Badhsar Fort

 Introduction

Baghsar Fort is an ancient fort built in Samahni Valley near Bhimber, Pakistan, close to a place known as Baghsar. The fort was constructed by Mughal rulers. Some parts of it are currently closed to visitors, due to it being right beside the line of control between Pakistan and India. 

Very little knowledge is available about the true history of the fort. In the 15th century, Bhimber was under control of a local chieftain who is known to have constructed a series of forts in the region. Bhaghsar fort may have been first constructed during his reign. Later it came under control of Mughals, who may have re-constructed it. G.T. Vigne, an English traveler who extensively travelled through Kashmir, mentioned it as Bagh Sar.  Baghsar Fort is situated in Smahni valley near Bhimber, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Baghsar Fort depicts the Mughal, Indo-Islamic architectural style. This war-torn Fort has withstood the ravages of time. The rulers constructed the massive structure of the Fort to have a mighty stronghold to fight back against the enemies.

History of Baghsar fort

The four-storied architecture of the Fort was built using granite and sand stones. The robust structure of the Fort depicts impressive masonry work. There are three entrances to the fort. Northern main entrance, southeastern entrance and the entrance to inner perimeter. The outer circumference comprises a boundary wall and thirty-eight small rooms mainly constructed for the guards and soldiers. Each room consists of a light port and a storage area. There are some loopholes in the walls to keep an eye on outside the Fort. Baghsar fort also held significant importance in the 1947-48 Kashmir war. The purpose of the Baghsar Fort was to dominate the area and to check on the convoys and routes leading to Kashmir from Punjab.

Tomb of Jahangir 

Located inside the Baghsar Fort is The Tomb of Mughal emperor Mirza Nur-ud-din Jahangir. Jahangir is a Persian name meaning ”Conqueror of the World”. According to historical records, the renowned Mughal emperor Jahangir perished in 1627 AD while traveling from Kashmir to Sarai Saidabad, ending the rule of one of the most successful rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. To preserve his body and slow the process of putrefaction, the organs were removed and buried in the Baghsar Fort. The grave is carved from coarse granite, surrounded by pillars, possibly one foot higher, at the corners, and a post at the head of the grave serves as a marker. Later the body was transported to Lahore and buried near the bank of River Ravi in Shahdara. Prince Khurram, the son of Jahangir, also known as Shah Jahan, succeeded his father in the kingdom.

The stationing of the troops was mandatory in the Fort for any required military operation. The Interior of the Baghsar Fort consists of a water pond, a darbar hall, and forty-three spacious rooms. An observation tower is built in the southeast corner to have a panoramic view of the entire village and to keep an eye on the enemy. There is a firing inlet on the western wall where soldiers used to stand and fire on the opponents. Numerous indentations are on the Fort’s borders to allow archers to fire while staying under cover. Several ventilators are designed in the Fort to prevent suffocation and the proper inlet of light and air. Irrespective of the challenging location of the Fort on the line of control, the Fort’s structure is still intact. 

Who Built Baghsar Fort

The fort was constructed by Mughal rulers.