Rohtasgarh Fort Entrance picture source Wikipedia
Introduction
Built in the district of Rohtas, in Bihar, Rohtasgarh Fort is one of the largest, oldest forts in India. By sitting on the Kaimur hills roughly 1,500 feet above sea level the fort made itself famous not only due to the geographical locational advantage but also because it managed to host various turns and twists of history. This fort acted in the center of many political and military events during the rule of Rajputs, Sur, Mughal and British in each period. The rohtasgarh Fort is a very true representation of the proverbial change of times, change of rulers. Its immense walls, enhanced gates, mosques, palaces and water tanks still impress us of the glory and power of the past. Now it is not only the archeological monument, but a pearl of the glorious heritage of India.Location
The place of the fort Rohtasgarh Fort is situated in Rohtas district of the state of Bihar of India. The fort stands some 1,500 feet above sea level, and is on top of the Kaimur Hills. The fort is naturally an impregnable defensive building as it is surrounded by deep forests as well as mountain passes. The closest town, Sasaram is approximately 39 km away. Bhojpur - at a distance of nearly 50 km, Patna (capital city) 150 km away Closest railway station, Sasaram Junction. Closest Patna Airport.
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| Rohtas seal of Shashanka picture source Wikipedia |
History
The Rohtasgarh. This story witnesses the linkage of the fort with great mythological existence. It is believed that the hill was used as a defensive position during Gupta period (4th-6th century). In the latter part of the 7th century the Emperor Harshavardhana fortified the fort strategically on behalf of the fort and made the new improvements. The steeper the hill the more effective it was to keep off the enemy attacks since as the fort naturally occurs on a steep hill. Therefore early in its life Rohtasgarh fort was regarded as militarily invincible. Ancient times and Ancient history People lived in the region of the Rohtasgarh Fort since the ancient times. The Kaimur hill region found its place as a residence of people since the period of the Neolithic age. The north had a history of ancient societies surviving on the prey as well as plant life and the river life.
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| Devi temple, Rohtasgarh fort picture source Wikipedia |
Medieval history
Rulers of Rajput came into power of Rohtasgarh fort after the ancient times during the middle ages. The Rajputs took the geographical advantage of the fort, its natural defences and transformed it into a well-defended centre. Through their reign, the fort was surrounded by an expansion of walls and gates as well as some settlements. The Age of Suri Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan ruler, overtook the fort in the 16 th century. Rohtasgarh was a military base and an administrative centre at the possession of Sher Shah Suri. He constructed some mosques, palaces and water tanks within the fort. Much of the current architecture of the fort was put in place in his time.
The fort passed into the hands of the Mughal emperor Akbar, after the death of the Sher Shah Suri. Akbar used Rohtasgarh as a major administrative centre On this basis he directed military campaigns westward towards Bengal The fort rose in significance even more in Mughal period and it became one of the strongest ones in North India.
Presence of the Fort
The fort passed into the hands of the Mughal emperor Akbar, after the death of the Sher Shah Suri. Akbar used Rohtasgarh as a major administrative centre On this basis he directed military campaigns westward towards Bengal The fort rose in significance even more in Mughal period and it became one of the strongest ones in North India.
Presence of the Fort
The present state and importance of the possession of the same Rohtasgarh Fort today is a landmark in terms of archeology. A lot of it has since been obliterated however its massiveness continues to impress tourists. The work of maintenance of the fort is being done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Nowadays it is visited by tourists and can be considered to be one of the most intriguing historical objects of Bihar.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Rohtasgarh Fort is the relic of the ancient military installation as well as the symbol of multiplex changes in Indian history. The fort has studiously seen the courage of the Rajputs, the splendor of Sher Shah Suri, the might of the Mughals and the dominion of British. Even now it is a mute spectator to shifting times and shifting masters.
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