Difference between revisions of "Rohtas Fort" - New World Encyclopedia

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Rohtas Fort({{lang-ur|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. 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. Qila Rohtas was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.  
+
Rohtas Fort ({{lang-ur|قلعہ روہتاس}}''Qila Rohtas'') - a garrison fort built by the great Afghan king [[Sher Shah Suri]]. The fort measures approximately 4 km in circumference displaying the first example of the successful amalgamation of Pukhtun and Hindu architecture in the sub-continent. 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. UNESCO designated Qila Rohtas a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1997.  
  
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.
+
Rohtasgarh, situated on the upper course of the river Son, 20 37’ N and 85 33’E, had been built by Harish Chandra of the Solar dynasty, named after his son Rohitasva after whom the fort (Rohtasgarh) had been named. Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block [[Humayun|Emperor Humayun]]'s return to India after defeating him in the [[Battle of Kanauj]]. That 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 Fort served to suppress the [[Gakhars]] of [[Potohar]], allies of Humayun who refused to give 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.
  
Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block [[Humayun|Emperor Humayun]]'s 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.
+
Qila Rohtas situates in a gorge approximately 16 km NW of [[Jhelum (City)|Jhelum]] and 7 km from [[Dina City|Dina]]. Constructed on a hillock where the tiny [[Kahan]] river meets another rainy stream called [[Parnal Khas]], turning east towards [[Tilla Jogian]] Range. The fort stands about 300 feet above its surroundings, 2660 feet (818 meters) above sea level and covers an area of 12.63 acres. The fort has twelve gates (four of which serve as trap gates), sixty-eight bastions, 1900 battlements and  9500 stairs.
 
 
Qila Rohtas is situated in a gorge approximately 16 km NW of [[Jhelum (City)|Jhelum]] and 7 km from [[Dina City|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. The fort has 12 gates (4 are trap gates), 68 bastions, 1900 battlements and  9500 stairs.
 
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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|Suri]] dynasty, [[Humayun|Emperor Humayun]] returned to rule India for another 15 years. When Humayun returned the Governor of Rohtas, [[Tatar Khan Kasi]] fled. 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, ''This fort was founded in a cleft and the strength of it cannot be imagined''.
+
Sher Shah Suri died before the completion of the magnificent structure. Ten years after Sher Shah’s death and the end of the [[Suri dynasty|Suri]] dynasty, [[Humayun|Emperor Humayun]] returned to rule India for another 15 years. When Humayun returned, the Governor of Rohtas [[Tatar Khan Kasi]] fled. The fort had never been 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 entertainment. He said the following about its location, ''This fort was founded in a cleft and the strength of it cannot be imagined''.
 
[[Image:Sohail Gate Balcony.jpg|Sohail Gate Balcony|thumb|right|200px|Sohail Gate Balcony]]
 
[[Image:Sohail Gate Balcony.jpg|Sohail Gate Balcony|thumb|right|200px|Sohail Gate Balcony]]
  
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.
+
Emperor Jahangir again stayed here when 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. The later Mughals seem to have made no use of the fort. Allies of the [[Gakhars]], they consequently relied upn them rather than stationing troops to maintain their hold over the area. The [[Durranis]] [[Pukhtuns]], enemies of the [[Gakhars]], maintained their Governor in residence here. They used the fort to keep communication with their capital Kabul open.
 
 
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 [[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.
 
 
 
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 [[Akbar Khan|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.
 
 
 
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.
 
  
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 Sikhs held power after the Durranis, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, camped 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 [[Akbar Khan|Wazir Akbar Khan]] a son of the great Amir [[Dost Mohammad Khan]]. The Kabul suburb of Mina Akbar Khan had been named to honor the memory of that great Afghan general. The Maharaja gave the fort to [[Sardar Mohar Singh]], succeeded by [[Gurmukh Singh]], subsequently leasing it to different people. [[Raja Fazal Din Khan]], who joined [[Sher Singh]] in rebellion, had been the last people to manage Rohtas.
  
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.
+
Most of the fort remains in excellent preservation. In Haveli Man Singh, portions that have fallen away, yet the original construction may be comprehended. The central archway of the Chandwali Gate has been rebuilt recently, constituting the only portion of the fort reconstructed from scratch. 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.
  
