Lesser-Known Forts in Punjab India

Shahpurkandi Fort

This is an ancient fort, which traces its history back to the period of Mahabharata. Originally, it was known as Shahurkandi; however, it was de-named after the Mughal emperor, Shahjahan. Also, a canal was dug by the Mughals from the Kamal village adjoining Shahpurkandi.

Later, the town was made part of the Pathania kingdom that extended to the Kangra and Nurpur. The mentioned canal extended to Lahore, and the water was utilized by the Shalimar Gardens.

In the time of the grudge of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British army, a soldier named Ram Singh Kooka was sheltered in this place. He was warmly welcomed by Ram Singh Pathania. Later, the British army raided the village in search of Ram Singh Kooka. Although they couldn’t find him, they captured Ram Singh Pathania from the Durga temple at Dharkalan.

Gobindgarh Fort

This iconic fort that is the very symbol of Punjab, is located in the center of the Holy City, Amritsar along the Grand Trunk Road. While all forts are big, Gobindgarh Fort is huge, spanning 43 acres. It remained closed for most of the time and was under the command of the army, but it was opened to the public on 10 February 2017. The history of this fort goes back 300 years. There’s also a bell made here, which was made in Sheffield, the United Kingdom in 1863, this bell was created to cast more bells.

Malot fort

This fort is located about 15 kilometers to the west of Katas, and it is situated on a hilltop. Malot Fort was built around 980 A.D, and it was named after the King of Maldev or Malu. According to the Rajput history, the name Malot came from the word Malik-Kot because the title of Malik was bestowed upon anyone who joined the Muslim King of Delhi, and they used to receive full sovereignty in the designated area. As of today, most of this fort has been destroyed, only a fragment of its gate remains.

Mohkamgarh Fort kila or Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort

Originally, this fort dates back to 200 years and was built on the order of Shah Jahan. It is located on the Grand Trunk Road in Phillaur. This fort is sometimes also referred to as The Phillaur Fort. Undoubtedly, this fort is a symbol of the strength and heritage of Punjab. As of today, it has been converted into a Fingerprint Bureau run by the state government, and the Punjab Police’s training is also conducted on this premises. The idea behind this conversion was from Diwan Mohkam Chand, and it was carried out by an Italian engineer. There is also a museum and a Dargah in the fort. While this fort holds many historical memories, some of them surround massacres and enemy attacks.

Lodhi Fort ( Purana Qila)

This fort is also located in Ludhiana and it is locally known as Purana Qila. It was built by Sikander Lodhi about 500 years ago, and given that wars were a part of life during that time, it doesn’t come as a surprise that this fort has underground tunnels that link to the residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Once this fort used to be the pride of Sikander Lodhi and Maharaja Ranjit Singh; however, it is dilapidated now. While it was maintained up until 1946, after that the maintenance process stopped altogether and this fort got ruined.

Faridkot Fort / Qila Mubarak (Royal Fort)

This fort is a mixture of architectural excellence from different regions, as it was built entirely with Nanakshahi brick and lime motor, but it also has a strong European influence to it, yet at the same time the interiors are designed to look like Rajasthani. This is an ancient fort, as it was built nearly 700 years ago, but it’s mentioned can even be found dating back 800 years, when Raja Mokulsi tried to built the exact replica on a 10 acres of land. Originally, the town of this fort was known as Mokulhar; however, the rulers decided to change the name to Faridkot upon the arrival of a sufi saint, Baba Farid. As you can imagine, being 700 years old, it would’ve required renovation and those came in the year 1775 by Raja Hamir Singh, and later, by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809. Rulers like Raja Bikram Singh and Raja Balbir Singh also added to the fort by extending it by adding new buildings. This fort also has a royal palace, Tosha Khana, Modi Khana & other treasury buildings along with a garden.

