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The region of Potohar which now forms the Rawalpindi division is home to many forts, large and small.
Many of these were built by grand empires like the Mughals, others by local Rajput clans such as the Gakhars and Janjuas.
This thread covers 17 of the forts in this region.
Many of these were built by grand empires like the Mughals, others by local Rajput clans such as the Gakhars and Janjuas.
This thread covers 17 of the forts in this region.
Railway Fort, Jhelum City, Jhelum
Historically, Jhelum has been an important location as a point to ferry across the Jhelum River and so was garrisoned by both the Sikhs and the British at different times. This small fort is from that era.
Historically, Jhelum has been an important location as a point to ferry across the Jhelum River and so was garrisoned by both the Sikhs and the British at different times. This small fort is from that era.
Rohtas Fort, Jhelum
A fort of epic proportions, built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th Century with the dual purpose of preventing the exiled Humayun from returning to India and to keep the local Gakhar clan (which was still loyal to the Mughals) at bay.
A fort of epic proportions, built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th Century with the dual purpose of preventing the exiled Humayun from returning to India and to keep the local Gakhar clan (which was still loyal to the Mughals) at bay.
(Rohtas Continued)
However, the fort soon fell to disrepair. The Sur empire had crumbled and Humayun entered India with no opposition. With the Mughals back in power the Gakhars were no longer a threat.
Still, the mighty Rohtas stands proudly over the Kahaan River.
However, the fort soon fell to disrepair. The Sur empire had crumbled and Humayun entered India with no opposition. With the Mughals back in power the Gakhars were no longer a threat.
Still, the mighty Rohtas stands proudly over the Kahaan River.
Rawat Fort, Rawalpindi
The ancient Sarai (inn) was walled by the Gakhars clan to defend themselves from Sher Shah Suri. In 1546, the fort saw forces of Sher Shah clash with those of Gakhar Sultan Sarang. Sarang was killed and is buried at the fort.
The ancient Sarai (inn) was walled by the Gakhars clan to defend themselves from Sher Shah Suri. In 1546, the fort saw forces of Sher Shah clash with those of Gakhar Sultan Sarang. Sarang was killed and is buried at the fort.
Sangni Fort, Rawalpindi
This Sikh era fort was built to manage taxation in the region. After the British took over, it fell into disuse and today houses the shrine of a local saint. This is one of the reasons it is still well-maintained.
This Sikh era fort was built to manage taxation in the region. After the British took over, it fell into disuse and today houses the shrine of a local saint. This is one of the reasons it is still well-maintained.
Pharwala Fort, Rawalpindi
15th Century fort built on River Swaan which for a long time was the seat of the Gakhar power. The fort was conquered by the Mughals in 1519.
Unfortunately, it is very hard to access as there is no road to the fort.
15th Century fort built on River Swaan which for a long time was the seat of the Gakhar power. The fort was conquered by the Mughals in 1519.
Unfortunately, it is very hard to access as there is no road to the fort.
Kusak Fort, Chakwal
Built in 11th Century by the Janjua chieftain, Raja Jodh it overlooks the Kahoon Valley.
The fort saw many battles by invaders who wanted to subdue the region, from Firoz Shah Khilji in 1290 to Ranjit Singh in 1810.
Built in 11th Century by the Janjua chieftain, Raja Jodh it overlooks the Kahoon Valley.
The fort saw many battles by invaders who wanted to subdue the region, from Firoz Shah Khilji in 1290 to Ranjit Singh in 1810.
Malot Fort, Chakwal
It was built by Raja Mal Dev Janjua. Today only a temple stands while most of the walls haven't survived the test of time.
It was built by Raja Mal Dev Janjua. Today only a temple stands while most of the walls haven't survived the test of time.
Hari Singh Nalwa's Haveli, Katas Raj, Chakwal
The fortified haveli (mansion) was built by the Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa and over looks the holy Hindu ponds believed to be Shiva's tears. The Haveli is built with a typical military design including kill holes.
The fortified haveli (mansion) was built by the Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa and over looks the holy Hindu ponds believed to be Shiva's tears. The Haveli is built with a typical military design including kill holes.
Nandana Fort, Chakwal
Built by rulers of the Hindu Shahi on a strategic road it was later conquered and renovated by Mahmud of Ghazni. This was also the location where the famous Muslim polymath Al-Beruni calculated the circumference of the earth.
Built by rulers of the Hindu Shahi on a strategic road it was later conquered and renovated by Mahmud of Ghazni. This was also the location where the famous Muslim polymath Al-Beruni calculated the circumference of the earth.
Akrand Fort, Chakwal
Built by Raja Tataar Khan, little of this fort remains today. Kanhatti garden is built next to it.
Built by Raja Tataar Khan, little of this fort remains today. Kanhatti garden is built next to it.
Tulaja Fort, Chakwal
Located in the Soon Valley, little is known of the Tulaja Fort. The fort built on a high cliff gives a beautiful view of the surrounding are.
I recommend this great article in Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/1410747
Located in the Soon Valley, little is known of the Tulaja Fort. The fort built on a high cliff gives a beautiful view of the surrounding are.
I recommend this great article in Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/1410747
Tulhaath Fort, Chakwal
Another obscure fort in the region. Only a defensive wall remains of the structure which is believed to include a small palace.
Another obscure fort in the region. Only a defensive wall remains of the structure which is believed to include a small palace.
Samarkand Fort, Chakwal
Probably built in the 13th Century although signs of settlement date back to first year of common era.
More details in this article: https://tribune-com-pk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/tribune.com.pk/story/331414/samarkand-fort/?amp_js_v=a3&_gsa=1&=1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=15933421280619&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s
Probably built in the 13th Century although signs of settlement date back to first year of common era.
More details in this article: https://tribune-com-pk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/tribune.com.pk/story/331414/samarkand-fort/?amp_js_v=a3&_gsa=1&=1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=15933421280619&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s
Bhaun Fort, Chakwal
Bhaun is quite a historical village in Chakwal and Shahid has covered the Sikh-era fort very well in his video:
Bhaun is quite a historical village in Chakwal and Shahid has covered the Sikh-era fort very well in his video:
Daloor Fort, Chakwal
I haven't been able to find any details on this fort and the only pictures are from a single Facebook post. On Google Earth however, we can clearly see that there was a fort on this location because of an outlined flat mountain top.
https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1904988299759554.1073741844.1616885105236543&type=3
I haven't been able to find any details on this fort and the only pictures are from a single Facebook post. On Google Earth however, we can clearly see that there was a fort on this location because of an outlined flat mountain top.
https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1904988299759554.1073741844.1616885105236543&type=3
(Daloor Continued)
I wont be surprised if there is a important fort here since it is located right over the historical city of Choa Sadan Shah which is at least 500 years old. Moreover, it is built at a place where 3 different valleys meet.
I wont be surprised if there is a important fort here since it is located right over the historical city of Choa Sadan Shah which is at least 500 years old. Moreover, it is built at a place where 3 different valleys meet.
Makhiala Fort, Chakwal
Another Janjua fort built by Raja Mal Dev. This fort was also besieged by Ranjit Singh.
This Dawn article has more: https://www.dawn.com/news/1426413
Another Janjua fort built by Raja Mal Dev. This fort was also besieged by Ranjit Singh.
This Dawn article has more: https://www.dawn.com/news/1426413
