I would like to offer my gratitude to the readers who have expressed their interest in the history of Attock by encouraging the first article. Continuing the same, let me give you some valuable information about the great Attock Fort today. Today’s writing is a simple attempt to quench the thirst, that remained in the first article.
As the historians have mentioned, the construction of Attock Fort took a total of two years and two months. There is an inaugural plaque at the Lahori gate for the foundation of the fort, but it seems that previously it was installed in some other place.
One of the finest examples of architecture in Attock Fort is the construction of walls. The walls are more than a mile in circumference. Inside, a corridor has been built under which there are innumerable guardrooms. There are similar guardrooms under the minarets. Furthermore, there is a large guardroom near Delhi Gate, which used to be a quarter guard until the establishment of Pakistan.
The entrance to the Mughal baths is close to the Delhi Gate, with adjoining rooms. In the walls of these rooms, a place can be seen where hot water was prepared.
The arsenal was built in 1857 on the site of the old Lahore Gate. The lower part of the fort can be entered through the Delhi Gate. Then the road leads to the new Lahori Gate. The second branch of the road was part of the General Road (GT Road), which leads to the Mallahi Taula Gate.
The part of the river between Mallahi Tola and Khairabad is difficult to cross because the confluence of the Kabul and Indus rivers produces a whirlpool. On the right side of this confluence, there lie two rocky terrains known as Kamaliya and Jalaliya with their origins going deep inside the river, making it one of the most dangerous routes.
Before the construction of the Attock Khurd Bridge in 1883, there was a bridge of boats from Sarai to Khairabad to cross the Indus River. The pillars of this bridge can still be seen. Sarai is a type of protected tomb built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
One of the most beautiful places in the vicinity of Attock Fort is Bagh Neelab where the river Haro joins the river Indus. The expanding river Indus and the lush green hills of Kala Chitta (at an altitude of 3800 feet) add to the beauty of the area.
Emperor Jahangir, the son of King Akbar, visited Qila Attock three times during his reign, on his way to Kabul. The first visit was in the year 1016 AH.
The second time when he returned from Kabul and the third time when he was going to stay in Kabul in 1626. Touching the depths of the soul, among the places of utmost aesthetics, the historic forts, old inns, and especially the place where the mountains and the river Indus meet offer a beautiful view of sunset and sunrise.
Although much has been said, plenty of it remains to be told, however, this article hereby ends with interesting information about Attock Fort. My next topic will be on the very beautiful place “Kala Chita” mountain which connects Tehsil Attock with Tehsil Fateh Jang, In Sha Allah. Given the encouragement of all your friends, you will continue to visit the historical and tourist places of the Attock District.
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