Aligarh Fort

Aligarh Fort is a historic fortification on Grand Trunk Road in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, about 3 km from the city centre. Originally built in the early 16th century and later rebuilt in the 18th century by French General Benoît de Boigne for the Scindias, it is noted for its polygonal layout, massive bastions and deep moat. The fort was the site of the 1803 Battle of Aligarh and now lies within the Aligarh Muslim University area.

Visitors can expect a large, polygonal fort surrounded by a former moat and fortified bastions, located on level ground near Aligarh Muslim University. The exterior walls, gateways and bastions are viewable from outside, while interior access is generally restricted as the premises are under the management of Aligarh Muslim University and used for institutional purposes. The surroundings are urban with road access, and the site is primarily visited for exterior sightseeing and photography.

Aligarh Fort was originally built in the early 16th century and known as Ramgarh. It was rebuilt and strengthened in the mid-18th century when Sabit Khan and later French General Benoît de Boigne, serving the Scindias, modernized its fortifications with a polygonal design, bastions and a deep moat. The fort gained prominence during the Second Anglo-Maratha War when the Battle of Aligarh was fought here in September 1803 between the British East India Company forces under General Gerard Lake and the Maratha forces.

The fort is a notable example of evolving military architecture in the Aligarh region and is associated with the city's historic identity as Ramgarh and later Aligarh. Its location adjacent to Aligarh Muslim University gives it continued institutional and local landmark significance.