"This is a great place to restore."
Derawar Fort is one of the greatest fortresses in Pakistan.
Located in the country’s Punjab region, it is approximately 20 km south of Ahmedpur East.
With wall perimeters of 1500 m and a height of 30 m, its bastions are visible across several miles.
The fort has a rich history and its origins may be surprising in that it survived from significant ruins.
DESIblitz invites you on a cultural journey as we learn more about its history and origins.
Origins
The origins of Derawar Fort began in the Cholistan Desert which includes the Thar Desert in modern Pakistan.
In 600 BC, the Hakra River changed course, causing the existing agriculture to disappear into the ground.
Due to the seismic change in the river, the area became a desert, where evidence of several fort structures is present.
One of the most notable surviving structures is the Derawar Fort.
The fort was built in 858. At the time, the Rajput ruler of the Bhati dynasty, Rai Jajja Bhati, was at the royal helm.
Initially known as Dera Rawal and later Dera Rawar, the fort spanned across the desert alongside several other structures.
These included Meergarh, Khangarh, and Islamgarh.
In the 18th century, Muslim Nawabs took over Derawar Fort and it was renovated in 1732 under Nawab Sadeq Muhammad.
In 1804, Nawab Mubarak Khan gained control of the stronghold and unlike other forts in the area, Derawar survived due to having a consistent population for its maintenance.
Under the British regime, the fort was taken over and was used to imprison people and execute inmates.
Structure
The structure of Derawar Fort is vast and aesthetically pleasing. It is composed of clay bricks.
On each side, the fort has ten circular bastions. Each bastion has delicate designs of patterns.
They are also adorned with tiles and fresco artwork – a technique of mural painting upon wet lime plaster.
The fort used to contain an underground passage that could carry royals from the castle to the fort.
However, although there are still underground passageways, many of them deteriorated or became non-existent over the years.
Derawar Fort was renovated in 1732. Over 280 years later, in 2019, the government invested Rs 46 million in its conservation.
However, the fort faces neglect owing to weather conditions and disrespectful tourists.
These include acts of graffiti, yet at its heart, Derawar Fort is admirable for its structure and regality.
A visitor comments: “This is a great place to restore, preserve and be proud of.
“Only if we learn to offer the world the safe tourism that we may show what we have.”
Another says: “It has great potential to attract tourists, generate revenue and support local industries.
“Above all, preserve the magnificent history that India and Pakistan share in common.”
Need for Conservation
The fort is an asset to Pakistan. However, that doesn’t lessen its the need for it to be preserved and protected.
Altaf Hussain, a watchman says: “The Derawar fort was also connected to other forts in Cholistan through a network of underground tunnels.
“On the ground floor, there were offices, a small prison, a gallows, a water pond and residential rooms.”
A visitor from Ahmedpur adds: “I visited this place recently after ten years and I was shocked to see its dilapidated condition.
“It had many rooms that are no longer there.”
Abdul Gafar, a cultural activist underscores the decline in the fort’s quality.
He says: “I visited the fort when I was a student in the tenth grade. That was almost 12 years ago.
“At that time, the fort was in a considerably good condition. We walked in the tunnels for a mile and could see a network of tunnels leading to different rooms.
“But the stairs leading to the top of bastions have now collapsed.
“The majority of the bastions have developed cracks, with bricks from some falling off.
“There is immediate need for its conservation and preservation. Otherwise, we will lose this important heritage.”
Sahibzada Muhammad Gazain Abbas, a former MPA says:
“Negotiations are underway with the Chinese and some other organisations for its preservation and we are hopeful that the site will be protected for future generations.”
The Derawar Fort is a cultural icon of Pakistan, that has withstood the test of time.
With a stunning history, it has potential to grow and cultivate even more.
However, neglect and disrespect have thrown its future into jeopardy, which has led to a seismic decline in its attraction.
While we look to a better future for it, it is vital to remember that our monuments will only thrive if we allow them to do so.