NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Rohtas Fort

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Rohtas Fort (Urdu: قلعہ روہتاس Qila Rohtas) is a garrison fort built by the Great Afghan King Sher Shah Suri. This fort is about 4 KM in circumference and the first example of the successful amalgamation of Pukhtun and Hindu architecture in the sub-continent. Elabana Falls is in Lamington National Park, part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves World Heritage site in Queensland, Australia. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 553 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1224 pixel, file size: 205 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... As of 2006, there are a total of 830 World Heritage Sites located in 138 State Parties. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Pakistan_(bordered). ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... This is a list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, Australia and the Pacific (Australasia). ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... (, historically spelled Ordu), is an Middle Eastern-Aryan language. ... Sher Shah Suri Sher Shah Suri (1486 â€“ 1545) (Pashto/Persian: - Å Ä«r-Å Äh á¹¢Å«rÄ«) also known as Sher Khan and as The Lion King, was founder of the Sur Dynasty of northern Indian rulers. ...

Name of Fort

Sher Shah Suri named Qila Rohtas after the famous Rohtasgarh Fort in Shahabad district near Baharkunda, Bihar which he captured from the Raja of Rohtas Hari Krishan Rai in 1539. Rohtasgarh is situated on the upper course of the river Son, 20 37’ N and 85 33’E. It was built by Harish Chandra of the Solar dynasty and was named after his son Rohitasva after whom the fort (Rohtasgarh) was named. Sher Shah Suri Sher Shah Suri (1486 â€“ 1545) (Pashto/Persian: - Å Ä«r-Å Äh á¹¢Å«rÄ«) also known as Sher Khan and as The Lion King, was founder of the Sur Dynasty of northern Indian rulers. ... , Bihar (Hindi: à¤¬à¤¿à¤¹à¤¾à¤°, Urdu: Ø¨ÛØ§Ø±, IPA: , ) is a state of the Indian union situated in the eastern part of the country. ...

Reasons of Construction

Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block Emperor Humayun return to India after defeating him in the Battle of Kanauj. This fort lies on the old GT road between the North (Afghanistan) to the Plains of Punjab. It blocked the way from Peshawar to Lahore. The other reason was to suppress the local tribes of this region Potohar called Gakhars who were allies of Humayun and refused their allegiance to Sher Shah Suri. The Gakhars made a feeble retort by building some fortifications near the village of Sultanpur, which still remain today. Nasiruddin Humayun (March 6, 1508 â€“ February 22, 1556), second Mughal Emperor, ruled in India from 1530â€“1540 and 1555â€“1556. ... AHSAN AND ADNAN :::::AHSAN AND ADNAN::::::: WE ARE HERE NOW SO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ADNAN AND AHSAN ADNAN:YEAH..AHSAN I WANA TALK ABOUT SOMETHING BUT I DONT KNOW ABOUT WHAT..UMMM ABOUT A GOOD SITE AHSAN:YEAH ITS A GOOD QUESTION???I M THINKIN ABOUT SOME GOOD SITE YOU... The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar) or Ghakkar (Urdu: Ú¯Ø§Ú©Ú¾Ø± ) are an ancient Aryan clan of India and Pakistan. ... Nasiruddin Humayun (March 6, 1508 â€“ February 22, 1556), second Mughal Emperor, ruled in India from 1530â€“1540 and 1555â€“1556. ... The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar) or Ghakkar (Urdu: Ú¯Ø§Ú©Ú¾Ø± ) are an ancient Aryan clan of India and Pakistan. ... Sultanpur is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, situated in the northern part of India. ...

Location

Qila Rohtas is situated in a gorge approximately 16 km NW of Jhelum and 7 km from Dina. It was constructed on a hillock where the tiny Kahan river meets another rainy stream called Parnal Khas and turns east towards Tilla Jogian Range. The fort is about 300 feet above its surroundings. It is 2660 feet (818 meters) above sea level and covers an area of 12.63 acres. Mosque in Jhelum Cantt Jhelum or Jehlum (Urdu: Ø¬ÛÙ„Ù…) is a city in northern Punjab Province in Pakistan. ... DINAs emblem DirecciÃ³n de Inteligencia Nacional (Spanish: National Intelligence Directorate) or DINA was the Chilean secret police in the government of Augusto Pinochet. ... Kahan is located in Kohlu District of Balochistan, Pakistan. ... Tilla Jogian the highest peak in the Eastern Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan. ...

