Salimgarh Fort

Salimgarh Fort, located in New Delhi, India, stands as a historic military installation originally constructed in 1546 CE. Built by Islam Shah Suri of the Sur Empire, the fort was erected on what was then an island in the Yamuna River using stone and brick. Its architectural origins date back to a brief period when the Mughal Empire had been temporarily overthrown by the Sur dynasty. Although the Sur rule ended in 1555 when Emperor Humayun regained control of Delhi, the fort retained strategic importance for centuries. It served as a camping ground for various Mughal rulers, including Humayun before his successful campaign to recapture the city and Shah Jahan during the construction of the nearby Red Fort and Shahjahanabad.

Throughout its long history, the site witnessed significant conflicts, including the Sur Empire siege of Delhi and battles during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British forces. Following the rebellion, the British utilized the structure extensively as a prison, adding to its layered historical narrative. Today, the fort is owned by the Government of India and forms an integral part of the Red Fort Complex, which holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it once functioned as a detention center, parts of the complex now house the Swatantrata Senani Smarak, a museum dedicated to freedom fighters. The fort remains open to the public and is physically linked to the Red Fort via an arched bridge and the Bahadur Shah Gate, preserving its connection to the broader imperial landscape of Old Delhi.