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There are 8 forts spread over the small area that forms Mirpur Division. Except Mangla and Ramkot, most of these forts are unknown to the public.
This is a thread on these beautiful forts built by Mughals, Gakhars and Dogras which decorate the hilly landscape of this region.
This is a thread on these beautiful forts built by Mughals, Gakhars and Dogras which decorate the hilly landscape of this region.
1. Baghsar Fort, Samahni, Bhimber
Built by Mughals, it overlooks the historical route between Plains of Punjab and the Kashmir valley which passed through the city of Bhimber.
It is currently closed to visitors due to its proximity to LOC.
Built by Mughals, it overlooks the historical route between Plains of Punjab and the Kashmir valley which passed through the city of Bhimber.
It is currently closed to visitors due to its proximity to LOC.
2. Mangla Fort, Mirpur
The fort is the first thing you will see when you enter Azad Kashmir from Pakistan. It is strategically built on high ground and looks over the point where River Jhelum leaves the hills for the plains of Punjab.
It is named after the Hindu deity, Mangla.
The fort is the first thing you will see when you enter Azad Kashmir from Pakistan. It is strategically built on high ground and looks over the point where River Jhelum leaves the hills for the plains of Punjab.
It is named after the Hindu deity, Mangla.
3. Burjun Fort, Mirpur
It is located at a 1 hour drive from Mirpur City, not far from the town of Islamgarh.
Only one of the walls of the fort survive.
Since I don't have a lot of pics for this, I'll give a YouTube link instead
It is located at a 1 hour drive from Mirpur City, not far from the town of Islamgarh.
Only one of the walls of the fort survive.
Since I don't have a lot of pics for this, I'll give a YouTube link instead
4. Ramkot Fort, Dadyal, Mirpur
Perhaps the most famous of all forts in Azad Kashmir, Ramkot Fort is majestic. For most part of the year it is only accessible by boat and is located at the point at which Jhelum enters the Mangla Dam.
One source says it was built by a Ghorid Sultan
Perhaps the most famous of all forts in Azad Kashmir, Ramkot Fort is majestic. For most part of the year it is only accessible by boat and is located at the point at which Jhelum enters the Mangla Dam.
One source says it was built by a Ghorid Sultan
5. Throtchi Fort, Gulpur, Kotli
This fort is built on a steep hill which overlooks the gorge made by the Punch River to its West. Its height gives it a good sight of the surrounding area.
It is not far from the location of Gulpur Hydropower Project.
This fort is built on a steep hill which overlooks the gorge made by the Punch River to its West. Its height gives it a good sight of the surrounding area.
It is not far from the location of Gulpur Hydropower Project.
6. Bhrand Fort, Sehnsa, Kotli
This towering fort, probably of the Dogra Raj, is built in the valley of a tributary of Jhelum North-West of the town of Sehnsa.
This video provides a better look of its interior.
This towering fort, probably of the Dogra Raj, is built in the valley of a tributary of Jhelum North-West of the town of Sehnsa.
This video provides a better look of its interior.
7. Karjai Fort, Khui Ratta, Kotli
The fort is probably the most beautiful in this list. It gives a commanding view of the area around Nala Ban. Historically, the area acted as a link between Mirpur and Rajouri.
Unfortunately, little of it survives today.
The fort is probably the most beautiful in this list. It gives a commanding view of the area around Nala Ban. Historically, the area acted as a link between Mirpur and Rajouri.
Unfortunately, little of it survives today.
8. Baral Fort, Kotli
One of the many forts built on the frontiers of the valley, it is located approximately 10 kilometers North of Bhrand Fort, securing one of the many routes of ingress.
One of the many forts built on the frontiers of the valley, it is located approximately 10 kilometers North of Bhrand Fort, securing one of the many routes of ingress.
The theory that Ramkot was built by Ghoris seems unlikely, so here is a better overview of the history by @Paharibloke https://twitter.com/Paharibloke/status/1242144725215391745?s=19