The Mughal Sarai of Doraha

Located about 11 kilometers from Rajpura on the Sher Shah Suri Marg. This fort, as you can imagine, was built by Sher Shah Suri. It is situated on the route to Delhi, and it was a place to provide shelter to merchants. Sarai has two majestic gates with a mosque in the center and cells on either side. Also, a bauli (step-well) and a baradari (a building with 12 gates) is built in this place. Additionally, there is a room in each corner of this location. Each one of these rooms houses a gallery and are provided with slanting ventilation. This is a protected monument under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments archaeological sites and remains Act, 1964, and the department of archaeology maintains the lawns. The mosque is adjoined by a single-story building meant for Mullah’s residence.

Payal Fort

Another historical monument of Punjab and it was originally referred to as Sahibgarh. This fort was built in the year 1771 by Maharaja Amar Singh of Patiala Riyasat in Payal with cooperation of Mughals. You will find beautiful Minkari and other attractive details in the interiors of this fort. While some of the forts on the list are ruined, and the interior of this fort is borderline ruined, this one is thankfully overtaken by the Archaeological Survey of India, and most of the fort has been renovated.

Kandhola fort

Undivided Many forts dot various sections of Punjab, documenting the state's martial history and cultural legacy. Fortunately, the majority of persons who have inherited these magnificent structures have a genuine desire to preserve them. At Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Gurjitinder Singh Virk (64) runs a fish farm. "The Kandhola Fort, which was handed to me, is the one unfinished assignment I have in my life. The fort has fallen into disrepair. I've already drawn out the drawings for restoring this magnificent historic structure. I'd be employing the same 'Nanakshahi brick' that was used in the original building "Gurjitinder tells. Kandhola Fort is a one-acre fort that will cost almost Rs 6 crore to rebuild.

Nabha Fort

This fort is located in the historic town of Nabha. There are a couple of things that set this fort apart from others, for starters, it was built in layers that took over 150 years to complete. One challenge faced by the builders was that in the early 20th century, traditionally used materials were becoming obsolete, but people didn’t have much experience with the modern material. Currently, Gurmeet S. Rai is working on the restoration and conservation of this fort with the help of the Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI).

Qila Mubarak Gurudwara Sahib

The oldest intact fort in India, as it dates back to 1100 or 1200 AD. It is located inside the old Bathinda fort, and it was constructed by Raja Dab during 90-110 AD. As for the Gurudwara Sahib, it is said that a faqir named Haji Rattan used to meditate here, and once he sensed that Guru Nanak had entered the village, he threw a rock at him; however, the rock didn’t hit Guru Nanak and returned and hit Haji Rattan, which made him unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, he asked for forgiveness and prayed to Guru Nanak for liberation, then, Guru Nanak responded that he’d return to this place again, hence the Gurudwara was established.

Bahadurgarh Fort

This fort was built by Nawab Saif Khan in the 17th century, during the reign of the Mughal empire and under the rule of Aurangzeb. It is believed that the original name of this fort was Saidabad, but it was named Bahadurgarh Fort to commemorate the stay of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Also, there was no gurudwara in this fort, but as it was being renovated in the 19th century by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala, a gurdwara was also established here. From the year 1989, this fort has served as a training school for Punjab Police Commando.

Manimajra Fort

Built over 350 years ago, the fortress was originally called the Surajpur Fort. According to many locals, it was Raja Bhagwan Singh Brar of Faridkot who first began to show interest in it. This land was laying barren and only a few people used to farm here. Presently the property is owned by Meharwal Khewaji Trust along with other related properties. The ownership of this property is under controversy and the case is under trail in the court

Kila Khatgarh Fort

Located in the city of Nawanshahr, Punjab, the Kathgarh Fort was built by the Bhangi Chief and Bhangi Misl’s founder, Dhillon Jat ruler, Sardar Chhajja Singh Dhillon. Kathgarh family being the direct descendant of Raja Jhanda Singh, this fort remains in their property.

Bharatgarh fort:

Situated among the beautiful and majestic Shivalik ranges, the Fort of Bharatgarh is a huge tourist spot. It was constructed in 1783, and interestingly, it is one of the rarest forms of Punjab that are still intact. Although it is a tourist spot, only a certain segment of it is open to the public in the form of a homestay, as it is also residential property. This place is also popular among lovers of peace and serenity, as it is away from the hustle and bustle of the city.