Shahi Qila - An Oldest fort to visit (2024) in Jaunpur, India

Shahi Qila, which is also known as Jaunpur Qila and Karar Qila situated on the northern bank of Gomti river near Shahi Bridge at Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh of India. It’s a building built during the 14th century. Not only in Uttar Pradesh it is one of the oldest forts of India. It is about 250-300 years older than the Taj Mahal, Lal Quila, and all the forts of Rajasthan. This fort is now under the Archaeological Department of India. A continuous allowance for all the Hindu and Muslim kotwals of the fort is an appealing a fascinating inscription. As per historians, this may have happened to the Sharqi rulers. Shahi Qila contained a mosque and a stylish set of baths called Turkey Hammam. Its main structures are almost buried (in ruin). Shahi Qila was inscribed as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO in 1981.

Attraction

Shahi Qila of Jaunpur is a monument to history. If you are someone who has an interest in history and old buildings, then it is a must-visit place for you. Shahi Qila is full of different types of trees. Its lush greenery provides smoothness. It is a perfect place to spend time alone. This fort area is picturesque. It is allowed to take photos and videos inside. So it will add some wonderful pictures to your memory.

History

The Shahi Quila was built in 1362 AD by Ibrahim Naik Barbak, chieftain of Freroze Shah Tughlaq. This fort was made by using material from a temple and palaces owned by Rathore Kings. The fort was harmed several times by British rulers and Lodhi kings. During the Mughal period the fort was renovated comprehensively. At present, Shahi Qila is under the Archaeological Department of India.

Inside/Outside Views

At present, nothing but a mosque and Turkey Hammam have survived inside the fort. An irregular quadrangle layout is enclosed in the stone wall of the fort. Its main gate faces the east and it has the largest inner gate with 14 meters (46 ft) in height. In the 16th century during the region Mughal emperor Akbar, Munim Khan the governor of Jaunpur built an outer gate. Blue and yellow tiles were used to decorate its spandrels or spaces between arches. The shape of a flanking bastion was designed in it. The palace was two-storied in a square layout. Its interior Veranda with pillars overlooks the ground floor. The Turkey-style bath set is called Bhool Bhulaiya for its puzzle doorways. It has several rooms containing bathtubs, changing rooms, and others. Its structure consists of domes that have openings on the top to enter light inside. The mosque of this fort is considered to be the oldest building in Jaunpur. It is a 39.40 meters (129.3 ft) x 6.65 meters (21.8 ft) rectangular building. A 12-meter (39 ft) pillar supported it. In this pillar, a Persian inscription is inscribed. It has three low-centered domes. A stone pillar was installed in front of the fort and something was written on it. The rest of the area is without the mosque, and Turkey Hammam is filled with different types of plants and short pathways are also made.

Opening Hours

Thursday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Friday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Saturday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Sunday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Monday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Tuesday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Wednesday 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

How to Reach

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Babatpur is Varanasi the nearest airport to Jaunpur. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Shahi Qila. By reaching the airport in Varanasi you can go by train or bus to reach Jaunpur.

By Train: It is 4-5 kilometers from the Jaunpur City station and Jaunpur Jn. Station. Auto rickshaw and other local transport are available in the station to reach Shahi Qila or you can book an e-rickshaw also. You can go to Jaunpur.

3283/3284 Ganga Yamuna Exp (Delhi – Varanasi / Danapur)
4649/4650 Saryu Yamuna Exp (Delhi – Varanasi)
2427/2428 Varanasi Lucknow Varuna Exp
3483/3484 Farakka Exp.
2401/2402 Shramjeevi Express.

By Road: Shahi Qila is 2 kilometers from Jaunpur bus station. Different options for local transport are available there. You can also book an e-rickshaw. Jaunpur is