Formidable Ranthambore Fort (944 A.D) of Rajasthan

Massive gate. Ranthambore Fort,Rajasthan, India. en.wikipedia.org

In the medieval period and earlier, the powerful rulers were dependent on their forts for safe living. The stronger the fort is, the safer the kingdom will be. Hence, the rulers of various kingdoms built, strong, massive forts for security reasons against frequent invasions from other rulers. So, fortification was a  necessity not only in India but also in other parts of the world as well. Over a period of time they introduced innovative features such as massive  tall walls, very strong, sturdy  gates, observation decks, wide moat  filled  with water around the fort, provisions for cannons atop the fort, etc. Later many forts became self-contained  in amenities for survival; 

Hamir Mahal, Ranthambore Fort,Rajasthan, .www.liveindia.com

in case of long siege by attackers, the rulers and others had to survive it. Extra  provisions for storage of food grains, etc., adequate water storage  system for continuous supply of water, arms and ammunition, etc., are very  important.
 

Ranthambore Fort,Rajasthan,India.www.ijdreamvacation.com

The Ranthambore fort of India was an important fort  in the days of yore.The fort lies within the Ranthambore National Park, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India. This fort is closely associated with  Hammir Dev of the Chauhan dynasty,  great Rajput warrior.  Its earlier name was Ranastambha or Ranastambhapura and it had association with  was  Jainism during the reign of Prithviraja I of Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty in the 12th century. It was considered as one of the holy Jaina Tirthas by Siddhasenasuri, who lived in the 12th century. The fort was so good and formidable, it was held by countless dynasties. The Mughal Emperor Akbar captured the fortress in 1569 and later it was under the control of  the Kachwaha Maharajas of Jaipur in the 17th century, and it remained part of Jaipur state until Indian Independence. It was in 1950, it became part of Rajasthan state.

Ranthambore Fort, Rajasthan Ixigo

Built in 944 A.D. by a Chauhan ruler - the Nagil Jats. Ranathambhor fort, with  massive construction of seven kms circumference, was one of the strongest forts in North India. The undulating topography and dense forest in the surrounding areas  were an added advantage. It is a tough job for the enemies to cross the dense forest infested with wild animals. Once  the forest cover is crossed, the walls  are so thick and strong, it is absolutely difficult to cut through them. It is believed that the fort came during the reign of king Jayant in 1110 CE.

Ranthambore Fort, Rajasthan. Mygola

Among the remaining ruins, the two pavilions, Badal Mahal, Hammir's court and parts of the royal palace give an idea of the old grandeur and charm. The interior of Hamir court is spellbinding and has good acoustics. A small whisper can be heard at the far end of the structure. For water supply, there are two rain fed reservoirs in the fort.

In medieval India, Ranthambhore was an important Kingdom located in a vantage place. The Sultans of Delhi had an eye on this kingdom because of its strategic location. Further,  it guarded the passage to Central India. It was an hindrance to further  invasions down south by the Muslim rulers.

There are shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesh.  Ranthambore Fort, along with 5 other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013) under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranthambore_For