Forts of Punjab
Govindgarh
Fort Amritsar,
early 19th century designed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.Has special defence mechanism
against artillery attacks, which were frequent when Punjab was still open to
depredations of the Afghan hordes. Being with paramilitary forces it is not
open to visitors now.
Bathinda Fort
Schooner shaped fort stands like a ship in a sea of sand; design eminently
suited to the desert environment; is reputed
to be 1800 years old. It is said to have been built by Bhatti Reo.
In 1754 AD it was captured by Maharaj Ala Singh of Patiala. A small gurdwara
commemorates the visit of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji here.
Faridkot Fort :
30 Km south of Ferozepur. Reputed to be 700 years old, noteworthy for the hall
of mirrors and wall paintings called Sheesh Mahals these halls of mirrors were
copied in
Rajasthan style and were actually the prayer rooms of the ruling family.
Qila
Mubark Patiala, founded in1764 by Maharaja Ala Singh. It was originally
a kuchi-garhi of a mud fort which was later raised into a sprawling double storied
structure with a massive gate having beautiful arches. The best part of the
fort is a museum now.
Bhadurgarh Fort 6 kms from Patiala, originally founded by Nawab Saif
Khan in 1658. The present fort was built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala
in 1837. It has two circular ramparts and is surrounded by a moat and covers
an area of 2100 sq meters. This rather compact but nicely designed citadil is
in the custody of the Department of police.
Anandpur Sahib Fort ,Ropar. Anandpur Sahib was defended by fiveforts.
They have all become victims of the ravages of war and time. The central fort
Anandgarh Sahib is still extant in parts. Its highlight is the deep well approached
by a flight of stairs.
Phillaur Fort, Ludhiana : was designed by Dewan Mohkam Chand,the brave
general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh facing the, then, British border along Ludhiana.it
is police training centre now.
Shahpur Kandi Fort, 7 Km from Pathankot: This 16th century fort nestles
at the foot of the towering Himalayas and overlooks the river Ravi. Is a comfortable
rest-house now.