 
== Construction ==
 
== Construction ==
 
[[Image:Overview-of-Rohtas.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Overview]]
 
[[Image:Overview-of-Rohtas.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Overview]]
Qila Rohtas is a garrison fort and could hold 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. 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.
+
Qila Rohtas served as a garrison fort, able to support a force of 30,000 men. Due to its location, massive walls, trap gates and three Baolis (stepped wells), the fort could withstand a major siege although never tested. Most of the fort had been built with [[ashlar]] stones collected from its surrounding villages such as [[Village Tarraki]]. Some part of the fort had been constructed 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 fort has an irregular shape, following the contours of the hill it sits on. The fort measures 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 sixty-eight bastions (towers) at irregular intervals. One of the three Baolis sits in the citadel, the rest position in the other parts of the fort. One of the Gates (Langar Khani) opens into the citadel, serving as a trap gate 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.
+
The Khwas Khani gate displays an example of double walling. A small enclave on the western side constitutes a citadel within a citadel. Accessible by only one gate, it had an excellent Baoli suggesting the private entrance for a Chief and his family. In that citadel a beautiful Masque called the Shahi Mosque (Not to be confused with the one in Lahore) sits. The Fort lacks palaces except for a structure built by [[Raja Man Singh]] called the Haveli of Man Singh, built on the highest point of the citadel.
 
[[Image:Bastions, Battlements,Terraces and Terrains.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Bastions,Battlements,Terraces and Terrains]]
 
[[Image:Bastions, Battlements,Terraces and Terrains.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Bastions,Battlements,Terraces and Terrains]]
  
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. 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.”
+
The building of the fort started in 1541 with [[Todar Mal Khatri]], the revenue minister in charge of the project. The [[Gakhars]], owing the land the fort sat on, refused to provide labor for the project. Todar Mal faced, with such problems, informed Sher Shah who replied,” 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]].
+
After receiving that reply, he fixed one red [[Ashrafi]] for each slab on the first day. The rate gradually decreased to one [[Paoli]] or [[Bahluli]]. Because of the Ghakkars' boycott, the cost of construction became enormous. The following sources all give slightly different estimates of the cost:
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:
 
  
*Waqiat-i-Jahangiri says the cost was Rs. 34,25,000. It refers to an engraved stone over the Shishi Gate which reads
+
*Waqiat-i-Jahangiri placed the cost at Rs. 34,25,000. It refers to an engraved stone over the Shishi Gate which reads:
  
“The amount is 16, 10, 00,000 [[Dam (coin)|Dams]] and something more, which is 34, 25,000 Rupees of Hindustan, 120,000 [[Iranian toman|Tumans]] of Iran or 1,21,75,000 [[Khanis]] of [[Turan]]”.
+
:“The amount is 16, 10, 00,000 [[Dam (coin)|Dams]] and something more, which is 34, 25,000 Rupees of Hindustan, 120,000 [[Iranian toman|Tumans]] of Iran or 1,21,75,000 [[Khanis]] of [[Turan]]”.
  
*According to Tarikh-i-Daudi, its cost is 80,505,002 Dams ([[Bahlulis]]).
+
*According to Tarikh-i-Daudi, the project cost 80,505,002 Dams ([[Bahlulis]]).
  
 
=== Fortification wall ===
 
=== 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. The wall is built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates are in grey [[ashlar]] masonry. Some portions have been built using burnt brick.
+
The height of the outer wall varies between ten and eighteen meters, with its thickness varying between ten and thirteen meters. The wall has two or three terraces, varying in thickness to a maximum of thirteen meters near the Mori Gate. Staircases link the terraces, the topmost terrace hosting merlon-shaped battlements. Muskets fired from those battlements, soldiers poured molten lead over the walls as well. The wall had been built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates had been constructed in grey [[ashlar]] masonry. Some portions have been built using burnt brick.
  
 
=== The Gates===
 
=== The Gates===
The Rohtas Fort has the following 12 gates. All of them are built in ashlar stone.
+
The Rohtas Fort has the following twelve gates, all built with ashlar stone.
  
 
'''Sohail Gate'''  
 
'''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. 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.  
+
Sohail Gate provides the best example of masonry in use in the time of Sher Shah. It derived its name from a Saint named Sohail Bukhari, buried in the south-western bastion of the gate. Another theory advances that the gate had been named after the Sohail Star which rises on that side of the fort. A double gate rectangular in shape, it measures 21.34 meters (70 feet) high, 20.73 meters (68 feet) wide and 15 meters (50 feet) deep. The central archway spans 4.72 meters (15 feet) wide. It has an inner and an outer arch decorated with beautiful and simple motifs of sunflower, the decoration repeated in other parts of the Qila.  
 
[[Image:Sohail Gate Closeup.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sohail Gate Closeup]]
 
[[Image:Sohail Gate Closeup.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sohail Gate Closeup]]
  
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.  
+
Balconies stand on either side of the central arch, having a small dome, their sides and bottom decorated. Unlike other parts of the Qila, which had been built in Afghan-Persian style, the balcony presents example of Hindu architecture. Haveli Man Singh has balconies of the same design. A small window exists in the middle of the outer arch, different from those on the two balconies to either side of the outer arch. the balcony has a much simpler design than the other two balconies.  
  
