Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) Location, History, Architecture & More Information

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) is a historic place located near Jhelum and Dina cities in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This is such a popular place due to its beauty and picturesque location. Rohtas Fort is situated between Afghanistan's peaks and the Punjab grasslands.

Image: Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas)

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) was constructed under Sher Shah Suri. Qila Rohtas was constructed in eight years. It was captured by the Mughal Empire in 1555. This fort was also used for administrative objectives by Ranjit Singh after his capture in 1825.

In this article, we will share the history of Rohtas Fort as well as its location and architecture. If you love history, this is for you. So, let's read.

Location of Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) is approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) northwest of Jhehlum and near Dina. Khukha and Gaggar Khurd are 3 miles from the fort. A major road in Asia, the Grand Trunk Road runs 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of the city. The fort's northern outer wall once passed along the historic Badshahi Road.

Rohtas Fort is located in the Tilla Jogian Range. Overlooking a gorge where the Kahn River meets a seasonal stream called Parnal Khas, the condominium overlooks the river. Due to its elevated position, the fort rises 91.5 meters (300 feet) above the surrounding area. Over 70 hectares (170 acres) of land, it is 819 meters (2,687 ft) above sea level.

History of Rohtas Fort

It is well known that Rohtas Fort is a historical place that maintains its own value due to its architecture and longevity. The fort has a fascinating history of when it started and how it got completed.

• Sher Shah Suri Period

Sher Shah Suri, who founded the Sur Empire of India, defended Rohtas Fort from the Mughal Empire. In addition, he was commissioned to block the Mughal Empire. The Rohtas Fort is strategically positioned between Afghanistan's hills and Punjab's plains.

This prevented the Mughal Empire from returning to India after its removal from Persia. Sher Shah Suri captured Rohtas Fort in 1539 in the Shahanabad district of Bihar from a Hindu prince. Rohtas Fort was constructed in 1541 under finance minister Todar Mal's supervision.

• Mughal Empire Period

In 1555, with the death of Sher Shah Suri, Mughal Emperor Humayan returned to rule the Punjab Region. As a result, the fort lost its defensive abilities because of its plain military style and the lack of gardens built by the Mughal Empire.

During the Mughal period, the fort was used continuously until 1707. After that, it was employed by the Afghan Durrani and, in 1758, the Marathas. But the Afghans retook the Rohtas fort in 1759.

• Shikh Empire Period

When Punjab was taken over by the first Sikh Emperor, Ranjit Singh. The fort was controlled by Mohar Singh. In 1825, Sikh Empire General Gurmukh Singh Lamba captured the fort from Nur Khan. Nur Khan handed over the fort to Sardar Mohar Singh.

However, the fort was not involved in combat. The Sikh Empire utilized the fort for administration until the British took over the territory in 1849.

The Architecture of Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort's design is influenced by South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Turkish traditions. The fort structure contains ramparts, gates, a royal mosque, a stepwell, and a palace.

• Layout

Rohtas Fort surrounds an area of 70 hectares (170 acres), surrounded by 4 km (2.5 mi) of walls. The inner fort is accessible by twelve imposing gates and defensive towers. The fort has an asymmetrical triangle shape and follows the slope of its hill. 

A 533-meter (1,749-foot) wall separates the northwest corner of the fort from the rest of the building. The fenced area acted as an elites-only citadel. It had a concession of 30,000 men.

• Ramparts

The fort's walls are built in sandstone, with 68 defensive towers and ramparts. The exterior wall's height ranges from 10 to 18 meters (33 to 59 feet), while its thickness is between 10 and 13 meters (33 and 43 feet). 68 defensive towers are positioned haphazardly along the defense walls.

The fort had merlon-shaped battlements and machicolations, which allowed soldiers to pour molten lead on invaders.

• Gates

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) has 14 gates, which are made of grey ashlar stone. Every gate has a specific quality and reason. The name of the gates is as under:

1. Sohail
2. Shah Chandwali
3. Kabuli 
4. Shishi
5. Langar Khani
6. Talaqi 
7. Mori
8. Khwas Khani
9. Gatali
10. Sar
11. Tulla Mori
12. Pippli

Royal Mosque

Royal Mosque (Badshahi Masjid) is located near the Kabuli Gate and this is the most decorated building of the fort. The mosque has a room for prayers and a tiny courtyard. From the courtyard, stairs ascend to the top of the Kabuli gate.

Soldiers crossed the mosque's roof since the exterior wall of the mosque doubles as a defense wall. Soldiers crossed the mosque's roof since the exterior wall of the mosque doubles as a defense wall.

Palace

The lone palace in the fort is the Raja Man Singh Haveli, which is situated on the highest point of the citadel. Inside the fort stands the Rani Mahal (Queen's palace), a one-story building. There used to be four rooms, but currently, there is just one.

Stepwell

The fort has three baolis, also known as step-wells, that were carved out of limestone. The soldiers, elephants, and horses were supplied at the fort's central baoli.

Conclusion

In this article, you can read out the history of Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas). However, these days the fort is not in good condition but still people love it. You can also visit this fort after reading out this article.