The Rohtas Fort in the Jhelum District is one of Pakistan’s most historic and iconic places. It can be found in Punjab province.
The Rohtas Fortress is a 16th century castle located near Jehlum, Pakistan’s Punjab province. Raja Todar Mal constructed the fortress at Sher Shah Suri’s direction. Rohtas derives its name from RohDazh and Rohilas Persian words, which mean Afghans or Pashtuns, and dazh which means fort.
It was also constructed to protect the Potohar Gakhar tribesmen.
Some Gakhar tribes were Mughal Empire allies who refused to accept Sher Shah Suri’s suzerainty.
This fort is one the most powerful and important in the subcontinent. Rohtas Fort was not attacked by force, and it has miraculously survived intact.
The fort is distinguished by its large defensive walls and numerous monumental gateways. In 1997, UNESCO designated Rohtas Fort as a World Heritage Site for its “exceptional example of Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia.”
Rohtas Fort’s History
Sher Shah Suri, who seized control of the region in early 16th century ordered the construction of the fort in order to declare his dominance over the Potohar tribes and end any rebellions.
The history of Qila Rohta is broken down into the following 4 periods.
1.Suri Period
The fort’s origins can be traced back to the Sur dynasty when emperor Sher Shah Suri ordered its construction following his victory over Mughal emperor Humayun.
Construction of the fort began in 1541. It was constructed primarily to deter the Mughals.
2.Mughal Period
The fort was abandoned by Tatar Khan Khasi (the local governor), in advance of the Mughal army’s advances. It was then quickly handed over to Humayun, the Mughal emperor, in 1555. The original purpose of the fort was to subdue pro-Mughal Gakhar tribesmen in order to avoid Emperor Humayun returning. Its significance waned.
In the 1580s, Emperor Akbar built the Attock Fort nearby to better serve Mughal interests. Ironically, Rohtas Fort became the capital of the Gakhar tribes that it was constructed to subdue. It was not required as a military garrison as the Gakhar tribes were loyal to the Mughal monarchy.
3.Maratha Period
After the Mughals fall out of favor, most of North India was seized by the Marathas. In 1758, the Marathas conquered Punjab and captured Rohtas Fort. The fort was used by the Marathas as a border point for their Peshawar operations and Attock operations. The Durranis, who had driven out the Marathas from North India in 1759, retook control of the fort.
4.Sikh Period
The fort was popular among the Mughal rulers but it remained in use through the Mughal period and was still used almost continuously until 1707. The fort was used by Nadir Shah, an Afsharid ruler, during his assault on the Mughal Empire. The fort was used by Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Afghan chieftain, during his expeditions to Punjab in the final days of the Mughal Empire.
Layout of Qila Rohtas
Rohtas Fort covers 70 hectares. It is surrounded by 4 km of walls, 68 bastion towers, and 12 gates. The contours of the hill on which the fort was built form an irregularly shaped triangular shape. The northwest corner of Fort Hood is separated from the rest by a 533-meter (1 749-foot) wall. This section was used as a citadel by elites.
The enclosed section contains many of the most important relics from the fort. Although the Langar Khani gate of Fort Langar Khani leads to the citadel, it is a trap located right in front of the fort’s bastions.
The massive fort could house up to 30,000 men. The northwest corner of Fort Hood is separated from the rest by a wall measuring 533 meters (1,749 feet).
The enclosed section was used by elites as a citadel. Its strategic location, massive walls, trap gates, and three baolis (stepped water wells) made it able to withstand a large siege. However, it was never actually under siege.
Except for the Raja Man Singh Haveli, which is constructed on the citadel’s highest point, there are no palaces in the fort.
Tourist Attractions at Qila Rohtas
Rohtas Fort, Jhelum, is spread across more than 170 acres due to its location on hills. It is roughly triangular in form. This is what you will see when you visit Rohtas Fort.
1# Gates of Rohtas Fort
There are 12 entrance gates to the Rohtas Fort. They are all made from ashlar and protect the castle from all sides. These are the entrances:
Sohail Gate: This gate was used to enter special occasions
Shah Chandwali Gate: This gate connects Main Fort and Anderson
Kabuli Gate or Shahi GateNear the Shahi Mosque is Kabuli (or Shahi Gate).
Shishi Gate: Beautiful gate with blue glazed tiles.
Langar Khana Gate: This gate is located close to the fort’s areas such as the kitchens, water sources and storage spaces.
Talaqi GateBad luck has been associated with a gate in the past.
Kashmiri Gate or Mori GateThis gate can be found in the vicinity of Kashmir.
Khas Khani GateThis is the main entrance to the fort.
Natali GateThis gate was named after a ravine that flows from the Jhelum river.
Tulla Mori Gate: This gate can be found towards the east of the Rohtas Fortress.
Pipalwala GateThis small gate is used to access the citadel’s entrance.
Sar GateNamed for a pond in the fort that is located opposite the main gate.
