Nestled amidst the vast expanse of the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan lie ancient forts that stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history and culture. These majestic structures, often overlooked amidst the barren landscape, hold tales of valor, conquest, and civilization. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the forts in Cholistan Desert and unravel the mysteries they hold.
There are around 26 forts in Cholistan Desert. Cholistan is a desert in Pakistan and its local name is Rohi. It is thirty kilometers away from Bahawalpur and falls under the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is famous for forts and a traditional camel race and the camel is called Aeroplane of the Desert.
The Sindh desert is adjacent to the Cholistan desert. The word Cholistan is derived from choli, which means desert in Turkish, that is why it is called Cholistan. The people of Cholistan are innocent and spend their lives searching for food from one place to another and moving with their animals.
The main landmark of Cholistan is Derawar fort and it is also the symbol of identification of Cholistan. Darawar Fort is forty-eight kilometers from Dera Nawab Sahib. The local language is Sariki, which is also spoken around Cholistan, which shows its historical importance and background.
The Cholistan Desert also known locally as Rohi, is a desert in the southern part of Pakistan, Thar which extends into Sindh province and the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the two major deserts in Punjab, the other being the Thal Desert. The name is derived from the Turkish word chol, meaning “sands”, and istan, a Persian suffix meaning “earth”.
Location of Cholistan Desert
Cholistan is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers away from the historical city of Bahawalpur and falls under the Punjab province of Pakistan.
Cholistan is mainly dependent on its livestock assets as it is deficient in water and rainfall. Local crafts are leather products, weaving, and textiles. Cholistan is famous for its quality woolen carpets throughout Pakistan; it has huge production in other parts of the country in Pakistan.
History of Cholistan Desert
In ancient times, Cholistan was a fertile region with a large river fed by meltwater from the Himalayas, and thus has a high density of ancient settlements from the Indus Valley Civilization period, dating as far back as 4000 BC. The region later became a center for caravan trade, leading to the construction of numerous forts in the Middle Ages to protect trade routes – the best-preserved example of which is Derawar Fort.
Popular Forts in Cholistan Desert
Some of the main Forts of Cholistan Desert are :
- Derawar Fort
- Islamgarh Fort
- Mirgarh Fort
- Jamgarh Fort
- Mojgarh Fort
- Marot Fort
- Phulra Fort
- Khangarh Fort
- Khairgarh Fort
- Nawankot Fort
- Bijnot Fort
Darawar Fort
Qila Derawar Fort Bahawalpur in the Cholistan Desert is a large fort designed in square shape located in Ahmadpur East Tehsil of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located around 130 km south of the city of Bahawalpur. The 40 bases of Derawar Fort are visible for miles of the Desert of Pakistan. The walls have a diameter of 1,500 meters and are 30 feet high.
IslamGarh Fort
Nestled in the heart of the Cholistan Desert, Islamgarh Fort stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of the region. With its roots tracing back to the 17th century, this historical monument holds stories of conquest, changing rulers, and the passage of time. However, the fort now faces neglect and deterioration, highlighting the need for immediate attention to preserve this fading symbol of history.
Mirgarh Fort
Mirgarh Fort, also known as Mirgarh Qila, is a historic fortress located in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Mirgarh Fort stands as a testament to the region’s rich historical heritage. This ancient monument, though obscured by time and neglect, bears witness to centuries of history, leaving visitors intrigued and captivated. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the enigmatic charm and historical significance of Mirgarh Fort.
Jamgarh Fort
Jamgarh Fort Bahawalpur is a historic Fort located 114 kilometers east of Bahawalpur Punjab, 36 kilometers from Fort Abbas town, and 9 km from Mirgarh Fort in Cholistan. The history of this fort is found in numerous history books.
Marot Fort
Qila Marot Fort is located in the Bahawalnagar District of Punjab, Pakistan, holds significance as it sits at the border between India and Pakistan. Situated approximately 50 km from Fort Abbas, 160 km from Bahawalnagar, and 100 km from Bahawalpur, Marot serves as a hub of economic and cultural activity in the region. With an estimated population of 20,000 inhabitants, the city contributes to the overall population of the district, which stands at around 280,000.
Phulra Fort
Phulra Fort is a historic fort located in the district of Bahawalnagar in Punjab, Pakistan. The fort was constructed during the Mughal Empire and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. The fort has played a significant role in the region’s history, serving as a center of trade and commerce and as a strategic military stronghold.
Nawankot Fort
The Nawan Kot Fort, situated 55 km from the Derawar Fort, has managed to preserve some of its original elements. Constructed using mud bricks and featuring four corner towers, the fort boasts a height of 156 feet. The main entrance on the north side is 10 feet wide and is accompanied by guard rooms built from burnt bricks. This mud-brick structure with its four corner bastions stands tall, showcasing its historical significance.
Bijnot Fort
Bijnot Fort, also known as Qila Bijnot, is an ancient fortress located in the Bahawalpur District of Punjab, Pakistan. The fort is situated in the heart of the Cholistan Desert, about 23 kilometers (14 miles) west of the Indo-Pakistani border. The fort, which is now in a state of ruins, is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
The forts of Cholistan Desert stand as enduring symbols of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and architectural legacy. From the majestic ramparts of Derawar Fort to the hidden treasures of Marot and Islamgarh, these ancient structures offer a glimpse into the region’s storied past and the civilizations that once thrived in this arid landscape. As guardians of history and heritage, the forts of Cholistan continue to inspire awe and wonder, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time and imagination.
