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Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Yazman Tehsil, Punjab, Pakistan. Approximately 130 km south of the city of Bahawalpur, the forty bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in the Cholistan Desert. The walls have a perimeter of 1500 metres and stand up to thirty metres high.
Derawar Fort is one of the most impressive and well-preserved fortresses in Pakistan. Located in the Cholistan Desert, about 20 km south of Ahmedpur East, the fort stands out with its massive and intricately decorated bastions that can be seen from miles away. The fort has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years, from the Hindu Rajputs to the Muslim Nawabs of Bahawalpur. In this article, we will explore the origins, architecture, and significance of this remarkable monument.
The exact date of the construction of Derawar Fort is not known, but it is believed that it was built in the 9th century AD by Rai Jajja Bhati, a Hindu Rajput ruler of the Bhati clan. The fort was originally named Dera Rawal, after Rawal Deoraj Bhati, the emperor of Jaisalmer and the ancestor of Rai Jajja Bhati. The name later changed to Dera Rawar, and then to Derawar, as it is known today.
The fort was a tribute to the Bhati dynasty, which ruled over a large part of the Thar Desert, including parts of modern-day Pakistan and India. The Bhati Rajputs were known for their bravery, chivalry, and loyalty, and they resisted the invasions of various Muslim dynasties for centuries. The fort served as a stronghold and a symbol of their power and prestige.
Derawar Fort is a square-shaped structure, with each side measuring about 375 meters. The walls are made of clay bricks, and have a perimeter of 1500 meters and a height of 30 meters. There are 40 circular bastions, 10 on each side, that rise up to 40 meters. Each bastion is decorated with geometric and floral patterns carved into the brickwork. The fort has four gates, one on each side, facing the cardinal directions. The main gate faces the north, and has a large arched entrance with a balcony above it.
The interior of the fort is divided into several sections, including a royal palace, a mosque, a haveli (a mansion), a courtyard, and a prison. The palace was built by Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, the last ruler of Bahawalpur state, who was born in the fort in 1904. The palace is a two-storey building, with a central hall, a throne room, and several bedrooms. The walls and ceilings are adorned with tile and fresco work, depicting scenes from the Mughal and Abbasi periods. The mosque, also known as the Abbasi Mosque, was built by the same Nawab in 1844. It is a white marble structure, with a domed roof and four minarets. The mosque can accommodate up to 1000 worshippers, and has a beautiful mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and a mimbar (a pulpit). The haveli was built by Nawab Bahawal Khan III, the grandfather of Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, in 1785. It is a spacious and elegant building, with a large courtyard, a fountain, and several rooms. The haveli was used as a guest house for the royal family and their visitors. The courtyard was the site of many cultural and social events, such as musical performances, poetry recitals, and dances. The prison was located in the south-east corner of the fort, and was used to detain and execute criminals and enemies. The prison was notorious for its harsh and inhumane conditions, and many prisoners died of torture, starvation, or disease.
Derawar Fort is not only a magnificent architectural masterpiece, but also a witness to the history and culture of the region. The fort has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties, and has been the scene of many battles, sieges, and treaties. The fort has also been a center of learning, art, and religion, and has hosted many eminent scholars, poets, artists, and saints. The fort is a testament to the glory and legacy of the Bhati Rajputs and the Abbasi Nawabs, who ruled over the Cholistan Desert for centuries.
Derawar Fort is a national treasure of Pakistan, and a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Bahawalpur and the country. The fort is a popular tourist attraction, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The fort is also the venue of the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally, a thrilling and adventurous event that showcases the beauty and diversity of the desert landscape. The fort is also a part of the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is awaiting recognition and protection as a world heritage site.
Derawar Fort is a majestic monument in the Cholistan Desert, that deserves to be explored and appreciated by everyone. The fort is a living museum, that tells the stories of the past, and inspires the present and the future. The fort is a symbol of the culture and identity of the people of the desert, and a reminder of their resilience and courage. Derawar Fort is a wonder of the world, that should be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Derawar fort was first built in the 9th century AD by Rai Jajja Bhatti, a Hindu ruler of the Bhatti clan, as a tribute to Rawal Deoraj Bhatti, the king of Jaisalmer and Bahawalpur. The fort was initially known as Dera Rawal, and later referred to as Dera Rawar, which with the passage of time came to be pronounced Derawar, its present name.
In the 18th century, the fort was taken over by Muslim Nawabs of Bahawalpur from the Shahotra tribe. It was later rebuilt in its current form in 1732 by the Abbasi ruler Nawab Sadeq Muhammad, but in 1747 the fort slipped from their hands owing to Bahawal Khan’s preoccupations at Shikarpur. Nawab Mubarak Khan took the stronghold back in 1804. 1,000 year-old catapult shells were found in the debris near a decaying wall in the fort.
Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, the 12th and last ruler of Bahawalpur state, was born in the fort in 1904.
This historically significant fort presents an enormous and impressive structure in the heart of the Cholistan desert, but it is rapidly deteriorating and in need of immediate preventative measures for preservation.
Cultural Significance:
Derawar Fort is not merely a historical relic; it serves as a cultural anchor, preserving the tales of battles, royal grandeur, and the resilience of the people who once called it home. The annual Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, organized near the fort, brings an energetic buzz to the area, attracting visitors from far and wide to witness the thrilling spectacle against the timeless backdrop of Derawar.
Exploration and Activities:
Visitors to Derawar Fort can embark on a journey of exploration, wandering through the maze of passages, climbing the towering bastions for panoramic views of the surrounding desert, and marveling at the intricate carvings that adorn the fort’s walls. Capture the golden hues of sunrise or sunset against the fort’s ancient stones for a truly magical experience.
Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Yazman Tehsil, Punjab, Pakistan. Approximately 130 km south of the city of Bahawalpur, the forty bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in the Cholistan Desert. The walls have a perimeter of 1500 metres and stand up to thirty metres high.
Derawar Fort is one of the most impressive and well-preserved fortresses in Pakistan. Located in the Cholistan Desert, about 20 km south of Ahmedpur East, the fort stands out with its massive and intricately decorated bastions that can be seen from miles away. The fort has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years, from the Hindu Rajputs to the Muslim Nawabs of Bahawalpur. In this article, we will explore the origins, architecture, and significance of this remarkable monument.
The exact date of the construction of Derawar Fort is not known, but it is believed that it was built in the 9th century AD by Rai Jajja Bhati, a Hindu Rajput ruler of the Bhati clan. The fort was originally named Dera Rawal, after Rawal Deoraj Bhati, the emperor of Jaisalmer and the ancestor of Rai Jajja Bhati. The name later changed to Dera Rawar, and then to Derawar, as it is known today.
The fort was a tribute to the Bhati dynasty, which ruled over a large part of the Thar Desert, including parts of modern-day Pakistan and India. The Bhati Rajputs were known for their bravery, chivalry, and loyalty, and they resisted the invasions of various Muslim dynasties for centuries. The fort served as a stronghold and a symbol of their power and prestige.
Derawar Fort is a square-shaped structure, with each side measuring about 375 meters. The walls are made of clay bricks, and have a perimeter of 1500 meters and a height of 30 meters. There are 40 circular bastions, 10 on each side, that rise up to 40 meters. Each bastion is decorated with geometric and floral patterns carved into the brickwork. The fort has four gates, one on each side, facing the cardinal directions. The main gate faces the north, and has a large arched entrance with a balcony above it.
The interior of the fort is divided into several sections, including a royal palace, a mosque, a haveli (a mansion), a courtyard, and a prison. The palace was built by Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, the last ruler of Bahawalpur state, who was born in the fort in 1904. The palace is a two-storey building, with a central hall, a throne room, and several bedrooms. The walls and ceilings are adorned with tile and fresco work, depicting scenes from the Mughal and Abbasi periods. The mosque, also known as the Abbasi Mosque, was built by the same Nawab in 1844. It is a white marble structure, with a domed roof and four minarets. The mosque can accommodate up to 1000 worshippers, and has a beautiful mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and a mimbar (a pulpit). The haveli was built by Nawab Bahawal Khan III, the grandfather of Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, in 1785. It is a spacious and elegant building, with a large courtyard, a fountain, and several rooms. The haveli was used as a guest house for the royal family and their visitors. The courtyard was the site of many cultural and social events, such as musical performances, poetry recitals, and dances. The prison was located in the south-east corner of the fort, and was used to detain and execute criminals and enemies. The prison was notorious for its harsh and inhumane conditions, and many prisoners died of torture, starvation, or disease.
Derawar Fort is not only a magnificent architectural masterpiece, but also a witness to the history and culture of the region. The fort has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties, and has been the scene of many battles, sieges, and treaties. The fort has also been a center of learning, art, and religion, and has hosted many eminent scholars, poets, artists, and saints. The fort is a testament to the glory and legacy of the Bhati Rajputs and the Abbasi Nawabs, who ruled over the Cholistan Desert for centuries.
Derawar Fort is a national treasure of Pakistan, and a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Bahawalpur and the country. The fort is a popular tourist attraction, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The fort is also the venue of the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally, a thrilling and adventurous event that showcases the beauty and diversity of the desert landscape. The fort is also a part of the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is awaiting recognition and protection as a world heritage site.
Derawar Fort is a majestic monument in the Cholistan Desert, that deserves to be explored and appreciated by everyone. The fort is a living museum, that tells the stories of the past, and inspires the present and the future. The fort is a symbol of the culture and identity of the people of the desert, and a reminder of their resilience and courage. Derawar Fort is a wonder of the world, that should be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Derawar fort was first built in the 9th century AD by Rai Jajja Bhatti, a Hindu ruler of the Bhatti clan, as a tribute to Rawal Deoraj Bhatti, the king of Jaisalmer and Bahawalpur. The fort was initially known as Dera Rawal, and later referred to as Dera Rawar, which with the passage of time came to be pronounced Derawar, its present name.
In the 18th century, the fort was taken over by Muslim Nawabs of Bahawalpur from the Shahotra tribe. It was later rebuilt in its current form in 1732 by the Abbasi ruler Nawab Sadeq Muhammad, but in 1747 the fort slipped from their hands owing to Bahawal Khan’s preoccupations at Shikarpur. Nawab Mubarak Khan took the stronghold back in 1804. 1,000 year-old catapult shells were found in the debris near a decaying wall in the fort.
Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, the 12th and last ruler of Bahawalpur state, was born in the fort in 1904.
This historically significant fort presents an enormous and impressive structure in the heart of the Cholistan desert, but it is rapidly deteriorating and in need of immediate preventative measures for preservation.
Cultural Significance:
Derawar Fort is not merely a historical relic; it serves as a cultural anchor, preserving the tales of battles, royal grandeur, and the resilience of the people who once called it home. The annual Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, organized near the fort, brings an energetic buzz to the area, attracting visitors from far and wide to witness the thrilling spectacle against the timeless backdrop of Derawar.
Exploration and Activities:
Visitors to Derawar Fort can embark on a journey of exploration, wandering through the maze of passages, climbing the towering bastions for panoramic views of the surrounding desert, and marveling at the intricate carvings that adorn the fort’s walls. Capture the golden hues of sunrise or sunset against the fort’s ancient stones for a truly magical experience.
too hot or dehydrated. You can also witness the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally, which takes place in February and attracts many tourists and adventurers
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