Overview of Construction

Qila Rohtas is a garrison fort and could old a force of up to 30,000 men. Due to its location, massive walls, trap gates and 3 Baolis (stepped wells) it could withstand a major siege although it was never besieged. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

Most of the fort was built with ashlar stones collected from its surrounding villages such as Village Tarraki. Some part of the fort were built with bricks.

The fort is irregular in shape and follows the contours of the hill it was constructed on. The fort is approximately 4 km in circumference. A 533 meter long wall divides the citadel (for the Chieftain) from other parts of the fort.

The fortification has 68 bastions (towers) at irregular intervals. Out of the 3 Baolis, one of them is in the citadel and the rest are in the other parts of the fort. One of the Gates (Langar Khani) opens into the citadel and is a trap gate because it is in the direct line of fire of the bastions.

The Khwas Khani gate is an example of double walling. A small enclave on the western side is a citadel within a citadel. It is accessible by only one gate and also had a very fine Baoli which suggests that it was meant for the Chief and his family. In this citadel there is a beautiful Masque called the Shahi Mosque (Not to be confused with the one in Lahore). There are no palaces in the Fort except for a structure built by Raja Man Singh called the Haveli of Man Singh. It is built on the highest point of the citadel. Raja Man Singh was the Kacchwaha rajput raja of Amber, Near Jaipur. ...

Cost of Construction

The work on this fort was started in 1541 with Todar Mal Khatri, the revenue minister in charge of the project. The Gakhars whose area the fort was built on refused to provide labor for this project. The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar) or Ghakkar (Urdu: Ú¯Ø§Ú©Ú¾Ø± ) are an ancient Aryan clan of India and Pakistan. ...

Todar Mal faced with such problems informed Sher Shah about these difficulties who wrote in reply,” I know you for a man of business, understanding and intelligence. I see no work can be expected from you, because you consider money as your friend. When I have commanded you to do a thing you ought not to have cared for money in fixing the rate. Whatever be the expenses, shall be borne by my government.”

After receiving this reply, he fixed one red Ashrafi for each slab on the first day. The rate gradually decreased to one Paoli or Bahluli. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... Pasquale Paoli (1725 - 1807) () was a Corsican general and patriot, who headed the unsuccessful Corsican struggle for independence, first from Genoa, then from France. ...

Because of the boycott the cost of construction was huge. It would have been much lower had it not been for the Ghakkars. The following sources all give slightly different estimates of the cost

“The amount is 16, 10, 00,000 Dams and something more, which is 34, 25,000 Rupees of Hindustan, 120,000 Tumans of Iran or 1,21,75,000 Khanis of Turan”. A dam was a small Indian coin. ... The toman (ØªÙˆÙ…Ø§Ù† in Persian, pronounced [tomÃ¦n], possibly derived from a Turkic word) was the currency of Iran until 1932. ... For the ideology of uniting Ural Altaic peoples, see Turanism. ...

Fortification Wall

The height of the outer wall varies between 10 and 18 meters. Its thickness varies between 10 and 13 meters. The wall has 2 or 3 terraces and varies in thickness, the maximum being 13 meters near the Mori Gate. The terraces are linked by staircases. The topmost terrace has merlon-shaped battlements. Muskets can be fired from these battlements. Soldiers could also pour molten lead over the walls. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

The wall is built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates are in grey Ashlor Masonry. Some portions have been built using burnt brick.

The Gates

The Rohtas Fort has the following 12 gates. All of them are built in Ashlor Stone.

Sohail Gate

This gate is the best example of masonry in use in the time of Sher Shah. It derives its name from a Saint names Sohail Bukhari buried in the south-western bastion of the gate. Others say that it was names after the Sohail Star which rises on this side of the fort. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (600 Ã— 800 pixel, file size: 43 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 450 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (600 Ã— 800 pixel, file size: 43 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ...

