The Army of the Indian Moghuls: Its Organization and Administration c25.5

c25.5

*Hill Forts.* In the parts of India where detached eminences, often of great extent, are found, these were commonly selected for the sites of fortresses. The most celebrated of these in Northern India were the two forts of Ruhtās, one in the Panjāb, the other in Bahār, Kālinjar in Bundelkhand, Chitor in Mewār. Further south there were Asīrgaṛh in Khāndesh, Daulatābād¹ near Aurangābād, and many others equally celebrated. Forts on the tops of hills were extremely numerous in the Dakhin. In that part of the country there was generally a walled town (or *pettah*) at the foot of the hill, and the fort itself was provided with two or more enceintes. In the Dakhin stone walls were common, that material being abundant. Lake, 205, is of opinion that many of these hill forts, if properly defended, were absolutely impregnable, unless by the tedious process of strict blockade. On the contrary, he thought the fortresses in the plains exceedingly weak (id. 208).