Report on Rohtas Fort

Group Members
MominTahir DDP-SP13-BCS-
041
Muhammad AbuBaker Shaheen DDP-SP13-BCS-047
Muhammad Abdullah Qureshi DDP-SP13-BCS-045
Sheroz Khalid DDP-SP13-BCS-
071
Haider Hassan DDP-SP13-BCS-
077

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 Cover Letter
This report is about the fort named RohtasFort.In this report we have discussed about
the historical background of it i.e how it is made,when it is made etc. In this report,we
have also described about its architectural material.We have discussed about its
geography i.e where it is located , its dimensions and its structure. We have gathered as
much data as we can and wrote it down in a sequence manner so that when you start
reading it you feel like you are in Rohtas fort.

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Abstract
Following his defeat of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1541, Sher Shah Suri built a
strong fortified (carrying weapons) complex at Rohtas, a strategic site in the north of
what is now Pakistan. It was never taken by assault (attack) and survives intact to the
present day. The main fortifications consist of the massive walls, which extend for more
than 4km; they are lined with bastion (defender) and pierce (cut) by monumental
gateways. RohtasFort, also called QilaRohtas.Rohtas Fort, built in the 16th century at a
strategic site in the north of Pakistan, Province of Punjab, is an exceptional example of
early Muslim military architecture in central and south Asia. The main fortifications of
this 70-hectare garrison consist of massive masonry walls more than four kilometres in
circumference, lined with 68 bastions and pierced at strategic points by 12 monumental
gateways. A blend of architectural and artistic traditions from elsewhere in the Islamic
world, the fort had a profound influence on the development of architectural style in the
Mughal Empire.Rohtas Fort blended architectural and artistic traditions from Turkey and
the Indian subcontinent, thereby creating the model for Mughal architecture and its
subsequent refinements and adaptations (including the European colonial architecture
that made abundant use of that tradition). Most noteworthy are the sophistication 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.

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Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Discussion 4
Reason of Construction 5
Location
..6

Background

.6

Structure
.6

Use
.7

Authenticity
.7

Protection and Management

Requirements
7

Influence on
Architecture
..8

Architectural
Legacy
..8

Decorative
Features
8-9

Gates
9-12

Nearby places of Historical

Background...
12

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Conclusion

..12-13
Appendix
13-15
Bibliography
15

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Rohtas Fort (Urdu: QilaRohtas) is a historical garrison fort located near the
city of Jhelum in Punjab, Pakistan. It was built by the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, to
subdue the rebellious tribes of the northern Punjab region, in 16th century. This fort is
about 4 km in circumference. The Rohtas fort was built to crush the local tribes
of Potohar, who rebelled against the Sur dynasty after
the Mughalemperor Humayun was ousted by the former. The tribes
included, Awans, JanjuaRajputs, Abbasis, Kayanis, MinhasRajputs, Khokharsamong
others.

It took 8 years to built the Rohtas fort but the Rohtas fort was recaptured by local tribes
and it became the capital of Ghakkars. Ironically the very people it was designed to
crush were actually became the sole owners of Rohtas fort and Afghans were not only
defeated but they were forced to flee after accepting heavy defeat. As a consequence
Afghans not only lost to local tribes of Northern Punjab but many people from Northern
Punjab later inhabited Southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who still live there
especially in Hazara Division and are known as Hindkowans. As a consequence
Afghans lost Attock and neighboring regions to Potohari tribes as well. The fort was
captured by Mughal emperor Humayun in 1555.[1] Nadir Shah, the Turkic ruler of Persia,
Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Abdali and Maratha army also camped here during their
respective campaigns in the Punjab. Rohtas was also occasionally used for
administrative purposes by the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh after he captured it in 1825

Reason of Construction

Sher Shah constructed QilaRohtas to block 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 and western Pakistan today) to the Plains of Punjab. The reason of
its construction was to suppress the local tribes of this
region Potohar called Gakhars and Sher Shah Suri was scared from Gakhars and made
the fort to save his throne. Sher Shah Suri was well aware of the bravery of Potohari
people since they had the history for defending their lands for thousands of years and
the old king of Northern Punjab known as King Porus challenged Alexander the
Great and fought so hard that Alexander decided to leave him as a King of Peruvia that
was later known as Northern Punjab or Potohar. Also Potohari people had their own
fortified forts most notably were Pharwala, and Rawat Fort that were strategically a
threat to Suri Dynasty. The local tribes of Potohar were allies of Humayun and refused
their allegiance to Sher Shah Suri. Despite the threats by Sher Shah Suri the Potohari
tribes challenged the rule of Sher Shah and they always remained loyal
toHumayoun.The Emperor instructed the local Janjua Rajput tribe to help construct the
fort to crush the Gakhars[4] when the latter became openly defiant and persecuting
labourers who attended the construction.