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. 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.
+
Seven merlons grace this gate. The bastions, with battlements with loopholes, have three levels on the inside. The inner side of the gate mirrors the outside but has less decoration. No battlements exist towards the inside and no balconies either. The rooms in the upper story of the gate have windows that open towards the inside of the Qila. Like the outer arch, a small window sits 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.
  
 
'''Shah Chandwali Gate'''
 
'''Shah Chandwali Gate'''

Revision as of 19:53, 15 December 2007

Coordinates: {{#invoke:Coordinates|coord}}{{#coordinates:32|57|45|N|73|35|20|E|{{{9}}} | |name= }}

Rohtas Fort*
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kabuli Gate, Rohtas Fort.
State Party Flag of Pakistan Pakistan
Type Cultural
Criteria ii, iv
Reference 586
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1997  (21st Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Rohtas Fort (Urdu: قلعہ روہتاسQila Rohtas) - a garrison fort built by the great Afghan king Sher Shah Suri. The fort measures approximately 4 km in circumference displaying the first example of the successful amalgamation of Pukhtun and Hindu architecture in the sub-continent. 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. UNESCO designated Qila Rohtas a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Rohtasgarh, situated on the upper course of the river Son, 20 37’ N and 85 33’E, had been built by Harish Chandra of the Solar dynasty, named after his son Rohitasva after whom the fort (Rohtasgarh) had been named. Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block Emperor Humayun's return to India after defeating him in the Battle of Kanauj. That 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 Fort served to suppress the Gakhars of Potohar, allies of Humayun who refused to give 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.

Qila Rohtas situates in a gorge approximately 16 km NW of Jhelum and 7 km from Dina. Constructed on a hillock where the tiny Kahan river meets another rainy stream called Parnal Khas, turning east towards Tilla Jogian Range. The fort stands about 300 feet above its surroundings, 2660 feet (818 meters) above sea level and covers an area of 12.63 acres. The fort has twelve gates (four of which serve as trap gates), sixty-eight bastions, 1900 battlements and 9500 stairs.

Overview

Sher Shah Suri died before the completion of the 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. When Humayun returned, the Governor of Rohtas Tatar Khan Kasi fled. The fort had never been 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 entertainment. He said the following about its location, This fort was founded in a cleft and the strength of it cannot be imagined.

Sohail Gate Balcony

Emperor Jahangir again stayed here when 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. The later Mughals seem to have made no use of the fort. Allies of the Gakhars, they consequently relied upn them rather than stationing troops to maintain their hold over the area. The Durranis Pukhtuns, enemies of the Gakhars, maintained their Governor in residence here. They used the fort to keep communication with their capital Kabul open.

The Sikhs held power after the Durranis, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, camped 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 had been named to honor the memory of that great Afghan general. The Maharaja gave the fort to Sardar Mohar Singh, succeeded by Gurmukh Singh, subsequently leasing it to different people. Raja Fazal Din Khan, who joined Sher Singh in rebellion, had been the last people to manage Rohtas.

Most of the fort remains in excellent preservation. In Haveli Man Singh, portions that have fallen away, yet the original construction may be comprehended. The central archway of the Chandwali Gate has been rebuilt recently, constituting the only portion of the fort reconstructed from scratch. 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.

Construction

Overview

Qila Rohtas served as a garrison fort, able to support a force of 30,000 men. Due to its location, massive walls, trap gates and three Baolis (stepped wells), the fort could withstand a major siege although never tested. Most of the fort had been built with ashlar stones collected from its surrounding villages such as Village Tarraki. Some part of the fort had been constructed with bricks.

The fort has an irregular shape, following the contours of the hill it sits on. The fort measures 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 sixty-eight bastions (towers) at irregular intervals. One of the three Baolis sits in the citadel, the rest position in the other parts of the fort. One of the Gates (Langar Khani) opens into the citadel, serving as a trap gate in the direct line of fire of the bastions.

The Khwas Khani gate displays an example of double walling. A small enclave on the western side constitutes a citadel within a citadel. Accessible by only one gate, it had an excellent Baoli suggesting the private entrance for a Chief and his family. In that citadel a beautiful Masque called the Shahi Mosque (Not to be confused with the one in Lahore) sits. The Fort lacks palaces except for a structure built by Raja Man Singh called the Haveli of Man Singh, built on the highest point of the citadel.

