# Aligarh Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 27.930100, 78.063500

Aligarh Fort, located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, near the Grand Trunk Road, is a historic fortification consisting of a regular polygon structure surrounded by a broad and deep ditch. Originally constructed in 1524-25 during the reign of Ibrahim Khan Lodi by Muhammad, son of Umar the governor of Kol, the fort underwent significant reconstruction under Governor Sabit Khan during the early 18th century. The fortress gained considerable strategic importance under Madhavrao I Scindia in 1759, serving as a military training depot where French officer Benoît de Boigne helped establish European-style battalion drills.

The fort's architectural design reflects French engineering influence, shaped primarily by French engineers under the command of de Boigne and Perron during the late 18th century. The structure features steep ravines exceeding 30 feet in height on all sides with bastions positioned at every angle of the walls. The fort witnessed significant military action during the 1803 Battle of Ally Ghur when British forces under Lord Gerard Lake captured it from the Marathas, after which it was further strengthened and improved.

Today, Aligarh Fort remains largely in ruins, though it is protected as an archaeological site under the care of Aligarh Muslim University and the Archaeological Survey of India. The university's Department of Botany utilizes part of the fort's internal area, and a primary school currently operates within its premises. The fort's boundaries have been protected according to archaeological conservation standards, preserving this important historical monument for future generations.

![Photo of Aligarh Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Aligarh_fort%2C_Aligarh.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aligarh_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)