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The Fort was built by Todar Mal under orders of Sher Shah.

Location

The Rohtas Fort is located at a distance of 16 kilometers from the city of Jhelum and at
a distance of 7 kilometers from the town of Dina. The town and City both sit on the GT
road (Grand Trunk Road) which is an excellent highway connecting major cities of
Punjab and densely populated with roadside hotels and restaurants.

The city of Jhelum and Dina are fully connected with Islamabad and Lahore via bus and
train service and easily accessible from all over Pakistan. Islamabad and Lahore cities
have International airports. Jhelum city Dina town are at a 2 hours drive from Islamabad
city and around 4 hours from Lahore.

Background

After defeating Humayun and forcing him to flee from India, Sher Shah felt the need of a
stronghold to defend against Humayun if the loser ever counterattacked. For this
purpose he decided to construct the Rohtas fort at a strategic location on the Grand
Truck Road which was the traditional route of any invading force coming in from Central
Asia.

Another group of aggressors was the Gakhartribe who wereHumayuns allies and could
be tackled easily using the fort. So Rohtas fort was constructed with the sole purpose of
being a Garrison fort. With massive walls, trap gates and internal wells for self
sufficiency in water, the Fort was made to withstand major sieges and attacks although
the fort has never in its history been directly attacked.

Structure

Rohtas Fort is a practical purpose built structure, and unlike many of the forts in India it
originally did not have any Palaces or building designed for living inside of it and was
meant for purely military purposes.

The Fort is situated on hillock, with cliffs around it and partially surrounded by a river
offering it an excellent defensive position.The walls are thick with regular large bastions
and around 12 gates. The Fort has an approximate length of 4 kilometers and an
irregular shape with the walls aligned with the hillock on which the fort stands.

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An Internal wall splits the Fort into two regions. The smaller region on the higher
location is the citadel. The Fort originally had no palaces or structures meant as formal
residence but in the later on a couple of small additions were made. The Citadel is
entered using the Shah Chand Wali gate, a double gate, from the rest of the fort and
has a small Mosque, named Shahi (Royal) mosque, and two small palaces inside it
called the "Haveli of Maan Singh" (Haveli means Manor) and the "Rani Mahal"
(Queens's palace, Rani= Queen, Mahal= Palace)

Use

Sher Shah Suri died before the completion of this magnificient fort. Ten years after his
death Humayun returned to the throne of India and the fort ironically was occupied by
the Gakhar tribe, the very people it was meant to defeat.

Consequently the Mughals had no use for the fort since the Gakhars were the allies and
as such the fort was never used for the intended purposes. It exchanged hands many
times and still remains intact. A small village developed inside the walls of the fort and is
still present today.

Authenticity
The main historic features of Rohtas Fort are authentic in form, setting, and materials.
The limited restoration that has been carried out has been minimal and discreet,
avoiding the use of inappropriate modern materials. The fortification wall is nevertheless
vulnerable to rainwater flooding and choking the original drainage system.

Protection and management requirements

Rohtas Fort is a protected antiquity in terms of the Antiquities Act, 1975, passed by the
Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Constitution (18th Amendment) Act
2010 (Act No. X of 2010), bestowed the Government of the Punjab with full
administrative and financial authority over all heritage sites located in its province. The
Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Punjab, is
responsible for the management and protection of Rohtas Fort. The land inside the
fortification wall occupied by the modem village is also Government-owned, and is
administered by the Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums. There is strict
control over any form of building or alteration in and around the village (there is an
internal buffer zone around the village). The buffer zone around the perimeter wall of the
fort varies between 750 m and 1500 m in breadth and provides excellent protection for
the setting and integrity of the monument. The Rohtas Fort Conservation Programme
was initiated by the Archaeology and Museums department and the Himalayan Wildlife
Foundation in 2000 to help protect the fort and develop it as a heritage site conforming

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to international standards of conservation and tourism. A steering committee created in
2003 oversees the conservation and development work.

Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the property over time will require taking
measures to enhance the management, conservation, and presentation of the property,
particularly regarding the drainage system in the fort and encroachments. Completing,
approving, and fully implementing the master conservation plan prepared under the
Rohtas Fort Conservation Programme and establishing a regular monitoring regime,
among other activities, would conform to international standards of conservation.

Influence on Architecture

Rohtas Fort is considered to be among the earliest examples of a successful merger

between the Indian and central Asian architectural styles. The balconies on some of the
gates are built in traditional Indian style whereas the entire fort and its simplicity and
practicality are aspects of the central Asian style.

The Shahi Mosque has Lily flowers carved alongside the calligraphy which is similar to
the ones found on the tombs of Emperor Jahangir and his wife Noor Jehan, both of
whom are said to have through the region.

Architectural Legacy

Rohtas Fort is an outstanding example of early Muslim military architecture in the South
Asia 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 South Asia which survive to the same degree of completeness and conservation.
FatehpurSikri (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.

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 originally had no permanent building for
living.
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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 KhwasKhani, LangarKhani 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.

Machicolations
Machicolations 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 machicolation near the LangarKhana (Mess
Hall)

Facilities
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Not much is available at the fort unless your a history enthusiast and love exploring
ruins. There isn't much you can do in Rohtas Fort. The place lacks restaurants and food
outlets even though it is spread over 12 acres of land much of which is empty grass
fields. What you can do is to bring packed lunches from Dina town on GT road where
one can find ample restaurants and arrange a picnic. Snacks are available in the shops
of the village that is present inside the walls of the fort but they will be expensive and its
better to bring some of your own. The place is great for a relaxing trip as the large area
and relatively small visiting crowd means peace and quite and the area is safe as well.
Occasionally a concert or event is held in the large grounds of the fort which is almost
always a very popular.

Gates

The Rohtas Fort has the following 12 gates. All of them are built in ashlar 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 SohailBukhari 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 metres (70 ft) high, 20.73 metres
(68 ft) wide and 15 metres (50 ft) deep. The central archway is 4.72 metres (15 ft) 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.

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.

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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. There are 12 gates of the fort.

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 ft) 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.

An inscription on the left side of the gate gives the date of construction of the fort

LangarKhani Gate

It is a double gate 15.25 meters (50 ft) high, 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) wide with a central
arched opening. The oouter arch has a small window like the Sohail Gate. The outer
opening leads to a LangarKhana (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

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 SabirSuri
entered the gate and had an attack of fever which proved fatal. This was regarded as a
bad omen and the name became Talaqi.

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Mori or Kashmiri Gate

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

KhwasKhaniKhwasKhani Gate

This gate is named after one of Sher Shah Suris 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 ft) and 8 meter (26 ft) deep.
This gate has a bastion and a defensive wall on each side. On the bastions cannons
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 Shahs favourite general Khwas Khan. Sher shah
suri is the soldure of king which is very brave man.

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 PatanGatiali 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.

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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.

Nearby places of historical background

Outside the LangarKhani Gate is the tomb of a lady called KhairUnNisa. She was the
daughter of the food minister named QadirBukhsh. She died 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 (1.6 km) north of the Rohtas Fort. It is in a fair state of preservation.

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.

Conclusion

Exploring the huge walls overlooking the surrounding regions has a charm of its own.
There is always something magnetic about old ruins and Rohtas Fort seems to exude
that aura of lost prestige. Its a great place to just relax, walking across the huge walls
and think about life's meaningful questions.... or just simple relaxing whichever works
best for you. The imposing gates and the huge bastions both offer stunning views.

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Nevertheless the fort suffers due to the lack of restaurants but this can be remedied by
preparing a picnic basket.

My visit was in winter therefore the pictures appear to be a bit dull and brown. The best
time to visit the fort is during spring or during autumn and winter as the summer heat in
the area is vicious. The Fort grounds are green and covered with lush grass during the
more pleasant months of spring, autumn and monsoon.

Appendix

Panoramic view 4 of the Rohtas Fort

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Panoramic view of haveli man singh Fort

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Panoramic view of Broken Boundaries of Rohtas Fort

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohtas_Fort

http://mzees.hubpages.com/hub/Rohtas-Fort-Pakistan

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/586

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