2# Royal Mosque
This small mosque, known as Shahi Masjid, is located near the Kabuli Gate. It also has a small courtyard and a prayer room. This is the most elaborate of all the original fort structures. The mosque is always at the ready for an attack because it has stairs that lead from the courtyard to Kabuli Gate.
The mosque’s outer walls are decorated with beautiful round designs and Islamic verses in Naqsh script. These verses are surrounded by a Lilly that wraps around the Naqsh screenplay.
Mughals later used the Lilly design in the Tomb of Jahangir, Tomb of Nur Jehan, and the Shah Burj Gate in Lahore Fort. It appears that the design is based on coins from this time period.
3# Ander Kot
Two distinct areas are located within the boundary walls of the citadel. Ander Kot, a residential area for the elite located on the fort’s northwest side is separated by a dividing wall. Here are Rani Mahal, Haveli Maan Sing and many other famous figures.
4# Haveli Maan Singh
Although most of the haveli is now in ruin, you can still see the foundations of houses that once graced this area of the fort.
Rani Mahal 5#
The structure, which is translated to Queen’s Palace, was a single-story building that had four floors when it was built. Today, only one remains. It measures approximately 20 feet in height and has a dome roof with false windows and geometrical patterns. It is located not far from Haveli Maan Singh.
6# Stepwells
Three Baolis can be found in the fort. These were made by cutting through lime rock. This is how they transport their animals to water sources. There are 137 steps total.
Baoli central
It is located in central Fort. Soldiers, elephants, ponies and other animals use it. This Baoli has 148 steps. Each step is 20cm (8in) wide. The structure’s upper portion is made from stone. It is divided into three arches, which run along its length.
Royal baoli
It is located close to Kabuli Gate, the residence of the Royal family. It is 60 steps high and has small rooms, which the Royal family used for baths.
Sar Gate baoli
A small Baoli is located near the Sar Gate. It was most likely used for troops.
7# Perimeter Walls
The castle was surrounded by thick walls. Each stage was linked by set of stairs, which led to the top. The walls are made of sandstone, mortar, bricks, or mortar. Bastions, also known as round towers, are located at regular intervals along a wall. They protect the fort against artillery attacks.
8# Other Architectural Features
The walls of the fort are decorated with artwork that evokes 16th-century Muslim architecture. The fort has many architectural and artistic characteristics, including stone carvings, Arabic calligraphy on various gates, tilework at the Shishi Gate, and arched gateways.
Stone carvings
These carvings are also found on the mosque’s gates. These carvings are mainly made of sunflowers and Arabic engravings.
Outside the Shahi Mosque’s Pesh Imam’s (Prayer leaders) room, you can find one of these carvings. This carving depicts the Arabic term “Allah” on the Shahi Mosque’s merlons.
Calligraphy
These inscriptions are most common at the Shahi Mosque. The “Kalima” is written in elegant calligraphy on both sides of each arch of the Shahi Mosque’s outer wall. It is written in Naskh script.
The Shishi gate has a Persian inscribed that shows when construction began. The same inscription is also found on the Talaqi gates. You can also find other inscriptions on the Gatali, Langar Khani, and Khas Khani gates.
Machicolations
The machicolations are small drains that run inside the walls to the outside. These drains are built into the walls and soldiers on the inside use them as a way to pelt soldiers who attempt to climb the walls with hot liquids or molten lead. Each one is beautifully decorated with geometric shapes and there are many of them in the Rohtas Fortress. This photograph (Mess Hall) depicts a machicolation close to the Langar Khana.
Tilework
These tiles are found at Shishi Gate. This tile was popularized by the Mughals, who refined it. One of the earliest examples is Shishi Gate’s tiles. These tiles were made by Lahore.
Nearby Places
The tomb of a woman named Khair Un NisaIt is located just outside the Langar Khani Gate. She was Qadir Bukhsh’s niece. She died here and was buried there, but she was later moved to Sasaram.
Rohtas used to be a stop along the main Peshawar–Lahore road, until the completion of the new Grand Trunk Road. This freeway connected the serais about one mile apart. One mile (1.6km) north of one of these is the Rohtas Fortress. It is in good condition.
Rohtas Qila Timings
The fort is accessible daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. A local guide can be hired to help you tell legends and stories about it.
Rohtas Fort Tickets
For a tour of the fort, locals will pay PKR 20, while tourists from abroad may pay PKR 500. Foreign visitors may be required to show their passports when they enter the fort. Guided tours of the fort will cost you around PKR 100 an hour.
Access To Rohtas Fort
To reach Rohtas Fort, you can take the Grand Trunk Road. Road (G.T.) or National Highway 5(N-5) to Rohtas Fort Road. This will take you directly to the fort. The grounds can generally be explored on foot. You can park your car in the nearby parking lot for the duration of your stay.
Conclusion
This article was all about Qila Rastas. This place is rich in historical buildings and is worth a visit if you enjoy exploring and traveling. This article will be updated with any new information that becomes available. So stay tuned!