Shahnaz Koser
A glimpse of history: The majestic Poonch Fort standing tall since the 16th century. Poonch Fort, also known as Qila Poonch, is a Historic Fort located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The fort was built by Raja Rustam Khan in the 16th century and was later rebuilt and expanded by various rulers, including the Mughals and the Dogras. The fort is a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
History and Significance of Poonch Fort: Poonch Fort has a rich history and cultural significance in the region. The fort was built by Raja Rustam Khan in the 16th century and was later expanded by various rulers, including the Mughals and the Dogras. The fort was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the Poonch River and served as a defensive structure to protect the region from invading armies. The importance of this Fort was many fold when Poonch was a separate state which was ruled by the Raja’s of the time it may be noted that the poonch was a separate state before 1947 and it’s boundaries were expanded including District Bagh, District Sudhnutti, District Rawalakote, District Pallandri and the area of Poonch state was touching to Mirpur District, Muzaffarabad District of J&K occupied Kashmir one side and district Reasi and present district Rajouri was also falling under the jurisdiction of Poonch state.
Over the years, Poonch Fort played a key role in the region’s history, including the Anglo-Sikh Wars and the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The fort was also an important center of culture and learning, with several poets, scholars, and musicians visiting the fort to seek patronage.
Architecture of Poonch Fort: Poonch Fort is an architectural marvel, with its unique blend of Mughal and Dogra architectural style and its walls are very thick in meters and the material used in it’s concentration was sophisticated. The fort is spread over an area of 4 acres and is built on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The fort has several features that reflect the region’s cultural heritage, including the Sheesh Mahal, a room with beautiful glasswork; the Diwan-i-Khas, a hall for private audience; and the Rang Mahal, a palace for the royal family. The fort also has several temples and mosques, including the Jama Masjid and the Noori Chamb.
Challenges and Opportunities: While Poonch Fort is a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, it also faces several challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of maintenance and conservation of the fort. The fort is in a state of disrepair, with several parts of the fort crumbling or damaged due to neglect and lack of maintenance.
However, there are also several opportunities for the development of tourism in the region. The fort’s historical significance and architectural beauty offer immense potential for the development of cultural tourism in the region. The development of infrastructure and facilities for tourists can also provide employment opportunities for the local population.
Conservation Efforts: The conservation and restoration of Poonch Fort is a priority for the authorities and the local population. The Department of Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, has initiated several conservation and restoration projects for the fort. These projects include the restoration of the Sheesh Mahal and the Diwan-i-Khas, the conservation of the fort’s walls and gateways, and the development of a museum to showcase the fort’s history and cultural significance.
Poonch Fort is a heritage site of historical significance, reflecting the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. While the fort faces several challenges, including neglect and lack of maintenance, there are also several opportunities for the development of tourism in the region. The conservation and restoration of the fort are a priority for the authorities and the local population, and with its unique blend of Mughal and Dogra architectural styles and historical significance, Poonch Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture. To boost tourism in the region special attention of the authorities is required for the maintenance, renovation and protection of this Historical Fort.
