Endured 52 Assaults Yet Succumbed to Nature's Fury
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Lesser Himalayas, the Kangra Fort in western Himachal Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to the region's rich history. This ancient stronghold, located 20 kilometres from Dharamshala and 3 kilometres from Kangra, has been a centre of attraction for rulers of Northern India for centuries.
The Kangra Fort, originally part of the ancient Indo-Aryan Trigarta kingdom, was a strategic location that played a significant role in the epic Kurukshetra War, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. The kingdom's capital was initially in Jalandhar but shifted to Kangra due to invasions in the 11th century, making Kangra a pivotal point in the region's history.
One of the earliest recorded attacks on the Kangra Fort was made by Raja of Kashmir, Shreshta, in A.D.470. Over the centuries, the fort faced numerous attacks, including one from Mahmud of Ghazni in 1008, who looted the fort and carried away a massive treasure. The fort was later reclaimed by the Katoch dynasty, who ruled Kangra until the region came under the control of the Sikh Empire in 1809.
The Kangra Fort, built by Bhuma Chand, the founder of the Katoch Dynasty, is strategically located on a height overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. Today, it is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India and is a significant historical site and tourist attraction.
Visitors to the Kangra Fort can explore its many attractions, including the Darshani Darwaza, one of the oldest standing structures, and the Kapoor Sagar pond inside the fort. The fort also houses two Hindu temples - one dedicated to Ambika Devi and the other to Laxminarayan. A Jain temple with a stone image of Adinath can also be found within the fort's compound.
For those interested in visiting, the Kangra Fort is open from 9 AM to 7 PM, with Tuesdays being closed. The fort's rich history, strategic location, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in India's ancient past.
[References] [1] "Kangra Fort." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangra_Fort. [2] "Kangra." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangra. [3] "Trigarta." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigarta. [4] "Kurukshetra War." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurukshetra_War. [5] "Battle of Chach." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chach.
The Kangra Fort, a strategic location with a rich history, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient lifestyle as they explore its architectural wonders. This historical site, also known as a tourist attraction, provides opportunities for travelers to journey through time and immerse themselves in the stories of the Kurukshetra War and its connections to the Mahabharata.
