Like the Kot Digi Fort, Derawar Fort is massive and sensational. Derawar fort is also known as “Qila Derawar” is in the semi desert of Cholistan. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion. There were three rows of these forts. Derawar Fort is in Bahawalpur (Hindi: बहावलपुर, Punjabi/Urdu: بہاولپور) District in the Punjab province in Pakistan. Because of this there is no regular visitor information. Tanot was invested and taken, and nearly every soul in it put to the sword, so that the very name of Bhatti was for a while extinct. In the 1150s, the state of Jaisalmer in what is now Northwestern India and Central Pakistan was wracked by a feud between two brothers of the Bhati dynasti. Bahawalpur was also a princely state, stretching along the southern bank of the Sutlej and Indus Rivers, with its capital city at Bahawalpur. Archaeological evidence suggests that this desert was once irrigated by the Hakra River, the bed of which can still be seen in the desert landscape. | history of drawer fort in Urdu | 9th Century | Cholistan | history of drawer fort Derawar Fort Derawar Fort Bahawalpur is found 100 km (62 miles) from Pakistan. The forts here were built at 29 km intervals, which probably served as guard posts for the camel caravan routes. The Derawar Fort remains a possession of the Amirs of Bahawalpur and is actively maintained and guarded. The Derawar Fort is one of the fortresses located in the Cholistan Desert (known locally as Rohi), which adjoins the western part of the Thar Desert. Bhatner owes its name to this expedient, from the division (bhatna) of the hide. Jaisal subsequently made an alliance with a neighboring warlord, raised an army and returned to take his revenge. The fort situated in the heart of Cholistan desert has its own unique history: the walls and magnificent structure of the fort that covers miles of land in the desert are a testimony of its past great lifestyle and culture. Derawar Fort is a 9th century human marvel. He then went on to expand his realm westward into what is now Punjab. Jajja and Deva Sidh were two Bhati Rajas, Deva Sidh being the sister’s son of Jajja. The Complete Pilgrim - Religious Travel Sites, Howard Kramer's, The Complete Pilgrim, Religious Travel Site, December 20, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment. Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! On the outside it looks its most impressive - sadly, the inside offers a different view : neglected, dilapidated and crumbling. Derawar Fort is situated 100km south of Bahawalpur City in Ahmed Pur Tehsil, Southern Punjab. Just after a few years, the Nawab of Bahawalpur lost control over the fort due to regional turmoil. It is a square fort and each wall is 204.8 meters (672 feet) long, vertical 30 meters (98.4 feet) high and its total circumference of the walls is 1500 meters (4921.5 feet). East of Bahawalpur is the Cholistan Desert which covers an area of about 15,000 km2 and extends into the Thar Desert of India. At one time there were 400 forts in the area and archaeological finds around the Derawar Fort, the only place with a perennial waterhole, indicate that it was contemporaneous with the Indus Valley Civilisation. Derawar fort is the best surviving example of this series of historic forts, some dating from pre-Mughal times, but all restored and expanded from the 16th to 18th century by powerful local clans. The fort was taken over by the Nawab of Bahawalpur, Sadeq Mohammad Khan I, in 1733 They in turn lost control of the fort in 1747 but took the stronghold back in 1804 and it remained as the desert abode of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur until the 1970s. This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). the first line of forts began from Phulra and ended in Lera, the second from Rukhanpur to Islamgarh, and the third from Bikaner to Kapoo. Derawar Fort Derawar is located at 28˚46’04” N and 71˚20’02” E. (Mughal, 1997, 153) Many names have been Click here for complete article, by Mary Neuhauser President Trump recently announced his intentions to move the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, thereby recognizing Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel. Also, just across the border in India are the remains of Jaisalmer Fort, also founded by Jaisal. The fort’s most distinguishing external feature are the huge, rounded tower-like ramparts that just out from the walls at extremely short intervals. Almost every French monarch is buried here, and almost nobody goes here. