Rohtas Fort is a 16th century fortress located near Jhelum, a city near north-east Pakistan, known for its large defensive walls and several monumental gateways.
In 1997 the fort was put on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and described as ‘an exceptional example of the Muslim military architecture of Central and South Asia.’
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The fort was constructed in 1541 under the orders of King Sher Shah Suri, founder of the Sur Empire.
It was built with the intention of stopping the deposed Mughal Emperor Humayan from returning to his former kingdom and to intimidate the local tribes of Potohar, who rebelled against the Sur Empire.
With the fortress located at such elevated level, the soldiers had a clear view of the passageway to monitor the tribes in the area.
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From 1825, Rohtas Fort was used for administrative purposes by the Sikh Empire until its collapse by the British in 1849.
Nowadays the Fort attracts many tourists all year round and there’s a small village that dates back to the era of the Sur Empire.
HOW TO GET TO ROHTAS FORT
The fort can be reached just over 2h30 from Islamabad through the Grand Trunk Road, one of Asia’s oldest and longest major roads.
There is parking just across from the Fort which is free.
TOUR AROUND ROHTAS FORT
Rohtas Fort mixed architectural and artistic traditions from Turkey and India with some adaptations from the European colonial architecture creating unique features.
The main complex is surrounded by four kilometres of fortified walls with 68 bastion towers and 12 gates. It is said that could hold up to 30,000 soldiers at a time when it was active.
The fort forms an irregularly shaped triangle and following the shape of the hill it was constructed on.
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Layout of the Fort
Rohtas Fort is protected by thick defensive walls with 3 terraces located at different levels. Each level was connected to the other by a staircase.
Some of the most important features that you can see are the Sohail Gate which was likely the ceremonial main entrance and the Royal mosque which is the most decorated of the original buildings of the fort.
The primary building material used on the walls was sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with granular brick powder. The gates were built using grey ashlar masonry. Some other parts have been built using burnt brick.
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Decorative Features
The most famous decorative elements within the Fort are the high and low relief carvings, calligraphic inscriptions in marble and sandstone, plaster decoration and the glazed tiles.
Shahi Mosque and the Haveli Man Singh are some of the most beautiful examples of such unique decorative features you can see.
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The trip to Rohtas Fort is an easy day trip that can be done from Islamabad.
I truly recommend a visit if you haven’t been there already.
If you are interested to know a little bit more about the history connected to the Fort you can always hire a tour guide just on the spot for a couple of hours.
It’s a huge area with beautiful features and views to see.
There’s not a lot around in terms of food and drinks so I would take a little picnic if you thinking to spend the day there.
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Very nice! I like it. Very Instagrammable! Pakistan is not on my list of countries to visit but you are making me. Well done
What a fabulous piece of architecture! History has a way of reminding us all about the mindset of people in days gone by and teach us important lessons that we can implement right now.
Beautiful structures. Look like a really great tourist spot. Hope I could get yo see this in person someday. Is the temperature usually hot and humid there?
the fortress looks so magical! There is something special about the colour of the blocks. I hope to visit Pakistan one day, I read so many books featuring the country
Interesting read with rich historical facts. The architectural structures are a sight to behold. Do you sometimes wonder how many men and years it would have taken to build these? And what they had to go through to get the materials needed? Fascinating indeed.
WOW! The images are incredible. It must have been a surreal moment being there! I felt the history just by view the pictures!
The fort looks huge and strong. I have never heard of the Rohtas Fort before. Would love to experience the wonderful architecture persnally
It’s cool that they were able to preserve the fortress and happy to know that it is now open to tourists. I have lots of ideas for a photoshoot here. Thank you for sharing.