An interesting fact about the historical places of India is that their features carry an aura that cannot be matched by modern construction patterns. While we have advanced and reached new heights of excellence in designing efficient and ergonomic structures, we still look back at these ancient sites for inspiration. The people who were involved in the construction of these spaces were not as technologically advanced as we are now, yet they managed to achieve the desired results by putting in their zest for perfection, creating a fort that has survived against all odds and is now a popular tourist destination. One classic example of an elegant historical fort is the Rohtasgarh Fort of Bihar.
- Location: Rohtas district, Bihar, 39 km from Sasaram.
- Built By: Raja Harishchandra; later fortified by Sher Shah Suri in 1539.
- Key Attractions: Hathiya Pol (Elephant Gate), Aina Mahal, Jama Masjid, Hanging House, and Ganesh Temple.
- Historical Role: Refuge for rulers like Mir Kasim and Prince Khurram.
- Fort Features: 14 gates, with 10 closed after Suri’s conquest.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, avoiding monsoon and summer heat.
Location
Rohtasgarh Fort is located in the Rohtas district, built over a plateau on the upper course of the Son River. It is approximately 39 kilometers from Sasaram, the administrative headquarters of the district, and 45 kilometers from Dehri, another important town in the region.
History
The fort was built by the 36th ruler of the Solar dynasty, Raja Harishchandra. It was named after his son, Rohitashva. Built atop a hill, the fort was a safe and productive haven with fertile soils and streams that facilitated cultivation. The surrounding dense forests, abundant with wild animals, made it difficult for robbers and enemies to enter the fort unless they were very clever.
Inscriptions at the fort suggest that it was besieged by rulers from different dynasties. The construction of the road from the foothill to the top, along with the installation of gates on the Ghats and fortification, has been credited to Hindu kings. Two fortifications are still visible today. The artifacts found date back to the period of Sher Shah Suri and other rulers who conquered the fort after him. One of the artifacts, a matrix used for producing seals, is believed to be from the reign of Sasanka, who ruled the region in the seventh century.
Sher Shah Suri conquered the fort in 1539 after losing the Fort of Chunar to Humayun, a Mughal ruler. His attack was not direct; instead, he devised a cunning plan. He tricked the fort’s ruler into sending his women and children along with the state treasure, claiming he was occupied with a fight in Bengal. However, the palanquins that arrived carried Afghan soldiers, who attacked and captured the fort while the king fled. During Sher Shah Suri’s rule, the fort was guarded by 10,000 armed soldiers.
Records state that there were originally 14 gates, of which 10 were closed after Sher Shah Suri captured the fort. The Jama Masjid, built to the west of the fort by Haibat Khan (a close aide of Sher Shah), is made of white sandstone and completed in 1543.
A major renovation took place during the reign of Raja Man Singh of the Kachwaha Dynasty, which included the construction of a grand palace, Persian gardens, and the cleaning of ponds. After his death, the fort’s ownership passed to the Wazir’s office. In the 16th century, Jahangir’s son, Prince Khurram, sought refuge at the fort. The keys were handed over to him by Saiyaad Mubarak, the fort’s guardian at the time.
In the 17th century, Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal, sought refuge at the fort after losing a battle against the British. However, the fort was handed over to British Captain Goddard by the Diwan of Rohtas, and the fort’s defenses were destroyed. The fort remained abandoned until 1857, during the First War of Independence when Babu Kunwar Singh’s younger brother, Amar Singh, sought refuge there.
What to See
Hathiya Pol (Elephant Gate)
This is the largest gate of the fort, built in 1597, named after the elephant designs engraved on its walls.
Aina Mahal (Palace of Mirrors)
Built by Raja Man Singh, the Aina Mahal is the most opulent part of the palace. The top floor offers a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. The women’s quarters are on the third floor, while the second floor houses a gallery and assembly hall. The first floor contains Raja Man Singh’s residence, connected to the women’s quarters.
The Hanging House
Located to the west of the fort, this structure is not mentioned in historical records, and its purpose is unclear. It appears to hang at the edge of a cliff. According to local legend, the building leads to a cave where the grave of a Muslim fakir lies. It is said that this fakir survived three falls into the valley, leading to his burial at the site.
Ganesh Temple
Located about half a kilometer from the Aina Mahal, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Jama Masjid
This mosque, built by Haibat Khan, is one of the first structures in Bihar in the Rajputana style. It also contains a mausoleum of Habsh Khan and the Sufi Sultan’s tomb. The Rohatsan temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was once located nearby, though only ruins remain.
Eat, Drink, Collect
Meals and beverages are available at various hotels in Rohtas city. Tourists can purchase utility goods crafted by local artisans, including imitation jewelry and gift items at reasonable prices.
Best Time to Visit
It is advisable to avoid visiting Rohtasgarh Fort during the monsoon season, as heavy rains can disrupt your exploration. In May, temperatures can soar up to 45°C, while in January, they can dip to around 10°C. Be sure to carry appropriate clothing and accessories according to the time of year.
How to Reach
The closest airport to Rohtas is the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash International Airport. At a distance of approximately 160 kilometres, this airport in Patna city provides excellent connectivity with cities like Bangalore, Indore, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.
The closest railway station is in the city of Aurangabad, at a distance of approximately 37.5 kilometres. Once the tourists reach the Patna Airport/Aurangabad Railway Station, they should hire a taxi to reach to the fort. You can board buses run by state road Transport Corporation from almost all the neighboring cities which run to and from Rohtas.
- Must Read: Most Popular Museums in Patna, Bihar
