Chanderi Fort

Chanderi Fort in Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh, is a historic hill fort built in the 11th century by King Kirti Pal of the Pratihara dynasty. It is strategically located atop a 71-meter-high hill overlooking the town of Chanderi, positioned on important trade routes linking Central India with Malwa and the Deccan.

The fort features a unique blend of Rajput, Malwa, and Mughal architectural styles, visible in its massive stone walls, intricately carved gateways, and palatial structures. Notable gates include the main "Khooni Darwaza," known for its grim history, the "Kati Ghati" gate carved from a single stone, and the upper "Hawa Pur" gate serving as a vantage point. The fort town has seen multiple rulers—from the Bundela Rajputs to the Mughals—and has witnessed key battles including Babur's siege in 1528.

Inside, visitors find historic mosques, palaces like Naukhanda Mahal, and monuments such as Johar Smarak, commemorating a Rajput mass immolation during Babur's invasion. The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, revealing the rich heritage and strategic importance that made Chanderi a crucial military and trading outpost over centuries. Its architectural diversity and historical depth make it a prominent cultural landmark in Madhya Pradesh.