Ramkot Fort

History

The medieval original fort was constructed in the 5th century and occupied in 1186 during the Ghurid dynasty by Sultan Muhammad of Ghor, according to the information board at the entrance, but that fort is no longer in existence. In the late 14th century, the fort was under the control of Jasrat, a Punjabi Khokhar chieftain. At this fort, Khokhars clashed with and defeated the invading armies of Amir Timur in 1398. However, the current structure probably dates to the 16th century.

A temple with a large red Shivalinga, dating back to the 5th century and brought from the Ganges River, suggests that Hindus constructed this fort earlier than originally thought. The presence of the Hindu mythological figure Ram Chandra's birthplace in nearby Pharwala may explain the fort's name. However, British geologist and historian Frederick Drew attributes the fort's construction to a Gakhar named Taghlu, contradicting the information board. The fort underwent renovation during the reign of Gakhar Queen Manga, whose daughter married Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir's son.

Ramkot Fort held strategic importance, as one of the four ancient routes to Srinagar passed through it. The nearby Mangla Fort, is also significant for being the birthplace of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, author of Saif-ul-Malook.

Architecture

The main gate, constructed with red bricks, contrasts with the stone used elsewhere, suggesting possible destruction and reconstruction. A smaller gate at the back was likely used for escape.

The fort's interior features two large ponds for rainwater collection, essential due to its elevation and previous location at the confluence of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers. Collapsed rooms, raw iron deposits, and the superintendent's residence are found within the complex. The fort also includes a slope for hauling cannons, with a donated cannon on the rampart.

Gallery

File:Ramkot Fort, Dadyal, Azad Kashmir.jpg|Landscape view File:Ramkot Fort Mirpur.jpg|Bird's eye view File:Ramkot Fort - The Courtyard.jpg|Courtyard

References

References

1. "Fort forlorn and forsaken | Footloose".
2. (January 29, 2012). "Ramkot Fort: Centuries-old Kashmiri heritage site on the verge of destruction".
3. (February 19, 2021). "منگلا ڈیم کے قریب رامائن کے رام چندر سے منسوب قلعہ".
4. Panikkar, Ayyappa. (1997). "Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections". Sahitya Akademi.
5. Ali, Aown. (July 3, 2015). "Ramkot Fort: The crumbling giant of Azad Kashmir".
6. "Ramkot Fort, Mirpur, Pakistan".