Information on Old Fort (Surat, Gujarat) - History & Architecture

The old fort is located in one of the most well placed cities in Gujarat i.e. Surat. The fort has a rich architectural and historical importance in the overall history of forts in India. It has been noted that the fort shows the innovative and contemporary designing sense of Mohammed Tughlak, to whom the credit of building the fort is given as per historical records and archeological survey of India.

Old Fort Architecture

The monument has extensive significance of the Mughal and local architecture since it was constructed during the Mughal rule in India. The fort which now serves as the Municipal Office of Surat region, has been made with stones and marbles. Again with a short tenure of rule of the Portuguese within the fort also ensured a significant Portuguese style of architecture in many of the renovated parts like the outer walls of the monument among others. The raja i.e. Mohammed Tughlak was known for his strict and cruel personality and the same can be seen in the interior design of the fort. Iron bars were mainly used to form the strong structure of the fort which can be considered as an innovative choice during the 14th century. The outer walls of the fort was so massive that one cannot view the inner part of the fort from outside which has protected the fort from the enemies during its 600 years of existence. Overall, the fort can be regarded as a masterpiece in its own terms.

Old Fort History

Historically, the fort or the place is one of the oldest in the Indian state of Gujarat owing to which it is considered as extremely important. The fort and its construction has its roots in the 14th century under the supreme leadership of Mohammed Tughlak. He was the sultan who ruled for quite a long in Delhi amid the period between early to mid-14th century. He and his family members has roots from Multan which is presently a city of neighboring country i.e. Pakistan. Though most parts of the fort has been ruined over the years, the left overs or the remnant shows a blur picture of the ancient Mughal lifestyle. The fort was started to build during the mid-14th century but its completion was seen in the late 14th century as per historical records. The primary intention for constructing this particular structure was to protect the city of Surat against the intruders or the attackers which mainly include the Bhils. The Bhils were the local tribes in Gujarat who were strictly against the rule of the Mughal in the place. This further lead to the conflict between the two group i.e. Mohammed Tughlak as the leader of Mughal and the local tribes. In course of its existence over the years, the fort has witnessed numerous rule from different rajas and maharajas. This can also be comprehended from the fact that the fort was invaded more than two times by the King of Mavla i.e. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Old Fort Tourism Importance

With regard to tourism, the fort has major advantages especially for its long history and innovative designing which attracts people from the hospitality or tourism sector throughout the year. Since, Surat is itself a major tourist spot in Gujarat, the flow of tourists is quite large, further benefiting the monument. The heritage and grandeur of the city can also be termed as beneficial with regard to the tourism sector.