerations, underscoring the significance of forts as integral elements of india’s 
built heritage. Forts, like the r ed Fort in Delhi and Agra Fort, are prime examples of grandiose architecture 
combining military functionality with aesthetic beauty. their thick walls, lofty bastions, and majestic gates 
adorned with intricate carvings and inlays are a marvel of engineering prowess.
By exploring the architectural insights and historical significance of these forts, we not only honour the 
past but also illuminate the pathways to preserving this invaluable heritage. t hese fortresses, with their stories 
etched in every stone and bastion, continue to inspire awe and respect, reminding us of the rich and resilient 
spirit that defines our cultural landscape.
in this edition of Yojana, we pay homage to india’s rich cultural heritage, from the ancient forts of Delhi 
to the coastal bastions of Kasaragod and the rugged ramparts of golconda. through these pages, we 
invite you to embark on a journey through time and explore the stories and legends that have shaped our 
collective identity. this issue endeavours to offer discerning insights from subject matter experts, erudite 
scholars, and accomplished specialists, fostering a deeper understanding to facilitate readers in making well-
informed analyses. We delve into the strategic genius behind these fortifications, the artistic sensibilities that 
adorned them, and the cultural narratives that they embody, underscoring their relevance and significance 
in contemporary times. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of our forebears and reaffirm our commitment to 
preserving our heritage for generations to come.                                                                                                               ?
6 June 2024 6 June 2024
Gwalior Fort
Page 5


Forts of India
June 2024 a development monthly
Special iSSue
June 2024
A DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.
Rig Veda
www.publicationsdivision.nic.in @DPD_India I @YojanaJournal @publicationsdivision @dpd_india
In ThIs Issue
number of pages: 76
Details of the Sales Outlets of the Publications Division on Page 12
YOJANA is published in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, 
Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Since 1957
Chief editor 
Kulshrestha Kamal
editor 
shuchita chaturvedi
our representatives 
Ahmedabad: JS Patel, Bengaluru: Shahid T Komath, 
Bhubaneswar: Manoj Kumar Jali, Chennai: Sanjay 
Ghosh, Guwahati: Maruf Alam, Hyderabad: 
Krishna Vandana P , Jalandhar: Gagandeep Kaur 
Devgan, Kolkata: Sumita Chakraborty, Mumbai: 
Sangeeta Godbole, Thiruvananthapuram: Sudha S 
Namboothiry.
Joint Director, ProDuction 
D K C hruDhaIna Th c over Design
BInDu Verma
Yojana (English): Room No. 647, Soochna Bhawan, 
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003.  
E-mail (Editorial): sec-yojanaeng-moib@gov.in
YOJANA, a development monthly published since 
1957, is a theme-based journal providing in-depth 
analyses and views on socio-economic issues in 
the broader framework of government policies. 
Although published by the Ministry of Information 
and Broadcasting, YOJANA is not restricted to 
expressing the official point of view.
DIsCLaImer
l 	 The 	 vie ws 	 e xpre sse d 	 in 	 various 	 articles 	 are	
those 	 of 	 the 	 authors 	 and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 ne c essarily	
re flect 	 the 	 vie ws 	 of 	 the 	 Go vernme n t 	 or 	 the	
organisation/ s 	 the y 	 work 	 f or .
l Map s/flags 	 use d 	 in 	 the 	 article s 	 are 	 only 	 indic ative 	
and 	 the y 	 do 	 not 	 re flect 	 the 	 politic al 	 map 	 or 	 le gal	
re presen t ation 	 of 	 the 	 flag 	 of 	 India/an y 	 othe r	
c oun try .
l The 	 inf ographics/figure s 	 are 	 pro vide d 	 b y 	 the	
authors 	 through 	 the ir 	 re liable 	 sourc e s 	 and	
YOJANA 	 claims 	 no 	 re sponsibility 	 f or 	 the 	 same.
l Image s, 	 graphics 	 and 	 illus trations, 	 whe re ve r	
use d, 	 are 	 mos tly 	 sourc ed 	 from 	 go vernme n t	
channels 	 and 	 are 	 indic ative 	 in 	 nature .
l YOJANA 	does 	not 	o wn 	re sponsibility 	re garding	
the 	 c on t e n ts 	 of 	 the 	 adve rtise men ts. 	 The 	 re aders	
are 	 re que s t e d 	 t o 	 ve rify 	 the 	 claims 	 made 	 in 	 the	
adve rtise men ts 	 re garding 	 c ourse s, 	 c are e r -
guidanc e 	 book s 	 or 	 ins titutions.
l YOJANA doesn't 	 e ndorse 	 or 	 promot e 	 an y 	 brands	
or 	 privat e 	 e n titie s 	 prese n t ed 	 as 	 c ase 	 s tudie s 	 in 	 an y	 
of 	 the 	 article s.
suBsCrIPTIOn/GrIeV anCes
Email: pdjucir@gmail.com 
Phone: 011-24367453  
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 am- 6:00 pm)
Postal Address: Abhishek Chaturvedi, Editor, 
Journals Unit, Publications Division, Room No. 
779, Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi 
Road, New Delhi-110 003.
Please	 not e	 that	 it	 will	 t ak e	 atleas t	 eigh t	 week s	 t o	
s t art	 your	 sub scrip tion.	 Kindly	 raise	 your	 queries/
grie vanc es	 about	 non	 rec eip t	 of	 the	 journals	 only	
aft er	this	period.
