Can all the different types, designs and styles of architecture of fortifications in South Asia be effectively encapsulated in a single word, 'fort'?
Then why did 'fort' become so commonly used and what are the types of it?
This is a thread on that.
Well the probable reason for the use of this word is the British.
When the British first came to the region with all their maps, trade contracts and funny words (including the word 'fort'), they weren't building brochs or oppidums or castles.
They were building forts.
Dec 13, 2020 • 24 tweets • 16 min read
Gilgit Baltistan is not only a land of green meadows and snowy peaks but also a land full of history.
Historically, due to a politically fractured environment, building good fortifications was essential to maintain control.
This thread is about 22 of the forts in the region.
Altit Fort
Constructed in the 11th Century the fort housed the Hunza royalty.
It is located on a steep cliff on the Hunza river, its most prominent feature being its shikara watch tower.
Its position on the cliff makes it very formidable.
Aug 9, 2020 • 28 tweets • 19 min read
*Thread#7*
Forts of the Bahawalpur Division
Bahawalpur Division is home to the largest number of forts in Pakistan second only to the Rawalpindi Division. In this thread we will be looking at 24 of these forts. #forts #castles #beutifullpakistan
Ahmadpur Lamma Fort
Located in the Rahim Yar Khan disrtict , it is a fortified haveli (mansion) with a central courtyard.
Jul 30, 2020 • 26 tweets • 17 min read
*Thread #6*
This thread covers forts of Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions. Due to the large number of forts in the area, Bahawalpur Division will be covered separately. #forts #Castle
Bahadurgarh Fort
One of the more well maintained forts, it was constructed by Sardar Bahadur Khan Khosa who was the chief of the Khosa tribe. The fort is located 23 kilometres from DG Khan city.
Credits: Wasaib Explorers
Jul 19, 2020 • 39 tweets • 27 min read
Sindh is one of the cradles of civilization and has a vast amount of historical treasures to be found in its deserts and fertile plains. Forts are one of these precious treasures.
This thread will cover 19 of the forts of this region... #forts #castles
Banbhore Fort
This is the citadel for ruins of the port city of Banbhore, often thought to be the famed city of Debal. It is thought that the city was first built by the Parthians and was occupied up until the 13th Century. It was deserted due to change in course of the Indus.
Jun 28, 2020 • 32 tweets • 21 min read
The region of Potohar which now forms the Rawalpindi division is home to many forts, large and small.
Many of these were built by grand empires like the Mughals, others by local Rajput clans such as the Gakhars and Janjuas.
This thread covers 17 of the forts in this region.
Railway Fort, Jhelum City, Jhelum
Historically, Jhelum has been an important location as a point to ferry across the Jhelum River and so was garrisoned by both the Sikhs and the British at different times. This small fort is from that era.
Jun 21, 2020 • 15 tweets • 11 min read
There are 8 forts spread over the small area that forms Mirpur Division. Except Mangla and Ramkot, most of these forts are unknown to the public.
This is a thread on these beautiful forts built by Mughals, Gakhars and Dogras which decorate the hilly landscape of this region. 1. Baghsar Fort, Samahni, Bhimber
Built by Mughals, it overlooks the historical route between Plains of Punjab and the Kashmir valley which passed through the city of Bhimber.
It is currently closed to visitors due to its proximity to LOC.
Well the probable reason for the use of this word is the British.
Altit Fort
Ahmadpur Lamma Fort
Bahadurgarh Fort
Banbhore Fort
Railway Fort, Jhelum City, Jhelum
1. Baghsar Fort, Samahni, Bhimber
