Forts of Deccan
SOME of the forts on the western coast of India owe their origin to the imperial policies of the Delhi Sultanates though the fort of Devagirl had been there even before the Delhi rulers could make their presence felt. But like any other defensive measure, the Devagiri fort could prove its worth not only by its fortifications but aiso by the will of the defenders This is what transpired when in 1294 Ala-ud-din Khalji, even before he ascended the throne, invaded Devagiri. King Ramachandradeva sued for peace on humiliating terms not because the fort failed to provide him protection but because he and his son had not properly planned a defence strategy. Nor could the king provide requisite.
Bahmani Dynasty
After some time Daulatabad fort became the rallying point for rebel, nobles. Ala-ud-din Bahman Shah successfully revolted against Mohammed bin Tughluq and in 1347 laid the foundation of the Bahmani dynasty. He selected Gulbarga and not Devagiri as his capital and for administrative reasons divided his kingdom into four provinces, viz. Gulbarga, Daulatabad, Bidar and Berar, each under the charge of a governor. Gulbarga and Bidar also had a stronghold each. The Bahmani kings waged wars against the neighbouring Hindu kingdoms of Warangal and Vijayanagar, whose capitals, viz. Warangal and Vijayanagar too were strongly fortified.