It is a double gate rectangular in shape. It is 21.34 meters (70 feet) high, 20.73 meters (68 feet) wide and 15 meters (50 feet) deep. The central archway is 4.72 meters (15 feet) wide. It has an inner and an outer arch which is decorated with beautiful and simple motifs of sunflower. This decoration is repeated in all parts of the Qila.

There are balconies on either side of the central arch. These balconies have a small dome and their sides and bottom are also decorated. Unlike other parts of the Qila which has been built in Afghan-Persian style, the balcony is an example of Hindu architecture. These same balconies can be seen in Haveli Man Singh. There is a small window in the middle of the outer arch. This window is different from the two balconies to either side of the outer arch. It is much simpler that these two balconies. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

There are seven merlons on this gate. The bastions are with battlements which have loopholes. These bastions have three levels on the inside. These can be seen if one zooms in the Sohail Gate picture. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 704 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1150 Ã— 980 pixel, file size: 194 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 704 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1150 Ã— 980 pixel, file size: 194 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ...

The inner side of the gate mirrors the outside but has less decoration. There are no battlements towards the inside and no balconies either. The rooms in the upper storey of this gate have windows that open towards the inside of the Qila. Like the outer arch there is a small window in the middle of the inner arch. The gate now houses a Visitors information center and a Museum set up by the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 397 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (668 Ã— 1009 pixel, file size: 151 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 397 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (668 Ã— 1009 pixel, file size: 151 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ...

Shah Chandwali Gate

This gate links the citadel to the main fort. It is named after a Saint Shah Chandwali who refused to get his wages for working on this gate. The saint died while still on work and was buried near the gate. His shrine still stands to this day. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 496 pixel Image in higher resolution (1156 Ã— 716 pixel, file size: 138 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 496 pixel Image in higher resolution (1156 Ã— 716 pixel, file size: 138 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata...

This gate is also a double gate. The outer gate, the entrance of which is from the citadel is 13.3 meters wide and 8.23 meters deep. The inner gate is a simple archway which is 3.66 meters wide.

Kabuli Gate

This gate opens to the west and is named “Kabuli” because it faces Kabul. It is a double gate and its opening is 3.15 meters (10 feet) wide. It has two bastions on each side. The gate has 5 battlements on top and has stairs leading up to it from the outside. On the southern side of the gate is the Shahi (Royal) Mosque because of which many people also call it Shahi (Royal) Darwaza (Gate or Door). There is a Baoli near this gate. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 553 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1224 pixel, file size: 205 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 553 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1224 pixel, file size: 205 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 457 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (992 Ã— 1301 pixel, file size: 88 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 457 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (992 Ã— 1301 pixel, file size: 88 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ...

Shishi Gate

The gate derives its name from the beautiful glazed tiles used to decorate its outer arch. These tiles are the earliest examples of this technique which was later refined in Lahore. These tiles are blue in color. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 435 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (852 Ã— 1173 pixel, file size: 152 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 435 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (852 Ã— 1173 pixel, file size: 152 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 261 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (608 Ã— 1396 pixel, file size: 85 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 261 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (608 Ã— 1396 pixel, file size: 85 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ...

An inscription on the left side of the gate gives the date of construction of the fort. the inscription is in Persian and is translated as follows

In the Hijri Year 948 came the exalted
At that time constructed the great fort
The emperor is Sher, with long life
There is no match to his good fortune
It was completed by Shahu Sultan

Langar Khani Gate

It is a double gate 15.25 meters (50 feet) high, 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) wide with a central arched opening. the oouter arch has a small window like the Sohail Gate. The outer opening leads to a Langar Khana (Mess or Canteen). Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 229 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 229 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 362 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (884 Ã— 1465 pixel, file size: 108 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 362 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (884 Ã— 1465 pixel, file size: 108 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) mistype in comment. ...

There are two bastions on either side of the gate which have kitchen, stores and a well for water. The opening of this gate is L shaped. As soon as one enters from the outer gate one has to turn right.