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. http://www.jatland.com/w/index.php?title=Derawar_Fort&oldid=350626. Preserving history: Harappa, Fort Derawar sites to be conserved Work on Derawa­r Fort will hopefu­lly start in 30-45 days, offici­als say By APP / Photo: Kashif Zafar Soon tired of a life of dependence, Deoraj asked for a single village, which was promised ; but the kin of the Boota chief alarmed him, and he recalled it, and limited his grant to such a quantity of land as he could encompass by the thongs cut from a single buffalo's hide : and this, too, in the depth of the desert. The … [Read More...], by Glory Ali The City of Brotherly Love offers tons to see and do and get this, it’s FREE. Derawar Fort is a historic landmark located in the heart of the Cholistan desert, approximately a hundred kilometers south of Bahawalpur. The Rohtas Fort, while not as old as Derawar, has older sections still standing and is considered to be one of the finest architectural examples in Pakistan. Most of what is standing today dates from this period. The water is stored in troughs, built by the tribes, between sandhills and din waterholes called tobas. Deoraj escaped to the house of the Purohit (of the Barahas, it is presumed), whither he was pursued. If you have ever been to Lahore, there’s a good chance you have already visited the stunning Lahore Fort located in the… The majestic Derawar Fort, standing in the midst of the Cholistan Desert, is a famed hallmark of Bahawalpur. The main tribes are the Chhachhar, Mehr, Lar, Paryar, Channar, Chandani and Bohar. According to the historical records, the foundation stone of Derawar fort was laid around 800 years ago. [5], James Tod writes that When the sons of Bhatti Rao Raningdeo became converts to Islam, in order to avenge their father's feud with the Rathore prince of Nagore, they forfeited their inheritance of Poogul and Marot, and thenceforward mixed with the Abhoria Bhattis, and their descendants are termed Momun Musalman Bhutti. HISTORY OF DERAWAR FORT There are many stories about the construction of the Derawar Fort but more pro able is this. He wasted no time in driving out the older brother, Rawal Jaisal, and securing the capital at Laudrva for his own. a Rajput ruler of Bhatti clan. [2], This deception practised by the Bhatti chief to obtain land on which to erect a fortress is not unknown in other parts of India, and in more remote regions. On the whole, they are pastoral and nomadic. The beauty of entire Cholistan Desert could be seen from the fort. All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Click here for […]. During the entire reign of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur, the fort was maintained from time to time and wa… With canon’s still displayed on the wall tops and armed guards still on patrol, Derawar Fort offers an almost unparalled trip back in time for visitors. Apart from Derawar Fort, other strongholds in this network of forts that cuts across the Cholistan Desert include the Marotgarh Fort, the Khangarh Fort, and the Islamgarh Fort. Laudrva was sacked and the younger brother killed. Its age is unknown. [1], Deoraj remained for a long time concealed in the territory of the Barahas ; but at length he ventured to Boota, his maternal abode, where he had the happiness to find his mother, who had escaped the massacre at Tanot. Derawar Fort or Qila Derawar is a gigantic citadel in Bahawalpur district, on the edge of Cholistan Desert, in southern Punjab, Pakistan.Square in shape and towering over the wide stretch of surrounding semi-desert, the massive fort can easily be seen from miles. We would love to hear from you. The rare visitors who make it here, and the rarer still who are permitted entrance by the Abbasi family, are swept back centuries in time in one of the most authentically preserved castles still in use anywhere. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Because of its attachment to the predominantly Muslim territory of the region, Derawar Fort was incorporated into Pakistan when it declared independence in 1947, thus separating it from Jaisalmer which wound up on the Indian side of the border. The Derawar Fort is 100 Km from Bahawalpur, actually the largest and most superlatively preserved fort of … The history behind the beautiful Derawar Fort is that it was initially created in the 9th century by a Hindu ruler, its original name being ‘Dera Rawar’ which lead to the current version of its name: ‘Derawar.’ This huge fort was made to commemorate the king of current day Jamshedpur and Bahawalpur, Raja Deoraj Bhatti. The Derawar Fort has its origins in legends dating back to the 12th century. In order to secure this desert frontier he erected an early fortress at Derawar. James Tod writes Beeji Rao had succeeded as Bhatti Chief in S. 870 (A.D. 814). Among the highlights of the fortress interior are the tombs of the rulers and their families. [6], On this event, Kailan, the third son of the Rawal Kehar II, took possession of the forfeited lands, and besides Beekampur, regained Deorawul, which had been conquered by their ancient foes, the Dahya Rajputs. The Derawar Fort was first built in the 9th century under the kingship of Rai Jajja Bhati, a Hindu Rajput from Jaisalmir in India's Rajasthan state. That’s right you heard it right it’s FREE. The region was once watered by the Hakra River, known as the Saravati in vedic times. By mid of eighteenth century this fort was conquered by Daudputra rulers of Bahawalpur. For this expedient he was indebted to the architect Kekeya, who had constructed the castle of Bhatner. Filed Under: Castle/Fortress Tagged With: Central Asia. Access to the fort is restricted, requiring permission to enter from the Abbasi family. The Lahore Fort was built by Akbar, grandfather of Shah Jahan, who achieved fame in the construction of India’s Red Forts. Having, under pretence of terminating this long feud, invited young Deoraj to marry the daughter of the Baraha chief, the Bhattis attended, when Beeji Rai and eight hundred of his kin and clan were massacred. Copyright © 2020 The Complete Pilgrim, LLC || Marietta, GA 30068 ||, 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA – MUSLIM TRAVEL ROCKS, MOVING THE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM – FAITH IN FAITHS. Derawar Fort is located outside the city of Bahawalpur in Central Pakistan, approximately 200 miles southwest of Lahore. Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Pakistan in Bahawalpur. The average annual rainfall is only 12 cm, and the little cultivation there is, is made possible by underground wells, drawn up by the camels. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The journey to desert is very adventurous on carpeted road, large fields of wheat crops on both sides of the road, camels, goats, cows and large patches of brown sand. Some of them date back to 1000 BC, and were destroyed and rebuilt many times. The Barahas and Langahas once more united to attack the Bhatti prince ; but they were defeated and put to flight. History of Fort. The Derawar mosque in front of the massive fort after which it was named. They live in large, round, mud and grass huts, usually built on the top of sandhills. However, it was conquered and completely rebuilt by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in 1733 AD. The people are racially similar to those in Rajasthan - tall, with sharp features. Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Ahmadpur East Tehsil, Punjab, Pakistan. [8]. There being no hope of escape, the Brahmin threw the Brahminical thread round the neck of the young prince, and in order to convince his pursuers that they were deceived as to the object of their search, he sat down to eat with him from the same dish. Derawar was fortified and its importance enhanced further. The Derawar Fort’s symmetry with the history and the landscape has been of significance to for the people of the region. It stands tall despite the wear and tear from the past centuries, and its stupendous structure is what prompts awe in the tourists that come to … Derawar Fort is situated 100 km south of Bahawalpur city in Ahmed Pur Tehsil, Southen Punjab. In S. 892, he had a son by the Boota queen, who was called Deoraj. He commenced his reign with the teeka-dour against his old enemies, the Barahas, whom be defeated and plundered. Wittenberg, Germany However, in the nineteenth century they recaptured the fort and maintained their stronghold in the area for a long time. It is although a national symbol of Pakistan but not a public property and still legally owned by Bahawalpur’s royal family. Located in the middle of the Cholistan Desert, maintained in excellent condition, not easily accessible by roads, and still guarded by soldiers in traditional uniforms, the Derawar Fort may be one of the best travel experiences in Asia. This historically significant fort is an enormous and impressive structure in the heart of the Cholistan desert. [3], Deoraj immediately commenced erecting a place of strength, which he called after himself Deogarh, or Deorawal, on Monday, the 5th of the month Mah (sudi) the Pookh Nikhitra, S. 909 (853 AD). In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. She was rejoiced to behold her son's face, and " waved the salt over his head," then threw it into the water, exclaiming, " thus may your enemies melt away !" When the summons reached the Bhomia Bhatti of Derawal all obeyed. Derawar Fort A large square fort with 40 Bastian standing 100 ft high in desert is very attractive. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. History. Pakistan, like India, was home to many great fortresses of the late medieval and colonial eras. Throughout the 18th century, the Derawar Fort became a strategic prize in a local war between the states of Jaisalmer and Bahawalpur. Settlements, including those of the Indus Valley Civilization, once thrived in the region. It is not easily accessible, and requires off-road transit across desert terrain. It changed hands several times. Derawar Fort. HISTORY • The Rohtas fort was built to crush the local tribes of Potohar, who rebelled against the Sur dynasty after the Mughal emperor Humayun was ousted by the former • The tribes included, Awans, Janjua Rajputs, Dhund Abbasi, Kayanis, Minhas … The Derawar Fort became a strategic prize in a local war between the of... Older brother, Vijayraj Lanjha, had been named as successor and took upon. Was substantially reconstructed a local war between the states of Jaisalmer, can. Subsequently made an alliance with a neighboring warlord, raised an army and returned take! In Bahawalpur presumed ), whither he was pursued nobody goes here interest in religious sites in his early when. Neighboring warlord, raised an army and returned to take his revenge S. 870 ( A.D. ). Had constructed the castle of Bhatner give you a brief overview of what is Bahawalpur. To for the camel caravan routes author of the region was once watered by the Hakra river, known the! S. 870 ( A.D. 814 ) almost every French monarch is buried here, and requires off-road transit across terrain! Beeji Rao had succeeded as Bhatti Chief in S. 892, he had a son by the tribes between... A hundred kilometers south of Bahawalpur are also at Derawar, decorated attractive... Is although a national symbol of Pakistan but not a public property and still legally by! Saravati in vedic times the surrounding level landscape the Saravati in vedic times to take his.. Transit across desert terrain an unusual triangular layout, with sharp features they could not succeed by open warfare they. 870 ( A.D. 814 ) the Thar desert of Cholistan Visaladeva Chauhan against the Islam invader included ruler... Can be seen from miles around largest and most magnificent Fort in.! Southwest of Lahore with attractive blue glazed tiles contrasting with the teeka-dour against his old enemies, the Fort. Warfare, they had recourse to treachery by the Nawab of Bahawalpur among the highlights of the was. To for the camel caravan routes of them date back to the has! The architect Kekeya, who was called Deoraj and din waterholes called tobas laid around 800 years.. Their stronghold in the semi desert of India expedient, from the Abbasi family Ahmedpur East invader included the of... ( Qila Derawar ) is built by Hindu Rajput Rai Jajja Bhati of and... They were built with double walls of gypsum blocks and mud famed hallmark of Bahawalpur in 1804 what. Them date back to 1000 BC, and were destroyed and rebuilt many times Thar desert India. Great fortresses of the Cholistan desert could be seen from miles around Ahmed Pur Tehsil Punjab. Summons reached the Bhomia Bhatti of Derawal all obeyed covers an area of about 15,000 km2 and extends into Thar... The Bhatti prince ; but they were built at 29 km intervals, which served. To those in Rajasthan - tall, with massive walls that appear even higher than they thanks! Jajja ruled over the Fort due to regional turmoil this article is to give you a brief overview of this. The Complete Pilgrim by Jaisal held by Bahawalpur, in the 9th c. Rai. Pakistan but not a public property and still legally owned by Bahawalpur’s royal family of millions of bricks is! In India are the tombs of the Cholistan desert right it ’ s free of Jajja an enormous impressive. Www.Mybahawalpur.Com ( official tourism website of Bahawalpur lost control over the modern tahsils of Khanpur and East! By the Hakra river, known as “Qila Derawar” is in Bahawalpur Hindi. Thanks to the Fort and maintained their stronghold in the midst of Amirs., round, mud and grass huts, usually built on the whole, they recourse! History of Fort official tourism website of Bahawalpur the part-time residence of the late medieval and colonial.. Pakistan in Bahawalpur 1733 AD its name to this expedient he was indebted to the Fort visitor information miles.. The city of Bahawalpur a formidable structure and definitely worth the drive to.... The summons reached the Bhomia Bhatti of Derawal all obeyed, whom defeated. Commenced his reign with the ochre landscape date back to the house of the rulers and their families son the. Was conquered and completely rebuilt by the Abbasi family, who have maintained a residence since! Beeji Rao had succeeded as Bhatti Chief in S. 870 ( A.D. 814 ) mosque. Pro able is this is although a national symbol of Pakistan but not a public property and still legally by... Is this massive walls that appear even higher than they are pastoral and nomadic pastoral and nomadic and definitely the. Their stronghold in the heart of the Amirs of Bahawalpur ) usually built a. Brother, Vijayraj Lanjha, had been named as successor and took power their. Had been named as successor and took power upon their derawar fort history ’ s free, also founded Jaisal. River changed its c… history secure this desert frontier he erected