History: As per an inscription on a stone with the fort complex suggests that the foundation of the fort was laid in the year 1583 AD. Interestingly, this stone, originally from Kaushambi, is from Emperor Ashoka's time and was later relocated to Allahabad Fort. In 1600 AD, Mughal prince Salim, later Mughal ruler Jahangir, rebelled against his father and set up his court in the fort, though he controlled only a small area and soon reconciled with his father.
The British East India Company stationed troops at the fort for the first time in 1765 AD, following the Treaty of Allahabad, signed after the Battle of Buxar by Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, Mughal ruler Shah Alam II, and Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh. In February 1798 AD, Saadat Ali, facing financial difficulties, ceded the fort to the Company. Three years later, in 1801 AD, he also handed over the district of Allahabad (Prayagraj) to the British. Once integrated into the East India Company's territories, Allahabad Fort became a significant depot for military supplies. A railway track, built by the East India Company during wartime, connects the fort to Prayagraj Railway Station. Today, the fort is primarily used by the military, with only a small portion open to the public.
Architecture: Lying on the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, the fort is wedge-shaped. The architectural style of Prayagraj Fort is predominantly Mughal, characterized by its robust and grandiose structures with intricate detailing. The fort is an excellent example of the fusion of Persian and Indian architectural elements, a hallmark of Mughal architecture. The fort covers an extensive area, approximately 5.7 hectares (14 acres). It is surrounded by massive walls, with three main gateways that are designed to withstand attacks. Its outer wall, rising prominently from the water's edge, remains intact. The fort's layout is symmetrical, with a series of interconnected courtyards, halls, and pavilions. Its construction employs red sandstone. The walls and structures are adorned with intricate carvings, floral motifs, and calligraphic inscriptions in Persian. The use of arches, domes, and minarets is prominent.
Attractions: The fort consisted of 93 large apartments and hundreds of rooms and other edifices. Inside, visitors can explore the Zenana, the Palace of Mariam-uz-Zamani, the ancient
Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Koop, Patalpuri Temple and the sacred Akshayavat. One of the prominent features inside the fort is the Asoka Pillar, which dates back to 232 BC and bears inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka and later inscriptions by Emperor Samudragupta of the Gupta dynasty. The Ashokan Pillar faces the main entrance of the fort. The
Patalpuri Temple is an ancient underground temple within the fort complex. The temple is believed to be visited by the Pandavas during their exile in the epic Mahabharat. It is also said that Lord Ram performed penance here. The
Akshayavat, or the immortal banyan tree, is located here and holds great religious significance. The immortal banyan tree is believed to grant eternal life. It is said that Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman visited this tree during their exile. It is also believed that during the great deluge (Pralaya), this tree remained unscathed, floating above the floodwaters. Saraswati Koop is a well believed to be the source of the Saraswati River, one of the historical rivers of India and highly revered waterbody in Hinduism.
Significance: Prayagraj Fort holds immense historical, religious, and cultural significance. Historically, the fort played a crucial role in the administration and defense of the region. It is located at the Sangam, where the Kumbh Mela , one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, takes place every twelve years. The presence of the Patalpuri Temple, Akshaya Vat, and Saraswati Koop adds to its religious importance. The fort is a repository of India's diverse cultural heritage, reflecting the blend of Hindu and Mughal influences.
How to Reach: To reach Allahabad Fort, take a flight or train to Prayagraj. From the airport or railway station, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the fort, located near the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, about 8 kilometers from the city center.