Ancient Trolling: How Indian Kings Insulted Their Enemies with Architecture

If you think trolling is a modern concept invented by Twitter warriors and internet comedians, think again. Indian kings were way ahead of the game, using bricks and mortar to send not-so-subtle messages to their enemies. Instead of throwing shade in WhatsApp groups, they built forts, palaces, and tombs that screamed "We won, and you lost". Cry about it.

Golconda Fort

Let’s start with the Golconda Fort in Telangana, a structure so intimidating that it practically laughed in the faces of its enemies. Built by the Kakatiya dynasty and later fortified by the Qutb Shahis, this fort wasn’t just about defence—it was a massive flex. The acoustics were designed so that a clap at the entrance could be heard at the highest point of the fort, a clever security feature that also doubled as a way of saying, Yes, we’re so powerful we built a fort that talks. But if you want peak pettiness, look no further than Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. This Rajput masterpiece stands on a 400-foot hill, towering over everything in sight. The message was clear: We are literally above you. Even today, the fort dominates the city skyline, ensuring that no one forgets the might of the Rathores.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Now, let’s talk about a classic Mughal power move. The Taj Mahal—yes, the grand, romantic, poetry-in-marble Taj Mahal—was, among other things, a major snub to Shah Jahan’s rivals. Built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, it was deliberately made grander than any structure built before it, ensuring that no Rajput, Sultanate, or European architect could ever top it. And the rumoured Black Taj Mahal, which Shah Jahan allegedly planned to build as his own tomb across the Yamuna, would have been the architectural equivalent of saying, "Even in death, I’m more stylish than you".

But the Mughals weren’t the only ones who knew how to make a point with stone. The Vijayanagara Empire in South India had a long-standing rivalry with the Bahmani Sultanate, and they made sure their enemies never forgot it. One of the best examples? Hampi, their capital, which was filled with grand temples, stepwells, and elephant stables that said, We’re rich, powerful, and culturally superior. After they crushed the Bahmanis in battle, they built temples celebrating their victory, just to rub it in a little more.

Hampi

And then there’s the absolute masterpiece of architectural trolling—Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar, this city was constructed on the site of his victory over Rajput rulers. But the real mic drop moment? Buland Darwaza, the 54-meter-high gateway that literally translates to “Gate of Magnificence.” Imagine walking up to this towering structure, reading the Persian inscription that basically says the world is temporary, but our victories are forever, and realizing that Akbar built an entire city just to remind you of your loss. That’s next-level pettiness.

Even regional kings got in on the action. The Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan, built by Rana Kumbha, boasts walls that stretch over 36 km—second only to the Great Wall of China. Not only was it impenetrable, but it also overlooked enemy territories, serving as a daily reminder that we’re watching you.

And let’s not forget the Konark Sun Temple, which some say was positioned so that its shadow would fall on a rival kingdom during certain times of the year—a literal case of throwing shade.The best part? These architectural power moves weren’t just about intimidation—they were designed to last.

Even centuries later, these forts, palaces, and tombs continue to dominate skylines, attract tourists, and remind us of a time when kings settled disputes with stone and mortar instead of mean tweets.So the next time someone talks about “trolling,” remind them that Indian rulers did it first—and they did it with style.