SUBSCRIPTION-RELATED DETAILS : Page 72
role of forts in indian history 
Dr Rima Hooja
defence architecture of  
forts of andhra Pradesh & 
telangana 
CH Babji Rao
golconda fort 
the imPenetrable fortress 
Dr Shivanand Yalala
forts of gujarat 
guardians of legacy and lore 
Dr Chirag Bhoraniya
forts in delhi 
Dr Nimish Rustagi, Ritu Kataria
6
14
21
27
36
43
47
52
53
61
next issue : food Processing
beKal: a fusion of culture and 
history echoing through time 
Sajith Kumar K N
vellore fort: the great 
garrison of south india 
Dr V Venkatraman
our booKs 
gateways to the sea 
historic Ports and docKs of 
mumbai region medieval Ports and forts india on the unesco  
world heritage list YOJANA
Volume-68
No. 06
Special iSSue
5 June 2024
Walls of Grandeur
Editorial
YOJANA
i
n the vast expanse of india’s historical landscape, there exist monuments 
and fortresses that stand as silent sentinels, guarding tales of valour, 
culture, and conquest. these landmarks, scattered across the length and 
breadth of the country, serve as portals to the past, offering us glimpses 
into the rich tapestry of our heritage.
t he architectural brilliance of indian forts is a testament to the ingenuity 
and resourcefulness of the builders of yore. t hese structures, often perched 
atop hills, nestled in forests, or strategically positioned along trade routes, 
were meticulously designed to serve both defensive and administrative 
purposes. the diversity in construction materials and techniques used 
in these forts—from the robust stone walls of r ajasthan to the intricate 
mud fortifications in the Deccan plateau—reflects the adaptability and 
resourcefulness of ancient indian engineers.
spanning millennia, these structures not only served defensive 
purposes but also reflected the socio-political setting of various dynasties and cultures that ruled over the 
indian subcontinent. t he use of locally available materials, such as granite in south india and sandstone in the 
north, highlights a keen understanding of regional geology and climate. t he Harappan civilisation, for instance, 
demonstrated early examples of fortification with their use of mud bricks and complex drainage systems, 
indicating a sophisticated approach to urban planning and defence.
Forts have been essential to safeguarding communities, resources, and trade routes, showcasing india’s 
enduring legacy of fortification engineering. t he Maratha forts, such as r aigad and shivneri, exhibit a unique 
blend of ruggedness and strategic brilliance, often built on precipitous cliffs that made them nearly impregnable. 
t hese forts not only served as military strongholds but also as administrative centres that facilitated the effective 
governance of vast territories.
As one goes through these massive monuments, they cover diverse architectural styles, construction 
techniques, and strategic considerations, underscoring the significance of forts as integral elements of india’s 
built heritage. Forts, like the r ed Fort in Delhi and Agra Fort, are prime examples of grandiose architecture 
combining military functionality with aesthetic beauty. their thick walls, lofty bastions, and majestic gates 
adorned with intricate carvings and inlays are a marvel of engineering prowess.
By exploring the architectural insights and historical significance of these forts, we not only honour the 
past but also illuminate the pathways to preserving this invaluable heritage. t hese fortresses, with their stories 
etched in every stone and bastion, continue to inspire awe and respect, reminding us of the rich and resilient 
spirit that defines our cultural landscape.
in this edition of Yojana, we pay homage to india’s rich cultural heritage, from the ancient forts of Delhi 
to the coastal bastions of Kasaragod and the rugged ramparts of golconda. through these pages, we 
invite you to embark on a journey through time and explore the stories and legends that have shaped our 
collective identity. this issue endeavours to offer discerning insights from subject matter experts, erudite 
scholars, and accomplished specialists, fostering a deeper understanding to facilitate readers in making well-
informed analyses. We delve into the strategic genius behind these fortifications, the artistic sensibilities that 
adorned them, and the cultural narratives that they embody, underscoring their relevance and significance 
in contemporary times. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of our forebears and reaffirm our commitment to 
preserving our heritage for generations to come.                                                                                                               ?
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Gwalior Fort
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rom prehistoric times, humans have 
created or innovated natural and 
artificially built ways of protecting 
themselves, their homes, habitations, 
resources, livestock, wealth, water supply, routes, 
and communities. one of the ways to provide such 
protection has been by using thorny branches, 
F
dr rima hooja the author is an archaeologist, historian and writer; She holds a Phd from Cambridge university; director emeritus, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh ii 
Museum, Jaipur; Visiting faculty, School of Planning & Architecture, delhi & President, iCoMoS india. email: rimahooja@yahoo.com
Role of Forts in Indian History
The term ‘fort’ is usually considered to mean a strong protective building or 
a place with a wall, wooden palisade, or fence that is often further protected 
by a moat, deep ditch, or further lines of fortified walls, guarded by warriors. 
The location of these adds to the defensive features used by a town, city, or 
capital of a kingdom, as well as the general terrain—i.e., the overall cultural 
and military landscape of a kingdom. Over the centuries, India has 
witnessed the existence of numerous full-fledged forts, 
surrounded by ancillary forts and chains of minor 
forts, fortified posts, or defensive garrison 
points across the subcontinent. 
fences, bamboo, hardened mud, bricks, mud and 
stone, stone and mortar walls, and, of course, 
fortifications. t he emergence of urban settlements, 
mainly agriculture-based socio-economic-political 
units and kingdoms, has, therefore, often been 
accompanied by fortifications and fortified 
architectural features. 
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