Talaqi Gate

This gate is 15.25 meter high and 13.8 meter wide with two bastions on either side. This gates name derives from “Talaq” (divorce). According to a legend, Prince Sabir Suri entered the gate and had an attack of fever which proved fatal. This was regarded as a bad omen and the name became “Talaqi”. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 140 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 140 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 123 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 123 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

Mori or Kashmiri Gate

The gate opens to the north and faces Kashmir. This gate opens into one chamber which opens into another.

Khwas Khani Gate

This gate is named after one of Sher Shah Suri’s greatest general, Khwas Khan. This was the original entrance to the Qila (Fort) because outside the gate lies the old GT Road. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 448 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (849 Ã— 1137 pixel, file size: 214 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 448 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (849 Ã— 1137 pixel, file size: 214 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Sher Shah Suri Sher Shah Suri (1486 â€“ 1545) (Pashto/Persian: - Å Ä«r-Å Äh á¹¢Å«rÄ«) also known as Sher Khan and as The Lion King, was founder of the Sur Dynasty of northern Indian rulers. ...

It is a double gate. The outer gate is 12.8 meter wide (42 feet) and 8 meter (26 feet) deep. This gate has a bastion and a defensive wall on each side. On the bastions canons could be deployed. The inner and outer gates are almost mirror images of each other. The top of the gate has five battlements. All of these have loopholes as well as machicolation. Unlike other gates of this Qila, the inner side of the gate has five battlements.

The inner and outer arches have sunflower motifs like the Sohail Gate. The gate also has a room which has windows opening to the inside and the outside.

It is pertinent to mention here that when the Gakhars refused their allegiance to Sher Shah Suri , he launched an expedition to punish them. This resulted in the capture of the Gakhar chief Sarang Khan and his daughter. Sarang Khan was then killed. His daughter was then married to Sher Shah’s favourite general Khwas Khan. The Gakhars ( Gakkhars, Gurkkhars, Gurkhars) have been suggested, by the British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham to have been Indo-Sassanians in origin. ...

Gatali Gate

It is a single gate 9.15 meter high and 6.1 meter deep. This gate faces to the village Gatali Ford(ravine) which is called aslo Patan Gatiali or Gatiyalian, the important point to cross the River Jhelum for the Kashmir Vally, thus the name. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 567 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (768 Ã— 812 pixel, file size: 122 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 567 Ã— 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (768 Ã— 812 pixel, file size: 122 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... A ford, with pedestrian footbridge, on a minor road near Weimar bei Kassel in Germany The ford at Brockenhurst, leading into the village centre, following heavy rain. ...

Tulla Mori Gate

This is an entrance rather than a gate. It is on the eastern side of the fort. It is about 2 meters wide. There is a bastion next to this entrance.

Pipalwala Gate

Sar Gate

This is a small entrance. There is a bastion next to this gate. There is a Baoli next to this gate. It is called “Sar” because “Sar” means water.

Other Buildings

Shahi Mosque

This small mosque is near the Kabuli gate. It has a prayer chamber and a small courtyard. It is the most decorated of the original buildings of the fort. To be ever ready in case of attack , stairs lead directly from the courtyard of this mosque to the top of Kabuli Gate. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 316 pixel Image in higher resolution (1164 Ã— 460 pixel, file size: 145 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 316 pixel Image in higher resolution (1164 Ã— 460 pixel, file size: 145 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort ...

