Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort, one of the largest forts in South Asia, is a majestic and unique specimen of pure military architecture in the whole subcontinent. Sher Shah Suri, whose original name was Farid Khan, ordered for its construction to Todar Mall Khatri and Shaho Sultan in 948 A.H/1541 A.D. Its construction was completed in 1548 A.D, in a record time of seven years.

Indigenously Sher Shah Suri belonged to Rawa, a famous town in Afghanistan. His paternal grand father named "Ibrahim Suri" came to Hindustan with his son "Hasan Khan Suri" on special request of "Bahlol Lodhi" (1451-1489) and settled in the Pargana of Narnual. Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri dynasty, was born in 1486 A.D at Sahsaram (India) while died in the battle of Kalinjar in 1545 A.D. He rendered his services for Jalal Khan, Ibrahim Lodhi, Bahar Khan Lohani and Mughal emperor Zahir-u-Din Babar for some time. Later on, he got the control of Bihar and Bengal by his wisdom and marched towards Dehli. He defeated Mughal emperor Humayun in the battle of Chaunsa and Kanaujin 1539 a.d. getting the control of different areas when Sher Shah Suri reached at this strategic location, he ordered for the construction of a gigantic fort. The basic aim to construct the fort was to keep a check on the possible return of the Mughal emperor Humayun, who had fled to Iran, the Kashmirians and the turbulent Ghakhars, the old friends of the Mughals.

The circumference of this gigantic fort, irregular in plan, is more than 4 kilometers while the inner covered area is about 175 acres. The massive fortification is composed of two to three terraces runs along the natural contours of the hillock. The massiveness of the wall varies from 30ft to 40ft while the height varies from 50ft to 80ft. The fortification is strengthen with 72 bastions, pierced with fourteen gates and provided with about 2377 battlements having machicolation and loopholes for the musketry and pouring molten lead or hot water on the enemy.

The interior of the fort is divided into two parts by a massive cross wall. The upper well defended western end of the fort, used by the royal chieftains and elites, called "Anderkot" while the rest part of the fort which was used by the common people, manufacturers and soldiers is called "Military Area" or "Main Fort" ander kot is composed of two residential buildings named as "Haveli Maan Sing" and "Rani Palace". The pure Muslim architectural structure that provides complete details of architectural style of the Suri period is shahi mosque which facade has been decorated with projected "Chajja" over the brackets, recessed niches, miniature battlements and medallions. To meet the need of self-sufficiency in water, there are also three step wells within the fort called "Baolis".

Keeping in view the art, architectural, historical and archaeological importance of Rohtas Fort, it was inscribed on world heritage list in 1997 ad and stands protected under the antiquities act 1975.
It is prohibited to damage, alter or deface any part of the monument. Defaulters will be punished with rigorous imprisonment up to three years or fine of five thousand rupees or both.

By the order of director general department
of archaeology & museums govt. Of Pakistan.