Row 3401

Row ID: 3401 | Dataset Entry | Axioma AXP Content Repository

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Built on a cliff between Manjhi and Banganga rivers, the Kangra Fort holds a strong legacy of its own as the largest and the oldest one in the Himalayas.

Spread across more than 463 acred, the fort stands tall as the eighth largest fort in India.

Presently, it is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which restored it from the colossal damage it incurred in the 1905 earthquake.

ASI conservation assistant Prashant Dogra said, “The monument has now become a much sought after destination, especially among tourists.”

The fort stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur.

Spanning over 4,000 years of history, the formidable fortress has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, endured sieges and conquests, and remained a symbol of resilience and strength through the ages.

From its towering walls to intricately carved Jain and Ambika Devi temples, every aspect of the fort reflects the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines the Kangra Valley.

Katoch Dynasty scion Aishwarya Katoch, who was recently crowned at the fort, said, “Kangra Fort has so many unique features. The European Moorish castles, having a typical medieval fortification of square-shaped bastions, have an influence of the Kangra Fort.

The battlements at such heights are wonders of architecture. ‘Andheri Darwaza’ — the last line of defence before entering the palace — is an architectural miracle as its design is such that it allows only three persons to enter at a time, with guards keeping an eye from the top.”

The strategic location of Kangra Fort made it an impregnable bastion for centuries.

The fort’s defensive architecture includes multiple gates, watchtowers, moats and bastions strategically positioned to repel invaders and thwart enemy advances.

Despite facing numerous sieges and attacks over the centuries, Kangra Fort remained unconquered for much of its history, a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of its builders.

As the famous saying about the fort goes: “The one who conquered Kangra, would control the hills.”

History and the lore

It is simply not possible to separate the history of the fort from that of the Katoch Dynasty. As the lore goes, Goddess Ambika fought a demon called Raktbeej. With every drop of the demon’s blood, another came to life. Goddess Ambika wiped her brow and a drop of sweat fell. From the drop, the founder of the Katoch dynasty – Bhumi Chandra — was born. He helped the Goddess defeat the demon and, in return, was blessed with a kingdom called Trigarth — meaning the land between three rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.

The history of the fort can be traced back to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Susharma Chandra, the 234th descendent of Bhumi Chand, is said to have fought from the Kauravas side.

King Parmanand Chandra finds a mention in Ptolemy’s text as the famous Porus who fought Alexander the Great.

In 1009 AD, Mahmud Ghazni invaded the fort, looting the treasures hidden in the wells. Mughal Emperor Akbar tried to conquer the fort, but failed. Subsequently, the Mughals held the fort from 1622 to the late 1780s, after which the Sikhs captured it.

In the early nineteenth century, Sansar Chand of Kangra rose to prominence. To this day, he is remembered as a greatest warrior, and a patron of art. The world-renowned miniature paintings of Kangra flourished during his tenure.

Sansar Chand conquered the nearby kingdoms of Chamba, Mandi, Suket and Nahan, turning his attention to Bilaspur soon after. To counter this, in 1805, The Bilaspur raja summoned Gurkhas — who had already acquired Garhwal, Sirmour and other small hill states of Shimla. By 1809, Kangra itself was under a direct threat from the Gurkhas, and Sansar Chand had no choice but to ask Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore for aid.

In return for his help, the Maharaja took possession of the ancient fort. The fort was again with the Katoches. Post the Anglo-Sikh war, the British moved its garrison to occupy Kangra fort. With Ram Singh Pathania of Nurpur, Pramodh Chand rebelled against the British in 1847, declaring their sovereignty.

Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum

An initiative of the present-day Katoch family, the Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum displays the ancestral belongings of the family. It serves as a prime location to have a glimpse of the fort.

The museum is equipped with rare texts, ancient weapons, princely attires, jewellery and even silverware.

Rare miniature masterpieces of Kangra are on display at the museum. Visitors can relish Kangri Dham at the museum. The audio guide narrates details about the museum and the fort.

FieldValue
text Built on a cliff between Manjhi and Banganga rivers, the Kangra Fort holds a strong legacy of its own as the largest and the oldest one in the Himalayas. Spread across more than 463 acred, the fort stands tall as the eighth largest fort in India. Presently, it is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which restored it from the colossal damage it incurred in the 1905 earthquake. ASI conservation assistant Prashant Dogra said, “The monument has now become a much soug…
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datetime 2024-03-04
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Raw Record

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