The prayer chamber is 19.2 meter long and 7.3 meter deep. It is divided into 3 equal chambers. There are domes from the inside but from the outside no domes can be seen. There is a small room at the end of these three chambers. this room was for the Pesh Imam(Prayer Leader). This room has a small domed roof from the inside but no outer dome. There is no place for ablution(cleaning up before prayers) in the mosque. This mosque is built into the fortification wall i.e. soldiers walked over the mosques roof. The outer wall of the mosque is the fortification wall itself. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 383 Ã— 599 pixels Full resolution (1180 Ã— 1844 pixel, file size: 202 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 383 Ã— 599 pixels Full resolution (1180 Ã— 1844 pixel, file size: 202 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

On the outer wall of the mosque are beautiful round designs in which Islamic verses are written in Naqsh script. These verses are surrounded by a Lilly going around the Naqsh script. The Lilly design was later used by Mughals in Tomb of Jahangir, Tomb of Nur Jehan and the Shah Burj Gate in Lahore Fort. The design seems to have been copied from the coins used in that time. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 128 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 128 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... The Mughal Empire (alternative spelling Mogul, which is the origin of the word Mogul) of India was founded by Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. ... Jahangirs mausoleum on the 1000 Pakistani rupee denomination bank note Tomb of Jahangir, is the mausoleum built for the Mughal emperor Jahangir that ruled from 1605 to 1627. ... Mughal empress Nur Jehan. ... Alamgiri Gate - Main Entrance to Lahore Fort, with Hazuri Bagh Pavilion in foreground The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila (Ø´Ø§ÛÙ‰ Ù‚Ù„Ø¹Ù‡) is the citadel of the city of Lahore, in modern day Pakistan. ...

Baolis

There are 3 Baolis in the fort. These were made by cutting deep into the lime rock. They are
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The Main Baoli

It is in the middle of the Fort for soldiers, elephants, horses etc. This Baoli has 148 steps. Each step is 20 cm (8 inches) wide. The upper portion has been cut in stone. It has arches three arches that span the length of the baoli.

The Shahi Baoli

It is near the Kabuli Gate for the Royal family. It has 60 steps and has small chambers that were used as baths by the Royal family.
Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 383 Ã— 599 pixels Full resolution (1180 Ã— 1844 pixel, file size: 162 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 383 Ã— 599 pixels Full resolution (1180 Ã— 1844 pixel, file size: 162 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

Sar Gate Baoli

Haveli Man Singh

This is not an original structure of the fort. It was built by a general of Akbar, Raja Man Singh I of Amber. He died in 1614 so it must have been built between 1550 and 1614. It is a 2 storey building constructed with bricks and plastered neatly. Architecturally it bears no resemblance to the Qila Rohtas. A part of the structure has fallen away. There seems to have been 4 rooms out of which only one exists now. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Akbar (disambiguation). ... Raja Man Singh(Man Singh I) was the Kacchwaha raja of Amber. ...

The existing room is 5.5 meters square and there are balconies on the outside of it. These balconies are similar to the one outside Sohail Gate. One could see the whole fort from these balconies.

Unlike Qila Rohtas which is an example of Afghan architecture, this Haveli is an example of pure Hindu architecture.

Rani Mahal

The Rani Mahal (Queens palace) is near Haveli Man Singh. It is a one storey structure. It originally had four rooms but only room remains standing today. The foundation of the four rooms can still be seen today. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

It is not an original part of the fort and is an example of Hindu architecture and built around the same time as the Haveli Man Singh. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 98 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 98 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

The room still standing today is about 20 feet high and beautifully decorated on the inside and outside. The roof of the dome like room is like a flower. The inside of the roof is decorated with flowers, geometrical patterns and fake windows. The room is about 8 feet by 8 feet. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 383 Ã— 599 pixels Full resolution (1180 Ã— 1844 pixel, file size: 223 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 383 Ã— 599 pixels Full resolution (1180 Ã— 1844 pixel, file size: 223 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

Decorative Features

This fort is an example of purely “Masculine” architecture. It places function over form. This can be gauged from the fact that the fort had NO building for living. Even Kings had to live in tents when they came here.

Stone Carvings

These carvings are found on the gate and in the mosque. Most of these are engravings in Arabic and sunflowers. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 198 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 198 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 252 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 252 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

One of these carvings is inside the Shahi Mosque outside the Pesh Imam's (Prayer leaders) room. The carving is of the word "Allah" (God) in Arabic. The same carving is also done on merlons on top of Shahi Mosque.

The sunflower motif is on each sides of the arches of Shahi Mosque. It is also present in the guard post in between each gate.

