Rohtasgarh Fort

Rohtasgarh Fort Latest News

An under-construction ropeway being built to improve access to the historic Rohtasgarh Fort in Bihar’s Rohtas district collapsed during a trial run recently.

About Rohtasgarh Fort

• The Rohtasgarh Fort, also known as Rohtas Fort, is located in the city of Rohtas on the banks of the Sone River in Bihar. 
• It is one of the largest forts not only in India but in the whole world and is spread over a radius of 26 miles. 
• It is situated on the top of a hill and is one of the most ancient forts in India, known for its large defensive walls and impressive architecture.
• The hill on which the fort is situated has a height of 1500 m. 
• The fort complex includes gates, palaces, temples, and reservoirs, showcasing Indo-Afghan architectural styles.

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Rohtasgarh Fort History

• The fort was built by the 36th ruler of the Solar dynasty, Raja Harishchandra. It was named after his son, Rohitashva.
• Inscriptions at the fort suggest that the fort has passed through the hands of several empires, including the Hindu Shahis, the Ghurids, the Mughals, and eventually the British Raj.
• Sher Shah Suri conquered the fort in 1539 after losing the Fort of Chunar to Humayun, a Mughal ruler. 
• The fort, in its present form, was significantly strengthened by Sher Shah Suri. During his rule, the fort was guarded by 10,000 armed soldiers.
• The Jama Masjid, built to the west of the fort by Haibat Khan (a close aide of Sher Shah), is made of white sandstone and completed in 1543.
• Akbar acquired the fort in 1587 and gave it to Raja Maan Singh, who was appointed the Governor of Bihar. 
• In the 16th century, Jahangir’s son, Prince Khurram, sought refuge at the fort. 
• In the 17th century, Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal, sought refuge at the fort after losing a battle against the British. 
• However, the fort was handed over to British Captain Goddard by the Diwan of Rohtas, and the fort’s defenses were destroyed. 
• The fort remained abandoned until 1857, during the First War of Independence, when Babu Kunwar Singh’s younger brother, Amar Singh, sought refuge there.
• Finally, the British recaptured Rohtasgarh and soon abandoned it.

Source: IE