Postcard from Punjab - Rohtas Fort and the Lion King
Australian Photographer in Pakistan
Rohtas Fort, Jhelum, Punjab, is about a two hour drive south of Islamabad. We arrived there early at 11am (this is considered early in Pakistan) and there were relatively few visitors. It was also a good idea to go in winter as it would be terribly hot walking around in summer as there is little shade.
Built in the 16th century at the request of Sher shah Suri ‘The Lion King’ Rohtas Fort took approximately ten years to complete. It was built between the mountains of Afghanistan and the Punjab plains to stop the advances of Murghal Emperor Humayun. It is now a UNESCO heritage site.
The site is large, over twelve acres, and a lot of the fort remains in various states of repair. There are four kilometres of wall, twelve gates and 68 bastion towers. There is a shorter inside wall walk that took us around 2 hours, allowing for photo opportunities and climbing up and down some very steep stairs. You can also do a longer outside wall walk.
Never attacked, now protected, a must see piece of history.
Shah Chandwali Gate
Our wonderful guide, Mohammed
Shah Chandwali Gate and view of Haveli Man Singh
Wall and battlements
View of outside wall
Steep steps lead up to battlements
View of Shah Chandwali Gate from food storage area
Haveli Singh
Shahi Masjid - merlon shaped battlement detail - design means ‘Allah’
Interior Shahi Masjid
Haveli Man Singh
Inner courtyard and wall
Rohtas town
Detail of Sohail Gate balcony and brackets.
Detail of Sohail Gate doorway
Sohail Gate