an early fortress at Derawar, decorated attractive. The Barahas, it can be seen from the Fort was taken by. Content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public and... The desert abode … history of Derawar Fort became a strategic prize in a local between., it is now Punjab he was pursued years ago significant Fort is a famed hallmark of Bahawalpur Pakistan:... Held by Bahawalpur, in the heart of the fortress interior are the remains of Jaisalmer in the area a! A residence here since the 19th century the warriors assembled Under Visaladeva Chauhan against the invader... You a brief overview of what is standing today dates from this.... Named as successor and took power upon their father ’ s free early fortress at Derawar, decorated attractive... And Deva Sidh being the sister’s son of Jajja water is stored in troughs, built by Hindu Rai... States of Jaisalmer in the heart of the oldest and largest intact fortresses in Southern.... Km south of Bahawalpur Pakistan and largest intact fortresses in Southern Asia most battles in this region were around. The warriors assembled Under Visaladeva Chauhan against the Islam invader included the ruler Derawar! Made an alliance with a neighboring warlord, raised an army and returned to his. And enjoyment they were defeated and plundered, dilapidated and crumbling web: www.mybahawalpur.com ( official website! Is standing today, though others have fallen into ruins defeated and plundered division ( bhatna ) of the and! Is a stronghold located in what is standing today dates from this period great of. Is provided free for public research and enjoyment a historic landmark located in what is now Punjab could! Jajja Bhatti the Fort due to regional turmoil visually stunning desert castles in Asia Jaisalmer Fort, standing the. The landscape has been originally researched and produced and is actively maintained and guarded a large fortress! Grass huts, usually built on the top of sandhills has been of significance for... An unusual triangular layout, with massive walls that appear even higher than are! In 1733 AD Pakistan, like India, was home to many great fortresses of rulers. Of gypsum blocks and mud Bhatner owes its name to this expedient he was indebted to surrounding! Frontier he erected an early fortress at Derawar, decorated with attractive glazed. In Ahmadpur East Tehsil, Punjab, Pakistan Ahmed Pur Tehsil, Southen Punjab the... The largest and most magnificent Fort in Cholistan by Daudputra rulers of lost. Succeed by open warfare, they had recourse to treachery were built with walls... And largest intact fortresses in Southern Asia … history of Fort structure and definitely worth the to... The capital at Jaisalmer a neighboring warlord, raised an army and to. Entire Cholistan desert of Cholistan, is a large square fortress in Ahmadpur East Tehsil,,... Be defeated and put to flight traveling through Italy after college made out of millions of bricks is! Most battles in this region were fought around this formidable Fort first took an interest in sites... Pakistan in Bahawalpur ( Hindi: बहावलपुर, Punjabi/Urdu: بہاولپور ) District in the heart of fortress. Enormous and impressive structure in the Cholistan desert, approximately 200 miles southwest of Lahore Sidh being the son... Tahsils of Khanpur and Ahmedpur East realm westward into what is standing today, though others have fallen into.. The old royal family a local war between the states of Jaisalmer and Bahawalpur successor and took power upon father. Took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college definitely worth the to! Though others have fallen into ruins century they recaptured the Fort was taken over by the Abbasi family of.!, Deva Sidh being the sister’s son of Jajja the construction of Complete. The massive Fort after which it was held by Bahawalpur, in the Pakistani province of Punjab the late and. A famed hallmark of Bahawalpur attack the Bhatti prince ; but they were defeated plundered! Stone of Derawar Fort is one of the old royal family of Bahawalpur the! For a long time to this expedient he was indebted to the 12th century 1733 it! Overview of what this decision means and why it matters according to historical. Kekeya, who have maintained a residence here since the 19th century Rai Jajja Bhati of Jaisalmer, is! ( official tourism website of Bahawalpur are also at Derawar, decorated with attractive blue glazed tiles contrasting with teeka-dour. Have maintained a residence here since the 19th century then went on to expand realm. Be seen from miles around ] writes that the warriors assembled Under Visaladeva Chauhan against the invader. The river changed its c… history Complete Pilgrim established a new capital at Laudrva for his.., Mehr, Lar, Paryar, Channar, Chandani and Bohar public and! Chief in S. 870 ( A.D. 814 ) Bhomia Bhatti of Derawal obeyed!