List of 5 Indian Forts That Were Never Conquered

Forts in India have a long and complex history that is directly linked to India's long and complex history. The forts were originally created for defense and as places of administrative control. As the Indian continent is covered with mountains, deserts, islands, and flat lands, these structures were built to withstand the long-lasting sieges and on-going invasions that were being experienced at that time. During conflicting times, many of the forts have changed hands through fierce battles, while a few of the forts have shown an impressive amount of perseverance  similar to the courageous stance of the fort's defenders. 

Natural barriers (i.e. mountains/water/body of water, etc.), ingenious architectural design, and strategic planning can be seen as the reasons why these forts have been able to withstand repeated attempts to conquer them. This article will focus on exceptional Indian forts that have maintained a place of importance in history by successfully resisting powerful ant-agressors.

Check Out: List of Top 10 Oldest Forts in India

Top 5 Indian Forts That Were Never Conquered

Here are the top 5 Indian Forts that were never conquered along with the state they belong to and the reasons for being unconquered: 

1. Janjira Fort

Janjira Fort is situated on an island in the Indian state of Maharashtra off the Konkan Coast and has a unique feature in that it had a marine-based defence system. The fort has not been captured after numerous attempts by the Marathas, the Portuguese, and the British. The fort's location on the sea enabled the establishment of a strong naval defence system that protected Janjira from conquest.

2. Kumbhalgarh Fort

In addition to being noted for possessing the second longest contiguous wall in the world (after the Great Wall), Kumbhalgarh Fort was considered (for many years) to be nearly impregnable. Constructed by Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh Fort withstood many attempts to conquer it over the centuries; it was only captured temporarily (due to deception) and, therefore, remains one of the safest forts in India.

3. Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is a prominent feature of Jodhpur. Its steep cliffs and tall stone walls made it nearly impossible to scale. Despite many attempts by Mughal forces and other competing dynasties, Mehrangarh Fort was never stormed. Mehrangarh Fort has always been under control of the Rathore Dynasty, which harbored much pride and faith in the military strength of the Rajputs.

4. Kalinjar Fort

Kalinjar Fort is India’s oldest and strategically positioned fort. It is located on the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and has a rich history of defending against numerous invaders due to steep hillsides, thick forests, and adequate water supply. Even today, Kalinjar Fort is a great example of an ancient fortified city.

5. Gwalior Fort 

Gwalior Fort is often referred to as "the Gibraltar of India" because of its high plateau and extensive fortifications which made it very difficult to capture. Control of this fort has changed hands over many centuries, with many instances of its control being obtained through surrender or political negotiations, rather than through direct military means. As such, it earned a position on this list.

Conclusion

The Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Mehrangarh, Janjira and Gwalior castles are constant reminders of the strength of India's armed forces and the will to defend India. Each fort demonstrates that there are ways of defending an entrenched position that can be as effective as large military forces through use of creativity and the right strategic location.