Bastions,Battlements,Terraces and Terrains

The building of the fort started in 1541 with Todar Mal Khatri, the revenue minister in charge of the project. The Gakhars, owing the land the fort sat on, refused to provide labor for the project. Todar Mal faced, with such problems, informed Sher Shah who replied,” 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 that reply, he fixed one red Ashrafi for each slab on the first day. The rate gradually decreased to one Paoli or Bahluli. Because of the Ghakkars' boycott, the cost of construction became enormous. The following sources all give slightly different estimates of the cost:

  • Waqiat-i-Jahangiri placed the cost at Rs. 34,25,000. It refers to an engraved stone over the Shishi Gate which reads:
“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”.
  • According to Tarikh-i-Daudi, the project cost 80,505,002 Dams (Bahlulis).

Fortification wall

The height of the outer wall varies between ten and eighteen meters, with its thickness varying between ten and thirteen meters. The wall has two or three terraces, varying in thickness to a maximum of thirteen meters near the Mori Gate. Staircases link the terraces, the topmost terrace hosting merlon-shaped battlements. Muskets fired from those battlements, soldiers poured molten lead over the walls as well. The wall had been built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates had been constructed in grey ashlar masonry. Some portions have been built using burnt brick.

The Gates

The Rohtas Fort has the following twelve gates, all built with ashlar stone.

Sohail Gate

Sohail Gate provides the best example of masonry in use in the time of Sher Shah. It derived its name from a Saint named Sohail Bukhari, buried in the south-western bastion of the gate. Another theory advances that the gate had been named after the Sohail Star which rises on that side of the fort. A double gate rectangular in shape, it measures 21.34 meters (70 feet) high, 20.73 meters (68 feet) wide and 15 meters (50 feet) deep. The central archway spans 4.72 meters (15 feet) wide. It has an inner and an outer arch decorated with beautiful and simple motifs of sunflower, the decoration repeated in other parts of the Qila.

Sohail Gate Closeup

Balconies stand on either side of the central arch, having a small dome, their sides and bottom decorated. Unlike other parts of the Qila, which had been built in Afghan-Persian style, the balcony presents example of Hindu architecture. Haveli Man Singh has balconies of the same design. A small window exists in the middle of the outer arch, different from those on the two balconies to either side of the outer arch. the balcony has a much simpler design than the other two balconies.

Seven merlons grace this gate. The bastions, with battlements with loopholes, have three levels on the inside. The inner side of the gate mirrors the outside but has less decoration. No battlements exist towards the inside and no balconies either. The rooms in the upper story of the gate have windows that open towards the inside of the Qila. Like the outer arch, a small window sits 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.

Shah Chandwali Gate

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.

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.

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.

Langar Khani Gate Plan

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

The Hijri year 948 is 1541 C.E.

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).

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 From Inside

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”.

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

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. 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.

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 also Patan Gatiali or Gatiyalian, the important point to cross the River Jhelum for the Kashmir Vally, thus the name.

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

This is a small entrance like the Tulla Mori Gate. It is 2.13 meter wide.

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.

Significant Structures

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.

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 mosque's roof. The outer wall of the mosque is the fortification wall itself.

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.

Baolis

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

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 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.

Sar Gate Baoli

A small Baoli near the Sar Gate, most likely used by soldiers.

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.

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

Rani Mahal Foundation

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. 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.

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.

Architectural style

Rani Mahal Roof

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 architecture 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 decoration

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.

Sunflower

Stone carvings. These carvings are found on the gate and in the mosque. Most of these are engravings in Arabic and sunflowers. 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. 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. There are other inscriptions on the Khwas Khani, Langar Khani and Gatali gate.

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. Plaster has been used in the Shahi Mosque.

Machiolation from the top

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. 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).


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.

  1. Complete restoration of Shah Chandwali Gate
  2. Conservation of Haveli Man Singh
  3. Conservation of Talaqi Gate and Gatali Gate
  4. Establishment of Sher Shah Suri Museum in upper storey of Sohail Gate
  5. Improvement of quality of life in Rohtas Fort village

Nearby places of historical significance

Tomb of Khair Un Nisa

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 Sasaram.

Until the construction of the new Grand Trunk 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.

Gallery

See also

  • Rohtasgarh Fort
  • Old GT Road (Lahore to Multan)
  • Uch Sharif
  • Category:Archaeological sites in Pakistan
  • RohtasFort.com

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Ihsan H Nadiem, Rohtas: Formidable Fort of Sher Shah. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, ISBN 969-35-0603-0.
  • Basheer Ahmad Khan Matta, Sher Shah Suri: A Fresh Perspective. Karachi: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-597882-X.
  • Institute of Architects, Pakistan Rawalpindi-Islamabad Chapter Arch Vision 2002”.
  • ”Rohtas Fort” article by Major General Mian Hayauddin

External links

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