365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Fortress

The concept of Fortress holds diverse interpretations across various teachings. In Jainism, it signifies a fortified structure for defense. The Arthashastra emphasizes military significance, depicting fortresses as inaccessible strongholds. Vaishnavism uses it metaphorically, representing both a physical stronghold in Varuna and spiritual entrapment. Purana highlights forts in military contexts, while Dharmashastra associates fortresses with royal defense. In Indian history, they symbolize safety and internal struggles, reflecting personal defenses, as seen in characters like Hamsapadika and Poorva, who use fortresses as metaphors for emotional protection.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Stronghold, Citadel, Fort, Castle, Rampart, Bulwark, Fortification, Garrison

In Dutch: Vesting; In Finnish: Linnoitus; In Spanish: Fortaleza; In German: Festung

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Fortress'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Fortress" symbolizes a fortified stronghold with military significance, representing security, defense, and entrapment in the physical realm, as seen in the context of Varuna and the metaphorical interpretations by figures like the Alvar.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) A fortified stronghold, significant in the context of military strategy and conflict.[1]

From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya

(1) An enclosed stronghold made inaccessible through various means such as ditches, thorns, rocks, and deserts.[2]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Refers to the fortified structure surrounding the city of Varuna, which was targeted by Lord Krsna.[3]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A metaphor used by the Alvar representing his entrapment in the physical world and desire for liberation.[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A component of the circle that represents a stronghold or defense for the king and his kingdom.[5]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Garuda Purana

(1) A fortified building or military stronghold used for defense or refuge.[6]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Fortress'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Fortress" symbolizes a fortified structure representing defense and protection, reflecting the community's values of safeguarding spiritual beliefs and practices against external threats and maintaining inner peace and integrity.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A fortified structure designed for defense and protection.[7]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Fortress in local and regional sources

History Books

Fortress symbolizes protection and isolation in Hamsapadika's past, represents Poorva's emotional guard, and reflects safety and confinement, embodying Hamsapadika's internal struggles and memories from her youth.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Symbolizes safety and confinement, reflecting Hamsapadika’s internal struggles and memories of her youth.[8] (2) A metaphor representing how Poorva guards her emotions and inner self, seeming to protect herself from fully engaging with her husband.[9] (3) A strong and secure structural setting that symbolizes protection and isolation in Hamsapadika's past.[10]