One fort here, another fort there, here a fort, there a fort, everywhere a fort fort

There are many many forts in India. Most of these forts are castles that existed for each raja or chieftain in major capital cities in India. The British called these castles “forts” because it was the more commonly used term in Britain.

Red Fort - New Delhi

Agra Fort - Agra

Over the past two months, I’ve been able to visit several forts in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, including the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Red Fort in New Delhi and Agra Fort in Agra. 

What are World Heritage Sites? These are properties all over the world that exhibit cultural and/or natural heritage and are of outstanding universal value. For more info on the criteria, go here: http://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/ 

Heritage education is becoming integrated into the curriculum in some schools here in New Delhi. Schools will send their students on heritage walks, either through organizations like my client or conduct their own, to encourage students to become more aware of and in tune with the local heritage that surrounds them. The places range from the heritage sites, like the Red Fort, to other cultural venues, like Humayun’s Tomb or parts of Old Delhi. Much of what students get out of these walks is hands-on awareness of places that they probably didn’t know much about (history and culture) or ever consider visiting. Another benefit of these heritage walks is that it provides teachers another way to teach their students in a more interactive way.

India has over 1.2 billion people and a cultural history that spans over 4,000 years. Various languages are spoken, various religions are practiced and various cuisines are eaten all over India. There is a breadth of culture in this country and 3 months is only enough to get a glimpse of it. I’ve had my share of visiting forts in the past 2 months (probably enough for now) and there is still so much more to see!

Amber Fort (Light and Sound Show) - Jaipur

Amber Fort - Jaipur