Pakistan has a rich history and there are a number of ancient structures strewn throughout the Land that are a testament to this. These lands have been ruled by Alexander the Great, Maurya, Kushans, Arabs, Afghans, Mughals, British and even the White Huns. Its no wonder that we have remnants of some wonderful historic forts and castles still standing proud! Here are 18 of such ancient marvels for you to enjoy.
1. Ramkot Fort
It is an ancient Fort situated in Azad Kashmir besides the Mangla Dam. It is accessible through boat, 13 kilometers away from Dina and 79 kilometers by road from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir through Dadyal village. The Fort is a 30 minute walk from Dadyal. Ramkot Fort stands on the summit of a hill in Mirpur. The chronology of the fort’s construction and even its age remain unanswered questions.
2. Throtchi Castle
Adjoining Gulpur is Throtchi, famous for its castle that was built in 1460. Gulpur is a town in Kotli District, Azad Kashmir. It is located southwest of Kotli City at the junction of the Kotli-Mirpur and Kotli-Rawalpindi road.
3. Baghsar Fort
Baghsar Fort is located in the north of village Bhimber close to a place known as Baghsar. The fort is situated in Samahni Valley near Pakistan-India border. It is famous for containing the intestines of Emperor Jahangir which are buried here.
4. Kalat Fort
Kalat Fort, also known as Meeri Fort, is located in Kalat. It was conquered by the Balochis in the late 15th century and later became the seat of the Khan’s of Kalat.
5. Mir Chakar’s Fort
It lies on the fringes of Sibi. Sibi is a historical city located 163 kms from Quetta. It is named after the great warrior Mir Chakar Khan who defeated the Lashari tribe after what is called the “Thirty Years War”.
6. Skardu Fort
Also known as the King of Forts, Skardu Fort is situated in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, at a walking distance of half an hour from the main market, Yadgar Chowk. It’s an excellent example of ancient engineering. An ancient mosque is also present inside the fort.
7. Altit Fort
It is the oldest monument in the Gilgit Baltistan at approximately 1100 years old. It is located in Altit Town in the Majestic Hunza valley.
8. Shigar Fort
Shigar means a “Rock”, so Shigar Fort literally means The Fort on a Rock. It is located in Shigar town in Baltistan. It was built by the Raja of Amacha Dynasty of Shigar in 17th century. After reconstruction, from 1999 to 2004, the Fort has now been changed into a museum and luxury hotel managed by Serena.
9. Derawar Fort
Derawar Fort is a square shaped fortress in Bahawalpur, Punjab. The fort was constructed by Bhati of Jaisalmer, a Hindu Rajput.
10. Bala Hissar
Bala Hissar is situated on a high mound, in the Northwestern corner of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is one of the most historical places of Pakistan. In early 1834 it was renamed as Samir Garh by Sikhs who conquered Peshawar, but the name didn’t last. The Fort is now serving as headquarters of the Frontier Corps since 1949.
11. Kohat Fort
This fort was constructed by British government for military usage, on the hilltop, where Alexander camped with his army before marching north. The fort now serves as the headquarters of the IXth division of Pakistan Army. Only the tunnel, which served as the only entrance and the trench surrounding it, are in its original shape.
12. Nagar Fort
Nagar Fort, at Nagar is situated near Chitral Valley, on the way from Chitral to Lowari. It was built on the orders of the then Mehtar of Chitral, Shuja ul Mulk. It was constructed originally as a winter resort for the Mehtar as it is in an area that is relatively warmer than other parts of Chitral.
13. Attock Fort
Attock Fort, also known as Attock Qila, is located 80 kilometers from Islamabad. It was built between 1581 and 1583 on Indus River’s bank during the rule of Emperor Akbar the Great.
14. Rohtas Fort
Rohtas Fort, also known as Qila Rohtas, is an Olympian piece of construction of Muslim military architecture. The Fort is seated near Jhelum city in Punjab. Sher Shah Suri built the strong bastion complex of Rohtas, following his defeat of the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1541.
15. Chakdara Fort
Chakdara fort is situated in Chakdara town in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was constructed by the Mughals in 1586. The British reconstructed it in 1896, after occupying it the previous year.
16. The Lahore Fort
The Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila was a bastion in the city of Lahore. Lahore Fort is the star attraction of the Old City. It is located in the northwestern corner of the Walled City of Lahore. The present building was constructed during the rule of Akbar between 1556–1605. Shahi Qila was improved by subsequent Mughal, Sikh and British rulers on a regular basis.
17. Mir Garh Fort
Mir Garh Fort is situated about 15 kms from Fort Abbas. The fort is made up of mud and has been constantly ignored by the concerned authorities. Its high walls are just waiting for a jolt to fall down and disappear forever.
18. Multan Fort
The Multan Fort is sitting near Multan. Shah Rukn-e-Alam, the famous Sufi Saint is buried within its boundaries. Apart from the shrine, most of the fort was ruined by the British in 1848-49 while retaliating against the Sikh governor of Multan.
The post 18 Legendary Forts And Castles In Pakistan That You Need To See appeared first on SHUGHAL.