Salimgarh Fort, an ancient stronghold in Delhi, India, was built in 1546 by Sultan Islam Shah Suri, also known as Salim Shah, the son of Sher Shah Suri, founder of the Suri Empire. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, this fort was strategically constructed on a high mound, creating a formidable defense and vantage point. It lies near the Red Fort (Lal Qila) and is connected to it via a bridge. The fort’s design is typical of Afghan military architecture, with thick stone walls that provided protection and limited access points to control entry. The layout was intended to keep enemies at bay and maintain surveillance over the area. Over time, however, Salimgarh Fort shifted from a military installation to a prison for high-profile captives, especially during the Mughal Empire. Under Emperor Aurangzeb, the fort housed political prisoners, a role it retained even in the colonial period when the British used it to detain freedom fighters and Indian National Army (INA) members during India’s struggle for independence. Today, Salimgarh Fort is a part of the Red Fort Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it does not hold the architectural grandeur of the Red Fort, its historical value remains significant due to its association with the Suri and Mughal empires, as well as its later role in India’s freedom struggle.
