Rohtasgarh Fort Quick Facts
Place | Rohtas District, Bihar (India) |
Built in | Treta Yuga and 15th century AD (present form) |
Built by | Raja Harishchandra and Sher Shah Suri |
Type | Fort |
Rohtasgarh Fort Overview
The Indian state of Bihar is one of the most historical states of the country, it is the same state where the ancient Magadha Empire was founded. The ancient, medieval and modern history of Bihar is very interesting because it is a state of India which was the richest in ancient times but is the most backward state of India at present. Rohtasgarh Fort, one of the most beautiful forts of India is located in Rohtas, the most famous district of Bihar, this fort is known all over the world for its exciting history, beautiful artifacts and its strength.
Rohtasgarh Fort History
The history of this historical and world famous Fort is very old, whose construction and other activities are not fully evidenced, it is believed that the fort was built by King Harishchandra, who was ruling in the 7th century, but no proper evidence is available for this. It is not.
Information about the Medieval history of this fort has been obtained from the reign of Sher Shah Suri, it is believed that in the year 1539 AD, the fort of Rohtas was snatched from the hands of Hindu kings by Sher Shah Suri.
During a war with the Mughals, Sher Shah Suri requested the ruler of Rohtas to provide shelter to his children and women in his fort, the rulers of Rohtas did this, after which Sher Shah Suri sent some palanquins there in which his army was hiding. Who had either killed the rulers there or had driven them away. After this incident, the rule of Sher Shah Suri was established on this fort, he had rebuilt this fort during his rule and increased its strength. After the rule of Sher Shah Suri, Rohtas was ruled by the Mughals and after them by the British.
Rohtasgarh Fort Interesting Facts
- This grand and historical fort was first constructed by King Harishchandar in Treta Yuga, after which its present form was built by Sher Shah Suri around 15th century.
- Before the year 1539 AD, this fort was occupied by Hindu rulers, who had appointed more than 10000 soldiers for the security of this fort.
- Fort was earlier under the control of Hindu rulers, which was conquered by an Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in the year 1539 by deceit.
- In the year 1543 AD, the Jami Masjid located to the west of this fort was built by Haibat Khan, a trusted soldier of Sher Shah.
- Fort is one of the most historic and tallest fort in India, this fort is situated at an altitude of about 1500 feet above sea level.
- At one place of this fort there is a strange structure made of more than 2000 limestone, which was probably used to keep the elephants present in the fort.
- The Fort was established in 1558 AD, after which the famous Hindu governor of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, "Raja Man Singh" was sent to rule the region and the fort, who built a magnificent palace in it. Near which a pond and a garden made in Persian style are also situated.
- In the year 1621 AD, Prince Khurram revolted against his father Jahangir and took refuge in Rohtas to save himself.
- It was from this fort that the Nawab of Awadh led the first freedom struggle in the year 1857.
- In the year 1557 AD, the largest and major entrance of this fort was constructed, which is known as "Hathiya Pol".
- The "Aina Mahal" located in this fort was built by Raja Man Singh, this palace is 4 floors on top of which a dome with various carvings is also situated.
- A Ganesh temple is situated just 500 meters away from the palace built by Man Singh, in whose sanctum sanctorum there are two gate-mandaps.
- There is a structure to the west of this fort which is called "Jhulta Ghar" (Hanging House) by the local people as it is swinging over a 1500 feet deep moat.
- The ruins of 2 temples still exist at a distance of 1 mile from the palace built by Man Singh, the most prominent of which is the temple of "Lord Shiva". To climb this temple, devotees have to climb about 84 steps, due to which it is also called "Chaurasan Siddhi".