Forts in Madhya Pradesh are the monuments of national importance and serve as alluring tourist destinations. They also enlighten a number of historical events. The forts are the representatives of magnificent architecture and stand gracefully amidst the picturesque backdrop. These have been the witnesses of various battles and gallantry of different rulers. Their possession has also changed many hands. Forts in Madhya Pradesh have played a crucial role in strengthening the power of kingdoms ruling in central India. The inscriptions, artistry and events associated with these forts help greatly in the historical analysis of central India.

Asirgarh Fort
Asirgarh Fort or Asirgarh Qila is located in the Satpura Range in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It was popular as the `key to the Deccan` as it directed a pass through the Satpuras which connected the valleys of Tapti and Narmada rivers, forming a significant route from north India to Deccan. Asa Ahir belonging to Ahir dynasty had constructed the fort.

Bandhavgarh Fort
Bandhavgarh Fort is situated on Bandhavgarh hill in Umaria district. It stands at the centre of the Bandhavgarh National Park. Enclosed by a number of small hills, it shelters a number of endangered species of vulture in India. References of this fort have been found in various ancient texts for which it has been predicted that it dates back to 2000 years. According to regional folklores, Bandhavgarh Fort was built by the rulers of the Gond Empire.

Chanderi Fort
Chanderi Fort stands in Ashoknagar district of the state over a hill located in the southwest of the Betwa River. It was built during Mughal era and its main gate is known as Khooni Darwaza. Muslim rulers of Chanderi have constructed the fort and presently it stands as an impressive monument of the old town of Chnaderi.

Gohad Fort
Gohad Fort is located at Gohad in the Bhind district of the state. It stands on a strategic location on the Vaisli River where it takes a circular turn. Rampart protects this circular fort. The flow of river was extended by digging up to the fort rendering it a semi circular shape. The magnificent fort has 11 gates. It was initially established by Rana Singhandev II but the major constructional features were added to it by Maharaja Kirat Singh, Maharaja Chhatra Singh and Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana.

Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort stands magnificently near the Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh. This 8th century hill fort houses two beautiful palaces namely Man Mandir and Gurjari Mahal, constructed by Man Singh Tomar. The fort has been under the possession of a number of rulers. Presently it serves as an archaeological museum.

Hinglajgarh
Hinglajgarh, also known as Hinglaj Fort, is located near village Navali in Mandsaur district. During the rule of Parmaras in this region, the fort attained its height of grandeur. It is adorned with majestic sculptures belonging to several eras. For about 800 years, Hinglajgarh served as a centre of excellence in creating sculptures. The most ancient sculptures found in the fort dates back to 4th to 5th century AD.

Mandsaur Fort
Mandsaur Fort, in Mandsaur city of Mandsaur district, is also famed as Dashpur Fort. Enclosed by an outer wall, the fort constitutes twelve gates. An inscription in the fort suggests that the fort was created by an army officer Mukbil Khan in the year 1490 during the reign of Giyas Shah. Presently Mandsaur Fort serves as the office of the District Judge, Collector and other Government officials. It is embellished by two beautiful gardens housing a Shiva statue.

Narwar Fort
Narwar Fort is another prominent fort of Madhya Pradesh located on a hill top in Narwar town of Shivpuri district. It is believed that the fort was constructed by Kachwaha Rajputs after their capture of Narwar in the 10th century. Currently the fort is in ruins, but the relics still suggest its former splendour. Rajput style of architecture adorns the fort and the palaces inside the fort are gorgeously decorated.

Utila Fort
Utila Fort, also known as Ranaon ki Garhi was built by Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana, a Gohad ruler, in 1740. It is located in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh on a hillock surrounded by a deep ditch for its protection. The architecture of the fort bears immense significance from the defence point of view.

Other Forts of Madhya Pradesh
Apart from these other forts of Madhya Pradesh include Ajaigarh Fort, Garh Kundar, Jabalpur Madan Mahal, Mandu and Sailana.