Derawar Fort
This majestic fort is located on the edge of the desert, and is 100 kilometers from Bahawalpur. It is the largest and the most outstandingly preserved fort of Cholistan. The historic fort rises over the surrounding partial desert and is noticeable from miles around. It was built by Hindu Rajput Bhati of Jaisalmer, and it remained in the hands of the Rajput Bhati royal family of Jaisalmer until it was captured by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in 1733. The area is rich in archaeological artifacts associated with Ganweriwala, a vast but as-yet-unexcavated city of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Rohtas Fort
The Rohtas Fort is a magnificent structural design, which represents the Pathan period of architecture style in Pakistan. It is constructed upon a low pebbly hill to the north of Jhelum in a curve of the river Ghan (generally spelled as Kahan). It was built by Raja Todar Mal, under the orders of the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, to restrain the rebellious tribes of the northern Punjab region in the 16th century. A conservation program was conceived by the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation in 2000 to help protect the sixteenth-century Rohtas Fort near Jhelum, and develop it as a heritage site conforming to international standards of conservation and tourism.
Multan Fort
The Multan Fort was primarily constructed to serve as a military installation and as a landmark of Indian defense and architecture. This amazing fort was made on a mound separating it from the city by the old bed of river Ravi. However, now there is no fort as it was destroyed by the British Garrison which was stationed there for a long time, but the entire site is known as the Fort. The walls of the fort were built by Murad Baksh, the son of the emperor Shah Jahan, when he was the viceroy of Multan in the early 17th century. The site now looks as a part of the city, because instead of the river it is now separated by a road which looks more like a bazaar which remains crowded throughout the day.
Shigar Fort
The Shigar Fort, meaning ‘The Fort on the Rock,‘ is an old castle of Baltistan and it is located in the town of Shigar. It was built in the 17th century by the Raja of the Amacha Dynasty of Shigar. It is constructed upon a huge rock and has a height of 2250 meters. The fort is locally referred to as Fongkhar, the fort on the rock. The fort has been restored by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, the Pakistan arm of the Aga Khan Historic Cities Program. After its restoration, the fort was converted to a museum and a luxury hotel managed by Serena Hotels.
Lahore Fort
Also known as the Shahi Qila, the Lahore Fort is truly a beautiful place which is located in the North West corner of the city of Lahore. The Mughal Emperor Akbar built this amazing structure between 1556 and 1605, and it was subsequently improved during the later eras of Mughal, Sikh and British rule. The Lahore Fort manifests the rich traditions of Mughal architecture and provides a remarkable view to the tourists. The Lahore Fort is one of the greatest castles made by the Mughals in the whole of South Asia.
Contributed by Ahmed Raza.