Calligraphic inscriptions

Most of these inscriptions are on the Shahi Mosque. On the outer wall of the mosque the “Kalima” is written in beautiful calligraphy on both sides of each arch of the Shahi Mosque. The Naskh script is used. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 155 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 155 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Kalima does not render you a Muslim- it is a bunch of words meaning nothing. ... Naskh (Ù†Ø³Ø®, also known as Naskhi or by its Turkish name Nesih) is a specific calligraphic style for writing in the Arabic alphabet. ...

There is an inscription in Persian on the Shishi gate which gives the date of start of construction. The same inscription is also found over the Talaqi gate. Look up Persian in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Glazed Tiles

These tiles are found on Shishi gate. This type of tile became extremely popular with the Mughals who further refined them. The tiles on Shishi gate are the earliest example of the usage of these tiles. These tiles were made in Lahore.

Plaster

Machiolations

Machiolations are small drains that lead from the inside to the walls outside. They are built into the walls and are used by the soldiers on the inside to pour molten lead or other hot liquids on soldiers trying to scale the walls. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ...

The Rohtas fort has hundreds of them and each one is beautifully decorated with geometric patterns.The pictures is of a machiolation near the Langar Khana(Mess Hall). Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 204 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 565 pixels Full resolution (1772 Ã— 1252 pixel, file size: 204 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

Architectural Style

This fort was built in the Afghan-Persian architectural style. Afghans and Persians Kings had been coming to the Indian subcontinent for at least 5 centuries before the construction of this fort. Before the construction of this fort, the combination of these styles had not been harmonious. Qila Rohtas is the earliest example of the successful mixing of these two styles with the Afghan style being more prominent.

The elements of Hindu Architectures are
1. Balconies on Sohail Gate.
2. Decorations on Shahi Mosque derived from Hindu Architecture.
3. Haveli Man Singh (Pure Hindu Architecture).

The elements of Afghan architecture are
1. Utilitarian Construction.
2. Use of stone instead of bricks in building wall.
3. No Living quarters.
4. Comparatively less decorations.

Usage

Sher Shah Suri died before the completion of this magnificent structure. Ten years after Sher Shah’s death and the end of the Suri dynasty, Emperor Humayun returned to rule India for another 15 years. Sher Shah Suri Sher Shah Suri (1486 â€“ 1545) (Pashto/Persian: - Å Ä«r-Å Äh á¹¢Å«rÄ«) also known as Sher Khan and as The Lion King, was founder of the Sur Dynasty of northern Indian rulers. ... Suri may refer to: // Suri, a tribe of the lower Omo River valley in SW Ethiopia, a subgroup of the Surma people Suri (Pashtun), is a Pashtun tribe in Afghanistan and Greater Punjab (Pathan) Suri, one of the clans of Kukhran community who have their origin in Afghanistan the Afghan... Nasiruddin Humayun (March 6, 1508 â€“ February 22, 1556), second Mughal Emperor, ruled in India from 1530â€“1540 and 1555â€“1556. ...

When Humayun returned the Governor of Rohtas, Tatar Khan Kasi fled. Nasiruddin Humayun (March 6, 1508 â€“ February 22, 1556), second Mughal Emperor, ruled in India from 1530â€“1540 and 1555â€“1556. ...

This fort was never popular with the Mughals because of its military character. Emperor Akbar stayed here for a single night. Emperor Jahangir rested here for a single night while going to Kashmir for some R&R. He said the following about its location The Mughal Empire (alternative spelling Mogul, which is the origin of the word Mogul) of India was founded by Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. ... Jalauddin Akbar Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbár, (alternative spellings include Jellaladin) also known as Akbar the Great (Akbar-e-Azam) (October 15, 1542 – 1605) was the ruler of the Mughal Empire from the time of his accession in 1556 until 1605. ... Jahangir was born on 9 September 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri. ... Kashmir (or Cashmere) may refer to: Kashmir region, the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent India, Kashmir conflict, the territorial dispute between India, Pakistan, and the China over the Kashmir region. ...

