Bala Qila of Alwar – Rajasthan
A 16th CE. fort situated at Alwar, Rajasthan, the fort is perched atop the Aravalli ranges, about 1960 ft perched on a hill top. Alwar fort is visible from Alwar, which seems like a mile wide. The earlier structure of the fort was built during Mughal era, later it was reconstructed by Hasan Khan Mewati during 1551 CE. In the subsequent centuries, the fort was under the Mughals, Marathas, Jats and at last, it went in total control of the Kachwaha Kings.
Jahangir also stayed here when Akbar banished him because of his shameful attempt to assassinate Abul Fazal Mubarak, one of the nine jewels (Navaratna) of Akbar’s court. The compound where Jahangir stayed when he was on exile is now known as Salim Mahal.
During 1775, the Alwar fort was taken over by Pratap Singh, the founder of Alwar State. It has 51 small and 15 large towers that extends along the 5 km wall having six entrance or Pol. The Laxman Pol is the only gate that connects rest of Alwar with the fort. The wall is engraved with ancient sculptures that depicts stories from Puran. The fort consists of 8 citadels with 446 openings for firing muskets.