Allahabad Fort at Uttar Pradesh is a magnificent fort built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1583. It is situated on the banks of the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River. The architecture of the fort is splendid and glorious. It is the largest fort that Akbar built. The main attraction of the fort is its incomparable and intricate design, construction and craftsmanship. It is a grand example of master craftsmanship of medieval India.
Infrastructure of the Allahabad Fort
This battalion fort is considered to be the best fort of intact Mughal Dynasty. The majestic fort has huge walls with three gateways and the outer wall is still in good shape and can be seen arising from the Yamuna riverbed, near the confluence site. This huge fort has three galleries flanked by high towers.
The premise of the fort also houses gigantic polished sandstone Ashoka Pillar, about 10.6m high, believed to have been constructed in 232 BC, which is of great significance for historians and archaeologists. Possibly this pillar was initially installed at village Kosam, now Kaushambi. Inscribed on this pillar are some royal edicts of Ashoka, description of victorious battles of Samudragupta, two brief monographs and an appeal to keep in order the memories of Jahangir"s coronation. Many visitors inscribed their names on it including Birbal, who visited this area in 1575 on the eve of Magh mela. Jodhabai Palace is another attraction of the fort. This palace shows the unique fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
There is also the famous Saraswati Koop that is reckoned to be the source of the mythical river Saraswati. The Allahabad Fort, Allahabad also contains the Patalpuri Temple and the much revered and honored Akshaya Vat, an immortal Banyan tree. Patalpuri is an underground temple and one can reach it through a small door in the eastern wall of the fort. Akshaya Vat can be seen within the Patalpuri Temple area. The tree is routed in deep niche below which there is a deep hole that is supposed to lead to Triveni. There are also Zenana and Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani inside the fort.
As per the legends, it is believed that if anyone jumps from the Akshaya Vat will attain immortality. Civilians are not allowed to see this tree. It is near the southern wall and is one among many trees that can be seen from outside the southern wall of the fort.
Currently the Allahabad Fort is occupied by the Indian Army and a very small part is open for the visitors. Earlier in 1798, the fort was captured by The East India Company. In the fort there is one railway track that was made by the British East India Company to use during the war. This track comes from Allahabad Railway Station. It is recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.