Emperor Jahangir again stayed here when he was being forced to go to Kabul by Mahabat Khan. Nur Jahan, his beautiful and resourceful wife obtained troops from Lahore and ordered Mahabat Khan to release her husband. Emperor Jahangir then proceeded to Rohtas and held his court here for a while. Then he went onto Kashmir and back to Lahore to die. Jahangir was born on 9 September 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri. ... For other places with the same name, see Kabul (disambiguation). ... Nur Jehan (alternative spelling Noor Jahan, Nur Jahan, etc. ... Lahore (Urdu: Ù„Ø§ÛÙˆØ±, Punjabi: Ù„ÛÙˆØ±, pronounced ) is the capital of the province of Punjab, and is the second most densely populated city in Pakistan. ... Jahangir was born on 9 September 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri. ... Lahore (Urdu: Ù„Ø§ÛÙˆØ±, Punjabi: Ù„ÛÙˆØ±, pronounced ) is the capital of the province of Punjab, and is the second most densely populated city in Pakistan. ...

The later Mughals seem to have made no use of the fort. The reason is that they were allies of the Gakhars and consequently needed no troops to maintain their hold over this area. The Mughal Empire (alternative spelling Mogul, which is the origin of the word Mogul) of India was founded by Babur in 1526, when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last of the Delhi Sultans at the First Battle of Panipat. ... The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar) or Ghakkar (Urdu: Ú¯Ø§Ú©Ú¾Ø± ) are an ancient Aryan clan of India and Pakistan. ...

The Durranis Pukhtuns knew the importance because they were enemies of the Gakhars kept not only a garrison here but also their Governor here. They used this fort to keep communication with their capital Kabul open. Durrani (Persian: Ø¯Ø±Ø§Ù†ÛŒ) or Abdali (Persian: Ø§Ø¨Ø¯Ø§Ù„ÛŒ) tribe is one of the two largest Pashtun tribes of Afghanistan and is also found in large numbers in western Pakistan. ... ... The location of Hazara relative to surrounding areas Gakhar (also Gakkhar) or Ghakkar (Urdu: Ú¯Ø§Ú©Ú¾Ø± ) are an ancient Aryan clan of India and Pakistan. ... For other places with the same name, see Kabul (disambiguation). ...

The Sikhs held power after the Durranis, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was in camp here when he heard the news that his greatest general Hari Singh Nalwa had been killed at Jamrud by the Pukhtuns under the leadership of Wazir Akbar Khan a son of the great Amir Dost Mohammad Khan. The Kabul suburb of Mina Akbar Khan is named to honour the memory of this great Afghan general. Hari Singh Nalwa (1791-1837?), an Uppal Khatri born at Gujranwala, was the Commander-in-chief of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. ... Jamrud, located at an altitude of 1512 ft (461 meters) above sea level, is a town located in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. ... ... Mohammed Akbar Khan (1839-1842) was an Afghan general. ... Dost Mahommed Khan (1793 - June 9, 1863) founded the Barakzai dynasty in Afghanistan. ... For other places with the same name, see Kabul (disambiguation). ...

The Maharaja gave the fort to Sardar Mohar Singh who was succeeded by Gurmukh Singh. It was subsequently leased to different people and the last people to manage Rohtas was Raja Fazal Din Khan who joined Sher Singh in rebellion. Sher Singh, (Born: December 1807 - Died: 1843) was a Sikh ruler of the sovereign country of Punjab and the Sikh Empire. ...

Architectural Legacy

Here is what the World Heritage list (Document 586) says on page 2 of the report (see references)

Rohtas Fort is an outstanding example of early Muslim military architecture in the Indian subcontinent which incorporates features from elsewhere in the Islamic world. It also had a profound influence on the development of architectural styles in the Mughal Empire (and hence on the European colonial architecture that made abundant use of that tradition).

It is also outstanding by virtue of the refinement and high artistic value of its decorative elements, notably its high- and low-relief carvings, its calligraphic inscriptions in marble and sandstone, its plaster decoration, and its glazed tiles.

