Derawar Fort Bahawalpur | Cholistan Desert | 14 Feb 2011 | Forts of Pakistan | Cholistan Jeep Relay скачать в хорошем качестве

Derawar Fort Bahawalpur | Cholistan Desert | 14 Feb 2011 | Forts of Pakistan | Cholistan Jeep Relay

Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Pakistan near Bahawalpur. The forty bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in Cholistan Desert. The walls have a circumference of 1500 meters and stand up to thirty meters high. The first fort on the site was built by Hindu Rajput, Rai Jajja Bhati of Jaisalmer. It remained in the hands of the royal family of Jaisalmer until captured and completely rebuilt by the nawabs of Bahawalpur in 1733. In 1747, the fort slipped from the hands of the Abbasis owing to Bahawal Khan's preoccupations at Shikarpur. Nawab Mubarak Khan took the stronghold back in 1804. The nearby marblemadelaine mosque was modeled after that in the Red Fort of Delhi. There is also a royal necropolis of the Abbasi family, which still owns the stronghold. The area is rich in archaeological artifacts associated with Ganweriwala, a vast but as-yet-unexcavated city of the Indus Valley Civilization. Origins of Derawar Fort Derawar Fort's history traces back to the ancient era, with its foundations being laid by the Rajput ruler, Rai Jajja Bhati of Jaisalmer, a prominent Hindu dynasty in the region. The fort was originally constructed around the 9th century, making it one of the oldest fortifications in the area. Rai Jajja Bhati, an ambitious and powerful ruler, established the fort as a military outpost to assert his dominance over the desert and surrounding territories. For several centuries, the fort remained in the possession of the royal family of Jaisalmer. It was during this time that the fort became an important military and strategic location, protecting the region from invaders and acting as a center of power for the Bhati Rajputs. Over time, the fort also served as a residence for the rulers of Jaisalmer and was expanded with several architectural additions. The fort played a critical role in the history of the region under the rule of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. The fort was situated at a strategic location, allowing the Nawabs to control the vast Cholistan Desert and the routes leading into and out of Bahawalpur. In 1747, however, the fort temporarily slipped from the hands of the Bahawalpur rulers when it was lost due to Bahawal Khan's preoccupations with conflicts in Shikarpur. Architecture of Derawar Fort Derawar Fort is an architectural marvel. The fort’s massive square structure is made from distinctive blue sandstone and is surrounded by a wall with a circumference of 1500 meters, with towering bastions reaching up to thirty meters in height. These towering bastions and thick walls make the fort a standout feature in the desert landscape, especially when viewed from a distance. The fort’s design reflects the military ingenuity of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur, designed to withstand sieges and protect against invaders. In addition to its military purpose, the fort also features some beautiful architectural elements. The nearby marble Madelaine Mosque, built during the reign of the Bahawalpur rulers, was modeled after the famous mosque in the Red Fort of Delhi, further signifying the Nawabs’ imperial connections and their desire to bring grandeur to their kingdom. Derawar Fort stands as a powerful reminder of the rich history of Bahawalpur and the Cholistan Desert. It is not only a monument to the Nawabs but also a significant archaeological site. The royal necropolis of the Abbasi family (the ruling family of Bahawalpur) can still be found near the fort. It contains graves of various rulers and is a place of great cultural and historical value. The fort is still owned by the Abbasi family, and its preservation has become a priority to ensure that this heritage is passed on to future generations. The fort is situated near the ruins of Ganweriwala, an ancient city associated with the Indus Valley Civilization. Though it remains largely unexplored, the area is rich in archaeological artifacts that date back thousands of years, providing valuable insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this desert region. Events at Derawar Fort Derawar Fort is not just a historical monument but also a vibrant location for cultural events. One of the most famous events held at the fort is the Jeep Relay Cholistan Desert, an annual off-road rally event that takes place in the desert surrounding the fort. This event attracts motorsport enthusiasts from all over the world and showcases the strength and endurance of both vehicles and drivers. The challenging terrain of the Cholistan Desert, with its vast sand dunes, provides the perfect backdrop for the event, and the sight of jeeps racing through the desert is truly breathtaking. During this event, the fort becomes a hub for visitors and tourists, with the fort offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. This event has also become a vital part of Bahawalpur’s tourism, contributing to the local economy and bringing attention to the fort's historical significance. Forts of Pakistan Derawar Fort Cholistan Desert