# Nizamabad Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 18.664572, 78.079343

Nizamabad Fort, locally known as Nizamabad Quilla, is a historic stronghold located in the southwest of Nizamabad city within the Indian state of Telangana. Situated approximately two kilometers from Gandhi Chowk, the structure dates back to the 10th century when it was originally constructed by the Rashtrakuta Kings. The fort showcases distinct Rashtrakuta architecture, characterized by extensive masonry walls and massive bastions at the corners that reflect later Muslim architectural influences. Over the centuries, the site witnessed significant political shifts, passing through the hands of the Kakatiyas before being occupied by Alauddin Khalji in 1311. Subsequently, it was ruled by the Bahamanis, Qutub Shahis, and finally the Asaf Jahi dynasty, also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad, each leaving their mark on its renovation and administration.

Today, the fort serves as a prominent tourist attraction and a active religious site, primarily due to the Jagannath Temple, also called Qilla Ramalayam or Raghunath Temple, which sits atop the structure. This temple features spacious halls covering 3,900 square feet, renowned for a unique natural ventilation system that keeps the interior cool year-round. Historically, the complex included a 53-foot high pillar that supported a daily lit lamp, a beacon that traditionally signaled villagers to light lamps in their own homes. Inside the fort's large compound, visitors can still find a mosque, a school, and remnants of a jail used during the Asaf Jahi rule. Although parts of the original narrative are fragmented in historical records, the fort remains a vital cultural landmark that blends military history with spiritual significance in the region.

![Photo of Nizamabad Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Fort_Entrance%2CNizamabad.jpeg)

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