Pakistan is a country steeped in history, and its numerous forts serve as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The forts in Pakistan are spread throughout the country and offer visitors a glimpse into the past. It reflects the different eras and cultures that have influenced the region.
List of Top 10 Historical Forts in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country rich in history, culture, and architecture. There are many forts in Pakistan that are a testament to the country’s ancient past. Here is a list of the top 10 historical forts in Pakistan, along with a detailed guide to each:
Lahore Fort:
Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila, is a historical fort located in the city of Lahore, Punjab province in Pakistan. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great and was later expanded and renovated by subsequent rulers.
The fort has a unique design and is made of red sandstone. It has several gates and bastions, and the walls of the fort are adorned with intricate carvings and designs. The fort has several structures inside, including a mosque, a palace, and a pavilion.
The palace has a large courtyard and several rooms and chambers, including the famous Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace. The Sheesh Mahal is decorated with thousands of small mirrors that reflect light and create a dazzling effect.
The mosque is located on the western side of the fort and has a unique design with a large dome and several minarets. The pavilion is located on the eastern side of the fort and was used by the Mughal emperors for leisure activities.
Rohtas Fort:
Rohtas Fort is a historical fort located near the city of Jhelum in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It was built in the 16th century by the Pashtun king Sher Shah Suri, who ruled over the northern part of India during that time.
The fort was built to serve as a defensive structure to protect the region from invading armies. It has a unique design and is made of stone and brick. It has several gates and bastions, and the walls of the fort are adorned with intricate carvings and designs.
The fort also has several structures inside, including a mosque, a palace, and a baoli or stepwell. The palace has a large courtyard and several rooms and chambers, while the mosque is located on the western side of the fort.
The baoli or stepwell is located outside the fort and was used to provide water to the inhabitants of the fort during times of siege.
Ranikot Fort:
Ranikot Fort is a large historical fort located in the Kirthar Range near the town of Sann in the Jamshoro district of Sindh province in Pakistan. The fort is believed to be one of the largest forts in Pakistan and in the world too, covering an area of approximately 20 miles.
The fort dates back to the 17th century and was built by the Talpur Mirs, who were the rulers of the Sindh region at that time. It has several gates and bastions, and the walls of the fort are adorned with intricate carvings and designs.
The fort also has several structures inside, including a mosque, a palace, and a temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, and it is believed that the fort was built on the site of an earlier Hindu fortification.
Attock Fort:
Attock Fort is a 16th-century fort located in the city of Attock, Punjab province in Pakistan. It is situated at the confluence of the Kabul and Indus rivers and was strategically important during the Mughal era.
It was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great in the late 16th century and was later expanded and renovated by subsequent rulers. The fort has a unique design and is made of stone and brick. It has a rectangular shape with several towers and bastions.
It has a number of impressive architectural features, including a large gate, a mosque, and several barracks. The fort also has a deep well that was used to provide water to the inhabitants during times of siege.
Altit Fort:
Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Altit Fort is a 900-year-old fort that was once home to the rulers of the Hunza Valley. The fort has several impressive features, including a mosque, a watchtower, and a museum.
Baltit Fort:
Baltit Fort is a 14th-century fort located in the town of Karimabad in the Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan. The fort is one of the oldest and most well-preserved forts in Pakistan and is an important cultural and historical landmark.
The fort was built by the rulers of the Hunza state and served as their royal residence and administrative centre. It has a rectangular shape with several levels and terraces and is surrounded by a high wall.
The fort has a number of impressive architectural features, including several towers and battlements. The main entrance to the fort is through a large wooden door that leads to a courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by several rooms and chambers, including a prayer room and a kitchen.
The fort also has a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Hunza Valley. The museum displays a number of artifacts, including traditional clothing, weapons, and household items.
Derawar Fort:
Derawar Fort is a 9th-century fort located in the Cholistan Desert in the Bahawalpur district of Punjab province in Pakistan. This is one of the largest and most impressive forts in Pakistan and is an important historical and cultural landmark in the country.
It was built by the Hindu Rajput dynasty of Jaisalmer and was later captured by the Muslim ruler, Muhammad bin Qasim, in the 8th century. It has a unique design and is made of clay bricks that give it a distinct reddish-brown colour. It has a circular shape and is surrounded by a moat and high walls.
The fort has four large gateways, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings and designs. The fort also has several bastions and towers that provide a panoramic view of the surrounding desert landscape.
Inside the fort, there are several palaces, temples, and mosques that date back to different periods in history. One of the most impressive features of the fort is the Jamia Masjid, which was built in the 18th century. It has a beautiful marble dome and minarets.
Bala Hisar Fort:
Bala Hisar Fort is a 16th-century fort located in Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. The fort was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations and additions over the years.
The fort is located on a hilltop and has a rectangular shape with several bastions and towers. It has a number of impressive architectural features, including a large gateway, a mosque, and several barracks.
The fort has a long and interesting history. It was used as a royal residence by the Mughal emperors. Later served as a military base for the British during their rule in India. The fort also played an important role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Today, the fort is open to visitors and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the various parts of the fort and learn about its history and significance. The fort also offers panoramic views of the city of Peshawar and the surrounding areas.
Khyber Fort:
Khyber Fort is a 19th-century fort located in the Khyber Pass in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. The fort was built by the British in 1895 to control the Khyber Pass, which was an important trade and transportation route between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The fort is built on a hilltop and is surrounded by a deep moat. It has a rectangular shape with four round towers at each corner. The fort has a number of impressive architectural features, including a large gateway and several barracks.
Inside the fort, there is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Khyber Pass region. The museum displays a number of artifacts, including weapons, clothing, and household items.
The fort also has a mosque, which was built in the early 20th century. The mosque has a simple design and is made of brick and mortar.
Kot Diji Fort:
Kot Diji Fort is a 17th-century fort located in the town of Kot Diji in the Khairpur district of Sindh province in Pakistan. It was built by the Talpurs, who were a ruling dynasty in Sindh during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The fort is made of yellow sandstone and is known for its impressive architectural features, including massive walls and several gateways. It has a rectangular shape, with each side measuring around 350 meters. It also has a moat that surrounds it on three sides.
Overall, Pakistan is home to a number of impressive historical forts that are worth visiting for their architectural beauty and historical significance.
Conclusion
Pakistan is home to numerous historical forts that showcase the rich cultural heritage and architectural diversity of the region. From the impressive Rohtas Fort and the magnificent Lahore Fort to the sprawling Ranikot Fort and the stunning Baltit Fort. These forts in Pakistan offer a glimpse into the fascinating history of Pakistan. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a unique travel experience, these top 10 historical forts in Pakistan are worth a visit.
FAQs
Which is oldest forts of Pakistan?
The oldest fort in Pakistan is the Bala Hisar Fort.
What is the second name of Lahore Fort?
The second name of Lahore Fort is Shahi Qila.