There are no surviving examples of military architecture of this period on the same scale in the sub-continent which survive to the same degree of completeness and conservation. Fatehpur Sikri (India) which is already on the World Heritage List represents the full Mughal realization of a form and style that owes everything to its precursor, Rohtas Fort.

The recommendation by ICOMOS (the organization that makes the World Heritage list) made the following recommendation The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was founded in 1965 as a result of the Venice Charter of 1964 and offers advice to UNESCO on World Heritage Sites. ...

Rohtas Fort is an exceptional example of the Muslim military architecture of central and South Asia, which blends architectural and artistic traditions from Turkey and the Indian sub-continent to create the model for Mughal architecture and its subsequent refinements and adaptations.

Present State

Most of the fort is in a very good state of preservation. In the portions that have fallen away (Haveli Man Singh) one can still see some part of the original construction.

The central archway of the Chandwali Gate has been rebuilt recently so that is the only “fake” part of the fort.

In early 2005, seepage, heavy rains, and general neglect caused the left inner face of the Talaqi Gate to collapse, and the right flank and foundation to become detached from the original structure.

The Gatali Gate forms one of the original entrances to Rohtas. Over time, its right bastion and supporting wall have collapsed as a result of permeated rainwater and the erosion of its foundations.

World Heritage Site

Qila Rohtas was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997. Here is what the World Heritage list (Document 586) says on page 3 of the report (see references)

That this property be inscribed on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria II and IV:

Himalayan Wildlife Foundation

The Rohtas Fort Conservation Programme was conceived by the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation in 2000 to help protect the sixteenth-century Rohtas Fort near Jhelum, and develop it as a heritage site conforming to international standards of conservation and tourism. It is undertaking the following projects in conjunction with the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Nearby places of Historical Significance

Outside the Langar Khani Gate is the tomb of a lady called Khair Un Nisa. She was the daughter of the food minister named Qadir Bukhsh. She dies here and was buried in this tomb but she was later moved to Sahsaram. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 585 pixels Full resolution (1062 Ã— 776 pixel, file size: 83 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 585 pixels Full resolution (1062 Ã— 776 pixel, file size: 83 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Rohtas Fort Metadata This file...

Until the construction of the new Grand Truck Road, Rohtas was a halting place on the main Peshawar-Lahore road. This road had Serais about a mile apart. One of these is about one mile north of the Rohtas Fort. It is in a fair state of preservation.

How to Visit

From Islamabad

The dual-carriage Grand Trunk Road takes you past Gujar Khan and Sohawa, to the small town of Dina 130 km away. Just past Dina you will drive over a railway overpass, stay to the right of the road and take the first U-turn to drive back towards Dina. After about 100 meters to your left you will find a signpost, which indicates the way towards the road leading to Rohtas Fort which is 8 km away, past the small village of Muftian. Drive on the road to enter into the fort and keep driving till you reach the parking area. The Grand Trunk Road (abbreviated to GT Road in common usage) is one of South Asias oldest and longest major roads. ... Dina (Urdu: Ø¯ÛŒÙ†Û ) is a town situated in Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan. ... Dina (Urdu: Ø¯ÛŒÙ†Û ) is a town situated in Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan. ... Dina (Urdu: Ø¯ÛŒÙ†Û ) is a town situated in Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan. ... Muftian (Urdu: ) is a village situated in Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan. ...

From Lahore

Drive on G.T road past Gujranwala, Wazirabad and the city of Jhelum. About 10 minutes drive beyond the Jhelum bridge just short of the city of Dina, you will find a signpost to the left directing you to Rohtas Fort. Gujranwala (Urdu: Ú¯ÙˆØ¬Ø±Ø§Ù†ÙˆØ§Ù„Û) is a city in Punjab, Pakistan with a city population of 1,132,509 (1998 census). ... Wazirabad (Urdu: ÙˆØ²ÛŒØ± Ø¢Ø¨Ø§Ø¯) is a town located in Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan. ... Mosque in Jhelum Cantt Jhelum or Jehlum (Urdu: Ø¬ÛÙ„Ù…) is a city in northern Punjab Province in Pakistan. ...

Factoids

Contents

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